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Banks6060
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Wed May 28, 2008 9:35 pm

[font="Courier New"]To the President and Chiefs of Staff

Gentlemen,

I've received a report of a rather large concentration of enemy units in the area of Ft. Monroe from our 1st NC Brigade stationed in James City. scouts have also discovered that General J.K. Mansfield may be taking command there.

I will not send reinforcements at this time, but I will keep a close eye on reports from this area from here on out. I wished to make you aware of this situation should you find it necessary to examine the defenses there.

We have forces to spare in Richmond if you feel that James City should be reinforced.

Very respectfully, your humble servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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soloswolf
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Thu Jun 05, 2008 12:57 am

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

Our positions in the West are developing well. I have recently arrived in Nashville to find many units reporting at nearly full strength. I have ordered a general assembly of troops to Humboldt, TN and Bowling Green, KY. (On this point, I would like to note that I have ordered General Polk to link with the forces rallying in Humboldt. His position in Paducah was untenable and would have only served to set us back if he was assaulted with the command he had.)

Further, my aspirations on northern KY will have to wait. General Johnston feels his force is not truly ready for offensive action at this point, and I trust his word. To avoid his force being attacked from multiple directions, I have ordered him to return to Bowling Green. This will keep him in a position to defend northern TN, as well as contribute to any actions deeper in TN if any Federal penetration is made.

The larger problem this creates is that there is no force that can move to relieve Lexington. I have ordered the rails cut and the depot there destroyed.

General Winder is nearly prepared in AL. If we have the funds to furnish the men and material he will need to get his command on-line, I would appreciate if they could be sent to him with all haste.

Things go well for General Price in MO. His division gains strength every day, and is secure in Springfield for the time being.

I have ordered a miltia force with a cavalry escort to Marion, VA. It was reported that the Federals may be making a move in that region.

Respectfully,
A.S. Johnston[/font]
My name is Aaron.

Knight of New Hampshire

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Banks6060
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Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:17 am

General Johnston,

I believe I owe you a debt of gratitude my friend. It is well that you have sent a detachment to Marion, VA. She was indeed left undefended and federal cavalry are causing some trouble in our rear areas as it were. If you wish it, I shall send a replacement force from Virginia to take over for your Tennesseans at the soonest availability.

I'm afraid the soonest I will be able to send them is approximately one month from the day this letter was written. Again, My thanks for your aid in further protecting the vital link between our two fronts.

I have received word of your arrival in Nashville. Good luck in your coming campaign sir. It will take talented and compitent men such as yourself to bring this war to a swift, and I pray relatively bloodless close. Should you require anything more from me, do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Robert E. Lee

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Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:04 am

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Samuel E. Cooper

Greetings General. Following your recomendations, and once your army organization work in Richmond gets finished, you will be released from direct army duties.

However, your skills are still needed in our newborn nation. We are selecting a few staff members under your command, specialist in naval, coastal, and troop organization. These will be put under your direct command, and let our Admirals and Generals concentrate into the nation defense.

You are ordered to supervise and organize coastal garrisons, and accelerate in forming our main brigade combat units.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:48 am

Mr President

I ve sent orders to all our coastal cities to fortify and fire on enemy ships.

I ve ordered to all colonels with troops needed of training deployed in Richmond to be sent into camp Cooper.

All independent battalions and regiments available have been ordered to join our nearby understrength brigades.

General Samuel E. Cooper

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Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:39 pm

[font="Courier New"]General Cooper,

Greetings General and congratulations on your newly awarded administrative post. I see President Davis has seen fit that you oversee the defense of our coastal areas as well as administer, train, and transport all reinforcements for the main armies in the field.

In the spirit of coordination I would appreciate our ability to communicate with one another about the prosecution of your command as well as mine. I shall do the same for you sir, as I will henceforth send both you and the administration copies of my orders such that our movements as well as those of General Jonston in the Western Department, do not come in conflict with one another in the future.

If I may receive a detailed report of your orders every two weeks, I will offer the same in order for us to better coordinate the matter in which this department be properly defended. Constant communication will be essential to victory in the future, I believe you would agree.

I also believe you would agree that proper reporting of your movements and orders follows procedure as well.

