VOL. LXIV.
I' HE LANCASTER INTELLIGENCER
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BY GEO. SANDERSON.
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OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN
M'CLELLAN.
INCLUDING lIIS MILITARY OPERA
TIONS FROM THE TIME OF THE
EVACUATION OF HARRISON'S LAND
ING TO THE CLOSE OF THE BATTLE
OF ANTIETAM, WHEN LEE WAS
DRIVEN OUT OF MARYLAND.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC, I
October 15, 1862.
GENERAL : I have the honor to submit
a preliminary report of the military oper
ations under my charge since the evacua
tion of Ilarrison's Landing.
The measure diredted by the General-in-
Chief was executed successfully, with en
tire safety to my command and its materi
al, between the 14th and 19th of August.
The line of withdrawal selected was that
of the mouth of the Chickahominy, Wil
liamsburg and Yorktown. Upon this line
the main body of the army, with all its
train, was moved, lleintzleman's corps
crossing the Chickahominy at Jones'
bridge, and covering by its march the
movement of the main column. The pas
sage of the Lower Chickahominy was
effected by means of a batteau bridge two
thousand feet in length. The transfer of
the army to Yorktown was completed by
the 19th of August. The embarkation of
the troops and material at Yorktown and
Fortress Monroe was at once commenced,
and as rapidly as the means of transporta
tion admitted everything was sent forward
to Acquia creek and Alexandria. No mere
sketch of an undertaking of such magni
tude, and yet of so delicate a military
character will suffice to do justice. I must
now, however, content myself with a simple
notice of it, deferring a full description for
my c llieial report of the campaign before
Richmond—a labor which I propose to
undertake as soon as events will afford me
the necessary time. Justice to the achieve
ments of the, Army of the Potomac and
the brave men who composed it requires
that the official record of that campaign
should be prepared with more care than
citeumstances have hitherto permitted me
to bestow upon it. The delay will not
have been felt as injurious to the public
interest, inasmuch as by frequent reports
frona'time to time I have kept the depart-'
went advised of events as they occurred.
I reached Acquia creek with my staff on
the 24th of August, reported my arrival,
and asked for orders. On the 27th of
August I received, from the General-in-
Chief, permission to proceed to Alexandria,
where I at once fixed my headquarters.
The troops composing the Army of the
Potomac were meanwhile ordered forward
to reinforce the army under General Pope.
So complete was this order carried out that
on the 30th of August I had remaining
under my command only a camp guard of
about one hundred men. Everything else
had been sent to reinforce General Pore.
In addition,l exhausted all the means at my
disposal to forward supplies co that officer,
my own headquarters teams even being
used for that purpose.
Upon the unfortunate issue of that
campaign I received an intimation
from the General-in-Chief that my ssrviccs
were desired for the purp i nse of arranging
for the defence of the capital. They were
at once cheerful!. given, although, while
awaiting di finite instructions at Alex
andria, I had endeavored, as just seen, to
promote a favorable result in the opera
tions then pending, and had thus con
tributed, though indirectly, yet as far as
I could, to the defence of Washington.
On the 2d of September the formal order
of the War Department placed rue in com
mand of the fortifications of Washington
and of all the troops for the defence of
the capital.' On the Ist of September I
had been instructed that I had nothing to
do with the troops engaged in active opera
tions under General Pope, but that my
command was limited to the immediate
garrison of Washington. On the next day,
however, I was verbally instructed 'the
President and the General-in-Chief to as
sume 'command of Gen. Pope's troops (in
cluding my own Army of the Potomac) as
soon as they approached the vicinity of
Washington, to go out and meet them, and'
to post them as I deemed best to repulse
the enemy and insure the safety of the
city.
At this time the task imposed upon me
was limited to the dispositions necessary
to resist a direct attack of the enemy upon
the capital. Such, indeed, was the danger
naturally indicated by the defeat of our
forces in front. The various garrisons
were at once strengthened and put in order,
and the troops were disposed to cover ali
the approaches to the city, and so as to be
readily thrown upon the threatened points.
New defences were; thrown up where
deemed necessary. A few days only had
elapsed before a comparative security was
felt with regard to our ability to resist any
attack upon the city. The disappearance
of the enemy from the front of Washing
'ton,-and their passage into Maryland, en
larged the sphere of operations, and made
an active campaign necessary to cover
Baltimore, prevent the invasion of Penn
sylvania and drive them out of Maryland.
Being honored with the charge of the cam
paign, I entered at once upon the addi
tional duties imposed upon me with cheer
fulness and trust, yet not without feeling
the weight of the responsibilities thus as
sumed, and being deeply impressed with
the magnitude of the issues involved.
Having made the necessary arrange
scents for the defence of the city in the
new condition of things, I pushed forward
the First end Ninth corps, under Generals
Reno and Hooker, forming the right wing,
under General Burnside, to Leesburg, on
the sth instant ; thence First ecrps, by
Brookville, Cookesville and Ridgeville, to
Frederick ; and the Ninth corps, by
Damascus, on New Market and Frederick.
