Sorrow For Those Left Behind

This entry is from Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, by Captain Robert E Lee, his Son.  Here Lee writes to his wife about the battle at Mannassas.

July 27th, 1861 Richmond

"…That indeed was a glorious victory and has lightened the pressure upon our front amazingly. Do not grieve for the brave dead.  Sorrow for those they left behind—friends, relatives, and families. The former are at rest. The latter must suffer. The battle will be repeated there in greater force. I hope God will again smile on us and strengthen our hearts and arms. I wished to partake in the former struggle, and am mortified at my absence, but the President thought it more important I should be here. I could not have done as well as has been done, but I could have helped, and taken part in the struggle for my home and neighbourhood.. . .

Robert E. Lee, from generalsandbrevets.com

The Glorious Dead Are At Peace

This entry is from The Military Operations of General Beauregard in the War Between the States 1861 to 1865.  Robert E Lee writes to Beauregard concerning the recent battle at Manassas:

Richmond, July 24th, 1861
My dear General

I cannot express the joy I feel, at the beautiful victory of the 21st. The skill, courage, and endurance displayed by yourself excite my highest admiration. You and your troops have the gratitude of the whole country, and I offer to all my heartfelt congratulations at their success.

The glorious dead are at peace. I grieve for their loss, and sympathize with the living.

May your subsequent course be attended with like success.

R.E.LEE.

Calamity Impending

Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, by Captain Robert E Lee, his Son

May 8th, 1861 in a letter to his wife:

. . . . When I reflect upon the calamity impending over the country, my own sorrows sink to insignificance . . . .

Where to Go

Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, by Captain Robert E Lee, his Son

On April 30th, 1861

On going to my room last night  I found my trunk and sword there, and opening them this morning discovered the package of letters and was very glad to learn you were all well and as yet peaceful.  I fear the latter state will not continue long.....  I think therefore you had better prepare all things for removal, that is, the late, pictures, etc. and be prepared at any moment.  Where to go is the difficulty.  When the war commences no place will be exempt, in my opinion, and indeed all the avenues into the State will be the scenes of military operations.