Yours with compliments,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:46 pm

[font="Courier New"]To the White House of the Confederacy
President Jefferson Davis

Mr. President,

The following is my preliminary report on the past weeks movements and fighting. There was little action but for a rather nasty little skirmish with a Federal infantry brigade near Beverly, WV. General Smith reports that his troops spotted the enemy south of town late on the 17th. He was unable to gain a decisive advantage due to the coming dark and the enemy escaped. Smith is now safely in Covington as ordered.

Some Yankee raiding parties have disembarked along our coast, wreaking some havoc in our rear areas. A Cavalry regiment was raised in Charleston by a local politician to track them down. It appears our depot in Camden is in a very vulnerable position. Should the Yank raiders manage to take it, they could cause us some real problems in the Deep South.

All quiet along the main front. A heroic stand by a captain and his 8 gun battery in Stafford County has been reported. Apparently the battery's captain was lucky enough to escape via rail from Falmouth during the night after causing considerable loss to the enemy (over 200 casualties). He is to be commended for his action.

Federal Cavalry has been spotted steaming up the Rappahannock River, I can only assume their destination is Culpepper to cut rails there. Perhaps the Laurel Brigade could be of some use in tracking them down.

General Longstreet, one of our more promising junior commanders has reported to General Beauregard at the Army HQ in Manassas for higher command. I would ask for that he be allowed to command a division consisting of Evans, Hampton's, and Holmes' Brigades as well as the 2nd Volunteer brigade and 1st NC Sharpshooters.

This is my preliminary report. I hope it finds you well sir.

Your humble servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:36 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Reports all around the nation informs USA Army and Navy seem focused on destroying our supply lines, rear depots and cutting our communication lines.

We are especially feeble on the Atlantic coast, all those navigable rivers are not properly defended.

Seems some USA Reinforcements went to the Gulf area, probably to their fortifications there.

The enemy is delaying a bit his main land moves, perhaps to the start of the next year.

I need your proposals. Seems a division sized command under General Bragg is nearly organized in the Gulf Area, but no command seems still ready in the Atlantic coast. Some well leaded unit is needed there.

Main objectives are still mantaining the front lines, but chasing all those raiders is TOP priority now.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:38 pm

Cooper reportings to the High Command

I´ve ordered independent units to join Smith, Hampton, Russell and 1st South Carolina brigades. Also a new brigade named 1st Mississippi was formed.

Vicksburg Artillery is ready to defend the river, as our main cities in the Atlantic coast. Seems we are in need of some extra coastal artillery positions in the coast.

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Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:53 pm

Coregonas wrote:[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Garrison policy
Due to limits on manpower, we cannot allow maintaining garrisons in all coastal/river small cities, so we can allow concentrating defense on those highly strategic or industrial. All troops still garrisoning small cities should be immediately send to the main front.

A couple of those cities should prepare some kind of fast reaction forces during the next months, at least half division size.

Those are the main cities allowed for permanent city garrisons: Fredericksburg, VA; Norfolk, VA; Wilmington, NC; Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Pensacola, FL, Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Baton Rouge GA; Vicksburg, MS; Galveston, TX and Matagorda TX.

In case any unit should stay in any other city, it should be properly reported.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]


[font="Palatino Linotype"]Mr. President,

I have sent a copy of your previous orders along with this message in the hopes of recieving some clarification. I understand we have a lot of territory to look after, but it was you who ordered the garrisons be brought forward.

If we wish to pursue an active defense with these regiments in-line, surely we must suffer some set backs in our rear. I will of course set to eliminating any incursions in my theater and assist General Lee in his if at all possible.

Regards,
A.S. Johnston[/font]
My name is Aaron.



Knight of New Hampshire

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Banks6060
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Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:35 am

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

As far as the Atlantic Coast, I believe it may be prudent to identify all critical points and assign garrisons to them. I will draft a full report with maps to identify the areas I believe to be the most important to the defense of our critical infrastructure and those which are likely federal targets.

Also, I am quite sure the "California Brigade" is moving to reinforce Ft. Pickens. I do not know how much longer an attack there is advisable. I will allow General Johnston to weigh in on that issue.

I would caution any over-reaction to the federal raiding in the Carolinas at this time. It is of little consequence to the overall strategic situation at this juncture, but could very well become a problem in the future. I believe we are in agreement that the enemy's plans do not include any offensive campaigns into our territory, at least before the winter.

I would ask what naval assets we have available to patrol those navigable rivers you mentioned in your orders?


