Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

I enclose for your information a letter from Genl Jackson. He seems to be of the opinion that he is too weak to encounter Pope & I fear Pope is too strong to be allowed to remain so near our communications. He ought to be suppressed if possible. I would have sent A. P. Hill division as I stated to you, but have no one to command it. Branch is the Senior Brigadier & I cannot trust the division to him. I feel that it will be necessary to reinforce him before he can do anything & yet I fear to jeopardize the division of this army, upon which so much depends.

If the impression made by Morgan in Kentucky could be confirmed by a strong infantry force, it would have the happiest effect - If he is obliged to fall back, the reaction may produce the same result as in Mo: Where is Genl Marshall? Now is the time for him to go in But if Bragg could make a move, or with E. K. Smith & Loring, it would produce a great effect. Do you think anything can be done. I go to Drurys bluff to-day

Very respy

R. E. Lee Genl