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Notice of Robert E. Lee's Assignment to Command of Confederate Forces on the
Coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, 1861
(From: Governor, State Governors' Incoming Correspondence, 1857-1888,
(Series S 577)
Before his appointment to command of the Confederate force known eventually
as the Army of Northern Virginia, General Robert E. Lee served in several less
prominent assignments. He first led troops in unsuccessful operations in western
Virginia, before being appointed by Jefferson Davis to command Confederate forces
along the lower Atlantic Coast, including Florida. In this position, Lee advocated
the abandonment of Confederate defenses in northeast Florida, which opened the
region to Federal invasion. Shortly thereafter, Lee was ordered to Richmond
to serve as advisor to President Davis. In June 1862, he took command of southern
forces defending Richmond. Over the next three years he won a series of spectacular
victories and earned fame as perhaps the most successful battlefield commander
of the Civil War.
A text version
is included below the graphic image.
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Notice of Robert E. Lee's Assignment to Command of Confederate Forces
on the Coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, 1861
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Telegraphic Dispatch
Dated Richmond 1861
Received November 6, 1861
To Governor John Milton
Genl. R.E. Lee, C.S. Army, an officer of the highest ability
and reputation left this morning to take command of the forces on the
coast of South Carolina Georgia and Florida. I am sure he will do all
which is possible, and commend him to your confidence & co=operation
Jeff Davis
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