The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-22 00:00:00

ELECTION INTELLIGENCE,

BARNSTAPLE.

The result of this severely contested election was
bricAly mentioned in The Sun of Tuesday. The
pol ling-booths were situated in the Square, Bout-
po rt-street, and the Horse-fair, and great excite-
ment prevailed throughout the day. The Conserva-
tives took the lead; at 10 o'clock, however, the
numbers for Lloyd and Bremridge were equal, and
at 11 o'clock the latter was four a-head. At 1 o'clock
the tables were 'curned, and Mr. Lloyd headed his
opponent by 269 votes to 248. Shortly afterwards
the Conservatives, who had become much depressed,
received an accession to their number, which no
party, it appears, had been able to calculate upon—
namely, eight Appledore voters, who had been, it
was reported, waiting about all the morning. The
Liberal party had, it was said, frequent offers of
their services, but these were declined. Whether
they magnanimously proffered their support to the
opposite party without consideration is not known,
but as it has been asserted that not a single six-
pence was improperly expended on the Conservative
side, it is supposed they must have done so. At 3
o'clock Mr. Lloyd was 14 ahead of his opponent,
and at 4 o'clock—the close of the poll—the num-
bers were—Lloyd, 305 ; Bremridge, 281 ; majority
for Mr. Lloyd, 21.
It should be stated that during the morning Mr.
Bremridge's committee issued the following placard:

"BRIBERY ! !
(imr. Bremridge's Committee have Five Sovereigns in
their possession, given to a voter to vote for Mlri.EoLßloNyEd.,at
the Stafford Arms.
Subsequently they alleged other cases of bribery
against Mr. Lloyd's party.
Fights
sor took the
At the declaration of the povllaiblyed. theFmi
most intense excitement prevailed.
place, and the crowd surged so violently against the
reporters' box thatsome of its occupants were corn-
8
palled to retire. howers of missiles were thrown
obout, and the mayor and the persons on the hust-
ings had to beat
mhasty retreat after declaring the
state of the poll-
Atter the numbers had been officially announced,
Mr. LLOYD came forward, and on commencing to
speak was received with tremendous cheering by
the Liberals, and with groans and hisses by his op-
ponents. He said—Electors and non-electors of
Barnstaple (tremendous cheering and hooting)—on
behalf of the whole of the Liberal party in England,
I heartily congratulate you on this day's success.
(Cheers and hisses.) Barnstaple has redeemed the
Liberal cause. I have to thank you personally for
the hearty and generous support which you have
given me on this occasion. (Cheering and hisses.)
It has been honourably fought with the fair wea-
pons of opinion, arguments, and common-sense. It
will be my privilege and honour to sit as your re-
presentative in the Commons' House of Parliament
along with your most excellent member, Col. Davie.
I can only say I shall be too happy to follow his ad-
vice in all matters connected with the borough, with
which he is so much better acquainted. You have
won the battle to day, and can still keep it, and as
long as Barnstaple !has such a Liberal party we
will continue to return two Liberal members to
Parliament. Gentlemen, I most heartily thank you
for the honour you have done me. I have one thing
more to beg of you, and that is to hope that you
will forget all party feelings and animosities, and
that you will forget every angry word and every
angry thought. I go to Parliament, gentlemen, not
as the representative of the Liberal party only, but
as the member of every man in Barnstaple—(cheers
and uproar)—and as such, will most honestly and
thankfully endeavour to do my duty. (Tremendous
cheering and hissing.)

