Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

My dispatches will have informed you of the march of this portion of the army. Its progress has been necessarily slow, having a large and superior force on its flank; narrow & rough roads to travel, and the difficulties of obtaining forage & provisions to contend with. It has so far advanced in safety and has succeeded in deceiving the enemy as to its object. The movement has, as far as I am able to judge, drawn the enemy from the Rappahannock frontier and caused him to concentrate his troops between Manassas & Centreville My desire has been to avoid a general engagement, being the weaker force, & by manoeuvring to relieve the portion of the country referred to - I think if not overpowered we shall be able to relieve other portions of the country, as it seems to be the purpose of the enemy to collect his strength here - This morning General Anderson’s division arrived and Col Lee’s reserve batteries. The partial contests in which both wings of the army have been obliged to engage has reduced our ammunition, & the reinforcements seem to be advancing slowly - I have heard of none on the road except Genl Ripley, one mile south of Amissville on yesterday evening - In order that we may obtain the advantages I hope for, we must be in larger force; and I hope every exertion will be made to create troops & to increase our strength & supplies - Beef, flour & forage may be obtained in the back country by proper exertions in the different departments ; & it will be far better for us to consume them than to leave them for the enemy - We have no time to lose & must make every exertion if we expect to reap advantage. I have the honor to be With high respect

Your obt servant

R. E. Lee Genl.