October 10, 1862
HQ, Army of Northern Virginia
Manassas, Virginia
11:00AM
To: Secretary of War George W. Randolph
Mr. Secretary-
I trust this letter will find you well. It is my duty to report to you that the forces under my command have as, of yet, been unable to leave the Manassas area. The day before our march was to get underway, the Federals demonstrated with a large force, some 40,000 men, upon our right flank which had been weakened due to reorganization of the army in its preparation to move into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
I quickly dispatched General Jackson's Corps to the area to reinforce General Longstreet, and our men and officers once again triumphed over the Federal forces. The battle, from my position, seemed to be a quick fight, lasting perhaps, less then two hours. The Federal move was checked and General Jackson was able to launch a decisive counter attack which forced the Federals to flee from the area.
Major Chilton estimates our casualties to be about 3,500 men killed and wounded, while the enemy is known to have suffered almost three times that number.
Four days later, as General Stuart was on the road towards Front Royal, the entire Army of the Potomac appeared not four miles from my Headquarters. It was well screened by cavalry, but General McClellan again left his right flank vulnerable for assault. This time, it was General Hill's Corps, with General Ewell's Division that led the way. In a series of oblique moves, General Ewell was able to position his division in a way where it was difficult to detect by the enemy, who again tried to assault our right flank.
General Hill opened his assault upon the enemy at about 9:30 in the morning and inflicted heavy losses upon them. General Hooker's Corps suffered badly and fled the field by noon. Shortly after, the entire Federal line began to gave way and retreated, in good order, to the rear leaving this army again in command of the field. It was a long fight, that engaged all three army Corps under my command. Our casualties for this fight numbered about 6,500 while it is estimated that the enemy lost a much greater number, perhaps even as many as 22,000 men. We captured a number of prisoners who are very despondent, and are of generally poor morale, though they are well equipped.
Per my instructions from you and the President, I plan another attempt to move General Jackson and General Hill's Corps north into Maryland, although poor weather may force us to cancel this operation until the next campaign season. If that is the case, I will send prompt notification of my intentions not to undergo a general offensive.
Your humble and obedient servant-
R.E. Lee, General
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October 10, 1862
HQ, Army of Mississippi
Nashville, Tennessee
1:30PM
To: President Jefferson Davis
Mr. President-
The advance of this army was checked by a much larger Federal force under General Pope three days ago. My fear that his force would advance south from his positions at Clarksville came true. It appeared, at first, that my army held the advantage in numbers, but the Federals seemed to make an appearance just in time with reserves upon the center right of our line.
General Cheatham and General A.P. Stewart's Division suffered the brunt of the assault, and full credit must be given to General Forrest who sacrificed his cavalry while this army made a tactical withdrawl back to the Nashville area. I estimate our casualties to be about 7,500 men, while the enemy lost about 5,500 men. The movement back to Nashville was executed will skill only shown by veteran officers and troops.
I have ordered General Hindman's detached division to move on Humbolt and secure that area, while General Forrest's command was instructed to move south to Savannah, Tennessee to rest and reequip. The three corps here in Nashville, totaling six divisions, will remain in place in the coming winter months unless an opportunity to enter Kentucky and make significant gains against the enemy present itself.
General Pemberton's Corps is now situated just south of Winchester, Tennessee. He reports that there is now a Federal force, perhaps under the command of General Halleck, that is north of Tullahoma. Gen'rl Pemberton estimates this force to be two or three Union divisions. I am instructing him to maintain his position and block any Federal attempt to move on either Knoxville or Chattanooga. If you desire anything different, please communicate to me as quickly as possible.
I remain, your friend,
A.S. Johnston, General
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October 15, 1862
HQ, Smith's Corps
Malvern, Arkansas
To: General J.E. Johnston
Sir-
In response to your letter of the 10th instant, my command now numbers about 6,500 ill trained and ill equipped men. There are few horses, and no wagons to be found. If General Grant advanced upon this place, I am not certain that the forces here would be sufficient to stop him. I understand that more forces are advancing to this position from points south. Their arrival is much anticipated. For now, I do not believe an offensive is possible, and may not be until the spring.
I am, your servant,
G.W. Smith, Major General
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