81

"The new policy of carrying the war home to the Yanks"

W.R. Scruggs.

Letter discussing Lee's Maryland Campaign just before the Battle of Antietam.

Richmond, VA, 13 September 1862
Autograph Letter Signed to friend Quince. 4 pages, 10 x 7½ inches, on one folding sheet; minimal wear.

  • Notes: A Confederate soldier on medical leave reports the latest news on the Confederate incursion to Maryland, just 4 days before Antietam.

    "The move into Penn. is regarded with favor by a large majority here, and the offensive policy carries the day. . . . Our base, I think, will unite the two points, Fairfax C.H. & Winchester, affording an exit for our army if defeated, at either place. Gen'l Lee suffers only such men as the surgeons pronounced sound to go over the Potomac. All that are incompetent to the task of hard marching & fighting  are left at Fairfax or Winchester, forming a reserve upon which to fall back. Great anxiety is felt in regard to the new policy of carrying the war home to the Yanks, though implicit confidence is held by all in the ability of Lee & Jackson to make it successful if it can be done. God grant them His favor, without which failure is sure." 

    On wartime Richmond: "Richmond is quite thin of soldiers compared to what it was when I came. However, there seems a plentiful supply of gayly dressed officers here yet. I am worn out with it."
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