| Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia |
| November 27, 1862 |
| |
| Hon. Postmaster-General |
| Richmond, Va.
|
|
|
| Sir, |
| In consequence of the exposed condition
of Fredericksburg, and the inability of the railroad train
{on the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac
RR} to reach that city, there
is a difficulty in forwarding and receiving mails for the army. The
cars are obliged to stop about 5 miles from the city, and the mail
is carried there for distribution. There is not only delay, but
difficulty in communicating with the city. If the mail for the army
was put up in the Richmond
post-office, or if the traveling agent on the cars was authorized to
make it up and deliver it to the chief quartermaster of the army,
the difficulty would be removed. I have the honor to request that
you will give such orders in the case as may be considered best by
you. |
| I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
|