OR, Series 1, Vol. 29, Part 2, Page 794

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

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