The Second and Eleventh corps, under
Generals Sumner and Williams, on the 6th
were moved from Tenallytown to Rock
ville; thence by Middleburg and Urbana,
on Frederick, the Eleventh corps, moving
by a lateral road between Urbana and New
Market, thus maintaining the communica
tion between the centre and right wing as
well as covering the direct route from
Frederick to Washington. The Sixth
corps, under General Franklin, was moved
to Darnestown on the 6th instant, thence
by Dawsonville and Barnsville on Buckeys
town, covering the road from the mouth of
the Monona) , to Rockville, and being in
position to connect with and support the
centre, should it have been necessary (as
was supposed) to force the line of the Mo
nocacy. Couch's division was thrown for
ward to Offat's Crofs Roads and Pooles
ville by the river road, thus covering that
approach, watching the fords of the Poto
mac ; and ultimately following and sup
porting the Sixth corps. The objects of
these movements was to feel the enemy—
to compel him to develop his intentions—
at the same time that the troops were in
position readily to cover .Baltimore or
Washington, to attack him should he hold
the line of the Monocacy, or to follow him
into Pennsylvania if necessary. On the
1•lth a portion of the right wing entered
Frederick, after a brisk skirmish at the
outskirts of the city and in its streets. On
the 13th the main b. dies of the right
wing and centre passed through Frederick.
In this city the manifestations of Union
feelings were abundant and gratifying.
The troops received the most enthusiastic
welcome at the hands of the inhabitants.
On the 13th the advance, consisting of
Pleasanton's cavalry and horse artillery,
after some skirmishing, cleared the main
passage over the Catoctin hills, leaving no
serious obstructions to the movement of the
main body until the base of the South
Mountain range was reached.
While at. Frederick, on the 13th, I ob
tained reliable information of the move
ment and intentions of the enemy, which
made it clear that it was necessary to force
the passage of the South Mountain range,
and gain possession of Boonsboro' and
Rohrersville before any relief could bo af
forded to Harper's Ferry.
On the morning of the 13th I received
a verbal message from Col. Miles, com
manding at Harper's Ferry, informing me
that on the preceding afternoon the Mary
land Heights had been abandoned, after
repelling an attack by the rebels, and that
the whole force was concentrated at
Harper's Ferry, the Maryland, Loudon and
Bolivar Heights being'all in possession of
the enemy. The messenger stated that
there was no apparent reason for the aban
donment of the Maryland Heights, and
that, thc ugh Colonel Miles asked for as
sistance, he said he could hold out certain
ly two days. I directed him to make his
way back, if possible, with the information
that I was rapidly approaching, and would
undoubtedly relieve the place. By three
other couriers I sent the same message,
with the order to hold out to the last.
I do not learn that any of these messen
gers succeeded in reaching Harper's Ferry.
1 ,sheuld here state that on the 12th 1 was
directed to assume command of the 9 arrison
at Ilarper's Ferry, but this order reached
me after all communication with, the oar_
rai,on was cut off. Before I left Wash
ington, and while it was yet time, 1 recom
mended to the proper authorities that the
garrison of Illrper's Ferry should be with
drawn, via Hagerstown, to aid in covering
the Cumberland valley, or that, taking up
the pontoon bridge and obstructing the
railroad bridge, it should fall back to the
Maryland Heights, and there hold its own
to the last. In this position it could have
maintained itself for weeks. It was not
deemed pope). to adopt either of these SIC"-
gesri-ns, and when the subject was I,ft to
my di,cretionit was too late to do anything
e.re(pt to t, y to relieve the garrison.
1 directed artillery to he frequently fired
by our advanced guards as a signal to the
garrison that relief was at hand. This
was done, and I learn that our firing was
distinctly heard at Harper's Ferry, and
that they were thus made aware that we
were approaching rapidly. It was confi
dently expected that this place could hold
out until we had carried the mountains
and were in a position to make a detach
ment for its relief. The left, therefore,
was ordered to move through Jefferson to
the South Mountain, at Crampton's Pass,
in front of Durkettsville, while the centre
or right moved upon the main or Turner's
Pass, in front of Middletown. During
these movements I had not imposed long
marches on the columns. The absolute
necessity of refitting and giving some little
rest to troops worn down by previous long
continued marching and severe fighting,
together with the uncertainty as to the
actual position, strength and intentions of
the enemy, rendered it incumbent upon me
to move slowly and cautiously until the
head quarters reached Urbana, where I
first obtained reliable information that the
enemy's object was to move upon Harper's
Ferry and the Cumberland valley, and not
upon Baltimore, Washington or Gettys
burg.
In the absence of the full reports of
ll
corps commanders, a simple outline of the
brilliant operations which resulted in the
carrying of the two passes through the
South Mountain is all that can at this time,
with justice to the troops and commanders
engaged, be furnished. The South Moun
tain range, near Turner's Pass, averages
perhaps a thousand feet in height, and
forms a strong natural military barrier.—
The practicable passes are not numerous,
and are readily defensible, the gaps
abounding in fine positions. Turner's
Pass is the more prominent, being that by
which the national road crosses the moun
tain. It was necessarily indicated as the
route of advance of our main army.
The carrying of Crampton's Pass, five or
six miles below, was also important to fur
nish the means of reaching the flank of the
enemy, and having, as a lateral movement,
direct relations to the attack on the prin
cipal pass, while it at the same time pre
sented the most direct practicable route
for the relief. of Harper's Ferry• Early in
the morning of September 14, Gen. Pleas-',
auton, with a cavalry force, reconnoitered
the position of the enemy, when he dis
covered them to occupy the crests of com
manding hills in the gap on either'sidc of
the national road, and upon advantageous
ground in the centre upon and near the
road, with artillery bearing upon the ap
proaches to their position, whether that by
the main road or those by the country
roads, which led around up to tdie crest
upon the right and left. At about S
o'clock, A. m., Cox's division of Reno's
corps, a portion of Burnside's column, in
co-operation with the reconnoissance,
which by this time had become an attack,
moved up the mountain by the old Sharps
burg road to the left of the main road, di
viding as they advanced into two columns.
