September 21st, 1941
 
Dear Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer of the Third Reich:

I have done what you bid, I was meant to conquer Ukraine and so I did. The plan you traced didn't work as I hoped. The battle was hard, dear Fuhrer. You said that the Red Army would collapse and it didn't, I had to command my forces into what it will become one of the best victories in the history of warfare. 

Although we won Ukraine, the remaining soldiers are tired. Two months of continuous fighting are not easy. We have lost men and resources, I'm not completely sure this will be a quick victory as we planned Fuhrer. We will leave Kiev and go towards Stalingrad as soon as possible.

It is only natural that such great effort would result in fatigue, the combat strength of the troops has weakened and in many places there is a desire for rest. But, we must keep pressure on the enemy for he has many more reserves than we. 

 Always at your service, Generalfeldmarschall Rundstedt.