Stoneman has nearly wiped out John Morgan's old command, and five days ago entered Bristol.
I did think the best thing to do was to bring the greater part of your army here, and wipe out Lee.

The turn affairs now seem to be taking has shaken me in that opinion.

I doubt whether you may not accomplish more toward that result where you are than if brought here, especially as I am informed, since my arrival in the city, that it would take about two months to get you here with all the other calls there are for ocean transportation.
I want to get your views about what ought to be done, and what can be done.

If you capture the garrison of Savannah, it certainly will compel Lee to detach from Richmond, or give us nearly the whole South.

My own opinion is that Lee is averse to going out of Virginia, and if the cause of the South is lost he wants Richmond to be the last place surrendered.