Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-10-26
THE BALLS BLUFF AFFAIR.


1t is very natural to inquire now what was
the object of the military movement at Ed.
wards Ferry that led to the battle of Balls
Bluff, and why the order to cross the river
was issued before sufficient means for transpur-
tation had been provided. Perhaps these
questions should not be pressed very earnestly
at the present but they ScW arise. The most
probable theory of the movement We have
seen is given in despatch to the New York
Tribune, professedly on the au hority of Col
Colburne, an aid OF Gen. Mcclellan, who ac-
companied him to Edwards Ferry The des-
patch says -
Gen Stone having information that the
rebel Gen. Evans had 5000 men near Lees
burg, and thai he had sent his baggage over
Goose Creek 10 the south, that he might not
be impeded IN retiring to Manassas it attacked
by superior iorce, and percei'ing that the
coast was clear, concluded to attempt the cap
ture Of Evans whole force. Col Baker took
command. Gen Stone gave him 500 men,
being Col. Baker'S own brigade and the Tam
many regiment, with cavalry and as much
artillery as die enemy had, and the residue of
the fifteenth and twentieth Massachusetts,
beng the best regiments he had. According
to Col COlburnp, Col. Bakers orders were 10
cross at Harrson's Island ; not to 90 beyond
the island, unless his means of transportation
were ample not to move from the Virginia
bank OF the river until the whole force was
over; when he advanced, 10 be careful IN
seuding cut scouts and skirmishers; in pro
tecting his fanks and guarding his rear and
on no account to make Il demonstration uni, Sc
so posted as to feel sure of success.
Col RaEar Iowpyar according 10 (,OlOup
Colburns statement, moved forward before
more than 700 or 500 had crossed. With that
number, leaving no guard at the river, and
keeping up no communication with it, so that
three companies, which subsequently crossed,
were unable to join him. After he had been
joined by the nine Massachusetts companies,
under command of Col. Devens, he, with about
1900 men, was attacked by Gen. Evans whole
force, with the exception OF his battery. which
remained on hill opposite Edwards Ferry,
being threatened by Gen. Stone, who made
feint Of crossing, in order TO keep 1t there
On hearing OF the disaster, Gen. Mcclellan
telesraphed Gen Banks to take command of
General Stone and the whole movement, and
send over men Immediately. General Banks
went to Edwards Ferry, and there sent to the
Virginia side 400. On Tuesday night, Gen.
Mcclellan himself went over to them and took
survey of the situation. These troops have
since been Withdrawn, and the whole force at
that point is now on the Maryland side, under
command OF General Banks. The dispatch 10
which We refer makes this statement =
while our forty-iour hundred men were on
the Virginia bank of Edwards Ferry, Gen
Lander, who was here when the engagement
hpr Ia riy lpflI
ately, made reconnaissance towards Lees
burg with four hundred or i've hundred men
lie encountered body OF rebels estimated "a
two thousand men, and put them to flight
taking possession OF the field, on which eight
bodies were found. The only casualty on oul
side was Gen. Lander, who received severe
flesh wound in the calf OF his leg.