R. E. Lee, December 5, 1862

December &, 1862. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the commanding general, whose notice is respectfully called to the gallantry displayed by “See Lee to Stuart, p. 28. Major Pelham and the officers and men under his command. The brigade of Brig. Gen. W. H. F. Lee is doing gallant service on the Lower Rappahannock, and no opportunity to strike the enemy will be allowed to pass. J. K. E. B. STUART, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN Virginia, December 5, 1862. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector General for the information of the Department. Four gunboats of the enemy had been lying for several days opposite Port Royal, and I desired to drive them out of the river without drawing their fire upon the town. A distant point, therefore, had to be selected to dislodge them, on which account I fear the boats did not suffer as much as I intended they should.

R. E. LEE,