he enemy, in
whose service they will incur no greater risk than in ours.
The reasons that induce me to recommend the employment of
negro troops at all render the effect of the measures I have
suggested upon slavery immaterial, and in my opinion the
best means of securing the efficiency and fidelity of this
auxiliary force would be to accompany the measure with a
well-digested plan of gradual and general emancipation. As
that will be the result of the continuance of the war, and
will certainly occur if the enemy succeed, it seems to me
most advisable to adopt it at once, and thereby obtain all
the benefits that will accrue to our cause.

"The employment of negro troops under regulations similar to
those indicated would, in my opinion, greatly increase our
military strength, and enable us to relieve our white
population to some extent. I think we could dispense with
the reserve forces, except in cases of emergency. It would
disappoint the hopes which our enemies have upon our
exhaustion, deprive them in a great measure of the aid they
now derive from black troops, and thus throw the burden of
the war upon their own people. In addition to the great
political advantages that would result to our cause from the
adoption of a system of emancipation, it would exercise a
salutary influence upon our negro population, by rendering
more secure the fidelity of those who become soldiers, and
diminishing the inducements to the rest to abscond.

"I can only say in conclusion that whatever measures are to
be adopted should be adopted at once. Every day's delay
increases the difficulty. Much time will be required to
organize and discipline the men, and action may be deferred
till it is too late.

"Very respectfully,

"Your obedient servant,

"A true copy. J. B. W." "(Signed,) R. E. LEE, _General._"

This letter was intended for members of Congress to read, and it was
circulated among them, but all was not harmony. Many members were
bitterly opposed to arming the slaves, some of them denounced General
Lee for writing the letter, and prepared to oppose the measure when it
should be introduced into Congress.[41]

At length the period for its introduction arrived. Lee in his attempted
invasion of the north made no more careful preparations than did M