Sitting alone as he finished his meal under the shade provided by a canopy of large maple trees, Lee heard sentries announce the arrival of Confederate messengers. Major Taylor, assisted by other staff members, intercepted the messengers before they could reach Lee. As he spoke with them, Taylor quickly realized the importance of their assignment and learned they had been sent personally by President Davis to meet with Lee.
If they had arrived in camp without being sent by President Davis, they would have been denied access to Lee until after he had gotten some rest, but after being briefed on why they had to see him, Taylor had no choice but to interrupt a very fatigued Lee as he finished his meal. “General, please forgive me for interrupting you as I know how tired you are, but these two messengers were sent here to meet with you by President Davis. I could not refuse them this opportunity to meet with you. Sir, it is very important that you see them. I would not have bothered you if it was not a matter of grave importance. General, please forgive me.”
“Major Taylor, do not be concerned about interrupting me. I know you would not have done so if it was not important. You may escort them over to my table. Please join us when you are finished with your other duties.” Lee set his fork down on his plate, too tired to completely finish his meal and too polite to do so in front of the messengers sent to meet with him.
As Taylor escorted the two officers to Lee’s table, they both stopped before reaching it. First coming to attention, they then saluted the commanding general of the Confederate army. Lee stood, returned the salute, and walked to where they had stopped. The captains stood several feet away, respecting the privacy Lee’s rank demanded as he had sat at the table.
As he shook hands with the two captains, Lee told them to relax and extended his hand towards chairs which had been brought over for them to sit down on. Even though they had been invited to sit down, neither of them moved until they saw Lee take a seat first, knowing it would have been disrespectful for either of them to sit down before he did. As Lee sat down, they both noticed how slowly he had walked back to his seat, his fatigue far too obvious to miss. Despite his fatigue, Lee was still sharp as a tack. He quickly recognized Captain McAulay from meetings President Davis had hosted during the early days of the war. Lee warmly greeted him, addressing him by his first name.
“General Lee, I am honored you remembered my name.” The fact that Lee had spoken to him by using his name, and not his rank, made McAulay feel important.
Then Lee looked at Captain White. “Forgive me, captain. While I am quite certain we have met, I cannot remember your first name or where it was we first met, but I know we have. Perhaps it is because of my fatigue, but I am having trouble recalling where we have met. Please forgive me.”
“General Lee, I also am honored you remember me. We met briefly on two occasions in Washington prior to the present conflict we are currently engaged in. I am humbled to be in your company again.”
As Major Taylor and other staff members set up a small folding table next to the table Lee had been eating at, one of Lee’s aides brought over a pitcher of cold water. Now playing the role of host, Lee poured cups of water for his guests and for himself. “Major Taylor, please see to it that our guests have some food ready for them after we are done here. They will also need a tent so they can rest. I am sure they are quite tired from their journey from Richmond.” Taylor, who had already detailed the staff to take care of these needs, briefly left to make sure the tasks had been completed.
Captain McAulay was the first to speak. As he did, he extracted an envelope from within his uniform blouse and then handed it to Lee to open. Examining the envelope, Lee could see it had been addressed to him and had been done so in the same unique style President Davis had addressed previous letters to him in. He also observed the envelope bore the wax seal of the Confederate President’s office. The presence of the two captains seated before him, having been sent personally by Davis to meet with him, as well as the sealed letter, indicated to Lee whatever was contained in the letter was of grave importance.
Breaking open the wax seal, Lee took out the letter and quietly read it.
General Lee,
The news of Gettysburg has reached me. While I am saddened by the loss of so many of our fine young men, I do not view the losses at Gettysburg to be fatal ones for the cause that we are fighting for.
However, as news of our defeat at Vicksburg has also reached me, I must take the necessary precautions to protect our assets here in Richmond as I fear the Union army will soon attempt to advance upon us. Out of my concern that this letter might be intercepted by the enemy, I have given my instructions for you to Captains McAulay and White to personally deliver to you. Please know they speak for me when they meet with you. I am confident that you will understand my reasons for doing so. Take the steps necessary to immediately complete the orders I have relayed to you through them.
Despite the results at Gettysburg, I still have the greatest confidence in you, and in our army. I trust this letter finds you well and in good health. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Affectionately yours,
President Jefferson Davis
After reading the letter from Davis, Lee reached for his glass of water. He sat quietly for several moments before speaking. Looking at the two nervous captains seated near him, he finally spoke. “While I believe I understand what President Davis is saying in his letter, perhaps you should tell me exactly what he wants accomplished regarding our assets.”
“Sir, President Davis was concerned, as his letter states, that if his letter fell into the hands of the Union army they would know where our assets are and they would learn what steps he is directing you to take to protect these assets. That is why he personally gave us his order to give to you. His concern regarding the safety of our assets is why he sent us to personally deliver his orders to you. He did not want the Union army intercepting such a sensitive message being sent to you.”
