April 29, 1863 (Thursday): Lee Sets His Army In Motion

Early's Position at Fredericksburg (doc.south.unc.edu)

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 29, 1863-6.30 p.m.
Major General LAFAYETTE McLAWS, Commanding Division:
    GENERAL: A arranged to-day, I wish you to draw your troops out of Fredericksburg, leaving your sharpshooters, and take a position in the rifle-pits, so as to maintain the height back of the town, as in December. Extend your right to Deep Run, and the troops not necessary on the front hold in reserve to throw where they may be required.
    You should have all your men in position by daylight in the morning, with rations for the day.
Caution your officers to be vigilant and energetic; repair your line of defense when you may find it necessary, and pay every attention to the comfort of your men and the support of your horses.
     Communicate to General Jackson and General Anderson all movements of the enemy affecting them, and, if they ask for re-enforcements, furnish what you can. I have just hear that the enemy's cavalry, accompanied by infantry, had crossed at Germanna Ford (the Rapidan).
     I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,



     R. E. LEE,
     General.

P. S.-I have just heard that a regiment of cavalry crossed at Ely's Ford. We may be obliged to change our position in consequence of the enemy's having come in between us and General Stuart. Make your preparatory arrangements to-night to secure all your property. Leave no more sharpshooters on the river and in Fredericksburg than are absolutely necessary, so as to have as strong a force as possible to strengthen our left.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 29, 1863-6.45 p.m.
Major General R. H. ANDERSON, Commanding, &c.:
    GENERAL: I have just heard that a portion of the enemy's cavalry, accompanied by infantry, crossed the Rapidan at Germanna Ford about 1 o'clock. Draw in your brigade at United States Ford, and throw your left back so as to cover the road leading from Chancellorsville down the river, taking the strongest line you can, and holding it to the best advantage. I wish you to go forward yourself and attend to this matter.
     Let me know where communications will reach you, and inform me of the condition of things.
See if you can find where Colonel [J. L.] Davis' cavalry is, and collect all the mounted men you can in your front.
      See to the provisions and forage of your men, and animals.
      Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


      R. E. LEE,
      General.

P. S.-I have just heard that a regiment of cavalry crossed at Ely's Ford. We may be obliged to change our position in consequence of the enemy having come in between us and General Stuart. Make your preparatory arrangements to-night to secure all your property. Leave no more sharpshooters on the river than are absolutely necessary, so as to have as strong a force as possible to strengthen our left.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 25, Part 2, Pages 759-760.

Lee had already come to an understanding of where the threat was coming from (his left).  He would send Anderson to cover the road from Chancellorsville to the river, taking care to be sure Anderson knew he must personally attend to the placement of his troops.