These columns (Scamon's and-Cook's bri
gades) handsomely carried the enemy's
position on the crest in their front, which
gave us possession of an important point
64 THAT COUNTRY IS THE MOST PROSPEROUS WHERE LABOR 0010[ANDS THE GREATEST REWARD."--BUOHABAN.
LANCASTER CITY, PA., TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 14, 1863.
for further operations. Fresh bodies of
the enemy now appearing, Cox's position,
though held stubbornly, became critical,
and between 12 and 1 o'clock, P. M. Wil
cox's division of Reno's corps was sent
forward by Gen. Burnside to support Cox,
and between 2 and 3 P. 31., Sturgis' divis
ion .Was sent up. .
The contest was maintained with perse
verance until dark, the enemy having the
advantage as to position, and fighting with
obstinacy ; but the ground won was fully
maintained. The loss in killed and woun
ded here was considerable on both sides,
and it was here that Major General Reno,
who had gone forward to observe the ope
rations of his corps and to give such di
rections as were necessary, fell pierced
with a musket ball. The loss of this brave
and distinguished officer tempered with
sadness the exultations of triumph. A
gallant soldier, an able general, endeared
to his troops and associates, his death is
felt as an irreparable misfortune.
About three o'clock p. M. Hooker's
corps, of Burnside's column, moved up to
the right of the main road by a country
road, which, bending to the right, then
turning up to the left, circuitously wound
its way beyond the crest of the pass to the
Mountain House, on the main road.—
General Hooker sent Meade, with the di
vision of Pennsylvania Reserves, to attack
the eminence to the right of this entrance
to the gap, which was done most hand
somely and successfully.
Patrick's brigade, of Hatch's division,
was sent—one portion up around the road,
to turn the hill on the left, while the re
mainder advanced as skirmishers—up the
hill, and occupied the crest, supported by
Doubleday's and Phelp's brigades. The
movement, after a sharp contest on the
crest and in the fields in the depression
between the crest and the adjoining hill,
was fully successful.
Ricketts' division pressed up the moun
tain about 5 P. 31, arriving at the crest
with the left of his command in time to
participate in the closing scene of the en
gagement. Relieving Hatch's division,
Ricketts remained on the ground, holding
the battle field during the night, The
mountain sides thus gallantly passed over
by Hooker on the right of the gap and
Reno on the left were steep and difficult in
the extreme. We could make but little
use of our artillery, while our troops were
subject to a warm artillery fire, as well as
to that of infantry in the woods and under
cover. By order of General Burnside,
Gibbon's brigade of Hatch's division, late
in the afternoon, advanced upon the centre
of the enemy's position on the main road.
Deploying his brigade, Gibbon actively
engaged a superior force of the enemy,
which, though stubbornly resisting, was
steadily pressed back until some hours
after dark, when Gibbon remained in un
disturbed possession of the field. Ile was
then relieved by a brigade of Sedgwick's
division. Finding themselves outflanked
both on the right and left, the enemy
abandoned their position during the night,
leaving their dead and wounded on the
field, and hastily retreated down the moun
tain.
In the engagement at Turner's Pass our
lo;s was three hundred and twenty-eight
killed, and one thousand four hundred and
sixty-three wounded and missing; that of
the enemy is estimated to Le in all about
three thousand. Among our wounded, I
regret to say, were Brigadier General J.
P. Hatch and other valuable officers.
The carrying of Crampton's Pass by
Franklin was executed rapidly and decis
ively. Slocum's division was formed upon
the right of the road leading through the
right of the gap, Smith's upon the left.—
A line, formed of 13artlett's and Torbitt's
brigades, supported by Newton, whose ac
tivity was conspicuous (all of Slocum's di
vision,) advanced steadily upon the enemy
at a charge on the right. The enemy
were driven from their position at the base
of the mountain where they were protected
by a stone wall, and steadily forced back
up the mountain until they reached the
position of their battery near the road, well
up the mountain. Here they made a stand.
They were, however, driven back, retiring
their artillery in eche/on until, after an
action of three hours, the crest was gained,
and the enemy hastily fled down the moun
tain on the other side. On the left of the
road Brooks' and Irvin's brigades, of
Smith's division, formed for the protection
of Slocum's flank, charged up the moun
tain in the same steady manner, driving
the enemy before them until the crest was
carried. The loss in Franklin's corps was
one hundred and fifteen killed, four bun
dred and sixteen wounded and two missing
The enemy's loss was about the same.—
One piece Of artillery and four colors were
captured, and knapsacks, and even haver
sacks, were abandoned as the enemy were
driven up the hill.
On the morning of the 15th I was in
formed by Union civilians living on the
side of the mountains that the enemy were
retreating in the greatest haste and in dis
ordered masses to the river. There was
such a concurrence of testimony on this
point that there seemed no doubt as to the
fctet. The hasty retreat of the enemy's
forces from the mountain, and the with
drawal of the remaining troops from be
tween Boonsboro and Hagerstown to a.posi
tion where they could resist attack and
cover the Shepherdstown ford, and receive
the reinforcements expected from Harper's
Ferry, were for a time interpreted as ev
idence of the enemy's disorganization and
demoralization.
