Sender: Robert E. Lee
Recipient: Jefferson Davis

Mr President

Your letter of the 4th Inst: was delivered to me this more by Col: Wood. He with the gentlemen accompg him are on the road to Stony Creek depot, 28 miles by the road they have to march where they will take the cars to Weldon. I procured horses for two & an ambulance for the other two & the baggage. I sent directions to Genl Whiting to provide them with two 20 pd Parrotts if possible & to furnish every other facility in his power to expedite their movements – I hope they will sail on Saturday. I have gone over all the points of the expedition with Cols: Wood & Lee, & we can now only trust to their energy & judgment & the blessing of a merciful Providence. The arrangement made with Genl. Early is the best I can suggest He is to send a helping hand after he hears of the success of the expedition, & I think there is no danger of his precipitating matters. I do not see how the attention of the Potomac flotilla can be attracted to a remote point, unless Early’s movements may call them to Washington. This would be the best diversion, & in the best quarter. Every thing I think has been done that can be; & we have good ground to hope for the success of the enterprize. Most respy.