[Telegram] Translation of Despatch. Fredksbgs Hd Qrs [c. 30 April 1863] 12 o’clock
Learning, yesterday afternoon, that the enemy’s right wing had crossed the Rapidan, and its head had reached the position assumed on our extreme left to arrest their progress, I determined to hold our lines in rear of Fredericksburg with part of the force and endeavor with the rest to drive the enemy back to the Rapidan. Troops were put in motion last night and will soon be in position
I hear nothing of the expected reinforcements.
(Signed) R. E. Lee Genl
[Endorsed] Official Jas. Carey, Lt. Genl Lee Hd Qrs Fredericksburg 12 o’clock.
W. J. De Renne CollectionWormsloe, Chatham County, Georgia (1914)
Printed in Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee’s Dispatches, Dispatch No. 45.