As soon as it was definitely known that
the enemy had, abandoned the mountains,
the cavalry and the corps of Sumner,
Hooker and Mansfield were ordered to
pursue them, via the turnpike and Boons
bore, as promptly as possible. The corps
of Burnside and Porter (the latter having
`but one weak division present) were order
ed, to move by the Sharpsburg road, and ,
Franklin to advance into Pleasant valley,
occupy Rohrersville, and to endeavor to ,
relieve Harper's Ferry. Burnside and
Porter, upon reaching the road from
Boonsboro to Rohrersville, were to rein
force Franklin or to move on Sharpsburg,
according to circumstances. Franklin mov
ed towards Brownsville, and found there a
force largely superior to his own, drawn
up in a strong position to receive him.—
Here the total cessation of firing in the
direction of Harper's Ferry indicated but
too clearly the shameful and premature
I surrender of that post.
The cavalry advance overtook a body of
the enemy's cavalry at Boonsboro', which
it dispersed, after a brief skirmish, killing
and wounding many, taking some two hun
dred and fifty prisoners and two guns.
Richardson's division of Sumner's corps
passing Boonsboro' to Kedysville, found a
few miles beyond the town the enemy's
forces displayed in line of battle, strong
both in respect to numbers and position,
and awaiting attack. Upon receiving re
ports of the disposition of the enemy, I
directed all the corps, except Franklin's,
upon tiltarpaburg, leaving Franklin to ob
serve and check the enemy in his front,
and avail himself of any chance that might
offer. I had hoped to come up with the
enemy during the 15th, in sufficient force
to beat them back and drive them into the
river. My instructions were that if the
enemy were not on the march they were
to be at once attacked ; if they were found
in force and position the corps were to be
placed in position for attack ; but no at
tack was to be made until I reached the
front.
On arriving at the front in the after
noon, I found but two divisions (Richard
son's and Sykes') in position. The rest
were halted in the road, the head of the
column some distance in the rear of Rich
ardson. After a rapid examination of the
position I found that it was too late to at
tack that day, and at once directed loca
tions to be selected for our batteries of
position, and indicated the bivouacs for
the different corps, massing them near and
on both sides of the Sharpsburg pike. The
corps were not all in their places until the
next morning, some time after sunrise.
On the 16th the enemy bad slightly
changed their line and were posted upon
the heights in the rear of the Antietam
creek, their left and centre bearing upon
and in front of the road from Sharpsbnrg
to Hagerstown, and protected by woods
and other irregularities of the ground.—
Their extreme left rested upon a wooden
eminence near the cross roads to the north
of J. Miller's farm, the distance at this
point between the road and the Potomac,
which makes here a great bend to the east,
being about three-fourths of a mile. Their
right rested on the hills to the right of
Sharpsburg, near Snavely's farm, covering
the crossing of the Antietam and the ap
proaches to the town from the southeast.
The ground between their immediate front
and the Antietam creek is undulating.—
Hills intervene whose crests in general
are commanded by the crests of others in
their rear. On all favorable points their
artillery was posted. It became evident,
from the force of the .enemy and the
strength of their position, that desperate
fighting alone could drive them from the
field, and all felt that a great and terrible
battle was at hand.
In proceeding to a narrative of the
events of this and the succeeding day, I
must here repeat what I have observed in
reporting upon the other subjects of this
communication, that I attempt in this pre
liminary report nothing more than .a sketch
of the main features of this great engage
ment, reserving for my official report,
based upon the reports of the corps com
manders, that full description of details
which shall place upon record the achieve
ments of individuals and particular bodies
of troops. The design was to make the
attack upon the enemy's left—at least to
create a diversion in favor of the main at
tack, with the hope of something more—
by assailing the enemy's right, and, as
soon as one or both of the flank movements
were fully successful, to attack their cen
tre with any reserve I might then have on
hand.
The morning of the 16th (during which
there was considerable artillery firing) was
spent in obtaining information as to the
ground, rectifying the position of the
troops, and perfecting the arrangements
for the attack.
On the afternoon of the 16th Hooker's
Corps, consisting of Rickett's and Double
day's divisions, and the Pennsylvania Re
serves, under Meade, was sent across the
Antietam creek by a ford and bridge to
the right of Kedysvillc, with orders to at
tack and, if possible, turn the enemy's
left. Mansfield, with his corps, was sent
in the evening to support Hooker. Arrived
in position, Meade's division of the Penn
sylvania Reserves, which was at the head
of Hooker's corps, became engaged in a
sharp contest, with the enemy, which lasted
until after dark, when it had succeeded in
driving in a portion of the opposing line,
and held the ground.
At daylight the contest was renewed
between Hooker and the enemy in his
front. Hooker's attack was successful for
a tame, but masses of the enemy, thrown
upon his corps, checked it. Mansfield
brought up his corps to Hooker's support,
when the two corps drove the enemy back
—the gallant and distinguished veteran
Mansfield losing his life in the effort.—
General Hooker was, unhappily, about this
time, wounded, and compelled to leave the
field, where his services had been conspic
uous and important. About an hour after
this time Sumner's corps, consisting of
Sedgwick's, Richardson's and French's
divisions, arrived on the field —Richardson
some time after the other two, as he was
unable to start as soon as them. Sedg
wick, on the right, penetrated the woods
in front of Hooker's and Mansfield's troops.
French and Richardson were placed to
the left of Sedgwick, thus attacking the
enemy towards their left centre. Craw
ford's and Sedgwick's lines, however,
yielded to a destructive fire of masses of
the enemy in the woods, and suffering
greatly, (Generals Sedgwick and Crawford
being among the wounded,) the troops fell
back in disorder. They nevertheless ral
lied in the woods. The enemy's advance
unable to start as soon as them, Sedgwick,
on the right, penetrated the woods in front
of Hooker's and Mansfield's troops.
