sses 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 deliverance He has
wrought.

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

"Let us not forget in our rejoicing the brave soldiers who have
fallen in defense 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
its 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 to yourself
and the troops under your command for this addition to the
unprecedented series of great victories which your army has
achieved.

"'The universal rejoicing produced by this happy result will be
mingled with a general regret for the good and the brave who are
numbered among the killed and wounded.'

"R. E. LEE, _General_."

The losses on either side are not yet relatively ascertained. Ours, in
killed, wounded, and prisoners, will probably reach 10,000. We have
taken about 10,000 prisoners; the enemy's killed and wounded is thought
to be 15,000 to 20,000. We have taken about fifty guns--and it is said
40,000 small arms, in good order. They did not have leisure to destroy
them as on former occasions. It was a complete and stunning defeat.

Gen. Jackson remains near F