Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

Mr Stringfellow has just handed me your note enclosing one from Mr Stewart - Mr S. said upon your advice he had come to consult me upon a project he had in view, especially as to its morality. - I gave him opinion as far as I understood it & thought from what he said he had not determined to undertake it, but that it would depend upon an interview he would have with you I know so little of Mr S. that is his capacity for such an undertaking as he intimated rather than explained that when Mr Stringfellow first came to me I told him, as I have written to Genl Fitz Lee, that I could give him no advice or recommendation as to his course - He must make up his own opinion as to what he should do - Col: E. G. Lee has just called on me on the same subject, having been referred to me by Mr Stewart - As Mr S. told me, what I very well knew, that his project must be kept a profound secret, I could neither explain it to Mr Stringfellow or Col: Lee even as far as he had unfolded it to me - In fact I have not a high opinion of Mr Stewarts Discretion, & could not advise any one to join him in his enterprize. I had inferred that his companions were to be taken from Canada, until I got a note from Genl Fitz Lee, asking if he must send some half dozen of his men to Mr S - To take a party of men from here seems to me to ensure failure & I could not recommend it. I supposed he would make up his mind as to what he would do & arrange his party in his own way. - I have had nothing to do with it - I return Mr Stewarts letter With great respect

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R. E. Lee