Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Jefferson Davis

Hd. Qrs. Army N. Va.
10th Nov 1863
His Excy President Davis,
Richmond Va.
Mr. President,
I have seen with pleasure the announcement of your return to Richmond after a journey which I hope has proved as beneficial to yourself as I am persuaded it has been to the country.
After my letter written from Bristoe station, in pursuance of the purpose therein indicated, the army returned to the line of the Rappahannock, having destroyed the Orange and Alexandria railroad from Cub Run to the river. The enemy immediately began to repair the railroad, advancing his Army as the work progressed until he reached Warrenton Junction, where he halted for a short time. His movement from that point towards Rappahannock station and Kelly's ford was subsequently reported. With the view of the deterring him if possible from advancing further into the interior this winter, I caused the works he had constructed on the north side of the [inserted: river] [struck: railroad] near the bridge, to be converted into a tele-de-pont to defend a pontoon bridge which we had laid down at this point, constructing at the same time lines of rifle pits on each side of the stream. [2] Four pieces of artillery were placed in the redoubt on the north bank and eight others in a similar work on the south side, the rest have been sent to further back to obtain pasturage for the animals. Hay's brigade was in the rifle pits on the north side of the river, and upon learning of the approach of the enemy on Saturday 7th inst; Hoke's with the exception of one regiment previously detached, was ordered to reinforce it. The rest of Early's division was brought down to occupy the south bank east of the railroad, and Anderson's the line of hills along the river on the same side, west of the road. Rode's division was stationed at Kelly's ford. The enemy began a demonstration with two Corps at the latter place, where he affected a passage, the ground being unfavorable for us, much resembling the country at Fredericksburg. A line was selected however further back, on which it had been supposed that we would be able to check his advancing in that direction. In the afternoon the enemy's artillery opened upon our lines and the bridge, and a force estimated at three Army Corps was deployed in our front, massing behind a range of hills parallel to the river, and out of reach of our guns. After dark this force advanced and succeeded in overcoming the troops that held the rifle pits, and captured the four pieces of artillery in the redoubt on that side. I have called for an official report of the affair which [3] I will forward to you as soon as received. I am unable at this time to give further particulars. Gen. Hays with some of his officers and about six hundred men escaped. Finding that we would not be able to maintain our position with the enemy in possession of the works on the north side, the troops were withdrawn at night to the only tenable lines north of Culpeper, between the place and Brandy Station, which they continue to hold without molestation during Sunday, the trains having been sent back towards the Rapidan. The position was not however a good one, and I accordingly withdrew on Sunday night to the South bank of the Rapidan, where a general battle can be delivered on more favorable terms. The enemy now occupies about the same positions as before the recent advance.
I have the honor to be
With great respect
Your obt. Servt.
R E Lee
Genl