Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879) to Robert E. Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00536 Author/Creator: Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 14 May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written on Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery, following the Battle of Chancellorsville. Hooker, Union General commanding the Army of the Potomac writes to Lee, Commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. States "On learning yesterday afternoon through my Medical Officers who have returned from your lines, that permission would be given to throw a bridge across the river at the U. S. Ford to enable our ambulance trains to proceed to the hospitals in the vicinity of Chancellorsville for our wounded I at once gave directions to have the bridge laid at an early hour this morning." Attests that the bridge will not be used for any purpose other than to retrieve wounded soldiers. Confirms that when the wounded are removed, the bridge will be returned to the location from where it was taken. Docketed by Walter H. Taylor, Adjutant General of the Army of Northern Virginia and Lee's aide-de-camp. Taylor states "Was not this arranged by the Genl on yesterday?"
The Battle of Chancellorsville, fought 30 April- 6 May 1863, resulted in a Confederate victory.
May 14 1863
General R. E Lee
Comd'g Army of Northern Virginia
General
On learning yesterday afternoon through my Medical officers who have returned from your lines, that permission would be given to throw a bridge across the river at the U.S. Ford to enable our ambulance trains to proceed to the hospitals in the vicinity of Chancellorsville for our wounded I at once gave directions to have the bridge laid at an early hour this morning. I regret that I was not sooner informed that this facility would be offered. The bridge will be used for no other purpose than bringing away the wounded. And when this has been accomplished will be immediately removed and returned to the place from which it was taken.
I have the honor to be, General
[2] Very Respectfully
Your Obt servant
Joseph Hooker
Maj Genl Comd'g
[docket]
Head Qurs Army Potomac
May 14th 1863
___________________
Joseph Hooker
Major Gen'l Comdg
____________________
Relative to the arranged
bridge across the river
at U.S. ford for recovering
the wounded in hospital
near Chancellorsville
____________________
Rep: refer[r]ed to Surgn
Guild - Was not this
Arranged by the Genl
on yesterday?
W N Taylor AAG
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