Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-11-08
The Hauaza 3 Perry Fight.

The following summary Ofdeductions drawn
by the Worlds correspondent, who visited the
ground at Edwards Ferry, evidently compris
es full and accurate exhibit Of The case:
1t is evident that no mere reconnaissance
was intended by those in charge of the move
mcnt, but that large force was to be thrown
over the river. Leesburg was to be sc:zed
junction formed with Mccall and Smith on the
south, and thus the right wing Of our army
placed in line with the central division oppo-
site Washington, as often predicted heretofore.
The proof Of these are: lst, the concerted
double advance at Edwards and Conrads Fer.
ries; I'd, the order TO make dash ut Lees
burg" sent to Gen. Baker; Sd. orders issued
that Gen. Mccall should hoId his division un-
der arms TO cut OF the retreat of the rebels
1t is evident that no responsibility attaches
to Gen. Banks. Even the southernmost ferry
does not come within his jurisdiction, and the
movement was subjected to General Stones
direct orders.
The astounding error which caused its fail
ure was the total lack of preparation for such
an arduous and important measure as throw
ing double division across a broad and rapid
river into hostile territory, and at the crisis OF
years campaign. 1t is almost impossible TO
believe that only three or fur treachcrons old
scows were all the boats used for this attempt
1t is alleged that peremtory and unanticiPa-
ted order was sent 10 General Stone requir-
ing him to move with such purpose on Mon
day.
If this were so, higher officer than Stone
has received lessor; but surely the recipient
of such an order, if possessed of true military
ability, could have made something On the score
of canal boats lying at hand-a bridge or
rope ferry at least. For the latter requisitions
were made on Washington for cable aud rings
a fortnight before the movement; but the arti-
eles were never supplied. This whole trans
portation business is SO incomprehcnsiblc, yet
so plainly the great cause of our disaster, that
the whole army is both bewildered and indig-
nant
twenty-five thousand men, with cavalry and
| batteries, should have crossed the river in a
day. Our undisputed occupancy Of Edwards
Ferry landing shows that such transit could
have been accomplished at that point either by
pontoon bridge or sufficient number of beats.
No force which the enemy could spare from
below would have imperilcd the column in po-
sirion fairly gained.
An apparent intention that the army should
wrlk or swim, acrOss the river caused bath the
repulsc and the destruction at Balls Bluff, and
the enforced retreat at Edwards Ferry. Bat
even with adequate fcrriage the point selected
for the upper transit was dangerous in the ex
trrnc. If Col. Ecvan'S command had been
! thrown over at CoHrad's, instead of marching
down the towpath TO the island crossing, where
a portion Of it had been so long on guard, it
would at least have landed in an open country,
and have found no huge precipitous bluff to
| impede the progress of both artillery and
men.
Gen. Baker had nothing to do with the Sc
lection of the point at which be was to cross.
lie was not placed in command till Monday
morning. lie found that hundreds of Massa-
ehuEetts troops had preceded his battalion =
lie found battle waiting for him. brought on
| by other hands, defeat Insured in advance, and
the one duty Of selling his command dearly
Oh, how dearly Let not shadow of cen
sure pass by those who have incurred it TO
darken the slumbers of that good gray head
which all men loved who knew"
--~ ---------
| The Washington correspondent of the Cin%
cinnati Gazette sa-s. d-pot for prisoners OF
war is to be established on JohRson's Island.
Sandusky Bay, short distance from Sandus-
| Ky. Seventeen buildings, to accommodate >
600 prisoners, are to be erected, at cost OF
less than $25,O0O, by December 10th. Lieut..
Col. Hoffman, Of the 8lh Infantry, Commissn-
ry General of prisoners, who has been looking
for the proper place, recommends this, and the
recommendation is approved by the Quarter
master General and Secretary Of War. First
Lieut.. Read, Of the 6th Infantry, now on pa
role, will BE- acting Qlartcrmaster and Com
missary Of Subsistence for the depot.
Tue Export OF RFADsTUFFs.-There are
now about sixty vessels. including many large
ships, loading brcadStulis at this port for the
CONTINGENT oF Fnrh.1e V'ba,o ,,.;II .o,,;r,, br,,t