The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-10-03
From the Potomac.

From the Richmond Enquirer, of the 2jth,l
The late events on the Potomac, since
the capture of Harper's Ferry, may be
stated thus;
On Thursday, the 10th, Lee whose
forces were concentrating at Sharpsburg,
was confronted by Mcclellan who had
followed him thither from BoonsborQ' the
day before. On Tuesday evening light
and harmless cannonade occurred lasting
a few hours. On the next day the great
battle Of Sharpsburg, was fought, lasting
until night Some of General 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 was
discovered that Mcclellan had retreated.
Gen. Lee held the field all day Thurs
day, caring for the wounded and the
dead III then crossed the Potomac,
which was only about two miles distant,
and took position at or near Shepards-
town. We think he thus moved nearly
or quite his whole army.
The general Of the enemy ascertaining
his withdrawal to the south side, began
what they call their pursuit, Perhaps
deceived to some extent by the stories
with which they deceive their people,
they even ventured TO throw over force
of ten thousand men to press the flight of
the "disorganize" Confederates. How
this expedition Jared, on Saturday last,
let the telegram in another column tell!
Another chastisement swift and sudden
and severe has fallen upon the enemy
from the hand of Jackson
General Lees present position we do
not know whether he is still on the
South side or whether be has crossed his
army to the other. But he has his plans,
and himself and his army, crowned with
fame of new exploits, are in the highest
spirits. We will not even guess at his palms
lest it might suggest the right idea to the
enemy. ... . .......
But surely Gen. Lee can be cheerfully
trusted to mango the operations coniided
to him. That he will do this to the best
advantage, may well be inferred from his
brilliant career, from the campaign on
the Chickahominy to this hour His
plans have been admirably conceived
admirably concealed from the enemy,
and admirably executed. To the enemy
It AllhnANANAAl INV y AANHN-A ~ llihllf AlIN-
er striking where he seems to be looking.
Ne o1t-generaled Mcclellan on the
0tuclSahominy--no madea fool of Pope
from the Rapidan to Manassas has
disgraced Mcclellan again, by the cap
ture of Harpers Ferry with nearly twelve
thousand prisoners, right before his eyes
while Mcclellan thought he was about TO
stilIe at Harrisburg or Washington
While he has managed welt. his officers
and soldiers have executed like heroes.
and continued success has gladdened the
heart OF the country.
Gen. Lee has shifted bis late position
by few miles. He Is, it may be, still on
this bank OF the Potomac instead Of the
other In the feelings Of some there is
vast difference in the two positions. The
difference, in fact, Is an hours march,
For ourselves we are perfectly content in /
the conviction that it is strategy that put /.
our army where il is, the march follow.
ing as IL did on the heals Of victory
What the strategy is, we could only guess;
perhaps Burnside imagined something Of |
IL lsst Sunday, when Jackson was thur
derlng in his rear, and racing with him
for She Potomac crossing.
Let our people, therefore, be composed .
and patient and cheerful. Retreats are
often simulated. They are like the
crouch before tho spring Of tie lion
'Tney may be but the running start of the
leaper Let US be conhding where con-
fdence has been so we'll earned SO long
as General Lee is cheerful and content.
and his army in good spirits, we shall see
in these facts abundant reason why we
should be 80 likewise.