HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, September 12, 1863.
General R.E. LEE,
Commanding:
GENERAL: I hope to start west on Monday morning. If I can do anything there, it shall be done promptly. If I cannot, I shall advise you to recall me. If I did not think our move a necessary one, my regrets at leaving you would be distressing to me, as it seems to be with the officers and men of my command. Believing it to be necessary, I hope to accept it and my other personal inconveniences cheerfully and hopefully. All that we have to be proud of has been accomplished under your eye and under your orders. Our affections for you are stronger, if it is possible for them to be stronger, than our admiration for you.
I remain, general, most respectfully and affectionately, your obedient servant,
JAMES LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant-General.
Source: Official Records
Commentary
The following excerpt of a letter from Longstreet to Lee can be considered to be a farewell letter to Lee before the final movement to Tennessee begins. In it he expresses his warm devotion to Lee, contrary to the claims of some that he was glad to be away from his illustrious commander.