learned, have failed in executing their orders. General Sedgwick failed in the execution of his orders, and was compelled to retire, and crossed the river at Banks' Ford last night. The First, Third, Fifth, Eleventh and Twelfth and two divisions of the Second Corps are now on the south bank of the Rappahannock, intrenched between Hunting Run and Scott's Dam. Position is strong, but circumstances, which in time will be fully explained, make it expedient, in the General's judgment, that he should retire from this position to the north bank of the Rappahannock for his defensible position. Among these is danger to his communication by possibility of the enemy crossing river on our right flank and imperiling this army. He may cross to-night, but hopes to be attacked in this position. DAN'L BUTTERFIELD, Near Chancellorsville, Va., May 5, 1863. I would most respectfully request the privilege of sending a burial party on the field of Chancellorsville to bury the dead and care for the wounded officers and soldiers of my command. Very respectfully, etc., JOSEPH HOOKER, Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, May 6, 1863. Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker, Commanding Army of the Potomac. GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterday requesting permission to send a burial party to attend to your dead and wounded on the battlefield of Chancellorsville. I regret that their position is such, being immediately within our lines, that the necessities of war forbid my compliance with your request, which under other circumstances it would give me pleasure to grant. I will accord to your dead and wounded the same attention which I bestow upon my own; but if there is anything which your medical director here requires which we cannot provide, he shall have my permission to receive from you such medical supplies as you may think proper to furnish. Consideration for your wounded prompts me to add that, from what I learn, their comfort would be greatly promoted by additional medical attendance and medical supplies. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: I have just returned from above, and find here your two dispatches to General Hooker, and one from him to me, directing me to telegraph you that the army has recrossed the river; that the bridges are up, and that all are under orders to return to camp. DAN'L BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Camp near Falmouth, Va., May 6, 1863. General Orders No. 49. The Major-General commanding tenders to the army his congratulations on its achievements of the last seven days. If it has not accomplished all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the army. It is sufficient to say they were of a character not to be foreseen or prevented by human sagacity or resource. In withdrawing from the south bank of the Rappahannock before delivering a general battle to our adversaries, the army has given renewed evidence of its confidence in itself and its fidelity to the principles it represents. In fighting at a disadvantage, we would have been recreant to our trust, to ourselves, our cause and our country. Proudly loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Army of the Potomac will give or decline battle whenever its interests or honor may demand. It will also be the guardian of its own history and its own fame. By our celerity and secrecy of movement our advance and passage of the rivers were undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a rebel ventured to follow. The events of the last week may swell with pride the heart of every officer and soldier of this army. We have added new luster to its former renown. We have made long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the enemy in his intrenchments, and whenever we have fought have inflicted heavier blows than we have received. We have taken from the enemy 5,000 prisoners, captured and brought off seven pieces of artillery, fifteen colors, placed hors de combat 18,000 of his chosen troops; destroyed his depots filled with vast amounts of stores; deranged his communications; captured prisoners within the fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with fear and consternation. We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave companions, and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the arbitrament of battle. By command of Major-General Hooker: Major-General Hooker. May 7, 1863. MY DEAR SIR: The recent movement of your army is ended without effecting its object, except some important breakings of the enemy's communication. What next? If possible, I would be very glad of another movement early enough to give us some benefit from the fact of the enemy's communication being broken; but neither for this reason nor any other do I wish anything done in desperation or rashness. An early movement would also help to supersede the bad moral effect of the recent one, which is said to be considerably injurious. Have you already in your mind a plan wholly or partially formed? If you have, prosecute it without interference from me. If you have not, please inform me, so that I, incompetent as I may be, can try and assist in the formation of some plan for the army. Yours, as ever, A. LINCOLN. Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, Major-General Hooker, May 7, 1863. Commanding Army of the Potomac. GENERAL: The reasons that prevented me from complying with your request with reference to your wounded no longer existing, I have the honor to inform you that you can extend to them such attentions as they may require. All persons whom it may be necessary to send within my lines for this purpose will remain until the wounded are finally disposed of. The burial of your dead has already been provided for. |