My report on Coastal and Infrastructure Defense:

Refer to the map below and subsequent observations.[/font]
Image

[font="Courier New"]with the number of navigable rivers emptying along our coastline, I feel it would be appropriate to increase the number of Shore Batteries we have in place currently by at least 3. If there are not the funds available to construct said shore batteries, field artillery will have to suffice. But the three locations marked in yellow, I believe, are key to defending these rivers from raiders.

Also maintaining a decent sized Garrison in all cities marked in red would be prudent. I would appreciate your thoughts Mr. President.

Your Humble Servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:48 am

[font="Courier New"]To the Headquarters of the Western Department of the Confederacy
General A.S. Johnston,

General, I would like your thoughts regarding the attack on Ft. Pickens. It would seem the garrison there may be receiving an extra brigade of elite soldiers within the month if not sooner. If you believe an attack to be ill-advised, I would like to coordinate with you about the future use of General Winder's command and/or whether it should be broken up for use in garrisoning our rear areas.

It would seem we are somewhat vulnerable following the build-up along the coast.

And anything you need I am ready to offer if I can, sir.

Yours with compliments,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:08 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Excellent reports. I really appreciate all your comments. Remember we have ordered some extra artillery after printing money for paying them. This artillery is nearly trained, and some of these could be sent either the main army or garrison purposes.

It is clear we have not enough resources to stop the federal navy moving all around our coasts.

During his raids in the atlantic Admiral Semmes has reported a heavy USA navy build up... around 60 brand new USA merchants. All those ships are reporting a lot of the most needed resources to the enemy, and are surely destined to aid his invasions in the coast.

I believe we can not hold garrisons all around the coast. It should be a waste of men and money. Seems we must concentrate on a few strategic points.

We need to prepare some kind of fast reaction force in the atlantic coast. We have at least a force under Bragg ready in the gulf. But, as we are too much needed on high staff members, perhaps one of the generals in the main Army should be sent to organize a division there.

If you feel so, we should raise a few foot battalions in the atlantic coast, to be joined in a division sized command. We can do that for a while, until extra resources could be assmebled. This should be faster and less expensive than moving troops from the Western theatre of operations.

I ll start asking our small brig ship captains to bring commercial goods instead of heavy equipment.

I personally need of your comments, in order to improve our performance.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:10 pm

[font="Courier New"]To the White House of the Confederacy
President Jefferson Davis

Mr. President,

Regarding your comments on a fast reaction force of division size along the Atlantic coast. Troops currently available consist of the 3rd NC Reserve Brigade....which has approximately 5,000 men. I would suggest the addition of 2 new militia regiments, a regiment of cavalry and a battery of artillery to this unit in an effort to form a small division for reactionary needs. General Bragg's superior initiative could be of particular use in command of this sort of force.

This would certainly constitute a relatively understrength division, but I believe it would suffice for our current needs. I do believe a more robust force will be needed by the turn of the next year.

I will offer thoughts on several other of your initiatives very soon.

Respectfully,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:40 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

My official requests, should you see fit to oblige them, would be these:

I would like the Governor of South Carolina to call up at least 2 more home guard regiments for use in a new division to be formed under the command of either General Bragg, General Winder, or General Bushrod Johnston. This division would again also consist of the 3rd NC Reserve Brigade in Florence, athe 10th North Carolina Cavalry once they are finished chasing Union raiders....a unit of skirmishers and finally a newly raised artillery battery. This would equal approximately a 7,000 man force ready to react to any enemy invasion along the Atlantic Coast. Given our current resources I believe this force will be sufficient for the time being.

I would make a request for some artillery to be reserved for the three locations outlined in my report.

Lastly I would ask for another volunteer unit from Georgia to be used in garrisoning Brunswick, GA.

I stand ready to transfer the Laurel Brigade west should General Johnston or the Administration see fit that it be better utilized there. (Col. J.E.B. Stuart's 1st Virginia Cavalry Brigade is now quite sizeable.)

I officialy reccommend, should General A.S. Johnston agree, that either an attack on Fort Pickens be launched within the next 30 days, or that that division be downsized to allow the militia attached to it to be used for garrison duty.

What of these Ironclads I'm hearing about? could these be used to guard our shores?

Regards,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:36 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Assets for constructing a new Georgia Brigade, including all elements requested have been started.

Generals Bragg, Longstreet and Bushrod J. are to organize 3 divisions.

