THE GREAT REBELLION: The Potomac Crossed at Two Points by the National Troops; Repulse of the National Troops, and Death of Col. Baker; Fremont Positively to be Removed (10/22/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 10/22/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Monday, Oct. 21.

The following telegram from Gen. STONE's command has been received at headquarters here:

EDWARD's FERRY, Monday, Oct. 21.

This morning, at 1 o'clock, five companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts crossed the river at Harrison's Island. At daybreak, they had proceeded to within a mile and a half of Leesburgh without meeting the enemy. They still hold on, supported by the remainder of the regiment and part of the Twentieth.

A gallant reconnoissance was made early this morning, by Major MIX, of the Van Allan Cavalry, and Capt. STEWART, Assistant Adjutant-General, from Edward's Ferry towards Leesburgh, with thirty cavalry. They came on the Fourteenth Mississippi Regiment, received their fire at thirty yards, and returned it with their pistols, and fell back in order, bringing in one prisoner. We have possession of the Virginia side of Edward's Ferry.

Additional accounts say that up to 3 o'clock to-day Gen. STONE had held his own satisfactorily there, though his comparatively small force upon the island are engaged with some 4,000 of the enemy.

A subsequent dispatch, received late this afternoon, says Gen. EVANS (rebel) has four fieldpieces and three pieces masked, and about 4,000 men. A prisoner, who was taken, mentions that he has 4,000 rebel troops, and expects reinforcements.

Gen. STONE at that time believed he could occupy Leesburgh to-day, and hold it. The dispatch is dated Edward's Ferry.

WASHINGTON, Monday, Oct. 21.

Gen. STONE crossed the Potomac this morning with one portion of his command at Edward's Ferry, and the other at Harrison's Islands. Skirmishing began between the enemy in uncertain numbers, and part of Gen. STONE's command, as early as 9 o'clock in the morning, and continued without much effect until about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when large reinforcements of the enemy appeared upon our right,

[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/4005460/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Great Rebellion: The Potomac Crossed at Two Points by the National Troops – 2-4
Important from Missouri: Price Again Reported to be on the Retreat – 4
Important from the South – 5
Gen. McClellan and the Army of the Potomac – 5-6
Editorial: Threatening Signs in Missouri – 6
Editorial: The Removal of Gen. Fremont – 6-7
Editorial: Fidelity of the Navy – 7
Important from Kentucky – 7

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[SharpenedEdge]

The Battle of Balls Bluff....it was a Southern rout of Northern forces, and though relatively small in scale, had major repercussions. Bodies floated down the Potomac to Washington for weeks afterward.

Deo Vindice.

[BroJoeK]

"it was a Southern rout of Northern forces,"

Overall, as of "today" Confederates are winning the war.
Of 60 total engagements so far Confederates won 29, lost 24 with 7 inconclusive.
Of the 60, 22 were fought in Confederate states and of those Confederates won 12, lost 5, 5 more inconclusive.
The Union has not yet won a major battle in either Confederate or Union states.

Summary of Civil War Engagements as of Oct 21, 1861:
Engagements in Confederate states:

State	Union Victories	Confederate Victories	Inconclusive	Total Engagements
South Carolina	0	1	1	2
Virginia	3	10	4	17
North Carolina	1	0	0	1
Florida	1	0	0	1
Louisiana	0	1	0	1
Total Engagements in CSA	5	12	5	22

Engagements in Union states/territories:

State	Union Victories	Confederate Victories	Inconclusive	Total Engagements
Maryland	1	0	0	1
West Virginia	9	2	1	12
Missouri	8	9	1	18
New Mexico	0	5	0	5
Kentucky	1	1	0	1
Total Engagements in Union	19	17	2	38
Total Engagements to date	24	29	7	60

[cowboyusa]

Lincoln is doing a terrible job. Worst President ever.

[BroJoeK]

"Lincoln is doing a terrible job.
Worst President ever."

Well... Lincoln was the first Republican president ever.
That made him then (take your pick): the best, the worst, the most average Republican to serve.
He was also, at the same time: the tallest, the shortest, the kindest, the meanest, the smartest and the dumbest Republican -- think about it, he was the only one.

Lincoln was also only the third non-Democrat to be elected since John Adams in 1796 -- 64 years before -- and the other two were Whigs (Harrison & Taylor) who both died soon into their first terms.
Neither is known for any accomplishments.

Lincoln's accomplishments, now seven months into his first term, would include such things as mobilizing the US army & navy, defending Washington, DC, against Confederate invasion, helping keep Maryland, Kentucky & Missouri in the Union, defending West Virginia against Confederate invasions, striking down Gen. John C. Fremont's abolitionist dictates but, perhaps just as significantly: Lincoln signed the 1861 Confiscation Act freeing "Contraband of War".

Against those are several important defeats, notably in South Carolina, Virginia, Missouri & New Mexico.

So who knows, maybe as the war continues we'll start to see Union military victories and more legislation or proclamations going beyond that of the 1861 Confiscation act?