Mr. BREMEIDGE next came forward, and, al-
though he obtained a somewhat better hearing, the
noise had far from subsided. He said—Mr, Mayor
and gentlemen—l am to-day to tell you that this is
the greatest triumph I have ever secured. I am here
to tell you, in the presence of the professed purists
on the other side, that I am now the defeated can-
didate in consequence of the gold which they have
brought into the town. (Immense cheering.) It is
an honour for me to stand here to-day ; I priz' my
defeat more than I should a victory—(applause)---a
victory gained by gold and nothing else. (Con-
tinued cheering.) I received promises of support
from two-thirds or nearly so, of the electors of
Barnstaple, and the other two know by what means
those promises have been fulfilled. (Mr. Lloyd
and his party hero left, and were shortly afterwards
followzd by the M yor, although Mr. Bremridge
was still speaking.) Is my opponent afraid to hear
what I have to say ? (L)ud cheers.) I pity him ;
rind I pity his itinerant mob orator (Mr. It. R.
Moore). (Cheers.) I dare say my hon. opponent
does not like to hear the truth ; but I tell him I
shall claim this seat. (Protracted cheering.) I
wonder what my friend Mr. Clay now says of
purity of election. (Laughter.) I repeat that I
consider this the greatest day of my life, to stand up
before my fellow-countrymen and to be defeated by
means of corruption, perpetrated by the party
who throughout their lives have professed to be
such purists. (Cheers.) My hon, opponent has
Lot stayed to hear what I have to say ; but I tell
You that your rights shall be defended. (Applause.)
1 am the defeated candidate, but I shall be the suc-
cessful member. (Continued applause.) Mr. Lloyd ,
for the present your representative, but I believe
he will ill never sit in the House of Commons to repre-
-Ben
disY°ll. (Hear.) For those men who have so
graced themselves as to sanction the libels
"which have been cast upon me and upon every gen-
tleman
have the
moseteounty, by supporting Mr. Lloyd, I
repeat that I shall
litigated contempt. (Cheers.) I
red book whiehath leave them to extract from the
of honourable testiey presented to me those names
my character. (Cheers.)
which they have borne to
you—that if you have 19 This much let me tell
youin the
the victory to-day yet represent I shall
conclusion,
House of Commons.
(Loud cheers.)
thankns, I tender to my honest
supporters my best than a
Single farthing of ex-
pense on my part. If I coul
any other terms whatever viottu(l3 gained it upon
so. (Applause.) I thank you againdanot have done
leave you not only as your defeated and again, and I
as your future member. (Immense chaenedidate, but
Subsequently Mr. LLOYD addressed the electors
from the window of the Fortescue Roteita3d
in
answer to the allegations of bribery agaissith'i
distinctly denied that, to his knowledge, a 6117'
shill.ing had been spent illegally in the election! e
Mr. BREMRIDGE presented himself to his friends
at the balcony of the Lion Hotel, which adjoins the
Fortescue Hotel. No speaking could be heard, and
the scene of tumult and disorder in the square was
repeated with even greater intensity. There were
continual fights, and at length some person threw
Bremridge's party. This led the
an orange at
way to an interchange of missiles between the two
parties, one aiming them at the windows of the
Lion and the other at those of the Fortescue. The
windows were speedily broken, and several of the
received blows,
persons standing in front of them
though happily none of a serious nature. An egg
directed against Mr. Moore struck him full in the
race, which was bespattered with its contents. The
'Police did all they could to prevent the crowd from
indulging in any serious mischief, and owing to
their\ great tact the assemblage at last disperse°
Moat of the windows of the two hotels were broken,
lbut beyond that we believe no other damage to pro-
perty was sustained.

NEW WINDSOR.
The Conservative party
Colonel Richard Rive party, have brought forward
James's, and Stuke°Nlß""d l'.' yse, of Park-place, St.
date for the vacanc,
.uckinghamshire, as a candi-
borough in ParliarayenT in
representation of this
candidate, Captain A.'Filna Opposition to the Liberal
Bracknell. Colonel Vysesiter, of South-hill- ark
Vyse. He received his commission the
second a" of Gen.
Royal Horse Guards in September, " captain in the
mar-
ried a daughter of Sir William jr, n 1.842. He
of the House of Commons. Colonel
whipper-in
staunch Conservative, and in favour olv VYse. is a
rofotectsion to
agriculture. He was elected memberP
Northamptonshire in February, 1816, and is iktionnt'h
his 50th year. Although neither of the candidatesn
has yet issued his address to the electors, there are
symptoms of a quiet carim s having commenced. It

is difficult to say which has the best chance of
securing the vacant seat.

OXFORD.

Up to the present moment no candidate has for-
mally announced himself for the vacancy in the
representation of this city, occasioned Ey the death
of Mr. Langston. The last rumour is that Mr.
C. Neate, who was returned for Oxford in 1856, but
was unseated for bribery and corruption, will be
brought forward by the extreme Liberal party,
in which case Mr. Fletcher, of the Reform Club,
who meant to contest the seat on the same princi-
ples, has pledged himself to withdraw. Sergeant
Gaselee and Mr. Cartwright are still spoken of as
probable candidates, and there is a desire among
other parties to bring forward Mr. A. Peel. The
Conservatives indulge the hope that a disunion
among the Liberals will enable them to run a can-
didate in their interest with a prospect of success.