About sending a general to the Carolinas, I propose general Smith... He has done an excellent work in the Grafton campaign, and people is demanding him for a proper command.

Perhaps their current depleted troops with a new division leaded by General Bushrod J. The untried light brigade could be assigned to him while quickly traveling to the southern areas, picking troops in the way. Perhaps some of the cavalry units (Laurel, 1st Virginia and some of the horse artilleries) can be used to join him. This command could be very useful for chasing raiders or defending our shores.

Remember nearly 8 batteries in the Eastern command are finishing their proper training.

The HQ for the new army has been sent by RR to the next city, a couple weeks far away. It must be escorted properly. A single cavalry regiment has been asigned for this work.

I believe we can not stop all those landings nor defend all our cities. Lets try to avoid the enemy raiding more of our precious depots and main industrial areas.

However, I agree we could try to defend a bit more some of the coastal cities not included on the previous city list. But we can afford to garrison just a couple of them, not all our cities.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:31 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

I believe General Smith would be a fine choice for the post. However I wish to receive some clarification about your suggestion.

Would you wish that we vacate Covington entirely? or leave Smith's current troops in place under Johnston and move Smith to South Carolina...

I wish to use the Laurel brigade and several cavalry units to solidify our main eastern line against enemy raiders. We have a wealth of mounted troopers in the Carolinas who could be added to our "light division" there.

I thank the administration for the brigade in Georgia.

On a seperate issue, I've received a wire from General Jackson in Harper's Ferry, he seems to believe that the enemy positions (I believe under the command of Joe Hooker) are vulnerable to attack. He has telegraphed me of his eagerness to mount an attack against Hooker's position with General Bohnam's Corps in support. The General says Col. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry could remain in Harper's Ferry to man the trenches until he returns.

I would support an advance should you approve of it. If not an attack I would reccommend the 1st Virginia Cavalry be sent on a raid north, with a target of Annapolis Maryland. Cutting the enemy rails there would be beneficial I think. If it is possible, Col. Stuart could continue his raid to points further north.

Please give me your thoughts, approval, or dissaproval.

My Thanks
Your Humble Servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:21 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]

General Lee

Sorry my orders were incompletely written.

I believe Covington is to be held... and defended properly for the winter.
I just asked myself if all the troops there could be just added under a new division on Gral. Bushrod J. He could garrison the area, and perhaps some reinforcements could be added later if needed.

Meanwhile, the light brigade currently on garrison could be the new Smiths division, and this be sent to the southern areas to organize defense.


I really can not see the clear advantage we have with Jackson, he has just a few brigades, as Bonham has, while a full trenched division was spotted a few weeks ago.

Are we going to bloodily hit the enemy thorough the river on a hilly defensive position without a clear superiority, and without troops to exploit further the advance?

All around is raining, moving around is going to be a nightmare for our unprepared troops. And our position is solid and well resguarded from weather. We should concentrate on reinforcing the main front, and assure no more raiding parties are rampaging our lands. The last ones captured our lone battery traveling thorough Stafford, and have destroyed a couple of our depots.

Once we can send a lot of our now dispersed units to Jackson, with a minimum 3 fully prepared divisions on spring, we could really start hitting hard.

Surely using our big cavalry brigade for raiding is no better than using lone regiments. Remember we nearly lost all our brigade on the last recon. I truly believe this unit, as Laurel, should be used as a chasing force command in the rear, perhaps aiding Smith or other forces.

Perhaps some of the units under Lee could be sent to the front, we need some big well leaded unit on a railroad ready to move fast to any area.

Camden depot is to be protected... Be sure to avoid the enemy destroying it.

Finally, I fear an encirclement of our lone 1st NC brigade and the lone militia there on the peninsula... I believe we should abandon that position. There are division sized troops in Fort Monroe.

J. Davis[/font]

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Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:55 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

Indeed it would seem that Hampton Roads is a rather untennable position. However, I would ask that the 21st Va. Militia be commissioned to maintain the town's defense. I shall order the 1st NC Brigade to pull back to to William, VA.

The protection of the Camden depot is primary on my list of objectives for the forces in South Carolina. trust that if it is taken, it will be reaquired quickly.

I would say on the contrary that the 1st and 2nd Reserve Brigades in Richmond under General Cooper would be two good units to send to the front. General Magruder's division is in need of reinforcements. I would also say the 1st Vol. Bde. under my command be sent forward.

