April 11, 1863 (Saturday): Hooker Gives Lincoln His Plan

Pleasanton (R) and Custer (L) near Falmouth, Virginia

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,
April 11, 1863.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
    After giving the subject my best reflection, I have concluded that I will have more chance of inflicting a heavier blow upon the enemy by turning his position to my right, and, if practicable, to sever his connections with Richmond with my dragoon force and such light batteries as it may be deemed advisable to send with them. I am apprehensive that he will retire from before me the moment I should succeed in crossing the river, and over the shortest line to Richmond, and thus escape being seriously crippled. I hope that when the cavalry have established themselves on the line between him and Richmond, they will be able to hold him and check his retreat until I can fall on his rear, or, if not that, I will compel him to fall back by the way of Culpeper and Gordonsville, over a longer line than my own, with his supplies cut off. The cavalry will probably cross the river above the Rappahannock Bridge, thence to Culpeper and Gordonsville and across to the Aquia Railroad, somewhere in the vicinity of Hanover Court-House. They will probably have a fight in the vicinity of Culpeper, but not one that should cause them much delay or embarrassment. I have given directions for the cavalry to be in readiness to commence the movement on Monday morning next. While the cavalry are moving, I shall threaten the passage of the river at various points, and, after they have passed well to the enemy's rear, shall endeavor to effect the crossing. I hope, Mr. President, that this plan will receive your approval. It will obviate the necessity of detaching a force from Washington in the direction of Warrenton, while I think it will enhance my chances for inflicting a heavy blow upon the enemy's forces.
We have no news from over the river to-day, the enemy refusing to let us have the newspapers. I sincerely trust that you reached home safely and in good time yesterday. We all look back to your visit with great satisfaction.
     Very respectfully, &c.,


     JOSEPH HOOKER,
     Major-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I. Vol. 25, Part 2, Pages 199-200.

Hooker here lays out a central part of his plan, the employment of Pleasanton's Cavalry to gain the rear of Lee's army and fix him in his retreat back toward Hanover until the Army of Potomac could bring its superior numbers to bear.  In this context the relatively minor battle at Kelly's Ford assumes greater significance in that it validated the ability of the Union horse soldiers to not only hold their ground against Stuart's cavalry but to be able to make raids into Confederate territory and disrupt supply lines and harass the enemy.