French and Richardson were placed to
the left of Sedgwick, thus attacking the
enemy towards their left centre. Craw
ford's and Sedgwick's lines, however,
yielded to a destructive fire of masses of the
enemy in the woods, and suffering greatly,
(Generals Sedgwick and Crawford being
among the woiittded,) the troops fell back
'in disorder. The enemy's advance was,
Imwever, entirely checked by the destruc
tive fire of our artillery. Franklin, who
bad been directed the day before to join
the main army with two divisions, arrived
on the field from Browitsville about an
hour after, and Smith's division replaced
Sedgwiok's and Crawford's line. Advan
cing steadily, it swept over the ground
just lost, but now permanently retaken.—
The divisions of French and Richardson
maintained with considerable loss the ex
posed positions which they had so gallantly
gained, among the wounded being General
Richardson.
The condition of things on the right
towards the middle of the afternoon, not-
withstanding the success wrested from the
enemy by the stubborn bravery of the
troops, was at this time unpromising.—
Sumner's, Hooker's and Mansfield's corps
had lost heavily, several general officers
having been carried from the field. I was
at one time compelled to draw two bri
gades from Porter's corps (the reserve) to
strengthen the right. This left for the re
serve the small division of regulars who
had been engaged in supporting during the
day the batteries in the centre and a single
brigade of Morell's division. Before I left
the right to return to the centre, I became
satisfied that the line would be held with
out these two brigades, and countermand
ed the order, which was in course
of execution. The effect of Burnside's
movement on the enemy's right was to
prevent the further massing of their troops
on the left, and we held what we had
gained.
Burnside's corps, consisting of Wilcox's
Sturgis' and Rodman's divisions, and
Cox's Kanawha division, was entrusted
with the difficult task of carrying the
bridge across the Antietam, near Rohr
back's farm, and assaulting the enemy's
right, the order having been communicated
to him at 10 o'olocx, A. M.
The valley of the Antietam, at and near
the bridge, is narrow, with high banks.
On the right of the stream the bank is
wooded and commands the approaches both
to the bridge and the ford. The steep
Slopes of the bank were lined with rifle
pits, and breastworks of rails and stones.
These, together with.the woods, were filled
with the enemy's infantry, while their'bat
tories commanded and enfiladed the bridge
and ford and their approaches.
The advance of the troops brought on
an obstinate and sanguinary contest, and
from the great natural advantages of the
position it was near one o'clock before the
tho heights on the right bank were carried.
At about 3 o'clock, P. 31., the corps again
advanced with success, the right driving
the enemy before it, and pushing on nearly
to Sharpsburg, while the left, after a hard
encounter, also compelled the enemy to
retire before it. The enemy here, however,
were speedily reinforced, and with over
whelming masses. New batteries of their
artillery, also, were brought up and open
ed. It became evident that our force was
not sufficient to enable the advance to
reach the town, and the order was given
to retire to the cover of the hill, which
was taken from the enemy earlier in the
afternoon. This movement was effected
without confusion, and the position main
tained until the enemy retreated. General
Burnside had sent to me for reinforcements
late in the afternoon ; but the condition of
things on the right was not such as to en
able me to afford them.
During the whole day our artillery was
everywhere bravely and ably handled.
Indeed, I cannot speak too highly of the effi
iancy of our batteries, and the great service'
they rendered. On more than one occasion,
vchco our infantry was broken they covered
its reformation and drove back the enemy.
The cavalry had little field for operations
during the engagement, hut was employed in
supporting the horse artillery batteries in the
centre, and in driving up stragglers, while
awaiting opportunity for other service.
The signal corps, under Major Myer, ren
dered during the operations at Antietam, as
at S'uth M -, untain, and during the whole
movements of the army, efficient and valuable
service: Indeed, by its services here, as on
other fields elsewhere, this corps has gallantly
earned its title to an independent and perma
nent organization.
The duties devolving upon my staff during
tile action were most important, and the per
formence of them able and untiring. At a
later day I propose to bring to the notice of
the department their individual services.
With the day closed this memorable battle.
iii which,perhaps, nearby two hundred thousand
men were for
. fourteen hours engaged in combat.
We had attacked the enemy in position, driven
them from their line on one flank, and secured
a fueting within it on the othei.. Under the
depression of previous reverses, we had
achieved a victory over an adversary invested
with the prestige of former successes and in
flated with a recent triumph. Our forces slept
that night conquerors on a field won by their
valor, and covered with the dead and wounded
of the enemy.
The night, however, presented serious ques•
tions; morning brought with it grave respon
sibilities. To renew the attack again on the
18th, or defer it, with the chance of the
enemy's retirement after a day of suspense,
were the questions before me. A careful and!
anxious survey of the condition of my com
mand, and my knowledge of the enemy's force
and position, failed to impress me with any
reasonable certainty of success if I renewed
the attack without reinforcing columns. A
view of the shattered state of some of the
corps sufficed to deter me from pressing them
into immediate action, and I felt that my duty
to the army and the country forbade the risks
involved in a hasty movement, which might
result in the loss of what had been gained the
previous day. Impelled by this consideration,
I awaited the arrival of my reinforcements,
taking advantage of the occasion to collect to
gether the dispersed, give rest to the fatigued,
and remove the wounded. Of the reinforce
' ments, Couch's division, although marching
with commendable rapidity, was not in posi
tion until a late hour in the morning; and
Humphrey's division of new troops, fatigued
I with forced marches, were arriving through
! out the day, but were not available until near
its close. Large reinforcements from Penn
i sylvania, which were expected during the day,
I did not arrive at all.
