New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-26
TEE REPUAsE OK THE UPPRB
POTOMAC.
From Our Special Correspondent.

From Our Special Correspondent.
EDwmDgs F1RE7, Upper Potomac, Oct. q, 1861
Long before this letter arrives you will have heard
of the real nature of the recent engagement upon the
Vrgina shore Of the Upper Potomac, and Of the
extraordinary methods Of concealuent employed by
officers of high station for The purpofe of unloading
public Judgment for as Ling tine as should be
possible. Even in these times Of military secresy, |
could rot have believed thst the mott sacred feelings
OF so many communities could have been trifed with
FOR the sake of guarding the sensitive conceit Of
elroI-working officers. Such expedents arc alike
dscredi.abe TO those who devise them, and injurious
10 the cause they are intended 10 support. Nothing
has been gained b. the Official receptions respecting
this disssie while much Of that implicit confidence
which cur military leaders have been Lonorcd with
has been lost. A repulse becomes all The more
Inortifying, if not more damaging, when we learn
that Efforts arc made by those we have been ac-
customed 10 trust to hide or belle the actual circum-
sances 1t is not the least misfortune Of the occasion
that those who perhaps aided in producing it, have
sought 10 force false result upon the too.ready
creduliiy Of The country.
Beyond the simple fact that Col. Baker had been
killed at the head of the brigade which he com
rnandcd, and that bis men had suffered a temporary
repu'se, nothing WIS known in Washington Oh Tues
day. The military censorship never 20 impera-
tive IL was not even admitted that the repulse was
serious and was personally assured by gentlemen
directly within the circle Of Information, the boundary
of which is fixed by the walls Of " headquarters"
that our troops Lad effected successful landing
upon tie Virginia Shore and that the whole wing Of
The army was rapidly crossing the Potomac. \
battle. it was admitted would probably take place,
the rebels having shown an inclination TO disodge US
bat every confidence az TO tie result wGs proclaimed
To witness this predicted engagement, Jeff WASH
iugton early this morning, carrying the i'm
preston which then prevailed there. thai
nothing Ike q severe casually bad been or was
likely ~ be suffered. AZ Great Falls, come 70 miles
lis side Of the scene of tie conflict intelligence
to the contrary had been received. AT Seneca Mills,
whence parts of Gen. Banks's army had been sum
oned haste to aid in repairing the errors Of Mon
day, he Elme ignorance existed. Even IT Edwarts's
Ferry, abont when the main body Of the army was
collected, there was only the vsguest conception
among the troops Of the circumstances OF the repu!se
Nothing was accurately known, except 10y tie gen
ersl officers and the members Of regiments which
in the action. On visi,iDg these regi-
menis, i was startled ard amazed to Gnd hat the
events were Of truly tragic character, involving
osses 90 our strength and our presdgs in every way
lisnessug. ia che confusion Of camp-mcviHg, which
gas going OF among many regiments, l found il in
possible 70 ,yber more han bare orlline, although
lesc are suGiciept to show tat the detaiie must
nave been unusually affecting.
AN spprehepsive Of emitting mTch flat should BE I
essential 10 a narrative Of the proceedings, bnt !
nust has, TO give tie decisive features a such ac
cunts as have hsrriedy been laid before me. Late
u sunday night 4 note all az it il told ne by iTu.-