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TELEGRAM TO ROBERT E. LEE (CIVIL WAR.) DAVIS, JEFFERSON. Autograph Telegram Signed, to Robert E. Lee, written during the siege of Petersburg, asking whether an expedition should proceed due to the delay in arms and fear of discovery by the enemy. 1 page, approximately 4x8 inches, Southern Telegraph Companies form; written in pencil, minor browning, usual folds; framed. [Richmond], 8 July 1864
TELEGRAM TO ROBERT E. LEE (CIVIL WAR.) DAVIS, JEFFERSON. Autograph Telegram Signed, to Robert E. Lee, written during the siege of Petersburg, asking whether an expedition should proceed due to the delay in arms and fear of discovery by the enemy. 1 page, approximately 4x8 inches, Southern Telegraph Companies form; written in pencil, minor browning, usual folds; framed. [Richmond], 8 July 1864
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Notes: "Genl [Fitzhugh?] Lee telegraphs delay on account of nonarrival of arms. In this town, I hear the expedition is spoken of on the streets. Shall it proceed under change of circumstances and possibility of notice being given to the enemy. If not, stop it as you deem best."
At the time of this telegram, Lee's army was fully entrenched outside of Petersburg in a virtual stalemate with Grant's forces. Several weeks prior, just after the bloody Battle of Cold Harbor, Lee had ordered Jubal Early on an expedition north through the Shenandoah Valley to attack Washington -- a bold move intended to draw away some of Grant's forces on the James River. It is possible that this telegram concerns Early's attempted raid on Washington.
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