THE LATE SEAT OF WAR IN VIRGINIA: A Visit to the Potomac Batteries; Why Did Not McClellan Harass the Rebels (3/22/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 3/22/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

ON BOARD STEAMBOAT HUGH HASTINGS, Saturday, March 15, 1862.

An opportunity offering itself to reach Fortress Monroe by the way of the Potomac River, we gladly availed ourselves of the privilege. On board the boat we found that a fellow-correspondent and Professor LOWE, the celebrated aeronaut, were to be our traveling companions; we also learned from the Captain that the boat would stop at various landings on the Virginia and Maryland side. Thus a desire which we had long entertained was about to be gratified, viz.: an opportunity to thoroughly inspect those batteries which had blockaded the Potomac, and whose terrible power and enormous range had astonished our troops.

Passing the various encampments and fortifications which surround Washington and crown the prominences on the hills, we were soon opposite the city of Alexandria, the first landing-place of our troops on the soil of Virginia. The streets looked deserted, many of the stores, warehouses and private residences, by their closed shutters and padlocked doors, gave silent evidence of the proclivities of their owners. The Stars and Stripes waved above the public buildings, ever our loyal soldiers and over as rank traitors as the South produces, and yet who under its glorious folds are permitted to carry on their business in peace. Steaming away and down the river, just fifteen miles from Washington, we were abreast of Mount Vernon where the Captain kindly landed us.

We ascended the narrow path that led to the tomb. No vandal had disturbed the sacred repose of the remains. The cold marble sarcophagus of WASHINGTON and his partner were untouched and unprofaned by either rebel or Union picket. The burning hatred, the active animosity, and the terrible war thundering over the soil of Virginia had not disturbed the solitude reigning here.

[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

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Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4048446/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Battle Ground in Virginia, with the Line of the Potomac – 2
The Late Seat of War in Virginia: A visit to the Potomac Batteries – 3-5
The Advance of Gen. Banks: Retreat of Jackson from Winchester – 5
The War in New-Mexico – 5-6
The Rebel Rout at Pound Gap: The Locality of Gen. Garfield’s Victory – 8
News from Washington: The Suspension of Gen. Blenker from his Command – 9-10
Important from Tennessee: Concentration of Union Forces on the Southern Border – 10
Is Yancey Captured? His Reported Arrival at New-Orleans – 10
The Struggle on the Mississippi: Continuation of the Bombardment of Island No. 10 – 10
Editorial: Slavery in the District of Columbia – 10-11
Editorial: Large and Small Iron-Clad Ships – 11-12
The Affair at Pound Gap – 12
Editorial: Some of the Advantages Secured Us by the Rebellion – 12