Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-10-30
Tho Retreat Across lhc Potomac.

From graphic description in the N. Z.
Tribune of the retreat across the Potomac
after the battle Of Edwards Ferry, we ex-
tract the following:
For hours the hoats shifted from side to
side, and the disembarked groups swelled
into full regiments and marched away. The
thrCng upon the Virginia shore seemed to
decrease SO slowly, that one wondered If all
could be brought into security before the
rebels should discover their comparatively
unprotected position. 1t was not, however,
wholly unprotected, for along the ridges of
our hills heavy batteries were planted, bear
ing upon the spots where, it was apprehend-
ed, the enemy might disclose themselves.-
There was little confusion among our men,
and excepting by the subdued murmer OF
many voices, the light pashing of oars or
poles in the water, the kissing and cracking
OF the ever-replenished fires, and the rush OF
their flames through the air, the silence OF
the night was undisturbed. II was very
clear and cold, and many suffered from the
unusual keenness of the wind; but the COM
plants which frequently arose were not on
this score 1t was the modification of thu
ANN.Ntte e4Ae es0AAANA W gukEOsaH Au6 GullAN
multitude. / never saw such universal and
such undisguised detection. There was hui
one spot, SO far as | observed, within the
army lines, where anything like unconstra n
ed mirthfulness was shown, and that was
hardly where one would have expected it,
Fhe group of officers at ''headquarters" were
s.hyely as if a victory had just blessed us
The ruddy fire, about which they stood
| lighted cOuntenances which already were SC
/ gay as to need no added lustre. Il was quite
inspiring to linger a moment within thai
rosy influence: but a few steps further on
and the change was complete again. Gloon
every where, often woful ailiiction.
left the river, laken with our living (and
who knows how many Of our dead2), anC
turned into the more remote camps, whert
the debris of the regiments which fought or
Monday were gathered. The Goth Massa
chusetts was now commanded by a Captain
The fine boys were sorrowful over theii
losses, but in no manner irresolute or dsunt
ed in their purpose TO follow the periloul
path again, whenever summoned / wa
deeply impressed by the devotion and cour
age which this regime has shown during
! the conflict and of which l had heard il
| oNSI1 4udElSE. aus OulC6Is Cdluo lEOIu IcBlOul
more devoted, it W as thought to social de
lights than to the rigOrs and hardships o
warfare. We all remember how the gayes
and hightiest young men of England turned
out the most er'oic Of all that fought in tht
Orimea. The case is not altogether dissimi
lar here. These Harvard boys, many o
whom never had care or struggle in tbs
world, from Ishom, l am sure, less endurance
and possibly less determination would have
been looked for than from set of officer
more rugg edly composed, were unexception
ably conspicuous for their bravery and daring
throughout the fight OF Monday. They
could not think of submission, even wheE
counseled to submit by older officers, and
even. after orders to surrender had been pro
elaimed, continued fighting, against hope
with unhinching desperation, until the las
vestige Of their strength had vanished.