The Loss of the Georgia Steamer,—Official
Report,

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORDS OF THE COI-

MITTEE OF PRIVY COUNCIL FOR TRADE.

My Lords,—l have the honour to report, for the
information of your lordships, the result of the in-
quiry which, in conjunction with Captains Harris
and Baker, as Nautical Assessors, I have held into
the loss of the Georgia on Sable Island, on the 4th
of August last. The Georgia was an iron screw
steamer, built at Jarrow in 1863. She was of 2,876
gross, and 2,414 registered tonnage, originally
owned by Messrs. Fernie Brothers, of Liverpool,
and transferred on the 3d August, as it appeared by
her certificate of registry, to certain persons trading
under the designation of the British and American
Southern Steam Navigation Company. She was
commanded by Mr. Benjamin Gleadell, who held a
certificate of competency as master, dated 9th Aug.,
1853. The Georgia made the outward voyage from
Liverpool to New York in perfect safety, and sailed
again from New York on the homeward voyage, in
all respects thoroughly equipped, on the 31st July
last, drawing 23 feet 3 inches aft, and 20 feet 7
inches forward, She carried, in addition to her
crew of 94 hands, 20 cabin and 27 steerage passen-
gers, and a very large and valuable general cargo,
and was left in safety by the pilot off Sandy Hook
shortly before 7 p.m. At noon on the Ist August
a good observation was obtained, which placed the
ship in lat. 40 58 N., and long. 70 27 W., a position
to the northward of the Nantucket Lightship. The
weather had been fair, with passing clouds, up to
this period, but at 1.20 p.m. a dense fog set in. A
cast of the lead was taken at 1.30 p.m., which indi-
cated shoal soundings, but the speed of the vessel
was not slackened to take soundings or subsequently,
and in ten minutes afterwards she struck on some
outlying danger off the Nantucket Shoals, the pre-
cise spot never having been ascertained from the
density of the prevailing fog. She continued
grounded for from five to six hours, during
which time some cargo was thrown overboard
to lighten the ship, and eventually about
7 p.m. she floated. Sail was then made, the
ship standing for the southward, but after proceed-
ing about a mile the vessel again took the ground,
but very shortly went off into 10 fathoms water.
From this the master proceeded cautiously, steering
various courses, until she got into 22 fathoms, and
then shaped his course S.E. and by E. till noon of
the following day, soundings having been occasion-
ally taken during this time in 30 to 40 fathoms.
From noon of the 2d a more northerly course was
shaped, and continued until she struck on the north-
west bar of Sable Island about 1 a,m. on the 4th, no
soundings during that time having been taken, and
the vessel continuing under all sail, and steaming at
a rate of from nine to ten knots an hour, notwith-
standing the fog, which continued unabated. At
daylight the fog lifted, and the master then dis-
covered his position, when the second officer was
sent on shore to find a good landing place, and to
seek assistance, but he did not return to the ship
till the following day, and the passengers and the
greater part of the luggage were all safely landed
in the course of the morning. Efforts were made
during the next 48 hours, the weather being mode-
rate, by carrying out both a kedge and a bower
anchor, to heave her off, but unsuccessfully, and
some portion of the cargo was got upon deck, but
not thrown overboard. The crew, at midnight of
the sth, knocked off work, and early on the follow-
ing
morning went aft to the master, and insisted
upon their effects being landed, fearing, as they
said, a change in the weather, which might render
their position dangerous. This request the master
reluctantly complied with, but, notwithstanding,
eventually in the course of the morning the engi-
neers, firemen, stokers, and all hands, save the first
officer and four others who volunteered to remain
with the master, left the ship. The impression
made on the mind of the Court by the evidence on
this point certainly was that the master did not pos-
sess either the necessary confidence or control of
the ship's company. At the same time, I feel bound
to add, that the superintendent of the island had
stated in the hearing of some of the men, that the
ship was in a dangerous rosition, and could not be
got off, while if it came on to blow she would
probably go to pieces, and there would be
considerable difficulty in landing. It appears to me
only right to state thus much ; and as the dangers
of the position must have been known to the
master, it may account for his not having opposed
more strenuously, as it would seem to have been
his duty to do, their departure from the ship; and
it may also be some extenuation for the men being
so anxious to leave. At 11.30 a.m. on the 6th the
vessel floated, and remained in 28 to 30 feet of
water till 4.30 p.m.,when she again grounded
heavily, the six remaining hands on board being
unable, of course, to save the ship in the interval.
When she thus again took the ground, it was
supposed she settled down on her pert anchor, as
she began to make water fast, and finding that
nothing could be done, on Friday morning, the
7th, the master and remaining hands left the vessel
with 10 feet of water in the forehold, 6 feet in the
mainhold, and 5 feet in the afterhold. The ship
was visited subsequently several times, and some of
the stores and provisions were saved. In review-
ing the circumstances of this catastrophe, I am
compelled to pronounce the master in default. This
case adds another loss to the long catalogue of
disasters which have occurred through the want of
common precaution, in not using the lead while
running in a dense fog, and in this instance in an
uncertainty as to the true course. Notwithstanding
the warning upon this latter point which the
master had received by his first misadventures in
grounding upon Nantucket Shoals, he took no
further
soundings after noon of the 2d, relying
upon his course being correct and safe. Had he
°e"''icluallY continued his soundings as he ap-
proached the
meridian of Sable Island, he would
hive had timely
this viei
ger. captain
$- warning of the approaching dan-
nity,
8-uttaYaeld, Royal Navy, speaking of
Island), on the
North America says in the " Sailing Drections for
the southward (of Sable
ee—nt"slo
dually out for so manarY, the water deepens gra-
almost impossibl® for ayn nliles, that it would seem
caution to run on shoreyoveestsel using common pre-
island or its bars ; yet by farhthat side, either of the
shipwrecks have taken place there'
number of
proof oft e culpable neglect of the
affording a sad
common in the mercantile marinea"snding lead so
vessels came on shore in fine,
ois oule of these
although f ,
weather, after running for many miles igy
n shallow
water, when one cast of the lead would have shown
them their danger, and, in many cases, saved
,both
tm, Although, therefore,
life and proper y , the master
by his statement, thought 110 Was'
to judge - steering
would have taken him a lo
a course that w ng way
to the south ward of Sable Island, yet in the absence
of observations to corroborate his assumed position
in a dense fog, the Court cannot but condemn the
for,
even admitting th lt he was
neglect of the lead ;
nnaer all the antecericht
misled by his carnpases,
warning and
circumstances, he should have taken
judgment which
continued his soundings. In the
I have, with the full concurrence of my assessors,
to pronounce upon the master, I
is first Atlantic
have taken into
consideration that he was making h
voyage as commander. But it is my
duty to visit
his conduct with a heavy censure, and I accordingly
- jamiL Gleadell for
2uspond the certificate of Mr. Bea

