Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 to Fitz-John Porter
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00214.01 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: October 31, 1867 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Lee provides a brief list of his recollections of the events during the Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) 29-30 August 1862 in response to a request from Union General Fitz-John Porter. Union General John Pope refused to take the blame for the defeat, and charged Porter with misconduct at the Second Bull Run for not following his orders. Porter was placed under house arrest and was convicted. To aid his defense, Porter wrote to everyone involved in the battle and requested their recollections. Written while Lee was president of Washington College, later Washington and Lee.
Excerpt:
1st. Longstreet's Command arrived within supporting distance of Jackson on the 29 Aug 1862, between 9 & 10 AM & his line was formed by noon.
2nd: It was after 12 AM that Genl Stuart reported the approach of a Column of troops which threatened our right, & Genl Wilson with his three brigades was sent to reinforce it. Genl Longstreet at the time was with his Command near Groveton, & I was with the portion of his troops south of the Gainesville Turnpike.
3rd Genl Longstreet's Command was formed by 12 AM, on the 29t Aug: in two lines on Jacksons right - Genl Hoods division crossing the Gainesville turnpike, & Genl D. R. Jones' division the Manassas Gap RR Artillery was massed between Jacksons right & Longstreets left, & Cavalry under Genl Stuart guarded the extreme right flank.
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