I am very much gratified at your having repulsed all efforts made by the enemy to cross the Rappahannock, and at the arrangements generally you have made. I hope you may yet be able to deal him a damaging blow, but request that you will not unnecessarily expose yourself or men.

I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

NARROWS, VIA DUBLIN, April 17, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Your telegram of 14th was received at Salt Sulphur Springs. I will make the move you direct as soon as I can provide the necessary transportation. I do not understand you as requiring me to give all of my troops. If that is the Secretary's intention, please inform me of it immediately.

I return to Dublin to-day.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 18, 1863.

Commanding Officer, Valley District:

SIR: I wish you to keep General J. E. B. Stuart informed of all movements of importance of the enemy in the Valley, while he is operating on your right flank. He is now near Culpeper Court-House.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,

General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, April 18, 1863.

Major General SAMUEL JONES,

Dublin Depot, Va.:

The following telegram just received:

JONESBOROUGH, April 18, 1863.

Courier from Moccasin Gap brings information that enemy, 2,500 strong [cavalry], were on Clinch River, 25 miles distant, on morning of 16th.

Not having made their appearance at Gap, fear they have gone to salt-works.

A. E. JACKSON,

Brigadier-General.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

DUBLIN, April 18, 1863.

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON:

Your telegram received. I received this morning the information it conveys of the presence of the enemy near Moccasin Gap, and am hurrying troops to the salt-works as rapidly as I can.