CAMP RAPIDAN, December
4, 1863.
You will probably have seen that General Meade has retired
to his old positions on the Rappahannock without giving us battle. I had
expected, from his movements and all that I had heard, that it was his
intention to do so, and after the first day, when I thought it necessary to
skirmish pretty sharply with him on both flanks to ascertain his views, I
waited patiently his attack. On Tuesday, however, I thought he had changed his
mind, and that night made preparations to move around his left next morning and
attack him. But when day dawned he was nowhere to be seen. He had commenced to
withdraw at dark Tuesday evening. We pursued to the Rapidan, but he was over.
Owing to the nature of the ground, it was to our advantage to receive rather
than to make the attack, and as he about doubled us in numbers, I wished to
have that advantage. I am greatly disappointed at his getting off with so
little damage, but we do not know what is best for us. I believe a kind God has
ordered all things for our good.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 296
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