Camp at Orange Court-House
October 3, 1863
His Excellency Jefferson Davis,
President Confederate States, Richmond, Va.:
Mr. President: A dispatch from Major Gilmore, in the valley, last night states that the re-enforcements for Rosecrans have all passed over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The force, composed of Slocum's and Howard's corps, under General Hooker, was estimated at between 20,000 and 25,000 men. He states he made several attempts to break the railroad, but could accomplish nothing. I do not expect that Imboden has been more successful in his efforts farther west. Unless more than two corps have been forwarded to General Rosecrans' army, the estimate of their strength is, in my opinion, too great, and they will probably not exceed 12,000. They are considered two of the smallest and most indifferent corps.
A small detachment of General R. D. Johnston's North Carolina brigade crossed the Rapidan on the night of the 1st and attacked a cavalry picket of the enemy. Lieut. P. Durham, commanding the detachment, returned with 1 prisoner, 8 horses, 9 saddles and bridles, 4 sabers, and 4 pistols. He left 1 of the enemy killed, 1 wounded, and 2 horses killed.
The army has not been paid for some months, and it is reported that the company officers find difficulty in subsisting themselves. All the estimates, excepting for the cavalry, forwarded some weeks since. If it is possible, I should like to have the men paid regularly.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant.
R E Lee,
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 29, Part 2, p. 769
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 April 13