During the 18th orders were given for a re
newal of the attack at daylight on the 19ih.
On tf:e night of the 18th the enemy, after
having been parsed troops in the latter
part of the day from the Virginia shore to
their position behind Sharpsburg, as seen by
our officers, suddenly formed the design of
abandoning their line. This movement they
ececuted before daylight. Being but a short
dietance from the river, the evacuation pre
sorted but little difficulty. It was however,
rapidly followed up. The detachment with
drew with slight loss.
A reconnoissance was made across the river
on the evening of the 19th, which resulted in
ascertaining the near presence of the enemy
in some force, and in our capturing six guns.
A second reconnoissance, the next morning,
which, with the first, was made by a small de
tachment from Porter's corps, resulted in ob
serving a heavy force of the enemy there.
I submit herewith a list of the killed,
wounded and missing fn the engagements of
the 15th, and of the 16th and 17th. The ene
my's loss is believed, from the best sources of
information, to be nearly thirty thousand.
Their dead were mostly lei, on the field, and
a large number of wounded were left behind.
While it gives me pleasure to speak of the
gallantry and devotion the officers and men
generally displayed through this conflict, I
feel it necessary to mention that some of the
officers and men skulked from their places
until the battle was over. Death on the spot
must hereafter be the fate of all such cowards,
and the hands of the military commanders
must be strengthened with all the power of
Government to inflict it summarily. The early
and disgraceful surrender of Harper's Ferry
deprived my operations-of results which would
have foreed a brilliant sequel to the substan
tial and gratifying success already related.
Had the garrison held out 24 hours longer,
I should, in all probability, have captured that
part of the enemy's force engaged in die attack
on Maryland Heights ; while the whole gar.
rison—some 12,000 strong—could have been
drawn to reinforce me on the day of the deoi
sive battle. Certatnly, on the morning of the
18th. I would thus have been in a position
t 3 have destroyed the rebel army.
Under the same circumstances, had the be
sieging force on the Virginia side at Harper's
Fqrry not been withdrawn, I would have had
35,000 or 40,000 less men to encounter at An
tietam, and must have destroyed or captured
all opposed to me., As it was, I had to engage
an army fresh from a recent and, to them,
great victory, and to reap the disadvantage of
their being freshly and plentifully supplied
with ammunition and supplies.
The objects and results of this brief cam—
paign may be summed up as follows : In the
beginning of the month of September, the
safety of the National Capital was seriously
endangered by the presence of a victorious
enemy, who soon after crossed into Maryland,
and then directly threatened Washington and
Baltimore, while they occupied the soil of a
loyal State, and threatened an invasion of
Pennsylvania.
The Army of the Union, inferior in numbers,
wearied by long marches, deficient in various
supplies, worn out by numerous battles, the
last of which had not been successful, first
covered by its movements the important cities
of Washington and Baltimore, then blldly at
tacked the victorious enemy in their chosen
strong position, and drove them back, with all
their superiority of numbers, into the State of
Virginia, thus saving the loyal States from in
vasion, and rudely dispeling the rebel dreams
of carrying the war into our country, and sub
sisting upon our resources.
Thirteen guns and 39 colors, more than
15 000 stand of small arms, and more than
6,000 prisoners, were the trophies which attest
the success of our arms. Rendering thanks to
Divine Providence for his blessing upon our
exertions, I close this brief report. I beg only
to add the hope that the army's efforts for the
cause in which we are engaged will be deemed
worthy to receive the commendation of the
government and the country.
GEO. B. WOLELLAN,
Maj. Gon. United States Army.
Brigadier General L. Thomas, Adjutant Gen•
eral United States Army.
A Monster of the Deep.
In some parts of the ocean there are
enormous sea animals, called Sepia, which
are a kind of polypi. They have very lo9g
legs, and are said sometimes to seize upon
the coral divers along the the coast of
Italy. Mr. Beale tells the following ad
venture with a creature of this sort :
While upon the Bouin Islands, search
ing for shells on the rocks which had just
been left by the receding tide, I was much
astonished at seeing at my feet a most ex
traordinary looking animal, crawling to
wards the retreating surf. I had never
seen one like it before. It was creeping
on its eight legs, which, from their soft
and flexible nature, bent considerably un
der the weight of its body, so that it was
lifted by the efforts of the tentacula only
a small distance from the rocks.
g It appeared much alarmed at seeing
me, and made every effort to escape, while
I was not much in the humor to endeavor
to:capture so ugly customer, whose appear
ance excited a feeling of disgust, not un
mixed with fear. I, however endeavored
to prevent its escape by pressing on one
of its legs with my foot ; but, although, I
used considerable force for that purpose,
its strength was so great that it several
times quickly liberated its member in spite
of all the efforts I could employ, in this
way, on wet, slippery rocks. I now laid
hold of one of the tentacles with my hands
and held it firmly, so that the limbs appear
ed as if it would be torn asunder by our
united strength. I gave it a powerful
jerk, wishing to disengage it from the
rocks to which it clung so forcibly by its,
suckers, which it effectually resisted ; but,
the moment after, the apparently enraged
animal lifted its head, with its large eyes
protruding from the middle of its body,
and letting go its hold of the rocks, sud
denly sprang upon my arm, which I had
previously bared to the shoulder for the
purpose of thrusting it into the holes in
the rocks to discover shells, and clung with
its suckers to it with great power, endeav
oring to get its beak, which I could now
see between the roots of its arms, in posi
tion to bite.
