here are those of a person who permits nothing to disturb his serenity, and indulges his gentler and tenderer feelings even in the hot atmosphere of a great conflict.  The picture presented is surely an interesting and beautiful one.  The human being who uttered the good-natured criticism at the expense of the “lazy young fellows,” and who greeted the news of Jackson’s misfortune with a sigh as tender as that of a woman, was the soldier who had “seized the masses of his force with the grasp of a Titan, 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
    colors, captured seven pieces of artillery, and placed hors de
    combat eighteen thousand of our foe’s chosen troops.