Robert E. Lee to Samuel Cooper

General: It has been reported to me that the supplies of provisions for the Army of the Northwest are being exhausted at the depots at Staunton and Millborough, and that no notice has been received of a further supply being ordered from Richmond. I request that directions be given for full supplies to be delivered at those points as soon as possible, if it has not already been done.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R E Lee,

General, Commanding

PS—September 10. I have just heard that the enemy is withdrawing all his forces from about Romney and along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Huttonsville in our front. The report has been forwarded from Staunton by Major Harman. If true, now is the time for Colonel McDonald to push at the railroad and destroy it. I would write to him, but do not know where he is. I begin to advance today.

REL