Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia
| October 19, 1863 |
| |
| Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, |
| Commanding Cavalry Corps |
|
|
| General:
|
| Your note announcing your victory over
General Kilpatrick, by your combined divisions, has been received. I
congratulate you and your officers and men on this handsome success.
The plan was well conceived and skillfully executed. It is not my
design for you to advance or to cross the Potomac, but to withdraw
on the line formerly designated, when you think it advantageous to
do so. I have ordered the iron from the railroad
{Orange & Alexandria RR} for some miles
north of the Rappahannock to be hauled across the river. I desire
you, while this operation continues, to have a brigade near the
railroad, with pickets at Catlett's, in order to give the working
parties and wagons notice of any advance of the enemy's cavalry, and
to cover their movements as much as possible. Be sure, also, to send
back, at once, any stragglers from the infantry whom you may find in
the country north of the Rappahannock. |
| I am very respectfully, your obedient servant,
|
| R. E. Lee
|
| General |
|