May 9, 1863, Division commander Gen. Lafayette McLaws wrote his wife at home in Georgia.

“The battles are now over for the present, and I write you with freer breath. Let us be thankful my dear wife for the mercies shown us, on this as on many other occasions, God has given us the victory over our enemies once again, and driven them to their stronghold, and may they retire to their country and remain away from us for ever….

“The enemy are opposite us, but not so arrogant in their display. All things with us go on with the usual monotony, and routine, and before long I hope to see our army in as good condition and spirits as before the battles.”

The next day, Sunday, 17th Mississippi Private Robert A. Moore wrote in his diary, “Gen. Lee recommended that the souldiers of this army assemble to-day and return thanks to Almighty God for the victory given us over our enemies. The day has been observed by our brigade.”

Exchange of the wounded Union and Rebel prisoners also was going on, by arrangement between Gen. Hooker and Gen. Lee, according to Spartan Band diarist William H. Hill, when “one of the Yankees tried to desert to our lines by swimming the river. He had only got a short distance from the shore when he was discovered by one of their pickets and made to return. He was arrested by them and carried out of sight.”