I’ve always been fascinated by the story of the Lost Order. We may never know who lost it, or if it ever reached D. H. Hill. The courier was supposed to get a signature on the envelope and return it to Lee’s headquarters, but apparently the envelope was never signed for.
One theory is Stonewall Jackson made a copy for D.H. Hill, and Hill got that one. To me, it fits better because an officer on McClellan’s staff claimed to recognize the handwriting of Lee’s aide. Not getting a receipt, maybe Lee sent another courier to ask Hill if the order was received and Hill replies yes. It is the biggest mystery of the war.
One theory is Stonewall Jackson made a copy for D.H. Hill, and Hill got that one.
I think I read this theory in “Lee’s Lieutenants” by Douglas Southall Freeman. I highly recommend this three part series to any Civil War buff.