May 3, 1863—3 a.m.
General J. E. B. Stuart:
General: It is necessary that the glorious victory thus far achieved be prosecuted with the utmost vigor, and the enemy given no time to rally. As soon, therefore, as it is possible, they must be pressed, so that we can unite the two wings of the army.
Endeavor, therefore, to dispossess them of Chancellorsville, which will permit the union of the whole army.
I shall myself proceed to join you as soon as I can make arrangements on this side, but let nothing delay the completion of the plan of driving the enemy from his rear and from his positions.
I shall give orders that every effort be made on this side at daylight to aid in the junction.
Very respectfully,
R E Lee
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 25, Part 2, p. 769
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 May 3
