THE RAID OF THE REBELS: Mysterious Disappearance of the Stragglers from Pennsylvania; WHO IS TO BLAME? (10/15/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 10/15/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HANOVER JUNCTION, Pa., Tuesday, Oct. 14.

A special reconnoissance made by the regular cavalry last evening, demonstrated the fact that the party of rebel cavalry marauding near Cashtown, have disappeared and gone in the direction of Mercersburgh. By this time they are probably out of the State.

A new regiment went up to Cashtown last evening, but they will find no enemy. There is now entire quiet.

WHAT IS SAID AT HEADQUARTERS.

HEADQUARTERS, PLEASANT VALLEY,

MONDAY EVENING, Oct. 13.

The news of the success of STUART's cavalry raid into Pennsylvania and in the rear of this army has occasioned no unnecessary excitement among the troops.

When it is taken into consideration that the river is made fordable by a low stage of water at so many points, and that the Army of the Potomac has a line of pickets, extending from Cumberland to Washington, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, it makes it an easy matter for a large rebel force of cavalry to penetrate it.

The moment the fact that the rebels crossed the river at McCoy's Ferry became known, every exertion was made to prevent their escape which was deemed necessary.

Orders were sent to the different commanders to move and occupy the positions assigned them. Unfortunately, at this particular time a majority of the cavalry force was absent on important duty, at too great a distance to be of any use in following STUART.

On an occasion of this kind infantry, not being able to make a lengthy march, are of no practical use, except in guarding fords-near at hand.

When STUART crossed at McCoy's Ferry he had fresh horses, they having been sent to that point in advance. His movements after crossing the Potomac were rapid.

[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/4100503/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Raid of the Rebels: Mysterious Disappearance of the Stragglers from Pennsylvania – 2-3
Curious Disclosures: Beauregard’s Plans for the Campaign in Kentucky – 3
The War in Kentucky: The Rebels Still Retreating and Gen. Buell Pursuing – 3-4
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 4
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad – 4
Beauregard’s Letters – 5
A Warlike Quaker – 5

[Carriage Hill]

Ping.

[deport]

Help if you can

[lightman]

Pennsylvania Ping!

Please ping me with articles of interest.

FReepmail me to be added to the list.

[BroJoeK]

"The War in Kentucky: The Rebels Still Retreating and Gen. Buell Pursuing – 3-4"

Buell's victory at Perryville was unconvincing and his pursuit of CSA Gens. Bragg & Smith halfhearted.
Both Union and Confederate generals' reputations will be tarnished by the battle -- the Union army will be reorganized and Buell eventually forced to resign; CSA Gen. Bragg will have to answer to Jefferson Davis and then keep his job for another year before being relieved of command, after Chattanooga.

Some historians consider Antietam and Perryville as markers of the war's great turning point.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Some historians consider Antietam and Perryville as markers of the war's great turning point.

Shelby Foote thought enough of Perryville to make it the finale of volume 1 of his narrative. Bruce Catton thought the same of Antietam, but barely noticed Perryville.

[BroJoeK]

"The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad – 4"

Did you notice our editors' description of Stuart's raid into Pennsylvania?

"...opportunity has thus been afforded Gen. STUART to accomplish one of the most brilliant and effective dashes which has ever been executed -- thus again reviving the depressed condition of the Confederates, and creating the greatest annoyance and mortification to the loyal people of the North."

After major defeats at Antietam and Perryville, Confederates can console themselves with Stuart's "most brilliant and effective dash...".

Seems a little odd to be heaping such praise on an action which, so far as I can tell, had no serious strategic value... ?

[painter]

This past Wednesday and Thursday the wife and I were at Gettysburg.

It was very sobering to see the battle field knowing what happened there.

[rxh4n1]

Seems a little odd to be heaping such praise on an action which, so far as I can tell, had no serious strategic value... ?

It hurt the South if it caused McClellan’s removal.

[rxh4n1]

In the classifieds, the Parisian Cabinet of Wonders. What was up with the gentlemen only rule?

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Anatomy, man, anatomy. We can’t have the ladies viewing anatomy, can we?

[BroJoeK]

"It hurt the South if it caused McClellan’s removal."

And there it is! Thanks.

By heaping praise on Stuart, our editors are not-so-subtly condemning the Union commander, McClellan.

Would we call that a "bank-shot"? ;-)

[rxh4n1]

Anatomy, man, anatomy. We can’t have the ladies viewing anatomy, can we?

Racy daguerreotypes from Paris? Where the girls show ankles?

[x]

It might just have been a freak show, but it's hard to say now.

General Beauregard done been cogitatin' mighty hard.