Lee sat quietly, his legs crossed, while a nervous Captain White had summarized what he already knew from reading the letter. He patiently waited for more information to be presented to him. As White began to speak again, Major Taylor, attending the meeting as Lee’s witness for the discussion which was taking place, interrupted him. Taylor ordered a nearby sergeant, who was performing sentry duty by Lee’s tent, to move further away from where they sat.
“General Lee, as Major Taylor has just done so correctly, President Davis has directed us to tell you this mission is not to be discussed with others except for who you choose to lead it. The other members selected for this mission are not to be told the full details until they reach Richmond. Sir, President Davis is directing you to select someone you hold in the highest regard, someone you can personally vouch for, to lead this mission. While President Davis insists this officer be of the rank of major or captain, he is not mandating who that officer is; he is leaving the choice of that officer up to you. He does insist this person be in Richmond within seven days to personally meet with he and with Secretary Memminger. Secretary Memminger will then provide the specifics, such as the mission’s details and its final destination, to whomever you choose. General Lee, the purpose of this mission is to move the majority of our treasury to a location south of Richmond. We must keep it out of the hands of the Union army. President Davis does not want to wait until the Union army is advancing upon Richmond to move the money. Sir, the President is obviously very concerned about this situation.”
Lee sat back in his chair as White finished speaking; pondering the additional responsibility Davis had just thrust upon him. The responsibilities he shouldered already were enormous. While he knew President Davis only wanted him to select the proper personnel for the mission, he also knew Davis, and likely others, would hold him accountable if the mission failed. Quietly sitting in his chair, he wished he knew the exact locations of all of the Union outfits that might threaten
those men who would soon be moving the Confederate treasury further south.
Captain McAulay then brought Lee back from his thoughts of what the ramifications would be for the South if the Union army seized their treasury. “Sir, we have more for you to consider as well. Because our treasury includes funds which have been raised from all of the states of the Confederacy, as well as the money we have seized from the Union, President Davis wants each of the states to have a representative present when the money is moved south, preferably a soldier at the rank of sergeant. He believes the entire Confederacy should be represented to keep an eye on the money and to have a role in protecting it. Therefore, he is directing you to have a detail put together which is comprised of four sergeants from the Army of Northern Virginia and one sergeant from each of the armies of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. Sir, because no Texas units are currently fighting in the region, he is not making it a requirement Texas be represented in this mission. President Davis wants you to have the final say in who those fourteen soldiers are, but he begs you, and these are his words, ‘Sir, please pick the fourteen bravest and honest men who are at your disposal’.”
Lee sat silent for a couple of minutes, digesting what they had told him. Then he simply asked, “Is that all?” Nervously, McAulay and White answered in the affirmative. As he slowly rose from his chair, so did both captains. “Captains, it was good to see you both again. You have completed your assignment very well. As you can see, I am very tired from our forced march from Gettysburg. I will sleep on what you have told me and we will meet again in the morning after breakfast. I hope you will find our meager accommodations to your liking and I hope you both get some rest. That will be all for now.”
That said, Lee turned and walked slowly to his nearby tent. The fatigue he had felt earlier was now even more pronounced due to the additional responsibility which had been placed upon his shoulders. He could sense he was being pushed to his limits and he knew only sleep would make things look better. As he turned to walk back towards his tent the two captains gave an awkward salute to their general, but a tired Lee never saw it. He was already focused on another responsibility given to him. Walking to his tent, Lee yelled for his aide without looking over to where Taylor now stood with McAulay and White. “Major Taylor, quickly see to the needs of our guests and then join me in my tent.”
As quickly as he could arrange for another staff member to see to the needs of McAulay and White, Taylor walked to Lee’s tent. By now Lee had removed his uniform jacket and had started to remove his boots. “Major Taylor, where is Captain Francis? You know who I mean, Captain Judiah Francis, from the Virginia Fourth Cavalry Regiment. Is he still in the hospital or has he recovered from his wounds? Do you know?”
“Sir, I saw him just this morning. He has been released from the hospital. He is still recovering somewhat from his injuries, but he seems to be doing well for having lost two fingers on his left hand. His days of being a cavalry officer may be in jeopardy though, but that is yet to be decided.”
Sitting in a small wooden rocking chair, Lee looked up at Taylor. “Major, knowing Captain Francis as I do, I doubt the loss of two fingers will stop him from serving as a cavalry officer. He is, as you likely know, an excellent soldier. How do you regard Captain Francis, Major Taylor?”
“Sir, I believe Captain Francis is indeed one of our finest officers. He is a unique combination of a Southern gentlemen and an excellent cavalry officer. I also believe him to be above reproach. He is, at least I hear he is, a fierce fighter who will not back down from a fight, no matter what the odds are. I know his men seem to have a great deal of respect for him. Sir, if you are thinking of him to lead this assignment, I would, respectfully of course, concur with your decision. Missing two fingers or not, with his experience and proven leadership skills, I believe he would be a sound choice.”