I shall forestall any plans of attack by general Jackson and relay orders Col. Stuart to remain in Harper's Ferry to react to raiders.

Thank you for the clarification on Smith's new duties, I shall send the orders straight away. Smith will be sent south to Florence, SC to begin forming a new division there immediately.

Your Humble Servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:14 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

All orders have been sealed and sent. May god bless our troops in the coming weeks. I have made an adjustment in my final decision on reinforcements for the front. I shall send only the 1st Reserve Brigade to Fredricksburg. I believe it would be wise to commission an able man to take two brigades to Norfolk and properly secure that area.

I will have my full report for you upon the return of all messages from the field.

Your Humble Servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:41 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

I hope this dispatch finds you well. Not much action to report on my front. There is some concern about the security of Norfolk. Enemy troops have achieved a landing in the Suffolk area and I believe that town will be taken within days. I know not where this force intends to move from here, he could be planning a thrust toward Petersburg or Garysburg to cut our Supplies from the Carolinas....either this or he plans to storm the Norfolk defenses. I doubt however that with a single brigade he plans to do this.
The presence of sailors there leads me to believe he plans to either move inland or up the James River as there are plenty of rivers for him to cross. The sailors may offer him a swifter journey.

Raiders in North Carolina have been eliminated and all threats to our infrastructure there are, for now, neutralized. We now need to repair the damaged rails. The enemy also has a good idea about where our troops are positioned. I fully expect further incursions in the Carolinas.

Union Cavalry attempts to cut rails leading to our main army. I am considering a withdrawal from Harper's Ferry to draw the enemy out of his trenches. Jackson is rather exposed. I believe destroying the Depot there would be wise. I still wish to concentrate the army at some point. Our line is too stretched out. The army will become difficult to supply. Perhaps General Bee's division could be sent to Staunton, VA to maintain a presence in the valley and protect Virginia's "back door". Jackson may be better served joining with the main army in Mannassas....as would Bohnam.

Holmes Corps/Division along with Magruder may be needed to counter the enemy landing at Hampton Roads. Richmond is sufficiently defended, but I fear Norfolk may be the enemy's ultimate objective in this case. All the enemy need do is cross the James and move back to the east to capture the city. Our naval plans certainly would be put in jeopardy should Norfolk fall. He may also be moving against Fredricksburg...although I doubt that.

I look forward to your comments and your directives.

Your Humble Servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:10 am

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee
Greetings Generals
Orders to form some extra units have been done. A Virginian brigade, along with several militia battalions, around 15.000 men, are being raised. Some volunteers were raised, and Bonds were sold to get the money. Those units will arise in the most critical points now. Most of them in Virginia, the Carolinas, and a few men in the far west.

Proposals for Western Command:
General Bragg with his attached division should send an attack thorough the marshes towards Fort Monroe.
General Hardee should form a division.
The Army Headquarters is having a hard time achieving A.S. Johnston´s position. It has been ordered to move towards Zollicofer command, perhaps he should move to join the there, meanwhile leaving the command garrisoning in Kentucky.
Polk perhaps could use the 4.000 cavalry troops in his command to start chasing raiding enemies.
Can J Johnston fight the division in Paducah? Or joining Hardee could turn them into a full combat force for next weeks.

Proposals for Eastern command:
Your proposals seem right for me. I add some ideas to help us if considered.

The most important problem is lacking is a reaction force.
General Jackson is of course the best for the job. I really see the need of concentrating him, with some extra troops and a division or two, and kick the enemy in Norfolk and Hampton Roads.
Sending him to Richmond and Join Lee command for organizing a new combat force could allow for fast railroad capability, perhaps just with the cavalry brigade, while the division destroys the depot there. A few troops could be detached from the outskirts. Hampton Road troops could be sent there. One of the division leaders with just a few troops could be sent from the ANV HQ to Richmond. In all, enough troops for a counterattack can be ready, while holding Manasas.
General Smith should start picking all those scattered units in the Carolinas (most of them artillery but also militias and other troops), perhaps in some point south of Richmond. This could be an useful force to help Jackson or stopping other threats.

General considerations
Our depot network is being wiped out since the very start of the war… This is going to be a very serious concern in the long term.
Finally, as now we have them deployed, all single units garrisoning (front line or coastal areas) are going to be wiped out (several of them have been lost these last weeks by strong raiding parties or landings).
Perhaps is going to be more useful concentrating them into a few critical points or sending into full combat units.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:59 pm

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

Orders received. I would like some clarification however on a couple of points in the east if I may trouble you...

