Fort Jackson which, if time permits and guns can be obtained, I hope
will keep them out. They can bring such overwhelming force in all
their movements that it has the effect to demoralise our new troops.
The accounts given in the papers of the quantity of cotton shipped to
New York are, of course, exaggerated. It is cotton in the seed and
dirt, and has to be ginned and cleaned after its arrival. It is
said that the negroes are employed in picking and collecting it, and
are paid a certain amount. But all these things are gathered from
rumour, and can only be believed as they appear probable, which this
seems to be.... I went yesterday to church, being the day appointed
for fasting and prayer. I wish I could have passed it more devoutly.
The bishop (Elliott) gave a most beautiful prayer for the President,
which I hope may be heard and answered.... Here the yellow jasmine,
red-bud, orange-tree, etc., perfume the whole woods, and the japonicas
and azaleas cover the garden. Perry and Meredith are well. May God
bless and keep you always is the constant prayer of your husband,

"R. E. Lee."

To his daughter Annie:

"Savannah, March 2, 1862.

"My Precious Annie: It has been a long time since I have written to
you, but you have been constantly in my thoughts. I think of you all,
separately and collectively, in the busy hours of the day and the
silent hours of the night, and the recollection of each and every one
whiles away the long night, in which my anxious thoughts drive away
sleep. But I always feel that you and Agnes at those times are sound
asleep, and that is immaterial to either where the blockaders are or