colors, captured seven pieces of artillery, and placed _hors de
combat_ eighteen thousand of our foe's chosen troops.

We have destroyed his depots filled with vast amounts of stores,
damaged his communications, captured prisoners within the
fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with fear
and consternation.

We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave
companions, and in this we are consoled by the conviction that
they have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the
arbitration of battle.

By command of Major-General HOOKER:

S. WILLIAMS, _Assistant Adjutant-General_

General Lee's order was as follows:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

_May_ 7,1863.

With heart-felt gratification, the general commanding expresses to
the army his sense of the heroic conduct displayed by officers and
men during the arduous operations in which they have just been
engaged.

Under trying vicissitudes of heat and storm you attacked the
enemy, strongly intrenched in the depths of a tangled wilderness,
and again on the hills of Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant,
and by the valor that has triumphed on so many fields forced him
once more to seek safety beyond the Rappahannock. While this
glorious victory entitles you to the praise and gratitude of the
nation, we are especially called upon to return our grateful
thanks to the only Giver of victory, for the signal deliverances
He has wrought.

It is therefore earnestly recommended that the troops unite on
Sunday next in ascribing unto the Lord of hosts the glory due unto
His name.

Let us not forget, in our rejoicing, the brave soldiers who have
fallen in defence of their country; and, while we mourn their
loss, let us resolve to emulate their noble example.

The army and the country alike lament the absence for a time of
one to whose bravery, energy, and skill, they are so much indebted
for success.

The following letter from the President of the Confederate States
is communicated to the army, as an expression of his appreciation
of their success:

"I have received your dispatch, and reverently unite with you in
giving praise to God for the success with which He has crowned our
arms. In the name of the people I offer my cordial thanks, and the
troops under