The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-06
REPORT OF GEHERAL GORMAN.
GEN. SORxAES REPORT or THE ArrAxR Al
EDWARDS FERRY ::
BRIsADs HEApouARTsas

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,
NEAR EDwARDs' FERRy, Oct. 26, 1861.
To Cspt. Charles Smith, Assistant Adjstane
Gensrai-Gen. Stones Dipiaen:
SIR-I have the honor to communicate
to the General commanding the division the
facts and events connected with my brig.
ade, in the advance across the Potomac,
made under bis order. On the Goth instant,
l received orders to detach two ~ compa-
nies Of the First Minnesota Regiment to
cover q reconnaissance on the Virginia side
of the Potomac. This order was 0beyed,
and they crossed, but we're soon recalled.
On the morning Of the 2lst, two (2) other
companies were ordered to cross and cover
the advance Of Q 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
have the First New York, and First Min.
Desota Regiments Of Infantry at Edwards
Ferry on Monday, the 2lst inst at day
light, or as near that hour as 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
sible, from Seneca Mills, eight miles distant.
They arrived with great promptDess at ii
O'Clock, A. N. During that day and night
1.-THE 2lst) the entire brigade crossed the
river, numbering about $3.50 men. Just
about the same time / got the First regi.
meDt across, severe battle commenced
near Conrad's Ferry, distant FIVE or six
miles. Before the brigade got over, news
of repulse of our troops at UOnrads 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 in
trenching tools were placed in the hands OF
the Seventh Michigan Regiment, (whose
guns were almost wortnless,) 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, l was ordered 10 command OF the troops
at the Ferry, and in charge of ths means
and manner OF disposiDg OF them, as the re-
intorcements arrived; also of crossing them
over the river.
: On 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 ferry, above and below,
and all the fat, scow end row boats to be
found, and put seven Canal and two scow
> boats into she Potomac from the canal
placing them in charge Of Captain Foote.
Quartermaster of the Second New York
state Militia, who managed the crossing
With great energy, 90 that by Tuesday, the
22d instant, at ten O'Clock, A. NJ. We had
crossed 4,50O; lilo or more Of Van Aliens
cavalry, and 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 6rm-