Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis

I am very much obliged to you for the perusal of the letters from Mr. Mason & Genl. Williams. I hope that the favourable anticipations of the former may be realized. As far as I have been able to judge, this war presents to the European World but two aspects. A Contest in which one party is contending for abstract slavery & the other against it. The existence of vital rights involved does not seem to be understood or appreciated. As long as this lasts, we can expect neither sympathy or aid. Nor can we expect the policy of any Government towards us to be governed by any other consideration than that of self interest. Our safety depends upon ourselves alone. If we can defeat or drive the armies of the enemy from the field, we shall have peace. All our efforts & energies should be devoted to that object. I return the letters you did me the honour to enclose & am With great respect,

Your obt. Servt.

R. E. Lee Genl.