No one can say what is in the future, nor is it wise to anticipate
evil. But it is well to prepare for what may reasonably happen and
be provided for the worst. There is no saying when you can return
to your home or what may be its condition when you do return. What,
then, can you do in the meantime? To remain with friends may be
incumbent, and where can you go?... My movements are very uncertain,
and I wish to take the field as soon as certain arrangements can be
made. I may go at any moment, and to any point where it may be
necessary.... Many of our old friends are dropping in. E. P. Alexander
is here, Jimmy Hill, Alston, Jenifer, etc., and I hear that my old
colonel, A. S. Johnston, is crossing the plains from California....

"As ever, R. E. Lee."

I again quote from a letter to my mother, dated Richmond, July 12, 1861:

"...I am very anxious to get into the field, but am detained by matters
beyond my control. I have never heard of the appointment, to which
you allude, of Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate States Army,
nor have I any expectation or wish for it. President Davis holds
that position. Since the transfer of the military operations in
Virginia to the authorities of the Confederate States, I have only
occupied the position of a general in that service, with the duties
devolved on me by the President. I have been labouring to prepare
and get into the field the Virginia troops, and to strengthen, by
those from the other States, the threatened commands of Johnston,
Beauregard, Huger, Garnett, etc. Where I shall go I do not know, as
that will depend upon President Davis. As usual in getting through
with a thing, I have broken down a little and had to take my bed last
evening, but am at my office this morning and hope will soon be right