Text of Message from Joseph E. Johnston Regarding Robert E. Lee's Order to Drive Back William T. Sherman

February 22, 1865

On February 22, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnston informed Robert E. Lee that it was too late for Lee to expect Johnston to consolidate the Confederate troops in the Carolinas and drive back William T. Sherman.

Portrait of Joseph Johnston.

On February 22, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnston (pictured here) informed Robert E. Lee that it was too late for Lee to expect Johnston to consolidate the Confederate troops in the Carolinas and drive back William T. Sherman. [Wikimedia Commons]

LINCOLNTON, N. C., February 22, 1865.

General R. E. LEE

It is too late to expect me to concentrate troops capable of driving back Sherman. The remnant of the Army of Tennessee is much divided. So are other troops. I will get information from General Beauregard as soon as practicable. Is any discretion allowed me? I have no staff.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Article Title Text of Message from Joseph E. Johnston Regarding Robert E. Lee's Order to Drive Back William T. Sherman
  • Date February 22, 1865
  • Author
  • Keywords Joseph E. Johnston, Robert E. Lee, William T. Sherman.
  • Website Name American History Central
  • Access Date October 1, 2023
  • Publisher R.Squared Communications, LLC
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update April 19, 2022

Text of Message from Joseph E. Johnston Regarding Robert E. Lee's Order to Drive Back William T. Sherman is Part of the Following on AHC