He was instructed, however, to advance at once on receiving notice that the army had crossed; and a dispatch was sent to him a little after one P.M.giving the information that our crossing had been successful.
The country was heavily wooded at all the points of crossing, particularly on the south side of the river.

The battle-field from the crossing of the Rapidan until the final movement from the Wilderness toward Spottsylvania was of the same character.

There were some clearings and small farms within what might be termed the battle-field; but generally the country was covered with a dense forest.

The roads were narrow and bad.

All the conditions were favorable for defensive operations.
There are two roads, good for that part of Virginia, running from Orange Court House to the battle-field.