A sensation of horror pervaded my
whole frame when I found this monstrous
animal, for it was about four feet long, fix
ed so firmly to my arm. Its cold, slimy
grasp was extremely sickening, and I im
mediately called to the captain, who was
also searching for shells at some distance,
to come and release me from it by taking
me down to the boat, during which time I
was employed in keeping the beak away
from my hand, quickly released me by de
stroying my tormentor with the boat knife,
when I disengaged it by portions at a time.
This animal was that species of Sepia
which is called by whalers rock squib.'
Thus aro these remarkable creatures, from
the adaptation of their tentacles and modi
fications of their bodies capable of sailing,
flying, swimming and creeping on the
shore, while their senses, if we judge from
the elaborate mechanism of their organs,
must posess corresponding neatness and
perfection'
Joe Brown
Joe Brown was a nice young man gene
rally ; but he had his faults, and who has
not'? When whisky was in circulation,
Joe never refused to take a glass, and
sometimes whisky got the better of him ;
but to do Joe justice, it did take an awful
quantity of whisky to turn him into a fool.
lie got married lately, and started a lit
tle home of his own. It used to be Mrs.
Joe's practice to have a plate of something
nice waiting on the table when ho got
home late at night.
One night he got home just blue enough
to try to open the door with a five cent
piece, and pull off his boots with a tooth
pick, but still he was hungry, and not so
very drunk after all. He found the table
and seated himself. What an old brute
am, (hic,) any way, to go and get (hico
drunk, and my wife home here fixing me,
(hic,) such a nice plate of cabbage.' He
pulled the plate up, and after seasoning it
to suit his taste, began with a knife and
fork to cut the cabbage but 'nary gash'
could he make.
He sawed and swore, and sawed and
swore again. He took it in his hands and
tried to tear it ; but it was in vain. Ho
began to saw and swear again. He took
it in his hands, and, at hat, either out or
swore a piece off. He put it in his mouth
and tried to chew; but that was no go.—
Ho laid down the cabbage' and began to
swear, which soon brought his wife from
her dreams, and into the room.
What's the matter Joe V
Matter enough, (hio) Sally 'I can't eat
this cabbage.'
c What cabbage, Joel Nothing there
as I can see, but my two night caps soak
ing in a plate of starch !'
cOh (hio) Jerusalan ! Sall let's go to
bed !' They went to bed, bat the joke
was too good to keep, and soon leaked out.
He had been nearly an hour trying to eat
two of his wife's nightcaps, that she. had
put to soak in a plate of starch before
going to bed.
BODILY CAIIILIAGE.- Instead of giving
all sorts of rules about turning out the
toes, and straightening up the body, and
holding the shoulders back, all of whioh
are impracticable to many, because soon
forgotten, or productive of a feeling of
awkwardness and discomfort whioh pro
cures a willing omission , all that is neces
sary to secure the object is to hold up the
head and move on, letting the toes and
shoulders take care of themselves. Walk
with the chin but slightly above'a horizon
tal line, or with your eye directed to things
a little higher than your own head.. In this
way you walk properly, pleasurably, and
without any feeling of restraint or awk
wardness. If any one wishes to be aided
in securing this habitual carriage of the
body, accustom yourselves to carry your
hands behind you, one hand grasping the
opposite wrist. Englishmen are admired
the world over for their full chests and
broad shoulders, and sturdy frames, and
sturdy frames, and manly bearing. This
poistion of the body is a favorite with
them, in the simple promenade in the gar
den or gallery, in attending the ladies
along a crowded street, or in public wor
ship. A single rule' well attended to in
this connection, would be of incalculable
value to multitudes—use ()hairs with old
fashioned straight backs, a little inolining
backwards, and sit with the lower portion
of the body close against the back of the
chair at the seat ; any one who tries it will
observe in a moment a grateful support to
the whole spine. And we see no reason
why children should not be taught from
the beginning to write and sow and knit
in a position requiring the lower portion
of the body and the shoulders to touch the
back of the chair at the same time. A
very common position in sitting, especially
among men, is with a space of several in
ches between the chair back and the lower
portion of the spine, giving the body the
shape of a hoop ; it is ate instantaneous,
instinctive and almost universal position
assumed by any consumptive on sitting
down, unless contracted by an effort of the
will ; hence parents should regard such a
position in their children with apprehen
sion, and should rectify it at once.—Hall's
Journal of Health.
paE LANCASTER INTELLIGENCER
JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT,
No. 6 NORTH DUKE STREET, LANCASTER, PA.
The Jobbing Department is thoroughly furnished with
new and elegant type of every description, and is under
the charge of a practical and experienced Job Printer:
The Proprietors are prepared to
PRINT CHECKS,
NOTES, LEGAL BLANKS,
CARDS AND CIRCULARS,
BILL HEADS AND HANDBILLS,
PROGRAMMES AND POSTERS,
PAPER BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS,
BALL TICKETS AND INVITATIONS,
PRINTING IN COLORS AND PLAIN PRINTING,
with neatness, accuracy and dispatch, on the most reasons;
ble terms, and in a manner not excelled by any establish-
ment in the city.
Oar. Orders from a distance, by mall or otheiwise,
promptly attended to. Address
GEO. SANDERSON & SON,
Intelllgencer Office,
No. 8 North Duke street, Lancaster, Pa.
