If General Hood fails to hold Atlanta, Sherman can cut the South in two and my supplies fail. My men are living now on parched corn. If Sherman takes Atlanta, I cannot get the corn.
Davis
What is the spirit of your men at this moment, General?
Lee
A more formidable force was never set in motion than the army I command, sir. They are our stark fighters—men who individually or in the mass can be depended on for any feat of arms in the power of mortals to accomplish. I know them from experience. They will blanch at nothing—yet they must have food.
Davis
You shall have it. But after one year—then what?
Lee
It's solely a question of man power, sir. I must have more men.
Davis