NEWS FROM WASHINGTON: False Reports of Battles Near the Potomac; The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to be Opened Soon (3/1/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 3/1/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Friday, Feb. 28.

There is authority for stating, in reply to inquiries from distant points, that no battles have been recently fought in the neighborhood of the Potomac. If any had been fought reliable information would have been given by telegraph. The public are cautioned against false reports of battles, defeats, &c., put into circulation by stock speculators and designing individuals. Whenever there is any news of importance to the public on any matter relating to the war, it will be forwarded in an authentic form at the earliest possible moment.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company have commenced the reconstruction of their bridges at Harper's Ferry. They expect to have their line in operation, through to Wheeling, in twenty days Mr. STANTON promised the Company, at the late Railroad Convention, military protection in the prosecution of their work.

The earth has become so much dried that clouds of dust fill the air in Washington. A cold high wind is prevailing.

Immense numbers of persons have left Washington for the North by railroad within the past few days. Night before last there were hundreds at the depot who could not get room in the cars. It is possible that the rumors of fighting on the Upper Potomac, which were unfounded, caused the stampede.

In order to correct erroneous statements, it is proper to say:

First -- That permits or licenses for trade in the blockaded ports have not been granted; the only permits are those granted on the recommendation of the War Department for supplies like sutlers' stores to the troops occupying military positions in the Southern States. This correction is made at the instance of a friendly foreign Minister, who thinks the current statements likely to mislead European merchants and their Governments.

[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/4042251/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

News from Washington: False Reports of Battles Near the Potomac – 2
Gen. Halleck and the Poisoners – 2
The Ericsson Battery – 2
Important Rebel Manifesto: Another Message of Jeff. Davis to the Rebel Congress – 2-3
Our Army in Nashville: How the Rebels Evacuated the Place – 3
Highly Important: The Rebels at Murfreesboro Surrounded by Gen. Buell – 3
The Campaign in the West: The Columbus Mystery – 4
The Evacuation of Columbus: The Rebels Fallen Back to Island No. 10, Forty-five Miles Below – 4
Evacuation of the Last Rebel Stronghold in Kentucky – 5
Editorial: The Rebel Forces in Virginia – 5
The Annual Message of Jeff. Davis – 5
Medals for the Hawkins Zouaves – 5
Amusements – 5

[BroJoeK]

"Important Rebel Manifesto: Another Message of Jeff. Davis to the Rebel Congress – 2-3"

With some notable recent exceptions, Confederate armies have done reasonably well, in general winning as much as they lost.
To date more battles were fought in Union states & territories than in the Confederacy, and of those Confederates won nearly as many as they lost.
In New Mexico & Oklahoma for examples, Confederates are as yet undefeated.

Also in Virginia Confederates beat back every Union advance.
In other states they've not done so well, including West Virginia, Kentucky & Missouri.
And recent important western victories by Union Gen's Thomas & Grant bode ill for the future.

Still Jefferson Davis seems to understand his situation is difficult, if not yet impossible.