Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

I have reed your note - in answer to mine by Col Venable Genl. Wharton has his command already to move with provisions for two days, ammunition &c. I am awaiting information for which you have written & which I hope will decide the question of his going or not satisfactorily - Gl Breckenridge I think ought to go at all events if able - He can do a great deal personally in rallying the troops & people - Genl Wharton may have time to get there to assist in beating Hunter & then return to us - I agree with you in thinking that we require here every man we can get - Genl Grant is withdrawing from his right & extending to his left towards the Chickahominy - Gl Early with Ewells corps is advancing down our front to try to attack the enemy in flank, but reports that in consequence of the nature of the country & the labyrinth of fortifications made by the enemy it is almost impossible to get along - I shall make every effort to strike at him, but fear that his usual precautions will prevent unless I undertake to assault his fortifications which I desire to avoid if possible. I am with high respect

Your obt servt.

R. E. Lee