a little, but it will be terrible and the roads impassable. No cars
from Richmond yesterday. I fear our short rations for man and horse
will have to be curtailed. Our enemies have their troubles too. They
are very strong immediately in front, but have withdrawn their troops
above and below us back toward Acquia Creek. I owe Mr. F. J. Hooker
["Fighting Joe" was Hooker's most popular sobriquet in the Federal
army] no thanks for keeping me here. He ought to have made up his
mind long ago about what do to--24th. The cars have arrived and
brought me a young French officer, full of vivacity, and ardent for
service with me. I think the appearance of things will cool him. If
they do not, the night will, for he brought no blankets.

"R. E. Lee."

The dreary winter gradually passed away. Toward the last of April,
the two armies, which had been opposite each other for four months,
began to move, and, about the first of May, the greatest of Lee's
battles was fought. My command was on the extreme left, and, as Hooker
crossed the river, we followed a raiding party of the enemy's cavalry
over toward the James River above Richmond; so I did not see my father
at any time during the several day's fighting. The joy of our victory
at Chancellorsville was saddened by the death of "Stonewall" Jackson.
His loss was the heaviest blow the Army of Northern Virginia ever
sustained. To Jackson's note telling him he was wounded, my father
replied:

"I cannot express my regret at the occurance. Could I have directed
events, I should have chosen for the good of the country to have been
disabled in your stead. I congratulate you on the victory, which is
due to your skill and energy."