Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

After much reflection I think if it was possible to reinforce Jackson strongly, it would change the character of the War. This can only be done by the troops in Georgia, S.C. & N.C. Jackson could in that event cross Maryland into Penn - It would call all the enemy from our Southern Coast & liberate those states - If these states will give up their troops I think it can be done. McClellan will make this a battle of Posts. He will take position from position, under cover of his heavy guns, & we cannot get at him without storming his works, which with our new troops is extremely hazardous. You witnessed the experiment Saturday. It will require 100,000 men to resist the regular siege of Richmond, which perhaps would only prolong not save it - I am preparing a line that I can hold with part of our forces in front, while with the rest I will endeavour to make a diversion to bring McClellan out. He sticks under his batteries & is working day & nights - He is obliged to adhere to the R.R. unless he can reach James river to provision his Army. I am endeavouring to block his progress on the R.R. & have written up to see if I can get made an iron battery on trucks with a heavy gun, to sweep the country in our front. The enemy cannot move his heavy guns except on the R.R. You have seen nothing like the roads on the Chick - y bottom. Our people are opposed to work. Our troops officers community & press. All ridicule & resist it. It is the very means by which McClellan has & is advancing. Why should we leave to him the whole advantage of labour. Combined with valour fortitude & boldness, of which we have our fair proportion, it should lead us to success. What carried the Roman soldiers into all Countries, but this happy combination. The evidences of their labour last to this day. There is nothing so military as labour, & nothing so important to an army as to save the lives of its soldiers

I enclose a letter I have recd from Genl D. H. Hill, for your own perusal. Please return it to me. I had taken means to arrest stragglers - I hope he is mistaken about his Brigadiers - I fear not in Rains’ case. Of Featherston I know nothing. I thought you ought to know it. Our position requires you should know everything & you must excuse my troubling you. The firing in our front has ceased. I believe it was the enemys shell practice. Col. Long <illegible> went down early this morg to keep me advised, but as I hear nothing from them I assume it is unimportant.

Very respy & truly

R. E. Lee