On Tuesday, July 28, 1863 President Jefferson Davis wrote Lee at Culpeper Court House, Virginia, acknowledging that the Confederate War Department was making efforts to send Lee convalescents and absentees to assist strengthening the Army of Northern Virginia and that his administration was attempting to resolve supply problems which had plagued the Southern war effort.
Davis expressed supreme confident in Lee, noting “I have felt more than ever before the want of your advice during the recent period of disaster.”
Referencing the numerous criticisms which as president he endured, Davis confided to Lee, noting “If a victim would secure the success of our cause I would freely offer myself.” At no time since Gettysburg did Davis blame Lee; Davis was astute enough to recognize that Lee remained his best field general.