May 9, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM RICHMOND.
OUR VICTORY ON THE RAPPHANNOCK COMPLETE.
TEN THOUSAND PRISONERS TAKEN, &C., &C., &C.
RICHMOND, May 7 – 10 p.m. – The following official despatch was received here tonight:
CHANCELLORSVILLE, MAY 7.
To his Excellency President Davis: After driving SEDGWICK across the Rappahannock on the night of the 4th, I returned on the 5th to Chancellorsville. The march was delayed by a storm which continued during the whole of the night following. In placing our troops in position on the morning of the 6th to attack HOOKER, I ascertained that he had abandoned his fortified position. A line of skirmishes pressed forward until they came within range of the enemy’s batteries planted north of the Rappahannock, which, from the configuration of the ground, completely commanded this side. His army therefore escaped with the loss of a few additional prisoners.
(Signed) R.E. LEE.
(The Latest)
RICHMOND, May 8. – All accounts from the lines of the Rappahannock represent our victory to have been a very decided one.
We have captured about ten thousand prisoners, many valuable horses and wagons, and a large quantity of ammunition and small arms.
The number of our wounded is large; but they are well cared for. Colonel GRIFFIN was not killed, but captured. It is reported that DANIEL E. SICKLES, the Yankee General, was killed.
The trains have resumed their regular trips between this city and Fredericksburg. Five trains arrived here last night, laden with the wounded. All is quiet at Fredericksburg. BARKSDALE is reoccupying the place, and the enemy is opposite, as before.
The storm in Spotsylvania county on Wednesday was the severest that has been felt there for twelve months past.