FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: Important Dispatches and Correspondence from the Advance; Gen. McClellan in Possession of Snicker’s Gap (11/4/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 11/4/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

DISPATCH FROM GEN. MARCY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

WHEATLAND, NOV. 2 -- 8 P.M.

his Excellency the President.

I have just received a dispatch from Gen. MCCLELLAN, dated at Snicker's Gap, 6 P.M., stating that he has full possession of the gap. When Gen. HANCOCK arrived there it was held by the enemy's cavalry, who were at once driven out by a column of from five to six thousand infantry. The rebels advanced to retake it, but were dispersed by the fire of our rifled guns. The position is a strong one from either side. It is said that Gen. JACKSON and Gen. A.P. HILL are in the valley opposite.

Gen. PLEASANTON had driven the enemy's cavalry several miles beyond Union at 3 o'clock this afternoon, exploding one of their caissons, and capturing ten of their wounded-left behind.

A.B. MARCY, Chief of Staff.

HARPER's FERRY, Sunday, Nov. 2.

I left the advance at 2 P.M. To-day, near Uniontown, twenty-six miles off, driving the enemy in fine style.

The advance force under Gen. PLEASANTON broke camp on Friday morning at Purcellville, reaching Phillimont, six miles distant, at 12 o'clock, immediately after the enemy had left. All the citizens, twenty-six in number, were arrested -- those not taking the oath being held. Pickets were thrown out in all directions.

Three masked batteries were opened on a squadron of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, picketing toward that place. Our guns immediately got into position. Our own and the rebel cavalry dismounted, and fought on foot. The whole of the Eighth Regiment went to the support, and the fight became animated.

Our men held a position in the wood one hour and a half against a superior force of the enemy. We then fell back,

[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.

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From the Army of the Potomac: Important Dispatches and Correspondence from the Advance – 2-3
Important from the Southwest: The News of the Capture of Mobile Said to be Confirmed – 3
The Pirate Alabama: When She Was Last Seen – 3
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 3-4
Editorial: Which Side Do You Take? – 4
Fraudulent Voters – 4
Be Careful – 4