give or
decline battle whenever its interest or honor may demand. It will
also be the guardian of its own history and its own honor. By our
celerity and secrecy of movement our advance and passage of the
rivers were undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a rebel returned
to follow. The events of the last week may swell with pride the
hearts of every officer and soldier of this army. We have added new
laurels to its former renown. We have made long marches, crossed
rivers, surprised the enemy in his intrenchments, and whenever we
have fought we have inflicted heavier blows than we have received.

"We have taken from the enemy five thousand prisoners and fifteen
colors, captured and brought off seven pieces of artillery, and
placed _hors du combat_ eighteen thousand of his 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
death 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 arbitrament of battle.

"By command of

"(Signed) MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER.

"S. WILLIAMS, A.A.G."

To-day we have another official report from the Chief of Ordnance of the
fruits of our victory, as far as they have been gathered, though the
whole field has not been carefully gleaned, which I append as a
commentary on the statements of Hooker.

Five twelve-pounder Napoleons; 7 three-inch rifled guns; 1 Parrott gun,
ten-pounder; 9 caissons; 4 rear parts of caissons; 3 battery wagons; 2
forges; 1500 rounds artillery ammunition; large lot of artillery
harness; large lot of wheels, axles, ammunition chests, etc.; 16,500
muskets and rifles; 4000 cap pouches; 11,500 haversacks, and 300,000
rounds infantry ammunition. The report says thousand of our soldiers
helped themselves on the field to better arms, etc., which cannot be
computed.

Now for the prisoners. To-day the last lot taken by Hooker arrived by
flag of truce boat, making in all just 2700. We have already sent off
7000 prisoners taken from him, and 1000 are yet to go. Our killed,
wounded, and missing amount to but little over 8000. Hooker's killed and
wounded are admitted by the North