Camp on Dry Run, Va[1]
Genl R. E. Lee
Genl
The pickets have pushed forward to within one mile of Hedgeville and so far there is no sign of the enemy I have delayed that Early might get into position. Since commencing this Col. Colston 2 Va has just come in from beyond Hedgeville. The enemy fell back at 12 last night having heard both of Early & Rodes advance.
I have pushed the Cavalry (Baker) in pursuit shall go to work today destroying the road. If you can let me move a day west & spend a short time (day or two) destroying the road. I will do them a good deal of harm. Without other orders I shall move towards Winchester tomorrow. I propose to put the cavalry (Baker & Imboden) here destroying the rode.
R. S. Ewell, Major General
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.309, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 October 30
[1] Likely written on 1863 July 21. On 1863 July 21, Robert E. Lee wrote from his headquarters in Hollingsworth Mills, south of Winchester, to John D. Imboden, stationed at Staunton, “The forces of Generals Mulligan, Kelley, and Averell were said to be in the neighborhood of Cherry Run and Back Creek, and General Ewell with his corps moved down last evening to attack them this morning, but they escaped from him during the night.” See War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol. 27, Part 3: Correspondence, Etc., p. 1032.
