SEPTEMBER 3, 1862:
Robert E.
Lee writes to Confederate President Jefferson Davis about his plan to invade
the North. The letter reads in part:
“Mr. President--
The present seems to
be the most propitious time, since the commencement of the war, for the
Confederate Army to enter Maryland. The two grand armies of the U. S. that have
been operating in Virginia, though now united, are much weakened and
demoralized. Their new levees, of which, I understand, sixty thousand men have
already been posted in Washington, are not yet organized, and will take some
time to prepare for the field. If it is ever desired to give material aid to
Maryland, and afford her an opportunity of throwing off the oppression to which
she is now subject, this would seem the most favorable…The purpose, if
discovered, will have the effect of carrying the enemy north of the Potomac…I
am aware that the movement is attended with much risk, yet I do not consider
success impossible, and shall endeavor to guard it from loss…I have the honor
to be with high respect Your Ob't Servant,
R. E. Lee. Gen'l”
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