Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-08-29
EDoM GEN. ropes ARMY.
WHAT THE STORM PREVENTED
A New Position.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Aug. 26.-The smart
thunder shower of last Friday evening prob
ablv DELAYED a great battle on the north side
of the Rappahannock- From prisoners taken
in the late skirmsnes, and from many other
sources, have learned that it was the inten-
ton of Gen. Lee to cross his entire army dur
ing Friday night and the day following, and
attack Gen Pope before the reinforcements
from McClellan's army arrived upon the
ground
Before the army of Virginia made its mas
terlv retreat before the eyes of the whole
rebel horde, it was supposed that the Kappa
hammock could be passed at only six or seven
different points, but it soon became evident
that the entire stream from five miles above
Warrenton Springs to the main body OF the
river was one grand ford, and that the rebel
army could almost march up to its banks III
line of battle, and walk on the bed Of the riv-
er dry shod. The old fords Of long standing
were closely watched and strongly guarded,
but to the surprise of our generals, rebel Skin
mishing parties were discovered crossing at
points supposed to beimpassable, compelling US
to shift our ground constantly to prevent be-
ing outhanked-
The dash of the rebel general Stuart was
but a preliminary skirmish in part to pay off
i
also to conceal the more extensive movements
of jackson. During the night while Stuart
was fumbling in the trunks of Geneal Pope,
Jackson crossed his whole corps at half a doz
en- points above Wawenton Springs. jack
son, according to the programme, was to en-
gage the right Of Gen. Pope, draw off his at
tention if possible from his left and center, SO
as to give the main body of the rebel army an
opportunity to cross at other fords than those
guarded by u.s. and then when safely over,
take the risk of the most desperate conflict Of
the war.
The programme succeeded SO far as jack
son was concerned. He crossed the river.
Stuart performed his part well. But Provi-
dence in this instance seemed to be upon our
side. A heavy black cloud rose in the west,
and at about midnight burst in furious storm
on both armies. 1t was too dark to see the
lords, even if they could have been passed.
The storm continued all night. In the morn
ing the river had become impossible. Gen
Lee could not pass, and jackson was alone on
this side of the stream. Gen. Pope could not
learn the exact strength of jackson, and did
not feel strong enough to engage the whole
army; therefore he did not take the offensive
jackson, learning that Gen. Lee could not re-
enforce him, kept close to the river and the
bushes, and as the river fell recrossed it and
joined the main body of the army. But for
this thunder storm the greatest battle of the
war would have been fought before this; and
God alone knows with whom would have been
the victory.
The day following the army of Virginia fell
back from the line of the Rappahannock and
invited the enemy to cross, but he politely de-
clined the invitation. To-day your cores
pomdent understands the national army again
assumes the offensive, to abandon forever, it
is to be hoped, the ''lines of retreat"