Civil War fact of the day. On this day in 1864, the Battle of Globe Tavern ended with a failed Confederate assault on the strong Union position. The following day, Lee noted the importance of protecting his remaining supply chains. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, August 22, 1864. Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the enemys superiority of numbers has enabled him to effect a lodgment on the Weldon railroad. Two attacks were made upon him when he first approached the road, in both of which he was worsted, but the smallness of the attacking force prevented it from dislodging him. By the time re-enforcements could be brought from the north of the James River the enemy had so much strengthened his position that it was found impracticable to drive him away when the attack was renewed yesterday. When the army first assumed its present position I informed you that I doubted our ability to keep the road open, owing to the proximity of the enemy, and his superiority in numbers. If driven from the place he now occupies he could not be prevented from striking the road at some other point, as our forces are insufficient to guard its entire length. These considerations induced me to abandon the further prosecution of the effort to dislodge the enemy, as it could not be done without a greater sacrifice of life than we can afford to make, and the benefits secured would be only temporary. I think it evident that the enemy has abandoned the effort to drive us from our present position by force, and that his purpose now is to compel us to evacuate it by cutting off our supplies. I think his intention in the late demonstration north of the James River was not only to cause the removal of troops from Petersburg, but also to try to break through to Richmond. Being foiled in that effort, the forces engaged in it have been brought back to this side, except those at Dutch Gap. Under these circumstances, we should use every effort to maintain ourselves by our remaining line of communications. The most intelligent and energetic officers should be charged with the duty of superintending the transportation of supplies over all the roads upon which the army depends, and be strictly enjoined to give their unremitting personal attention to the matter. All the transportation that can be spared from roads not now so important to us should be accumulated on those upon which we depend for supplies, and the most judicious arrangements made to secure the greatest efficiency of the roads. I shall do all in my power to get supplies by the Weldon road, bringing them as far as Stony Creek by rail, and thence by wagons. One train has already been sent out for this purpose, and another is preparing to start. If we can get through the next month or six weeks the corn crop will begin to be available in Virginia, and afford us great relief. In the meantime no effort should be spared to work all the roads by which we are supplied to their utmost capacity. We should not only provide for our current wants, but try, if possible, to accumulate a reserve to provide against those occasional interruptions of our communications which the policy of the enemy justifies us in anticipating. Our supply of corn is exhausted to-day, and I am informed that the small reserve in Richmond is consumed. The failure to accumulate a large surplus was owing, as I am told, to the inadequacy of the supply brought from the south. If this was owing to bad management of the southern railroads the evil should be at once corrected. If the supply itself is short it would be well to have corn brought into Wilmington if practicable, until the new crop becomes available. The southern roads should be made to transport as much as the Danville road and its connection can bring to Richmond, besides the quantity that we will endeavor to haul from Stony Creek, and in this way a surplus can be accumulated. I am confident that by strenuous efforts and strict economy of all our means we will be able to thwart the plans of the enemy, and I trust you will give the matter that attention which its vital importance demands. The purchase and collection of all stores required by the army should be everywhere vigorously prosecuted. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining ourselves, I anticipate a good moral effect from the failure of this last effort of the enemy, when it shall become known that the only advantage secured by the sacrifices of time and men at Petersburg has not produced the results anticipated from it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:50:30 +0000
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