THE GREAT REBELLION: Further Evidence of the Retreat of the Enemy; IMPORTANT FROM HARPER’S FERRY; Renewal of the Fighting at Bolivar (10/19/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 10/19/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Friday, Oct. 18.

I telegraphed you yesterday that the rebels had sent away their sick and disabled and baggage from Leesburgh, and that the six regiments yet encamped there were preparing to retire. Information is received to-day that the entire force has been withdrawn, even to the scouts and pickets. Last night their pickets were withdrawn from Vienna, and also from in front of Fairfax Court-house. To-day Gen. WADSWORTH was within a mile of the Court-house and in plain sight. He could see a few companies of infantry and cavalry drawn up in line, but not a large force. Persons living in that vicinity assured the officers that the rebels were evidently withdrawing from there.

A balloon reconnoissance was made this afternoon, the balloon going up from Cloud's Mills, and coming down near Hunter's Chapel. It reached an altitude of about two miles, giving an extended view of the country. Nothing could be seen of the rebels anywhere this side of Fairfax, and but few traces of them there.

All these facts go conclusively to show that the rebels have swung around their line so that it now runs nearly at right angles with the Potomac, instead of parallel to it as heretofore, and that their old base at Manassas becomes untenable. A force starting from Harper's Ferry through Winchester, and coming through Manassas Gap, would come upon their rear if they still remained at the Junction. It is the fear of this that swings them away from their old stronghold' and makes them take Aquia Creek and the Potomac for their right, the Rappahannock for their front, and the Blue Ridge Mountain, east of the two gaps, for their left -- the Potomac on the one side, and the Blue Ridge on the other

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4004594/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

1

2

3

4

5

6

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Great Rebellion: Further Evidence of the Retreat of the Enemy – 2-3
Important from Harper’s Ferry: Reappearance of the Rebels at Bolivar and Renewal of the Fight – 3
Reinforcements for Kentucky – 3
Important from Missouri: Impending Battle Between Fremont and Price – 3
The Pacific Telegraph Line: The First Message from Great Salt Lake City – 3-4
Editorial: The Rebel Change of Front – 4
Editorial: The Blockade of Charleston – 4-5
The Sea-Chase after the Fugitive Plenipotentiaries – 5
Editorial: The Affair Below New-Orleans – 5
A Commonplace Miracle – 6
A Contradictory Report – 6
Reinforcements for Gen. Ward – 6
The Merchant Marine – 6
The Revenue Service – 6

[BroJoeK]

"Important from Harper’s Ferry: Reappearance of the Rebels at Bolivar and Renewal of the Fight – 3
Reinforcements for Kentucky – 3
Important from Missouri: Impending Battle Between Fremont and Price – 3"

I suspect all three states -- western Virginia, Kentucky & Missouri -- will see battles... soon.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Northern Virginia will see an important engagement in a couple days as well.