Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 to General Jubal Early

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00078 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: November 26, 1863 Pagination: 2p. ; 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Lee prepares for battle by instructing Early to position his infantry troops to block George Meade's advances at Mine Run. He states that since he cannot be sure of Meade's position, he leaves more detailed instructions to Early's discretion. Lee reports that he will meet up with Early tomorrow to see how things are going. Lee makes clear his urgency by commenting, "There never was a time during the war when success was so necessary to us, and I hope that every officer and man will put before his best exertions to ensure it." From 9 October 1863 through November, the rival armies of Lee and Meade fought the Bristoe Campaign but neither army gained more than their original position. The Mine Run Campaign began 26 November 1863 when Meade attempted to drive Lee from his position on the Rapidan River. It lasted until December. Written at the Head Quarters of the Army of North Virginia

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870
Early, Jubal Anderson, 1816-1894
Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources