FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: Its Movement Prevented by the Heavy Rains; The Roads Impracticable for Heavy Artillery (1/24/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 1/24/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HEADQUARTERS, Friday, Jan. 23.

The tempestuous weather since Tuesday last, and the consequent impassable state of the roads, have rendered any advance of the Army of the Potomac beyond the Rappahannock a matter of utter impossibility. The same causes so delayed the transportation of the pontoons and heavy artillery to the designated points as to prevent a surprise of the enemy at the points designed to cross.

This afternoon the clouds broke away, and the influence of the sun is telling favorably upon the soil.

Several paymasters have already arrived, bringing joy to the soldiers and relief to their families at home. A delay in the payment of those actively employed may occur.

SPECIAL DISPATCH FROM WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, Friday, Jan. 23.

We are in possession of full details, from our correspondents with the Army of the Potomac, of the late proposed and partially executed movement against the enemy. It appears that the tremendous rains have so terribly affected the roads that it was utterly impossible to move artillery, even if the infantry could be got over -- added to which fact, the Quartermaster's Department, as usual, when any important movement is being executed, was behind with its supplies. The consequence is, that the order for an advance has been changed to one for retrograde, and it is possible that the Army of the Potomac has executed marches of advance and retreat, and are now again mostly in their old cantonments, nothing damaged by conflict with the rebels they had no opportunity to meet.

No blame falls on Gen. BURNSIDE, who, had his plans been followed, would have made the movement weeks ago.

[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/4125344/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From the Army of the Potomac: Its Movement Prevented by the Heavy Rains – 2
The Victory at Arkansas Post: Operations of the Gunboat Fleet – 2-3
From the Northwest: Hostile Movements among the Indians – 3-4
The Mississippi Expedition: The Capture of Arkansas Post, and What It Amounts To – 4
News from Washington: Important Documents Sent to Congress – 4-6
Editorial: Gen. Burnside’s Army – 6-7
Too Fast a General – 7

[rxh4n1]

From the Army of the Potomac: Its Movement Prevented by the Heavy Rains –

The infamous “Mud March”. The beginning of the end for Burnside as AotP commander. Sadly for the Union, he will go on to greater disasters in other commands.