Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

As I have felt some anxiety as to the position of the 9th corps from the various reports concerning it, I directed that the pickets along our lines should be directed to capture a prisoner along their front. Genl Hill has just come in to report that one from the 2nd corps was brought in to him last night. He was a New Yorker, sharp & shrewd, from whom but little could be gained. But he had on his person a diary kept by himself & brought up to the 5th Inst. It was there recorded under date of the 4th Inst. that he had with a Comrade that day passed through the 9th & 5th corps visiting certain friends &c - This would seem to be good evidence - that the 9th corps is present before Petersburg. With great respect

your obt servt.

R. E. Lee Genl.