12 calendar months from the date of this report.--
I have, &0.,
T. S. RAFFLES, Police Magistrate,
Liverpool, Oct. 17, 1863.
We concur in this report,
HENRY HARRIS,) Nautical
R. B. BARBA,
Assessors.

The Confederate Campaign in Pennsylvania.

The New York journals publish the following
official despatch of Gen. Lee, describing his invasion
of Pennsylvania and its results :
TO GENERAL COOPER, ADTETANT AND INSPECTOR-
GENERAL, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.
Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, July 31.
General,—l have the honour to submit the following out-
line of the recent operations of this army for the informa-
tionof the department :

The position occupied by the enemy opposite Fredericks-
burg being one in which he could not be attacked to advan-
tage, it was determined to draw him from it. The execution
of this purpose embraced the relief of the Shenandoah Val-
ley from the troops that had occupied the lower part of it
during the winter and spring, and, if practicable, the trans-
fer of the scene of hostilities north of the Potomac.

It was thought that the corresponding movements on the
part of the enemy to which those contemplated by us would
probably give rise might offer a fair opportunity to strike a
blow at the army therein, commanded by Gen. Hooker ;
and that in any event that army would be compelled to
leave Virginia, and possibly to draw to its support troops
designed to operate against other parts of the country. In
this way it was supposed that the enemy's plan of campaign
for the summer would be broken up, and part of the season
of active exertions be consumed in the formation of new
combinations and the preparations that they would require.
In addition to these advantages it was hoped that other
valuable results might be attained by military success.
Actuated by these and other important considerations
that may hereafter be presented, the movement began on
the 3d of June, M'Law's division of Longstreet's corps left
Fredericksburg for Culpepper Court-house, and Hood's
division, which was encamped on the Rapidan, marched to
the same place.
They were followed on the 4th and sth by Ewell's
corps, leaving that of A. P. Pill to occupy our lines at
Fredericksburg.
The march of these troops'having been discovered by the
enemy, on the afternoon of the 4th and the following day
he crossed a force, amounting to about one army corps, to
the south side of the Rappahannock on a pontoon bridge
laid down near the mouth of Deep Run. Gen. Hill disposed
his command t 3 resist their advance; but as they seemed
intended for the purpose of observation rather than attack,
the movements in progress were not arrested.
The forces of Longstreet and Ewell reached Culpepper
Court-house by the Bth, at which point the cavalry, under
General Stuart, was also concentrated.
On the 9th a large force of Federal cavalry, strongly
supported by infantry, crossed the Rappahannock at Bever-
ly's and Kelley's Fools and attacked General Stuart. A
severe engagement ensued, continuing from early in the
morning until late in the afternoon, when the enemy was
forced to recross the river with heavy loss, leaving 400 pri-
soners, three pieces of artillery, and several colours in our
hands,

