THE WAR IN VIRGINIA: Lee’s Army Believed to be Again on the Retreat; The Rebels Aiming to Avoid Another General Engagement (8/5/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/5/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Tuesday Aug. 4.

The Star of this evening says:

"It is probable that LEE's army is again in rapid retreat toward Richmond, which he will continue at least until putting the Rapidan between himself and MEADE's veterans. We do not believe that the rebels have any stomach whatever for a battle, as they are not as numerous as represented, and are, moreover, greatly discouraged by their ill success, in all quarters, throughout the past month. The fact that LEE, with his headquarters at Stevensburgh, seven miles southeast of Culpepper Court-house, and with a considerable force of infantry at the Court-house, permitted Gen. BUFORD to rest on Saturday night at Brandy Station, five miles from Stevensburgh and five from the Court-house, after the fight that day, proves to us LEE's determination not to risk a general engagement in that immediate vicinity. Had he been willing to risk permitting the bulk of MEADE's army getting into position between his army and Fredericksburgh, he would surely have essayed an attack on BUFORD's position, at daylight on Sunday morning, which he did not do. From Stevensburgh up to Brandy Station the country is capitally suited for operations according to the particular style of tactics to which the rebels always resort when they can -- a circumstance of which LEE would have gladly availed himself, if he dared venture to do so."

"WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Advices from the Army of the Potomac say that the enemy yesterday sent a reconnoitering force toward the Rappahannock, in the vicinity of Kelly's Ford, probably to ascertain our position and strength. But after a skirmish the foe was driven back.

It is generally believed that up to yesterday LEE had not received any reinforcements of consequence from Richmond

[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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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The War in Virginia: Lee’s Army Believed to be Again on the Retreat – 2
Important from the South: The Rebel Army Under Lee Massed at Culpepper – 2-3
Affairs in the Southwest: Movements of the Rebels in West Tennessee – 3
The Siege of Charleston – 3-4
The Indian Troubles in the West – 4
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 4
Editorial: The Situation in Virginia – 4-5
Editorial: The Restoration of Tennessee – 5