n, and swung them into position as a
giant might fling a mighty stone." To General Hooker's threat to crush
him, he had responded by crushing General Hooker; nearly surrounded by
the huge cordon of the Federal army, he had cut the cordon and emerged
in safety. General Hooker with his one hundred thousand men had
retreated to the north bank of the Rappahannock, and, on the south
bank, Lee with his thirty thousand remained erect, threatening, and
triumphant.

We have not presented in these pages the orders of Lee, on various
occasions, as these papers are for the most part of an "official"
character, and not of great interest to the general reader. We shall,
however, occasionally present these documents, and here lay before the
reader the orders of both General Hooker and General Lee, after the
battle of Chancellorsville, giving precedence to the former. The order
of the Federal commander was as follows:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, _May_ 6,1863.

The major-general commanding tenders to this army his
congratulations on its achievements of the last seven days. If it
has not accomplished all that was expected, the reasons are
well known to the army. It is sufficient to say, they were of a
character not to be foreseen or prevented by human sagacity or
resources.

In withdrawing from the south bank of the Rappahannock, before
delivering a general battle to our adversaries, the army has given
renewed evidence in its confidence in itself, and its fidelity to
the principles it represents.

By fighting at a disadvantage, we would have been recreant to our
trust, to ourselves, to our cause, and to our country. Profoundly
loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Army of the Potomac will
give or decline battle whenever its interests or honor may command
it.

By the celerity and secrecy of our movements, our advance and
passage of the river were undisputed, and on our withdrawal not
a rebel dared to follow us. The events of the last week may well
cause the heart of every officer and soldier of the army to swell
with pride.

We have added new laurels to our former renown. We have made long
marches, crossed rivers, surprised the enemy in his intrenchments,
and, whenever we have fought, we have inflicted heavier blows than
those we have received.

We have taken from the enemy five thousand prisoners, and fifteen