The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-06
REPORT OF GENERAL GOLDMAN
CEN SrRKAFS REPORT OF THE ArFAYR AT
EDWARDS FERkY

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS.
NEAR EDWARDS FERRY, Oct. 26, 1861.
To Copt. Charles Smith, Assistant 4dd,4,ont
Geneal-Gen. Stones Dirisson:
SIR-I have the honor to communicate
to the General commanding the division the
facts aud events connected with my brig.
ade, IN the advance across the Potomac,
made under his order. On the Goth instant,
received orders to detach two ~ compa-
MES of the First Minnesota Regiment to
cover q reconnaissance on the Virginia side
of the Potomac. This order was obeyed,
and they crossed, but were soon recalled.
On the morning OF the 2lst, two (2) other
companies were ordered to cross and cover
The advance OF a party Of cavalry under
Major Mix-ail OF which was done, the par
ty at the same time driving iD the enemy's
pickets. Orders were received by me to
nave the First New York, and First Min.
Desota Regiments oi Infantry at Edwards
Ferry on Monday, the 2lst list at day.
light, or as near that hour az possible.
These two regiments arrived there at the
time specified. | also ordered the Thirty
fourth New York Volunteers to proceed to
tie same point at as early an hour as pos-
slbie, from Senaca Mills, eight miles distant.
They arrived witt great pIomptness al III
O'Clock, A. NJ. Durlpg that day and night
(tae 2lst) the entire brigade crossed The
river, numbering ABOUT $3.50 men. just
about the same time | got tbs First regis
meDt across, severe bait &c commenced
near Conrad's Ferry, distant five or SIX
mics. Before the brigade got over, news
OF repuise OF cur troops at COnrads Fer.
ry reached the General commanding, who
sent me an order in writing to commence
intrenchments Immediately" On the Vir.
ginia side. With the utmost dispatch 10.
trenchipg tools were placed in the hands of
the Seventh Michigan Regiment, (whOse
guns were almost wortniess,) who did good
service; and very soon rifle pits were dug
and other intrenchments were begun. From
the commencement Of the crossing on Mon
day, | was ordered 10 command of the troops
at the Ferry, and IN charge of thu means
aud manner OF disposiDg OF them, as the re-
Inducements arrived; also OF crossing them
over the river.
Ga the arrival Of Major General Banks
on the 22d, received the same Order from
him. seized all the canal boats within
Two miles OF the Terry, ABOVE ana below,
and all the fiat, scow and row boats to be
found, and put seven Canal and two scOw
boats into the Potomac from the canal,
placing them in charge of Captain FOote.
Qaar,ermaster OF the Second New York
State Militia, who managed the crossing
with great energy, so that by Tuesday, the
22d instant, at ten O'Clock, A. NJ. we had
crossed 4,500; lilo or more OF Van Aliens
cavalry, aud two l2-pound howitzers OF
Ricketts, battery, Immediately in charge OF
Lieutenants Kirby and Woodruff About
four O'Clock on the 22d instant, the enemy
were seen advancing upon US in force. They
Immediately and with great spirit and de
termination, attacked our outposts near the
woods, adjacent to Goose Greek, to the left
and in front of our lines, and about three
miles from Leesburg. They numbered over
5000 infantry with some cavalry in reserve,
Our forces met the attack with equal firm