General Jenkins, with his cavalry brigade, had been
ordered to advance towards Winchester to co-operate
with
the infantry in the proposed expedition in the lower valley,
and at the same time General Imboden was directed, with
his command, to make a demonstration in the direction of
Romney, in order to recover the movement against Win-
chester, and prevent the enemy at that place from being
reinforced by the troops on the line of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad. Both of these officers were in position
when General Ewell left Culpepper Court-house on the
10th. Crossing the Shenandoah near Front Royal,
he de-
tached Rod es's division to Berryville, with instructions,after
dislodging the force stationed there, to cut off communication
between Winchester and the Potomac. With the divisions
of Early and Johnstone, Gen. Ewell advanced directly upon
townlVine h
one s
tt
he re,
Id3r
ti
hv i. n g
On
hne
tehnee ms
aym. i
en t
do
ahyi s t
hweo
trrkoso
pagr oa utn
Bde r trhy e-
ville fell back before General Rodes, retreating to Airin-
chester. On the 14th General Early stormed the works at
the latter place, and the whole army of General Milroy was
captured or dispersed. Most of those who attempted to
escape were intercepted and made prisoners by General
Johnson. Their leader fled to Harper's Ferry with a small
party of fugitives.
General Rodes marched from Berryville to Martinsburg,
entering the latter place on the 14th, where he took 700
prisoners, five pieces of artillery, and a considerable quan-
tity of stores. These operations cleared the valley of the
enemy, those at Harper's Ferry withdrawing to Maryland
Heights. More than 4,000 prisoners, 22
pieces of artillery,
270 waggons and ambulances, with 400 horses were cap •
tared, besides a large amount of military stores. Our loss
was small. On the night that Ewell appeared at Winchester
the Federal troops in front of A. P. Hill at Fredericksburg
recrossed the Rappahannock, and the next day disappeared
behind the hills of Stafford.
The whole army of General Hooker withdrew from the
line of the Rappahannock, pursuing the roads near the
Potomac, and no favourable opportunity was offered for
attack. It seemed to be the purpose of General Hooker to
take a position which would enable him to cover the ap-
proaches to Washington city. With a view to draw him
further from his base, and at the same time to cover the
march of A. P. Hill, who, in accordance with instructions,
left Fredericksburg for the valley as soon as the enemy
withdrew from his front, Longstreet moved from Culpepper
Court-house on the 15th, and, advancing along the east
side of the Blue Ridge, occupied Ashby's and Snicker's
Gaps, His force had been augmented while at Culpepper
by General Pickett with three brigades of his division.
The cavalry, under General Stuart, was thrown out in
front of Longstreet to watch the enemy, now reported to be
moving into London. On the 17th his cavalry encountered
two brigades of ours, under General Stuart, near Aldie, and
was driven back with loss. The next day the engagement
was renewed, the Federal cavalry being strongly supported
by infantry, and General Stuart was in turn compelled to
retire,
The enemy advanced as far as Upperville and then fell
back. In these engagements Gen. Stuart took about 400
prisoners and a considerable number of horses and arms.
In the meantime a part of Gen. Ewell's corps had entered
Maryland, and the rest were about to follow. Gen. Jenkins,
with his cavalry, who accompanied Gen. Ewell, penetrated
Pennsylvania as far as Chambersburg. As these demon-
strations did not have the effect of causing the Federal army
to leave Virginia, and as it did not seem disposed to ad-
vance upon the position held by Longstreet, the latter was
withdrawn to the west side of the Shenandoah, Gen. Hill
having already reached the valley.
Gen. Stuart was left to guard the passes of the mountains
and observe the movements of the enemy, whom he was in-
structed to harass and impede as much as possible should
he attempt to cross the Potomac. In that event Gen. Stuart
was directed to move into Maryland, crossing the Potomac
east or west of the Blue Ridge, as in his judgment should
be best, and take position on the right of our column as it
advanced.
By the 24th the progress of Ewell rendered it necessary
that the rest of the army should be in supporting distance,
