Unknown, April 19, 1862

Seven miles from Fredericksburg, on Telegraph Road, April 19, 1862—6 a. m. GENERAL: I reached this point with my brigade yesterday about neon. A very sharp skirmish occurred about 4 a. m. between the enemy’s vav- alry and some of my infantry, with complete success on our part. The enemy appearing to be advancing in force, I fell back across the river, burned all the bridges, and retired from the town. As far as accurately ascertained about one brigade is the estimated force, but it is thought that symptoms, such as fires in the interior, indicate more. A prisoner taken (mortally wounded and died in a few hours) made a statement confirming this, though another one gave accounts of much larger force. My future movements will now depend upon yours. I hope through scouts and other means to get more accurate information in the course of the day. If you carry out the plan of joining General Jackson, the probability is that I shall soon have to fall still farther back. If not, and you propose any other movement, I will co-operate in anything you suggest. Please inform me speedily what your course will be. I am, general, General EWELL.

HEADQUARTERS, _