Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

Your note of 1:20 P.M. to-day has just been received. As soon as I heard of the enemy's crossing the Chickahominy at Long Bridge I moved Heth's division across the river to White Oak Swamp bridge, and prepared the other troops for motion. Our skirmishers at daylight were moved forward, and finding no enemy in front of our lines for between one and two miles were recalled, and the army moved over the Chickahominy. Gen Heth's diva holds the White Oak Swamp bridge, the rest of Hill's corps is at Ridley's Shop at the intersection of the Long Bridge and Charles City roads. Longstreet's corps is to his right on the Long Bridge Road, and Hoke's division at the intersection of the Darby Town and Long Bridge roads. Our cavalry occupy the Willis Church road and Malvern Hill. The only enemy we have yet seen is that that has come up from the Long Bridge, and is opposed to Gen Heth at White Oak Swamp bridge and extends to this point We have driven him from this position down the Long Bridge Road, but I have not yet heard that White Oak Swamp Bridge is uncovered Gen Early was in motion this morning at 3 o'clock & by daylight was clear of our camps. He proceeded on the mountain road direct to Charlottesville, and arrangements have been made to give him 15 days supplies. If you think it better to recall him, please send a trusty messenger to overtake him to-night I do not know that the necessity for his presence to-day is greater than it was yesterday. His troops would make us more secure here, but success in the Valley would relieve our difficulties that at present press heavily upon us. As I write, Wilcox's division is pressing the enemy down the Long Bridge Road. Most respectfully

Your obt servt.

R. E. Lee Genl.