I agree that a proper reaction force is needed, I am however unclear as to how you reccommended it be formed. According to your last dispatch, I understand that you would have General Jackson, with General Bee's division move south to Richmond and gather a reaction force there while leaving the 1st Virginia cavalry to destroy the depot and chase the raiders in the Shennendoah Valley. Am I correct in this understanding?

I also understand that you reccommend sending a division from Mannassas?

I would reccommend sending General Bohnam, with his corps, to Mannassas to strengthen that position.

In essence, sending two divisions to Richmond to form under Jackson for the purpose of ejecting the Federal presence in Eastern Virginia is what I have concluded from your dispatch.

On another note...I believe General Smith should gather with loose units in Goldsboro, NC to form a reaction force there. This will also provide a temporary guard for that important rail depot.

Lastly, I am unsure of what you mean about our supply network. I am currently unaware of any destruction other than what is likely to take place in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. I received word from General Johnston that the depot was, for some reason, left unguarded and taken by three regiments of union cavalry. If the treasury can spare them...a pair of river transport flotillas could remedy this problem easily and reestablish supply to our far western army. I do however reccommend that whomever neglected to garrison Ft. Smith be reprimanded appropriately. I'm afraid any offensive action in Missouri is unlikely, our only hope of operating there any further would be to capture Lexington, MO....which produces a fair amount of supply and could support a small force. I will await your comments on this....

The decision in Missouri is vital....

1. Should we order Price to advance and capture Lexington...

2. Or should we order him to retreat and retake Ft. Smith

General Johnston will be forwarding his reccommendation through this office from this time forward. I will offer my thoughts on the western theatre of operations very soon.

Yours respectfully,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:51 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Greetings

About Jackson orders, in resume, I yes believe a good idea could be concentrating him in Richmond (and joining Yourself, general Lee) with 2 division cadres (than could be could be boosted with the troops arriving in Richmond to start a fast reaction corps). This could allow reorganize yourself with a full corps command (and even general Cooper meanwhile) to defend the capitol.

I believe also... than holding our current 4 positions in the front could be very useful if we can survive the winter. So my idea colud be somewhat depleting a bit these positions, (perhaps leaving at least effectives sized 1 division in each fully trenched position as now are) while sending a couple cadres and a few troops (perhaps part of 1 of the 2 divisions in Manasas, the cadre with a single brigade in Holmes corps, the cavalry brigade in Jsckson)... or some other combination you could decide how.

The 15.000 new troops being recruited, along with the 8 artillery batteries just ready to move can aid boosting our positions in a month or so, troops enough for 2 full divisions if we can do the effort to concentrate them quickly.



Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:04 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Greetings

About Eastern operations... Those are my proposals

Missouri is totally lost of course. But I believe we just should try to hold Price positions as much as we can, lets try to hold the winter there.

The idea could be try to hold Arkansas using Watie as a division leader, and trying to move as much cavalries as needed to protect the Far west. If you feel so, Polk can de betached with a strong cavalry group towards the Far west... to help concentrate Watie, and the other generals there.

Could Tucson be occupied, it would be very useful, but it is a long term objectiveif posible

Bragg, if weather allows for it, could attack fort Pickens.

Paducah could be assaulted or at least forced to stay there by J Johnston corps, aided by a new division with Hardee.

Finally, I count around 4 depots destroyed in our backwards network, mainly to these crazy cavalry raiders from West Virginia to the Carolinas, a couple depots were destroyed in his path. Also, a few ones in Arkansas and seem now another ones are nearly his destruction.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:43 am

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

With some very slight adjustments on my part, I agree with your directives. I will send Jackson, with the cavalry from Harper's Ferry to Richmond. I will send Magruder to join him and leave Holmes with his small Corps in Fredricksburg. I have ordered a pair of brigades and a supply wagon detached from Beauregard's headquarters in Mannassas as well. Artillery will take some time to arrive as much of it lies in territory unconnected to our rail and river network, also, there are many lines cut on the way north.

The cavalry in Culpepper will stay to cut off the enemy's direct retreat path. 4th and 5th Georgia Cav will retire to Fredricksburg to take on much needed rest. I have two cavalry regiments pursuing the enemy cavalry near Richmond. I will wait to see what the enemy intends to do with the cavalry in the valley. Winter is approaching so they won't be able to sustain themselves in our terriroty alone without supply for long.

