Headquarters Near Bean’s Station,
December 17th, 1863.
Major-General McLaws,
Confederate States Army
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of to-day, asking for the particular reason for the issue of the order relieving you from duty with this army.
In reply I am directed to say that throughout the campaign on which we are engaged, you have exhibited a want of confidence in the efforts and plans which the commanding general has thought proper to adopt, and he is apprehensive that this feeling will extend more or less to the troops under your command.
Under these circumstances the commanding general has felt that the interest of the public service would be advanced by your separation from him, and as he could not himself leave, he decided upon the issue of the order which you have received.
I have the honor to be, general, with great respect,
G.M. Sorrel
Lieut-Col. And Assistant-Adjutant-General
Source: Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer
Commentary
Under the direction of James Longstreet, -- whom, it must be noted, seemed incapable of facing his longtime friend Lafayette McLaws face to face regarding the matter -- Moxley Sorrel sent the follow note regarding Longstreet's reasons for relieving him from command.