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- GLC#
- GLC01566
- Type
- Letters
- Date
- July 13, 1863
- Author/Creator
- Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870
- Title
- to John Daniel Imboden
- Place Written
- Williamsport, Maryland
- Pagination
- Language
- English
- Primary time period
- Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
- Sub-Era
- The American Civil War
Lee outlines his plans for the safe retreat of the Army of Northern Virginia 10 days after their defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg. He gives instructions to Brigadier General Imboden to cross the Potamac and proceed to Cherry Creek to ascertain whether or not the enemy troops are waiting. He instructs him to do all in his power to repress the advances of the enemy and defend the Confederate trains nearby so the army could retreat. Imboden did as he was told and Lee safely crossed the Potomac River the same night this letter was written. He was able to retreat because Union General George Meade delayed attacking at Williamsport until the next morning because he felt his troops were worn out. If Meade had attacked earlier, Lee's army would have been wiped out. One engraving, "Lee's Retreat After the Battle of Gettysburg" included as collateral.
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