Head Qrs Dept Nn. Va
5 ½ P. M. 16 November 1862
General
I have heard nothing of any movements of the enemy to day. Gen Jackson in answer to my dispatch to send through the mountains to ascertain, telegraphs that Capt Gibson of the 6th Va cav., scouting towards Markham, says the enemy has fallen back four miles from Warrenton. Col Ball telegraphs from Fredericksburg that he can learn of an movement in that direction. Genl W. H. F. Lee who I directed to be on the alert, has sent no message. Genl Stuart has just come in & reports that his scouts have just returned from the north side of the Rappahannock, and states that there is no movement of the enemy except back upon the railroad. This agrees with the report of Capt Gibson.
I am most respy
Yr oby svt
R E Lee
Genl
Lt Gen J Longstreet
Source: Cutts-Madison Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 February 25