and Longstreet and Hill marched to the Potomac. The
former crossed atWilliatesport, and the latter at Shepherds-
town. The columns reunited at Hagerstown, and advanced
thence into Pennsylvania, encamping
near Chambersburg
on the 27th.
No report had been received that the Federal army had
crossed the Potomac, and the absence of the cavalry ren-
dered it impossible to obtain accurate information. In
order, however, to retain it on the east side of the moun-
tains after it should enter Maryland, and thus leave open
our communication with the Potomac through Hagerstown
and Williamsport, General Ewell had been instructed to
send a division eastwards from Chambersburg to cross the
South Mountains. Early's division was detached for this
purpose, and proceeded as far east as York, while the re-
mainder of the corps proceeded to Carlisle.
General Imboden, in pursuance of the instructions pre-
viously referred to, had been actively engaged on the left of
General Ewell during the progress of the latter into Mary-
land, He bad driven off the forces guarding the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad, destroying all the important bridges on
that route from Cumberland to Martinsburg, and seriously
damaging the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
He subsequently took position at Hancock, and after the
arrival of Longstreet and Hill at Chambersburg was directed
to march by way of Maconnellsburg to that place.
Preparations were now made to advance upon Harrisburg,
but on the night of the 29th information was received from
a scout that the Federal army, having crossed the Potomac,
was advancing northwards, and that the head of the column
had reached the South Mountains. As our communications
with the Potomac were thus menaced, it was resolved to
prevent his further progress in that direction by concen •
trating our army on the east side of the mountains. Ac-
cordingly Longstreet and Hill were directed to proceed from
Chambersburg to Gettysburg, to which point General
Ewell was also instructed to march from Carlisle.
General Stuart continued to follow the movements of
the Federal army south of the Potomac after our own had
entered Maryland, and in his efforts to impede its progress
advanced as far eastward as Fairfax Court-house. Finding
himself unable to delay the enemy mater jelly, he crossed the
river at Seneca, and marched through Westminster to Car-
lisle, where he arrived after Gen. Ewell had left for Gettys-
burg. By the route he pursued the Federal army was in-
terposed between his command and our main body, prevent-
ingGeTtthyeebleuardginogn divisionth of
i‘-'? communication with him until his arrival at Carlisle.
~,,,_,0,1,_:),:iy
triaair,eilit
wtooliwidardhsavCciebtetyc'nabhuargd
tlilv,a,smcgovnednulecuttesdorintoirlee
I lcral artily been known.
by the Heidlereburg
troops to within
Count
a larger short
farce,
became engaged. _
rt)
enemy was driven throne
eluding about 5,000 lill met the enemy in advance of
ddeoirastianngee of the town, he there en-
oatnerning of July 1. Driving back these
Ewell,
with which two of his divisions
up with two of his divisions
, joined in the engagement. The
prieeenberGsettysburg, with heavy loss, in-
He retired to a high range and
several
town. The attack was net
enemy's force being unknown, pieces of artillery.
hills south and east of the
pressed that afternoon, the
and it
being considered ad-

visable to await the arrival of the rest of our troops. Orders
were sent back to hasten their march, and in the meantime
every effort was made to ascertain the numbers and position
of the enemy, and find the most favourable point of attack.
It had not been intended to fight a general battle at such a
distance from our base, unless attacked by the enemy; but,
finding ourselves unexpectedly confronted by the Federal
army, it became a matter of difficulty to withdraw through
the mountains with our large trains, At the same time the
country was unfavourable for collecting supplies while in
presence of the enemy's main body, as he was enabled
to restrain our foraging parties by occupying the passes of
the mountains with regular and local troops. A battle
thus became in a measure unavoidable. Encouraged by the
successful issue of the engagement the first day, and in
view of the valuable results that would ensue from the de-
feat of the army of Gen. Meade, it Was thought advisable to
renew the atttack.

