Camp Stonewall Brig 
Nov 10th/63 
Dear Sister-- 
 You have no doubt before this heard of our retreat from the Rappahonnock across the Rapidan.  Just as I had finished my letter and mailed it the cannon commenced booming and we were soon ordered to reinforce Gen. Rodes at Kelly's Ford distant ten miles, so we started at dark marched very fast to Kelly's, formed our line of battle, and were all ready for the enemy, but a courier came galloping up, and ordered us back, so we again took up the line of march, and continued to march until daylight, reaching Culpepper C.H. just as day was breaking.  We again formed a line and fortified.  The enemy soon made their appearance on our left and right.  They immediately advanced on Gen. Hill on the left charging his breastworks, but were handsomely repulsed with considerable loss.  Night coming on we started again, cautiously withdrawing from the enemies front and marched until nearly day when we lay down to get a few hours sleep.  As soon as it was day we forded the Rapidan and reached our breastworks here last evening. 
 
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 There were only two brigades at the river, Hoke's and Hays', who were posted at the Rappahannock.  The greater part of these brigades were captured, though the enemy lost very heavily, as they were compelled to advance across a plot about a mile and a half before reaching the works and were exposed to the fire of our batteries all the time which mowed great furrows through their line but they were soon reinforced and continued to advance until they got within 50 yards of the works when our men ran and fired, the first column staggered and is reported surrendered, but another line coming up and the ammunition of our batteries being out our men were compelled to surrender. 
 Whether Meade will continue to advance I cannot say but if he does we are prepared for him and will give him a warm reception, but I hardly think he will advance as we are well fortified and have a splendid position.  I think though that active operations are not over but do not know what the next move will be. 
 We are now at our old camp on the Rapidan.  Some of the men are again putting up huts, but I will wait awhile and see if we will move.  Give my best respects to the Miss Laynes' if you have condescended to go to see them. 
Good bye   A.T.B.