OR, Series 1, Vol. 21, Page 1052

Confidential
Hdqrs. Army of Northern Virginia
December 8, 1862
 
His Excellency Jefferson Davis
Richmond, Va. 
 
Mr. President,
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   If the troops in North Carolina and around Richmond can keep back attacks directed from south of the river, this army, if not able to resist General Burnside's advance, can retire upon the capital, and then operate as circumstances may dictate; but if the operations of the enemy south of James River cannot be resisted, it had better at once approach nearer Richmond. In this latter event I would leave a covering force here to embarrass General Burnside's advance.
   General Geary, on the 4th instant, entered Winchester; but evacuated it in less than an hour, as he stated, for prudential reasons, and retired to Harper's Ferry. Our troops there hold their old positions. One of my objects in destroying the railroads in that region was to prevent the occupation of Winchester by the enemy, this winter at least.
   I am reluctant to trouble Your Excellency with my wants; but unless the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad {Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR} is more energetically operated, it will be impossible to supply this army with provisions, and oblige its retirement to Hanover Junction.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your Excellency's obedient servant,
R. E. Lee
General

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