Lee sat quiet for a moment, reflecting on the comments his trusted aide had just offered. “Major Taylor, I hate to have you do this for me, seeing it is both hot and late in the day, and I know you are as tired as I am, but I need you to find Captain Francis immediately. And Major, as you know, this has to be kept quiet. I apologize for having to tell you this, but I need to know you understand the importance of this assignment and the importance of it being kept quiet. Now go find Francis and tell him he is to meet with me for breakfast tomorrow morning at seven. He does not need to know why, nor does he need to know any of the other details at this time. After you speak with him, please make sure you personally speak with General Stuart and advise him Captain Francis has been assigned to my staff until further notice. General Stuart simply needs to know that and nothing else for now.”
Major Taylor acknowledged the orders given to him by Lee. He then left to go find Francis.
******
The following morning was like a rebirth to Lee as he sensed he had gotten his first good nights sleep in well over a month. While he was not totally refreshed, he felt significantly stronger than he had when he went to bed. As he washed his face with water from a small bowl within his tent, he sensed the high humidity his army had endured on their march south through Virginia had finally broken. As he finished dressing, he could smell fresh coffee brewing nearby outside of his tent.
Stepping from his tent, Lee spied Captain Francis and his heavily bandaged left hand. He was seated at a nearby table awkwardly attempting to eat his breakfast. Major Taylor, joined by Captains McAulay and White, stood off to the side of Lee’s tent talking as the Confederate camp began to come to life that morning. As he walked to the table, Francis saw him approaching and started to stand to salute him. As he did, Lee waved him off, motioning for him to remain seated. With too much respect for Lee, Francis stood and saluted him sharply. Lee returned his salute.
“Captain, good morning, I am pleased to see you again. I do hope the doctors have done well for you. I also hope you are indeed on the way to a quick recovery.”
“Good morning, sir. Yes, and thank you, they have done their best for me. I am most grateful for their skills.”
“Very good! I am pleased to hear you are on the mend. Please, be seated and please continue eating your breakfast.”
Lee had known of Captain Francis and of his daring military exploits for just over two years, first taking real notice of him after hearing of a cavalry ride he had made one night through Union picket lines. With only a handful of other cavalry officers, Francis had almost single-handily rescued General John Legg who had been injured and then captured by Union forces during the Battle of Big Bethel. This daring ride had earned Francis the nickname of ‘Bull Rider’ as he had bullied his way through thick brush and Union picket lines to rescue Legg.
In his earlier years, Lee had become close friends with Judiah Francis’ father, Major Peter Francis, when they had served together in the Union army. Peter had sustained a severe back injury in early 1861 after being thrown from his horse; an injury which had occurred just months before the war had broken out. Lee knew it pained his good friend not to have an active role in defending Virginia during the war.
From their friendship Lee had learned Peter’s father, James Peter Francis, had disgraced his family many years ago due to his problems associated with alcohol. The problems also included him taking up with several of his female slaves. Peter talked little about his father to others, but he had with his friend, Bobby Lee. He had called Lee by that name when no one else had dared to, but they had been good friends for many years. Lee had long known about the story of Peter’s father’s problem with the slave women and with alcohol. As little as he had spoken about his father, he had spoken plenty about his great grandfather, William Peter Francis. As a young man, William had bravely fought with George Washington’s troops at Yorktown when they had defeated the British at the end of the Revolutionary War.
It had been two years since Lee had seen
his old friend, but when he had, in a brief encounter during the summer of 1861, Peter had proudly compared his son to his great grandfather. He had told Lee he knew his son would live up to his great grandfather’s reputation. Partially because of his close friendship with Peter, Lee later had taken a liking to Judiah the first time they had met.
“General, please excuse me for starting my breakfast before you arrived, but Major Taylor insisted I eat as soon as the food was served. As you can see, I am somewhat handicapped at the time due to this bandage on my hand. I . . . . well I just need a little more time to eat these days. I need to work through this injury I have sustained, so please forgive me for being so clumsy. Sir, I am reporting to you as ordered and I can assure you I will not allow this injury to stop me. How may I be of service to you?”
As Francis spoke, Major Taylor, followed by Captains McAulay and White, moved closer to the table where Lee and Francis sat. Sitting at the table, Lee noticed the pause Francis had taken when he was speaking to him. He knew from the pause that the injury to his hand was one which greatly bothered Francis. Lee soon realized it was more than just a physical injury. He now sought to address the injury head-on, comforting Francis as he did. “Captain, to start with, I know the circumstances of how you were injured and I want you to know you have my appreciation for your service. While I am grateful for your service to the cause we are fighting for, I am also saddened by the injury you have sustained. Secondly, I know your father would be proud to know how well you have conducted yourself during our recent campaign. Please do extend my greetings to your father the next time you may write to him. I miss having him here with us.”
Confederate Gold and Silver Page 6