Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

I have made all arrangements for the well being of the troops around Richmond. I have given instructions to Genl Smith, & Col: Gilmer in reference to the defences & have placed the former in Command of the troops on both sides of the river The aggregate of the four divisions, present & absent, amounts to 72,047 men.

From every account that reaches me the enemy is accumulating a large force in Culpeper. Three deserters from Burnside came in to-day, & report that he reached Fred[ericksburg] with 12000, & reed 21 regts: after his arrival there. They were old troops & came via Aquia creek. They did not know where from. What do you think of the propriety of withdrawing R. H. Andersons division from here to Gordonsville? It amounts to 13,142 aggregate. This would leave an aggregate here of about 60,000. In addition to the four divisions above stated, the two N.C. regts: from Salisbury & Lynchburg are ordered to D. H. Hill. This will add about 1300 men to his strength. I thought they would do better then, having not yet been in the field & give them a better opportunity for instruction & to pass through the camp diseases. I did this in anticipation of the necessity of withdrawing Hill or McLaws Unless I hear from you to the Contrary I shall leave for G at 4 A.M. tomorrow. The troops are accumulating there & I must see that arrangements are made for the field. I recd a letter from Longstreet to-day requesting my presence. I will keep you informed of everything of importance that transpires When you do not hear from me, you may feel sure that I do not think it necessary to trouble you. I shall feel obliged to you for any directions you may think proper to give.

I learn that Genl Johnston will soon return to Richmond. He is riding on horseback every day & he is gaining his strength rapidly. Wishing you every happiness & prosperity I am with high esteem

Your obt. servt

R. E. Lee, Genl.