Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, September 13, 1863.
A few days ago some
scouts I had sent across the river returned and reported that Lee's army was
moving back to Richmond. They asserted positively that that portion near
Fredericksburg had actually gone. I did not and do not much rely on their
story, though I could not doubt but that a portion of his force had been sent
away for some purpose either to re-inforce Beauregard at Charleston or Bragg in
the South West.
It was necessary,
however, that I should make some effort to ascertain what was going on, so
to-day I sent Pleasanton, with all the cavalry, supported by Warren's Corps
(Second), to see what they could find out. Pleasanton crossed the river early,
and immediately was engaged with the enemy's cavalry, and has been fighting
them all day. The result is that we have driven them from Culpeper Court House,
and three miles beyond, have captured three guns and over fifty prisoners, and
Warren is now in Culpeper, some nine miles in front of the Rappahannock. Still
the great question as to whether Lee is withdrawing is unsettled, though
Pleasanton sends word that all the information that he is able to pick up goes
to support the rumor that he is falling back. Should it prove true, I suppose
some movement on my part will be necessary; but what, I can't say, as with my
limited force I don't see how I can advance much farther, and there is no
probability of their permitting me to go to the James River, as it uncovers
Washington.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 148-9
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