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

[From the Richmond Enquirer, of the 25th.]
Z The late events on the Potomac, since
the capture of Harper's Ferry, may be
stated thus:
I On Thursday, the 10th, Lee whose
brces were concentrating Mt Sharpsburg,
vas confronted by Mcclellan who had
l6llowed him thither from Boonsboro' the
-a~y- beeoso.--OnT nasday auaning n liQht
and harmless cannonade occurred lasting
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 tor the wounded and the
dead. He 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 10 throw over force
of ten thousand men to press the fight 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 he 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 confided
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
he must seem like cross.eyed man, new
er striking where he seems to be looking.
He out.generaled Mcclellan on the
Chiekahominy--ife made fool of Pope
from the Rapidan to Manassas---he has
disgraced Mcclellan again, by the cap.
ture of Harper's Ferry with nearly twelve
thousand prisoners, right before his eyes,
while Mcclellan thought he was about to
stike at Harrisburg or Washington
While he has managed well. his officers
and soldiers have executed like heroes
and continued success has gladdened the
heart OF the country.
l. Gen. Lee has shifted his late position
by few miles. He is, it may be, still or
this bank of the Potomac instead of the
f'other. In the feelings of some there is q
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 it is, the march follow
ing as it did on the heals of victory
What the strategy is, We could only guess
perhaps Burnside imagined something o.
1t last Sunday, when jackson was thun
aering in his rear, and racing with him
for the Potomac crossing.
Let our people. therefore, BIO composed
and patient and cheerful. Retreats are
often simulated. They are like the
$rouch before the spring of tho lion.-
| They may be but the running start of the
lesper. Let us be contiding where con
fdence has been so we'll earned. So lonf
y General Lee is cheerful and content
3nd bis army in good spirits. we shall SCI
q. these facts abundant reason why W.
4hould be 20 likewise. M