Camp 30 Apl ’64
My dear Custis
Nothing of much interest has occurred during the past week. The reports of scouts all indicate large preparations on the part of the enemy & a state of readiness for action. The 9th Corps is reported to be encamped (or rather was on the 27th) on the O & A RR between Fairfax CH & Alexa. This is Corroborative of information sent the President yesterday, but there may be some mistake as to the fact or number of Corps. All their troops north of Rappk. have been moved South, their Guards called in &c – The garrisons, provost gds. &c in northern cities have been brought forward & replaced by state troops. A Battn. of heavy Arty. is said to have been recently arrived in Culpepper [sic] numbering 3000. I presume these are the men stated in their papers to have been drawn from the Forts in N. Y. Harbor. I wish we Could make Corresponding preparations. If I could get back, Pickett Hoke, R. Johnston I would feel strong enough to operate. I have been endeavoring for the last eight or ten days to move Imboden against the B & O. R. R. in its unprotected state but have not been able. I presume he has his difficulties as well as myself. I am afraid it is too late now. I Cannot yet get the troops together for want of forage & am looking for grass. Endeavor to get accurate information from Pininsula, James river &c. My scouts have not returned from Annapolis & may get back too late.
Very affy. your father,
R E Lee
Source: Gift of Mrs. E. A. Lindsey, ca. 1932-1933, vertical files, Jessie Ball DuPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 January 29
