THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: The Second Attempt to Gain Possession of the South Bank of the Rappahannock; THE REASONS FOR ITS FAILURE (1/26/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 1/26/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, Friday, Jan. 23, 1863.

The second attempt on the part of the Army of the Potomac to obtain possession of the southern bank of the Rappahannock as a base of operations against Richmond has been foiled. There is this difference in the two attempts, however, that in that made six weeks ago we were able to force the passage of the river: this time we have not been able to effect this even. What the deadly aim of the rebel sharpshooters and the murderous fire of a hundred cannon were unable to effect, the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" have done. The heroic courage of our troops was able to overcome all that the enemy could do; but was helpless in a war with the principalities and powers of the air. The army, after lying embargoed two days in the mud, is to-day seeking to make its way back to its old camps, though it must be a week before all our materiel can be restored to its former place.

It is not the first time that great armies have been estopped, great military enterprises brought to naught by untoward fortune of wind, weather or roads. Waterloo, it is recorded, was lost by a rainstorm. A Russian Winter ruined the great invasion expedition of modern times. The stars in their courses fought against Sisera, and the kindred elements have often

_____ "Marred

Alike Armada's pride, or sports of Trafalgar."

The present failure, however, is not the less deplorable and damaging. And all the more so that there was a good prospect the enterprise would have been successful. If the weather had continued favorable we should have succeeded last Wednesday morning in successfully laying the pontoons some miles above Falmouth.

[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/4125867/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Army of the Potomac: The Second Attempt to Gain Possession of the South Bank of the Rappahannock – 2-4
The Battle of Springfield, Mo.: The Place and Its Defences – 4-5
Important from Nashville: Several Divisions of Our Army Advanced Beyond Murfreesboro – 5-6
Affairs on the Mississippi: An Arrival at Cairo From Memphis – 6-7
Second Edition: Resignation of Major-Gen. Burnside – 7
Important from Washington: A Conference of Prominent Officials at the White House – 7-8
Sailors, Craftsmen, and Laborers Wanted – 8
The Way to Put Down Guerrillas – 8
Truth from Richmond – 8
Alleged Attempt at Corruption by Mr. Cameron – 8
The Banks Expedition – 8
Rumors from New-Orleans – 8

[EliRoom8]

Interesting. Thanks for the work you put in on this.