| Headquarters |
| April 12, 1864 |
|
| Jefferson Davis |
| Richmond, Virginia |
| |
| Mr. President, |
| My anxiety on the subject of provisions
for the army is so great that I cannot refrain from expressing it to
Your Excellency. I cannot see how we can operate with our present
supplies. Any derangement in their arrival or disaster to the railroad
would render it impossible for me to keep the army together, &
might force a retreat into North Carolina. There is nothing to be had
in this section for man or animals. We have rations for the troops
today & tomorrow. I hope a new supply arrived last night, but I
have not yet had a report. Every exertion should be made to supply the
depots in Richmond & at other points. All pleasure travel should
cease, and everything be devoted to necessary wants. |
| I am with great respect, your obt servt |
| R. E. Lee |
| Genl |
|