Text of Message from Robert E. Lee Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Troops in Carolinas

February 22, 1865

On February 22, 1865, Robert E. Lee (pictured here) ordered General Joseph Johnston to "Assume command of the Army of Tennessee and all troops in Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida."

Robert E. Lee, General, CSA, Civil War, LOC 04402

Robert E. Lee. Image Source: Library of Congress.

HEADQUARTERS,
February 22, 1865.

General J. E. JOHNSTON:

Assume command of the Army of Tennessee and all troops in Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Assign General Beauregard to duty under you, as you may select. Concentrate all available forces and drive back Sherman.

R. E. LEE.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations, including APA Style, Chicago Style, and MLA Style.

  • Article Title Text of Message from Robert E. Lee Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Troops in Carolinas
  • Date February 22, 1865
  • Author
  • Keywords Robert E. Lee, Joseph Johnston, Army of Tennessee
  • Website Name American History Central: The Encyclopedia of American History
  • Publisher American History Central
  • Producer R.Squared Communications, LLC
  • Date Published
  • Last Update February 27, 2025
  • Access Date October 7, 2026

Encyclopedia Sections