Camp Petersbg 5 July '64.
Mr President
Your letter of the 4th Inst: was delivered to me this more by Col: Wood. He with the gentlemen accompg him are on the road to Stony Creek depot, 28 miles by the road they have to march where they will take the cars to Weldon. I procured horses for two & an ambulance for the other two & the baggage. I sent directions to Genl Whiting to provide them with two 20 pd Parrotts if possible & to furnish every other facility in his power to expedite their movements - I hope they will sail on Saturday. I have gone over all the points of the expedition with Cols: Wood & Lee, & we can now only trust to their energy & judgment & the blessing of a merciful Providence. The arrangement made with Genl. Early is the best I can suggest He is to send a helping hand after he hears of the success of the expedition, & I think there is no danger of his precipitating matters. I do not see how the attention of the Potomac flotilla can be attracted to a remote point, unless Early's movements may call them to Washington. This would be the best diversion, & in the best quarter. Every thing I think has been done that can be; & we have good ground to hope for the success of the enterprize. Most respy.
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. 152.