THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: WASHINGTON EXCITED BY RUMORS; Meade’s Army Reported Within the Washington Defences (10/19/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 10/19/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

WASHINGTON, Sunday, Oct. 18.

Washington has been filled with rumors and excitements throughout the day.

Belief in the progress of a great battle within eighteen miles of the city was very general, but no engagement has taken place.

The rebel guerrillas are prosecuting an active campaign between MEADE's army and Washington. This morning several officers, attached to Gen. SEDGWICK's headquarters, were captured by guerrillas concealed in the woods near Chantilly.

This afternoon a party of our men were met by some rebels this side of Fairfax Court-house, and attacked, with a loss on our side of two wounded, and a Captain, whose horse was killed under him, taken prisoner. Those who escaped, meeting a paymaster close by with over one hundred thousand dollars, told him the story, and he quickly retraced his steps. A supply train was also interfered with.

DISPATCHES TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.

WASHINGTON, Sunday, Oct. 18.

It is reported that Gen. MEADE's army is within the defences of Washington.

There has been no battle, and the exact position of LEE's army is unascertained, or at least is not known in this city. It appears certain, however, that LEE has not crossed the Potomac.

The information received to-night is to the effect that reports came in from our cavalry yesterday evening that the enemy had massed a force at Manassas.

There were vague reports that the enemy was straitened for supplies, and, having signally failed to secure them from Gen. MEADE, has again turned his attention and face toward the Lower Shenandoah Valley, and to our posts on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Trusty parties have been sent out to ascertain the truth of these reports.

[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

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Army of the Potomac: Washington Excited by Rumors – 2
President’s Proclamation: Another Call for Soldiers – 2-3
Union Successes in Mississippi: The Enemy under Richardson and Chalmers Driven across the Tallahatchie – 3
The Army of the Cumberland: Operations on Both Sides Impeded by the Rains – 3-4
From Ohio: Vallandigham’s Defeat – 4
News from the South: Object of the Visit of the French Fleet to New-York – 4-5
Escape of Prisoners – 5
The Experimental Black Colony – 5
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 5
The French Frigates in Our Harbor – 5-6
Editorial: The President’s Call for Soldiers – 6
Editorial: The Situation in Virginia – 6-7
Amusements this Evening – 7
News of the Day: The Rebellion – 7
General News – 7
Arrested – 7