The remainder of Ewell's and Rill's corps having arrived,
and two divisions of Longstreet's, our preparations were
made accordingly. During the afternoon intelligence was
received of the arrival of Gen. Stuart at Carlisle, and he
was ordered to march to Gettysburg, and take position on
the left. A full account of these engagements cannDt be
given until the reports of the several commanding c flicers
shall have been received, and I shall only:give a general
description.

--- -
The preparations for attack Were not completed until the
afternoon of the 2d.

The enemy held a high and commanding ridge, along
which he massed a largo amount of artillery. Gen. Ewell
occapied the lett of our line, Gen. Hill, the centre, and
Gen. Longstreet the right. In front of Gen. Longstreet the
enemy held a position, from which, if he could be driven,
it was thought that our army could be used to advantage in
assailing the more elevated ground beyond, and thus enable
us to reach the crest of the ridge. That officer was directed
to endeavour to carry this position, while Gen. Ewell at-
tacked the high ground on the enemy's right, which had
already been partially fortified. Gen. Hill was instructed to
threaten the front of the Federal line, in order to prevent
reinforcements being sent to either wing, and to avail him-
self of any opportunity that might present itself to attack.
After a severe struggle Longstreet succeeded in getting
possession of and holding the desired groind. Ewell also
carried some of the strong positions which he assailed, and
the result was such as to lead to the belief that he would
ultimately be able to dislodge the enemy. The battle ceased
at dark.

These partial successes determined me to continue the
assault next day. Pickett, with three of his brigades,
joined Longstreet the following morning, and our batteries
were moved forward to the position gained by him the day
before.

The general plan of attack was unchanged, except that
one division and two brigades of fill's corps were ordered
to support Lonp,9treet,

The enemy in the meantime had strengthened his line
with earthworks. The morning was occupied in necessary
preparations, and the battle recommenced in the afternoon
of the 3d, and raged with
great violence until sunset. Our
troops succeeded in entering the advanced works of the
enemy and getting possession of some of his batteries, but
our artillery having nearly expended its ammunition, the
attacking columns became exposed to the heavy fire of the
numerous batteries near the summit of the ridge, and after
a most determined and gallant struggle were compelled to
relinquish their advantage and fall back to their original po-
sitions with severe loss.
The conduct of the troops was all that I could desire or
expect, and they
deserved success so far as it can be de-
served by heroic valour and fortitude. More may have
been required of them than they were able to perform, but
my admiration of their noble qualifies and confidence in
their ability to cope successfully with the enemy has suf-
fered no abatement from the issue of this protracted and
sanguinary conflict,
Owing ti the strength of the enemy's position and the
reduction of our ammunition, a renewal of the engagement
could not be hazarded, and the difficulty of procuring sup-
plies rendered it impossible to continue longer where we
were. Such of the wounded as were in condition to be re-
moved, and part of the arms collected on the geld, were
ordered to Williamsport. The army remained at Gettys-
burg during the 4th, and at night began to retire by the
road to Fairfield, carrying with it about 4,000 prisoners.
Nearly 2,000 had previously been paroled, but the enemy's
numerous wounded that had fallen into our hands after the
first and second days' engagements were left behind.
Little progress was made that night, owing to a severe
storm, which greatly embarrassed our movements. The rear
of the column did not leave its position near Gettysburg
until after daylight on the sth.
The march was continued during the day without inter-
ruption by the enemy, except an unimportant demonstra-
tion upon our rear in the afternoon, when near Fairfield,
which was easily checked. Part of our train moved by the
road through Fairfield, and the rest by the way of Castle-
town, guarded by Gen. Itnboden. In passing through the
mountains, in advance of the column, the great length of
the trains exposed them to attack by the enemy's cavalry,
which captured a number of waggons and ambulances ; but
they succeeded in reaching Williamsport without serious
loss.

They were attacked at that place on the 6th by the enemy's
cavalry, which was gallantly repulsed by Gen. Imboden.
The attacking force was subsequently encountered and
driven off by Gen. Stuart, and pursued for several miles in
the direction of Boomsborough. The army, after an arduous
march, rendered more difficult by the rains, reached Hagers-
town on the afternoon of the 6th and morning of the ith of
July.

