Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 [Draft message to the Army of Northern Virginia prior to the Battle of Spotsylvania].
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04429 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph manuscript Date: 15 May 1864-18 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 10.2 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy
First draft of an address to the troops of the Army of Northern Virginia, written on the verso of (a clerical) telegram to Lee from General John D. Imboden at Sharpsburg. In an effort to rally morale, Lee recounts recent Confederate victories, reminds the men of the cause for which they have taken up arms and the gravity of the current situation, calls upon the memory of fallen comrades, and invokes God's blessing for their cause. Imboden's telegram relays news about engagements in the Shenandoah Valley, including Imboden's stop of General Franz Sigel's advance, which Lee mentions in his address. Written in pencil and showing many edits.
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