I will retreat all forces from the penninsula to gather with Jackson and Magruder in Richmond. Perhaps the approach of the enemy toward our capitol would allow me to take personal command of any force assigned to retaliate against them. Repair and Security operations are ongoing in the Southeast.

General Bragg has formed his command. He will move to assault Ft. Pickens. God be with he and his men.

General Polk, with his cavalry is ordered west to Little Rock, as well as General Van Dorn and Hindman...there they will organize a new command. General Watie will converge on Panther, AR and meet some depleted cavalry there. General Hardee, with his division will move directly north and demonstrate against Lyon in Paducah. I have not ordered Hardee to attack, merely discourage an advance into Columbus. General J. Johnson has been ordered to fall back with his Corps to Clarksville, Tennesse to serve as both a deterrant to Lyon AND a defense of Bowling Green and Nashville. General A.S. Johnston has informed me he wishes to move his headquarters to Nashville. I have approved his request.

These are my orders sir. May God grant us victory.

Your humble servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:20 pm

[font="Comic Sans MS"]
From: Jefferson Davis, President
To: General Albert S. Johnston ; General Robert E. Lee

Greetings My Generals
General Lee… I want to express my failure ordering you to send a full command to Richmond. General Holmes was fully attacked just the moment I did order you to deplete his corps, nearly being wiped out, mostly due to heavy long range artillery fire. Let´s hope he can get back to a safe area. I can understand, as weather is very hard now, it is going to be difficult to react properly. But also let´s hope Winter could help us a bit in delaying the enemy.

General Bragg did an excellent work in capturing the Fortifications. He must be promoted immediately. As he should command a full corps, he (meanwhile with the division cadre) should be sent as needed. Perhaps joining the new Johnston´s army could be the best idea. The rest of the troops could be either sent to the front or as a garrison in the southern Mississippi area.

I would like to review our global situation.
We are having some problems with money affairs, as expected from long time ago. As you know by now, we´ve just asked for volunteers, and more than 25000 men enlisted. But most of these are still waiting for proper equipment. We need to print now for some extra money now in order to get weapons for them. We were trying to avoid it for a while, but now it is a must. We need than budget for new divisions be now directly signed by presidential orders. Also, we will follow the recruitment pattern on untrained troops as money is, by now, our most scarce resource.

Our main depot network is now severely depleted. Our main transport fleet in the Mississippi is perhaps going to be used to build some depot as needed, so we should be care of them. Railroad networks should be also enhanced, but now we should wait for a while.

Kentucky seems safe for a while. Seems our army in the Western command is as big as the enemy´s. The Far West is in fact in a similar situation; just we need to reorganize a bit both areas. Finally a new Army can now be finally organized under General Johnston in the Kentucky frontier. Surely the enemy is going to start the offensive in any moment, but at least, front has been quiet for a while.

Federal troops are starting to hit hard in Virginia. Our front line troops there seem too low on artillery assets, as these are still assembling in the North Carolina. We must assure all of them can be safely carried to the main army or Richmond, Perhaps aided by our division commands in the area.

As a conclusion, I believe Virginia is the area we should reinforce the most, as the enemy is hitting there once and again. I firmly believe small garrisons in the coastal areas (and inner cities also) should be abandoned and concentrate them onto combat formations, the same way we have done with Bragg command, not as our small garrison in Suffolk...easily overruned by an adhoc force.

Your humble servant
J. Davis[/font]

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Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:12 am

[font="Courier New"]To the Whitehouse of the Confederacy,

Mr. President,

The enemy has levelled a hard blow to our operations in the east. It is true. However I would advise caution. I believe an over-response is exactly what our enemy is looking for. General Butler, with his small Corps, is now cut-off from the rest of the enemy's main army. I have drafted an overall plan of action in the east and wish you to go over it if you will.

Logistical concerns, as with the artillery and proper placement of newly raised troops will be dealt with in turn.

