This morning early the tocsin sounded, and the din,
kept up for several hours, intensified the alarm. The presence of the enemy
would not have produced a greater effect. But, in truth, the enemy were almost
in sight of the city. Hon. James Lyons told me they were within a mile and a half
of his house, which is about that distance from the city. Thousands of men,
mostly old men and employees of the government, were instantly organized and
marched to the batteries.
But the alarm subsided about 10 A.M. upon information being
received that the enemy were flying before Gen. Wise down the Peninsula.
After this the following dispatch was received from Gen.
Lee:
“milford, May 3d, 1863.
“president
Davis.
“Yesterday Gen. Jackson, with three of his
divisions, penetrated to the rear of the enemy, and drove him from all his
positions, from the Wilderness to within one mile of Chancellorville. He was
engaged at the same time, in front, by two of Longstreet's divisions.
This morning the battle was renewed. He
was dislodged from all his positions around Chancellorville, and driven back
toward the Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating.
"Many prisoners were taken, and
the enemy's loss, in killed and wounded, large.
"We have again to thank Almighty
God for a great victory.
"I regret to state that Gen.
Paxton was killed. Gen. Jackson severely, and Generals Heth and A. P. Hill
slightly, wounded.
“R.
E. Lee, General.”
Enough is known to raise the spirits of all. Gen. Lee gives
thanks to God “for a great victory;” and he never misleads, never exaggerates.
My son Custis got a musket and marched in one of the
companies — I have not learned which — for the defense of the city. It is a sultry
day, and he will suffer.
The President was driven out in a light open carriage after
the reception of Gen. Lee's dispatch, and exhibited the finest spirits. He was
even diverted at the zeal of the old men and boys marching out with heavy
muskets to the batteries.
Brig.-Gen. Pryor, who has been under arrest (I know not for
what offense), volunteered in a company of horse, and galloped away with the
rest in pursuit of the enemy.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 307-8
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