This change of commander was not on my suggestion.

All this news was very discouraging.

All of it must have been known by the enemy before it was by me.

In fact, the good news (for the enemy) must have been known to him at the moment I thought he was in despair, and his anguish had been already relieved when we were enjoying his supposed discomfiture, But this was no time for repining.

I immediately gave orders for a movement by the left flank, on towards Richmond, to commence on the night of the 19th.