The Potomac was found to be so much swollen by the rains
that had fallen almost incessantly since our entrance into
Maryland as to be unfordable. Out communications with
the south side were thus interrupted, and it was difficult to
procure either ammunition or subsistence, the latter diffi-
culty being enhanced by the high waters impeding the work-
frig of the neighbouring. mills. Ihe trains with the wounded
and prisoners were compelled to await at Williamsport the
subsiding of the river and the construction of boats, as the
pontoon bridge left at Falling Waters had been partially
destroyed. The enemy had not yet made its appearance,
but as he was in a condition to obtain large reinforcements,
and our situation, for the reasons above mentioned, was be-
coming daily more embarrassing, it was deemed advisable
to recross the river, Part of the pontoon bridge was re-
covered, and new boats built, so that by the 13th a good
bridge was thrown over the river at Falling Waters.
The enemy in force reached our front on the 12th. A posi•
tion had been previously selected to cover the Potomac from
Williamsport to Falling Waters, and an attack was awaited
during that and the succeeding day. This did not take
place, though the two armies were in close proximity, the
enemy being occupied in fortifying his own lines. Our pre-
parations being completed, and the river, though still deep,
being pronounced fordable, the army commenced to with-
draw to the south side on the night of the 13th.
Ewell's corps forded the river at Williamsport ; those of
Longstreet and Hill crossed upon the bridge. Owing to the
condition of the roads the troops did not reach the bridge
until after daylight on the 14zh, and the crossing was not
completed until 1 p.m. ; when the bridge was removed. The
enemy offered no serious interruption, and the movement
was attended with no loss of material, except a few disabled
waggons and two pieces of artillery, which the horses were
unabled to move through the deep mud. Before fresh
horses could be sent back for them the rear of the column
had passed.
During the slow and tedious march to the bridge, in the
midst of a violent storm of rain, some of the men lay down
by the way to rest. Officers sent back for them failed to
find them in the obscurity of the night, and tbese,with some
stragglers, fell into the hands of the enemy.
Brigadier-Gen. Pettigrew was mortally wounded in an
attack made by a small body of cavalry, which was unfor-
tunately mistaken for our own and permitted to enter our
lines. He was brought to Bunker-hill, where he expired in
a few days afterwards. He was a brave and accomplished
officer and gentleman, and his loss will be deeply felt by the
country and the army.
The following day the army marched to Bunker-hill, in
the vicinity of which it encamped for several days. The
day after its arrival a large force of the enemy's cavalry
which crossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, advanced
towards Martinsburg. It was attacked by Gen. Fitz Lee
near Kearneysville, and defeated with heavy loss, leaving
its dead and many of its wounded on the field.
Owing to the swollen condition of the Shenandoah river,
the plan of operations which had been contemplated when
wo recrossed the Potomac could not be put in execution, and
before the waters had subsided the movements of the enemy
induced me to cross the Blue Ridge and take position south
of the Rappahannock, which was accordingly done.
As soon as the reports of the commanding officers shall
be received a more detailed account of these operations will
be given, and occasion will then be taken to speak more par-
ticularly of the conspicuous gallantry and good conduct of
both officers and men.
It is not yet in my power to give a correct statement of
our casualties, which were severe, including many brave
men, and an unusual proportion of distinguished and valuable
officers. Among them I regret to mention the following
general officers :—Majar-Generals Hood, Pender, and
Trimble, severely, and Major-Gen. Heth, slightly wounded,
General Pender has since died, This lamented offices has
borne a distinguished part in every engagement of this army,
and was wounded on several occasions while leading his
command with conspicuous gallantry and ability. The con-
fidence and admiration inspired by his courage and capacity
as an officer was only
equalled by the esteem and respect
entertained by all with whom he was associated for the noble
qualities of his modest and unassuming character. Briga-
dier. Generals Barksdale aud Garnett were killed, and
Brigadier-General Semmes mortally- wounded while leading
their troops with the courage that always distinguished
them. These brave officers and patriotic gentlemen fell in
the faithful discharge a duty, leaving the army to mourn
their lobs and emulate their noble examples.
Brigtoiermenprais Kemper, Armistead, Scales, G. T.
Anderson, Hampton, J. it. Jones, and Jenkins were also
wounded. Brigadier-General Archer was taken prisoner,
General Pettigrew, though wounded at Gettysburg, con-
tinued in command until he was mortally wounded near
Falling Waters,
The loss of the enemy is unknown ; but from observa-
tion on the field, and his subsequent movements, it is sup-
posed that he antlered severely.
Respectfully submitted,
R, E, LEE, General,"