Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
July 12, 1863--9 p.m.
Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart:
General: Your letter of 7.35 received. I this afternoon sent you a letter requesting you to have your cavalry in hand on our left, to prevent any attempt of the enemy on that quarter, and, should an opportunity occur, to advance upon the enemy's right and rear with your horse artillery, to shake him in his position or attack. Should we be fortunate enough to break him, you will then have an opportunity to pursue. I understood Fitz. Lee to say that General Longstreet said he only wanted a few vedettes from his brigade, and, in that event, you had better have him with you. I shall write to General Longstreet, if his brigade can be of service there, and has no joined you, to order it accordingly.
Keep your eye over the field, use your good judgment, and give assistance where necessary.
I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 27, Part 3, p. 998
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 July 12
