Read Online Confederate Gold and Silver by Peter F. Warren - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Peter F. Warren
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over for them to sit down on. Even though they had been invited to sit down, neither of them moved until they saw Lee take a seat first, knowing it would have been disrespectful for either of them to sit down before he did. As Lee sat down, they both noticed how slowly he had walked back to his seat, his fatigue far too obvious to miss. Despite his fatigue, Lee was still sharp as a tack. He quickly recognized Captain McAulay from meetings President Davis had hosted during the early days of the war. Lee warmly greeted him, addressing him by his first name.
“General Lee, I am honored you remembered my name.” The fact that Lee had spoken to him by using his name, and not his rank, made McAulay feel important.
Then Lee looked at Captain White. “Forgive me, captain. While I am quite certain we have met, I cannot remember your first name or where it was we first met, but I know we have. Perhaps it is because of my fatigue, but I am having trouble recalling where we have met. Please forgive me.”
“General Lee, I also am honored you remember me. We met briefly on two occasions in Washington prior to the present conflict we are currently engaged in. I am humbled to be in your company again.”
As Major Taylor and other staff members set up a small folding table next to the table Lee had been eating at, one of Lee’s aides brought over a pitcher of cold water. Now playing the role of host, Lee poured cups of water for his guests and for himself. “Major Taylor, please see to it that our guests have some food ready for them after we are done here. They will also need a tent so they can rest. I am sure they are quite tired from their journey from Richmond.” Taylor, who had already detailed the staff to take care of these needs, briefly left to make sure the tasks had been completed.
Captain McAulay was the first to speak. As he did, he extracted an envelope from within his uniform blouse and then handed it to Lee to open. Examining the envelope, Lee could see it had been addressed to him and had been done so in the same unique style President Davis had addressed previous letters to him in. He also observed the envelope bore the wax seal of the Confederate President’s office. The presence of the two captains seated before him, having been sent personally by Davis to meet with him, as well as the sealed letter, indicated to Lee whatever was contained in the letter was of grave importance.
Breaking open the wax seal, Lee took out the letter and quietly read it.
General Lee,
The news of Gettysburg has reached me. While I am saddened by the loss of so many of our fine young men, I do not view the losses at Gettysburg to be fatal ones for the cause that we are fighting for.
However, as news of our defeat at Vicksburg has also reached me, I must take the necessary precautions to protect our assets here in Richmond as I fear the Union army will soon attempt to advance upon us. Out of my concern that this letter might be intercepted by the enemy, I have given my instructions for you to Captains McAulay and White to personally deliver to you. Please know they speak for me when they meet with you. I am confident that you will understand my reasons for doing so. Take the steps necessary to immediately complete the orders I have relayed to you through them.
Despite the results at Gettysburg, I still have the greatest confidence in you, and in our army. I trust this letter finds you well and in good health. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Affectionately yours,
President Jefferson Davis
After reading the letter from Davis, Lee reached for his glass of water. He sat quietly for several moments before speaking. Looking at the two nervous captains seated near him, he finally spoke. “While I believe I understand what President Davis is saying in his letter, perhaps you should tell me exactly what he wants accomplished regarding our assets.”
“Sir, President Davis was concerned, as his letter states, that
“General Lee, I am honored you remembered my name.” The fact that Lee had spoken to him by using his name, and not his rank, made McAulay feel important.
Then Lee looked at Captain White. “Forgive me, captain. While I am quite certain we have met, I cannot remember your first name or where it was we first met, but I know we have. Perhaps it is because of my fatigue, but I am having trouble recalling where we have met. Please forgive me.”
“General Lee, I also am honored you remember me. We met briefly on two occasions in Washington prior to the present conflict we are currently engaged in. I am humbled to be in your company again.”
As Major Taylor and other staff members set up a small folding table next to the table Lee had been eating at, one of Lee’s aides brought over a pitcher of cold water. Now playing the role of host, Lee poured cups of water for his guests and for himself. “Major Taylor, please see to it that our guests have some food ready for them after we are done here. They will also need a tent so they can rest. I am sure they are quite tired from their journey from Richmond.” Taylor, who had already detailed the staff to take care of these needs, briefly left to make sure the tasks had been completed.
Captain McAulay was the first to speak. As he did, he extracted an envelope from within his uniform blouse and then handed it to Lee to open. Examining the envelope, Lee could see it had been addressed to him and had been done so in the same unique style President Davis had addressed previous letters to him in. He also observed the envelope bore the wax seal of the Confederate President’s office. The presence of the two captains seated before him, having been sent personally by Davis to meet with him, as well as the sealed letter, indicated to Lee whatever was contained in the letter was of grave importance.
Breaking open the wax seal, Lee took out the letter and quietly read it.
General Lee,
The news of Gettysburg has reached me. While I am saddened by the loss of so many of our fine young men, I do not view the losses at Gettysburg to be fatal ones for the cause that we are fighting for.
However, as news of our defeat at Vicksburg has also reached me, I must take the necessary precautions to protect our assets here in Richmond as I fear the Union army will soon attempt to advance upon us. Out of my concern that this letter might be intercepted by the enemy, I have given my instructions for you to Captains McAulay and White to personally deliver to you. Please know they speak for me when they meet with you. I am confident that you will understand my reasons for doing so. Take the steps necessary to immediately complete the orders I have relayed to you through them.
Despite the results at Gettysburg, I still have the greatest confidence in you, and in our army. I trust this letter finds you well and in good health. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Affectionately yours,
President Jefferson Davis
After reading the letter from Davis, Lee reached for his glass of water. He sat quietly for several moments before speaking. Looking at the two nervous captains seated near him, he finally spoke. “While I believe I understand what President Davis is saying in his letter, perhaps you should tell me exactly what he wants accomplished regarding our assets.”
“Sir, President Davis was concerned, as his letter states, that
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