Recd at Richmond May 7, 1863. By telegraph from Fredericksburg 7
To His Ex Prest Davis
After driving Genl Sedgwick across the Rappahannock on the night of the fourth (4) inst I returned on the 5th to Chancellorsville with the divisions of Genls McLaws and Anderson. Their march was delayed by a storm which continued all night and the following day. In placing the troops in position on the morning of the sixth (6) to attack Genl Hooker It was ascertained he had abandoned his fortified position The line of skirmishes was pressed forward until they came within range of the enemys batteries planted north of the Rappahannock which from the configuration of the ground completely commanded this side. His army therefore escaped with the loss of a few additional prisoners
R. E. Lee Genl
W. J. De Renne CollectionWormsloe, Chatham County, Georgia (1914)
Printed in Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee’s Dispatches, Dispatch No. 47.