Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-10-02
From the Richmond Enc uirer.

From the Potomac.
The accounts and dispatches which we publish TO-DAY
will correct some mis&ppehensions which have gone to
the public as news The late events on the Potomac,
slrce the capture Of Harper's Ferry may be stated
thus
On Tuesday, the 16tb Lee, whose forces were con-
centratlrg at Sharpsburg, confronted by McClel-
Ian who had followed him thitner from Boonsboro the
day before. On Tuesday evening light and harmless
cannonade occurred lasting few hours On the next
day the great battle of Sharpsbdrg was fought lasting
until night Some of Gen. Lees forces arrived during
the action portion Of them at an advanced hour
The close of the battle left US in possession of the field
and on the next morning it discovered that Nc
ClelIan had retreated.
Gen Lee held the field all day Thursday, caring for
the wounded and the dead. He then crossed the Poto
mac which was only about two miles distant and took
position at or Shepherdstown We think be thus
moved nearly or quite his whole army
The General OF the enemy tanning his withdraw
al to the south sda began what they call their pursuit.
Perhaps deceived extent by the stories with
which they deceive their people tbey even venucd to
throw over force Of ten thousand men to press the
flight of the disOrganzed - Confederates How this
expedition Jared, Sunday last let the telegram in
another column tell Another chastsement, swift ard
sudden and severe has fallen upon the enemy from the
hand OF Jackson.
General Lees presert position we do not know
whether he still On the south side whether he has
recrossed his army to the other. But be has bis plans
and himself and his army crowned with the fame of
new exploits are in the highest spirits We will not
guess at his pans lest it might suggest the right
idea to the enemy.
But surely Gen. Lee be cheerfuly trusted TO
manage the operations confded to him. That he will
do this to the best advantage may we'll be inferred from
his brilliant career, from the campaign the Chicka-
hOmny 10 this hour. His plans have been admiral
conceived-admirably concealed from the enemy, and
admirably executed. To the enemy be must seem like
Crosseyed man, never striking where be to be
looking.
He out-generalled Mcclellan on the Chickahominy-
he made fool of Pope from the Rapidan to Manassas
he has disgraced Mcclellan again, by the capture OF
Harpers Ferry with nearly twelve thousand prisoners
right before his eyes, while Mcclellan thought he was
about to strike at Harrisburg Washington. While
he was managed WELL his officers and soldiers have
cued like heroes, and continued has gladdened
the heart OF the country.
General Lee has shifted his late position by few
miles. He is, it may be, still on this bank of the Po-
tOmac instead of the other Ia the feelings of some
there is vast difference in the two positions The
difference, in fact, is hours march For ourselves
perfectly content in the conviction that it is
strategy that put army where it is the march fol
lowing it did the heels of victory. What the
strategy s, wecould only guess perhaps Burnside i'm
agned something Of it last Sunday, when Jackson
laundering his rear and racing with him for the Po
| tomac crossing.
Let our people, therefore, be composed and patient
and cheerful. Retreats often simulated. They
are like the crouch before the spring of the lion.-
be confding where confidence has been well
ed. So long as General Lee is cheerful and contest
and his army in good spirits, shall see in these facts
abundant reason why should be SO likewise.
Another word we will add here. The public, anxious
and everish for news has abandoned itself to excite
ment. Men race the streets all day news hunting
OF course rumors abound Why should they not when
there is such demand Rumors reach us from the
field of operations. Gen. Lee is here and Gen. Lee il
there; and here then has been victory and there
| captuation The Government, too, has great news
which 1t will not disclose, and the public anxiety takes
the form of angry rebuke. The imputation upon the
government is mistake. There has been no withhold
ing of news such as the public would itself consider
proper to be disclosed The government has been fret
and ready to impart all legitimate information. The
trouble lies here: Rumor, even when true, always e
faster than fact 1t is like the report that tells of th
coming of the ball. Government deals in facts anG
official reports and for the sending of these, time
required to ensure accuracy. The passenger by tn
cars" or other private information is generally aheaC
of even Jackson's brief kilograms
Hence the street is often fall Of rumors and ever
facts are sometimes pretty authentcay known befor
the Government is informed Of the matters Citizen
must be composed and patient, and not fret and com
plain if the Government does not resolve itself into
mere news agency, or do not employ itself in the dig
niftd task OF bunting down every Idle rumor which
born Of the public excitement and diseased curiosity