Robert E. Lee, 7 August 1862

LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Autograph letter signed ("R E Lee Genl") as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, to General. S. Cooper, New Market, 7 August 1862.

One page, octavo (weak at mailing folds with partial separations). Docketed on verso.

Lee on prisoner exchanges. Writing as he was preparing for a campaign in Norther Virginia following his repulse of McClellan before Richmond, Lee recommends a "general order to be at once published directing all exchanged officers among the returned prisoners of War, belonging to the Armies of N. Virginia," report to the Adjutant General's office. Signed two weeks after the establishment of the agreement between the Union and Confederate armies governing the exchange of prisoners known as the Dix-Hill Cartel, the regime established a system of values that allowed officers to be exchange for fixed numbers of enlisted troops. The agreement remained in force until Confederate officials began to classify captured Black soldiers as fugitive slaves, and on 30 July 1863 Lincoln issued General Orders 252 which suspended the Cartel.