Now, to concerns on the front. I believe the best course of action is:

1. Shift the position of the main army one step south and east. Placing a Corps under Jackson in Stafford County, and the other under Bohnam in Culpepper...General Bee's Division would join Bohnam. This would cut-off any over-land reinforcements our enemy intends to send to Butler in Fredricksburg. In conjunction with this, General Magruder will form a new division in Richmond and remain stationed there to guard the capital. Also, a small force under General Smith will be diverted to Petersburg to fend off any attack by the enemy there. This plan assumes that with the capture of Fredricksburg, the entire Shenenndoah Valley and northwestern sector of Virginia is no longer defensable.

I strongly reccommend our main army concentrate in the near future. It is apparent most of our northern defensive front line is now untenable and the army out of position. The depot at Manassas will be burned. Mr. President, I believe protecting Richmond, her supply lines and destroying General Butler's small Corps have become our main objectives.


I have also drafted a rather riskier proposal:

2. Shift the army as mentioned before, but instead of staying in Richmond, General Magruder could organize a new division and march against Ft. Monroe and seize it. The enemy is weak there. I believe taking this fort would throw a wrench in the enemy's strategy. Petersburg would still be defended by at least a brigade sized unit according to this plan. Richmond would still have many of Virginia's finest to man her works in defense should the enemy attempt to attack there.

Lastly, According to my intelligence, Enemy Genearl Meagher and his division are positioned just north and east of the Richmond. I do not believe he is a threat, I believe his command is merely marching to assist Butler in Fredricksburg.

Your comments are most welcome. May our collective thought bring success in the coming campaigns.

Your humble servant,
General Robert E. Lee
Eastern Department of the Confederacy[/font]

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soloswolf
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Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:42 am

[font="Courier New"]Mr. President,

My apologies for my extended absence. The combination of family matters and the task of assembling my staff has kept me from the front entirely for some weeks. My officers have coped as well as can be expected under the circumstances. I also have General Lee and the war department in general to thank for any and all assistance rendered to my various field commands.

My command structure should be off the ground within the month and all commands in position by mid-winter.

There is a great deal of organization that needs to be done throughout my department. Pardon the breadth of the information given here, but I wanted to be clear that a plan for my theater is being put into motion.

-MO-
Forward cavalry positions will fall back to Springfield for winter quarters. If the city is still tenable, they will be reinforced when possible. If not, they will burn the depot and cross south into AR. Further offensive action in this state will be determined as affairs develop.

-AR-
Most positions held through winter. Make preparations to retake Ft. Smith. (unlikely to happen prior to the thaws) Reinforce MS/TN with all available forces.

-TX-
My staff is looking into a move on Dallas. Current garrisons largely holding positions.

-MS-
Relocate available cavalry forces to Meridian to be able to respond to any enemy movements.

-AL-
Assess positions and adjust garrisons accordingly.

-FL-
Move General Bragg's command to Milton, Fl for rest and re-fit. I believe bringing them closer to the rails will benefit us in the long term and allow for their junction with my commands in TN more rapidly.

-TN/KY-
By far the most dynamic front at present. With Paducah in Federal hands, Columbus is of little import. As such, I will fall back to Humboldt with the command there. Bowling Green is untenable and must be given up. I will hold at Clarksville to protect the flanks of Ft.'s Henry and Donelson. The rail junction at Gallatin is also very critical to mobility in the region. My chief goal is to effect a junction of the bulk of my commands and strike an isolated portion of the enemy's forces. With the enemy's current dispositions, General Hardee and I have also discussed a plan of moving on Cairo. There is little in the way of Yankee boats in the area and it would certainly not be expected.

In summary, I must strike if given the opportunity. I am outnumbered and must try to even the odds, even if it means a temporary setback with regards to territorial possessions.

Respectfully,
A.S. Johnston[/font]
My name is Aaron.



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Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:49 pm

Greetings Generals

I am very happy to hear again from you, General Johnston.

General Lee has helped achieving several successful achievements in your areas while you were absent.

I believe yes our commands are still too weak. And also all your proposed actions could be succesful if we are lucky enough. As always am, myself being too low on acepting risks, I prefer you both to decide on the final course of actions.

Just beware on extreme weather, and the powerful guns of the enemy fleet.

I fear an enemy assault on Richmond, but now it has a solid position, so I agree it would be a surprise to fully reinforce Magruder s Division to make a Raid either in H.R or even in Suffolk. The same goes for the Cairo affairs.

I also ask our dispersed militia elements to join our main command groups and be assembled as brigades. I feel lone militia battalions are not worth being used as garrisons, but can be used to fully enhance a few of our small size divisions.

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