Exchange Hotel and Ballard House,

J. L. Carrington, Proprietor.

 

To

            Gen R.E. Lee.                                                

Richmond, Va. June 19^th 1870.

 

                                    General

                                                            I have the honor to enclose a letter received some little time since from Gen Fitzhugh Lee.

 

            In my reply to same I stated I would write you on the subject, asking you to eliminate from my report the paragraph he refers to—"did not see Gen Fitz Lee after the fight began" and also any thing from which the inference could be drawn of a disobedience of orders on his part. My report to you of that action was dated Nancemond County, but was in reality written in Canada, I at that time not careing my whereabouts to be known. I of course wrote it without having the opportunity of consulting with any one, but was afraid to delay, prefering to do so whilst events were fresh in my memory, and knowing not then, at what time if ever, I should return to my country.

 

            It is therefore due to Genl Fitz Lee after getting the explanation from him enclosed, to acceed to his request as far as I can possibly do it. From his letter it is evident that Gen Lee had communicated the order to his subordinate / and therefore is relieved from any intention of disobedience of orders. further than that I can not go nor do I suppose he could desire it, the fact being that the order never was executed. Since replying to Gen Lee's letter (a copy of which reply I also forward) I have seen and conversed with Capt Bright a member of my staff, who tells me he recollects perfectly the conversation in which I explained my wishes to have the Cavy on the left dismounted, and to act as Infy, (one reason for this was the nature of the ground, being thick with undergrowth & marshy)—and that afterwards when he carried my message to Gen L asking him the cause of the delay, &ct. he says Gen L appeared much surprised to learn that the order had not been executed, and sent off a courier at speed to ascertain it, and to see the order carried out. I have no copy of the report at hand, and I therefore leave it discretionary General with you, and shall have to trespass on yr kindness to make the necessary corrections. I shall esteem it a favor to have the enclosures returned after yr perusal of, and action thereon. I am Gen with much respect Your Obt Svt G E Pickett

SOURCES