These orders were also given in writing through Meade.
The object of this move was three-fold.

First, if successfully executed, and it was, he would annoy the enemy by cutting his line of supplies and telegraphic communications, and destroy or get for his own use supplies in store in the rear and coming up.

Second, he would draw the enemy's cavalry after him, and thus better protect our flanks, rear and trains than by remaining with the army.

Third, his absence would save the trains drawing his forage and other supplies from Fredericksburg, which had now become our base.

He started at daylight the next morning, and accomplished more than was expected.