FROM HOOKER’S ARMY: The Troops Back in Their Old Encampments; A Dispatch from Secretary Stanton (5/9/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/9/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

DISPATCH FROM SECRETARY STANTON.

HARRISBURGH, Penn., Friday, May 8.

The following dispatch from the Secretary of War has just been received by Gov. CURTIN:

WASHINGTON, May 8, 1863.

To the Governor of Pennsylvania:

The President and the General-in-Chief have just returned from the Army of the Potomac.

The principal operations of Gen. HOOKER failed, but there has been no serious disaster to the organization and efficiency of the army.

It is now occupying its former position on the Rappahannock, having recrossed the river without any loss in the movement.

Not more than one-third of Gen. HOOKER's force was engaged.

Gen. STONEMAN's operations have been a brilliant success. Part of his force advanced to within two miles of Richmond, and the enemy's communications have been cut in every direction.

The Army of the Potomac will speedily resume offensive operations. EDWIN M. STANTON.

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Thursday, May 7.

Gen. STONEMAN's Aid-de-Camp, Capt. SUMNER, is just in. He left his chief this morning, having disarranged all the enemy's railroad communications between this and Richmond, and one party having extended their operations to James River, destroying the canal, &c. Three regiments of his command left to destroy the railroad bridges across the Chickahominy, with instructions to go into Yorktown.

YORKTOWN, Va., Thursday, May 7.

Col. KILPATRICK, with the Harris Light cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois cavalry, &c., have just arrived at Gloucester Point, having accomplished the object of their mission fully, and most gallantly they approached to within three miles of Richmond, and destroyed a large amount of property and bridges.

WASHINGTON, Friday, May 8.

The following was received at the Headquarters of the Army this afternoon:

YORKTOWN, Va., May 7, 1863.

To Maj.-Gen. Halleck:

Col. KILPATRICK, with his regiment, the Harris Light cavalry

[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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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/4151545/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Hooker’s Army: The Troops Back in Their Old Encampments – 2-4
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 4
The Conscription Law: Important Proclamation by the President – 4
Important from the Mississippi: The Capture of Grand Gulf by Admiral Porter – 5
News from the Rebel States: Details of the Great Raid of Our Cavalry in Central Mississippi – 5
Editorial: The Cry for the Recall of McClellan – 5-6
Editorial: Necessity of Reserves – 6
Spirit of the Army – 6-7
Editorial: A Movement of Some Importance – 7
News from the Rebel States (continued) – 7
Loss of the Ship Canada – 7

[BroJoeK]

For anyone who doesn't normally check out Homer's Harper's Weekly posts, do it today.

There is a wonderful description of Lincoln and events just following the Union debacle at Chancellorsville.

Among others is a quote from a Union 2nd Cavalry Maj. Charles J. Whiting which sounds remarkably like our own DiogenesLamp & others here.
And then Lincoln's response.

[Bull Snipe]

Thanks