Head Qrs Drewry's Bluff 16 June 1864.
Mr. President
For some few days back we have been only able to get sufficient corn for our animals from day to day - Any accident to the railroads would cut short our supplies. I directed Col Corley to make this representation to the Qr Mr Genl to-day: he has returned & says Genl Lawton is doing everything he can, but cannot provide more than about 2000 bushels per day. We require 3200 bushels daily for all our animals - I think it is clear that the railroads are not working energetically & unless some improvement is made, I do not know what will become of us - I am therefore obliged to appeal to your Excellency as reluctant as I am to trespass upon your time & attention. I beg that every exertion may be made, not only to supply our daily wants, but to lay up something for future use - Our existence depends upon every ones exerting themselves at this time to the utmost - I am with great respect
Your obt servt.
R. E. Lee Genl.
W. J. De Renne CollectionWormsloe, Chatham County, Georgia (1914)
Printed in Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee’s Dispatches, Dispatch No. 135.