"It's the advantage given them by their great numbers and powerful artillery.

Ride back to General Stuart, Captain, and tell him that I thank him, and you, too, for your diligence." Sherburne, flushing deep with gratification, took off his cap and bowed.
But he knew too well to waste any time in words.
That night the Union army laid its pontoon bridges again across the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg and began to cross in great force.
Hooker, like Burnside four months before, was favored by thick fogs, but he met with practically no resistance.

At dawn a strong force under Sedgwick was across at Deep Run, and another as strong had made the passage at Kelly's Ford.
The advanced riflemen of Sedgwick were engaged in scattered firing with those of Jackson before the fog had yet lifted, but the main force had made no movement.

Dalton had been sent at dawn with a message telling Lee that Sedgwick was over the river.

Dalton, some time after his return, told Harry of his ride and reception.
"When I rode up," he said, "General Lee was in his tent.