HAIR DRESSING
() A i r SHAVING
SAMUEL J. WILLIAMS taken pleasure in notifying his
numerous friends and customers, that he has removed his
Saloon from Cooper's Hotel to the basement under Peter
➢i'Conomy'e Shoe Store. in West King street, near the
II •rket House, and has fitted it up in new and elegant style
or the accommodation of customers.
HAIR DRESSING, Sit AVING AND SHAMPOONING
done In them st scientific and fashionable style, and hie
tonsorial operations are performed with the greateit ease
and comfort to all concerned.
lie will also color the hair and whiskers, and guarantee
the colors to be applied without hfluiy to either.
Give the Professor a call, and he flatters himself that he
will be able to render general satisfaction.
I:ir - Don't make a mistake and get into the wrong shop
Recollect, it is Immediately under M'Conomy's Shoe Store
apr 15 tf 1.11 S. J. WILLIAMS.
GODBY , S LADY'S BOOK FOR 1863.
GREAT LITERARY AND PICTORIAL YEAR.
The publisher of Godey's Lady's Book, thankful to that
public which has enabled him to publish a magazine for
the last thirty-three years of a larger circulation than any
in America, has made an arrangement with then:nisi popu
lar authoress in this country—
MARION HARLAND,
Authoress of "Alone," "Hidden Path," "Moss Side,"
"Nemesia," and " Miriam,"
who will furnish a story fur every number of the Lady's
Book for 1863. This alone will place the Lady's Book in a
literary point of view far ahead of any other magazine.
Marion Harland writes for no other publication. Our other
favorite writers will all continue to furnish articles
throughout the year.
THE BEST LADY'S MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD, AND
TUE CHEAPEST.
is of that kind that can be read aloud in the family circle,
and the clergy in immense numbers are subscribers for the
Book.
THE MUSIC
h all original, and would cost 25 cents (the price of the
Book) in the manic etoree; but most of it la copyrighted,
and cannot be obtained except in "Godey."
OURSTEEL ENGRAVINGS.
All efforts to rival no In this have ceased, and we now
stand alone In this department, giving, as we do, many
more and infinitely better engravings than are published
in any other work.
GODEY'S IMMENSE DOUBLE SHEET FASHION—
PLATES.
CIONTAINIkO . ..„
From five to raven full length Calorod'Fashions on each
plate. Other magazinee give only two.
FAB. AHEAD OF ANY FASHIONS IN EUROPE OR
ITEM!
Clodey's is the only work to the world that gives these
immense plater, and they are such as to have excited the
wonder of publishers uud the public. The pubAcation of
these plates cost
$lO.OOO MORE
than fashimpplates of the old style, and nothing bat oar
wonderfully large circulation enables us to give them.
Other magazines cannot afford it. We never spare money
when the public can be benefited.
These fashions may be relied on. Dresses may be made
after them, and the wearer will not subject herself to rldiu
cute, as would be the case if she visited the large cities
dressed after the etyle of the plates given in some of our
so called magazines.
OUR WOOD ENORATING3,
of which we give twice or three times as many as any other
magazine, aro often mistaken for steel. They are so far
superior to any other,
Et=
Boware of them. Remember that the Lady's Book is the
original publication and tho cheapest. If you take Goday,
you want no other magazine.
Every th irg that la useful or ornamental in a house can
be fund in Ciod ey.
DRAWING LESSONS.
No other magrzine gives them, and we have' ellougb to
fill flare:al large volumes:
OUR RECEIPTS:
are such as can be found nowhere else. Cooking in all Its
variety—Confectionery—the Numry—the Toilet--the
Laundry—the Kitchen. Receipts upon all subjects aro to
ba Lund in the pages of the Lady's Book. We originally
started this department, and have peculiar facilities for
making it most perfect. This department alone is worth
the price of the Book.
LADIEF? WORK TABLE,
This department comprises engravtnga and descriptions
of every article that a lady weara.
MODEL. COTLAGES..
No other noteszinetaa this department.
TEEMS: CASH IN ADVANCE
One copy one year, $3. Two copies cno year, $5. Three
copies one year, O. Four copies one year $7.
Fire copies one year, and an extra copy to tbe poison
sending the dab, $lO.
Eight copies one year, and an extra copy to the person
sending the club, slk,
Eleven copies one year, and an extra copy to the person
seedingthe club, $2O.
And th only magazine that can be introduced into the
above clubs in place of the Lady's Book is Arthuria Home
Blagimlne.
ePECIii. CLUBBING WITH OTHER lIACAZINEB.
Goday's Lady's Book and Arthur's Home Magazine both
one year for $3 50.
Godey's Lady's Book. and Harper's Magazine both oni year
for $4.50.
Godoy, Harper, and Irthur will all three be sent one-year,
on receipt of SLSO.
Treasury Notes and Notes of at solvent banks:taken at
Par-
Be careful and pay the poatage on your latter.'
Address, L. A, GODEr, -
323 Chestnut Street, Phlladelphle,Ta...
•91441
UNITED STATES STAMP TANXi S gn•
POSED BY THE 'ACT OF, 1862 .
Published for the convenience or P.TottEJSJLEPERS,
BiIittORANTS, BROKERS, LAWYERS, coNvEvaicauts
and the public generally, on a large' heat bird showing
a glance, the amount of duty on tax to. be paid...-Price
cents. For sale by J. M.' P7EBTHAEFIEIt,"
N 0.44, Corner of North Queen and Orange streets.
cot 7 tf &
NO. 14.