Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-12-04
cen, HaiIeeI.,s Repor,.

WASHISGToS, Nov. 2.-Geu- Halleck, the
Commander in Chief, in his report to the
Secretary of War. states that he started on
the oath Of July to visit the Army of the
Potomac, to ascertain II there was posi-
bility of an advance npon Richmond from
Hsrrisoh's Landing. aud If not, to form
some plan OF uniting the armies Of General
Pope aud Gen Mcclellan, who WAS OF opin-
ion that It would require 5000 additional
men TO go on Halleek replied that there
could not possibly be sent more than 90
900.
Mcclellan asked to consider the matter
till morning. when he agreed to go on with
that plumber.
On Gen. Halleck's arrival home. he re-
ceiyed dispatch thatat least IS. 900 would
be required. ~ il-aE
The report states that such reinforce
ments could not be sent without leaving
Washington and Baltimore almost defense
less and an order for the withdrawal of
the army of the Potomac WAS issued Aug.
Sd, previous order having been given for
the removal of the sick, and transports in
vast numbers were supplied, but a protest
was received from Gen. Mcclellan on the
5th, and The order was not put in force for
eleven days-on the l4Ih On the list,
embark to Newport News for .Acquia Greek,
of the I'd. A review of the movements
before Washington is made. He says that
| part of the army of the Potomac was
| ordered forward from Alexandria, aud that
Gen. Cox was ordered toscome, by rail, via
Washington, from Western Virginia with
the main portion Of his force.
OF Gen. Pope's order on the 9th to Gen.
| Porter 10 DO at Brislow Station uexumoru-
| ing, be Gays for some unexplained reason
Porter did not comply with the order, aud
was not in the battles of the 2sth and 2eth,
| in which Gen. Pope gained some ground,
although tue battles were not decisive. or
the endorsements from Alexandria, en-
brScing at length the whole Peninsular ar
my, il is said some of the corps moved
with becoming activity, but the delays of
others were neither creditable nor exeusa-
| BILE. 6Lr
The soldiers actually engaged in these
battles fought with great bravery, but ma
ny thousand struggled away from their
commands, aud it is said not few yolun-
tarily surrendered to the enemy, so as to be
| Paroled as prisoners of war II is added
| that bad the army of the Potomac arrived
a few days earlier, the rebel army could
have been easily defeated, and perhaps
destroyed.
The losses At South Mountain and Anti
etam are put at 1912 killed and s,O66
wounded, and 9l3 missing; total Of
10000. -l l.NGi aaa
The report states that the army rested on
the north bank of the Potomac, near Sharps-
burg, from the nth of September until tho
26th Of October, and says that the long in
activity Of so large an army in the face of a
defeated foe and during the most favorable
season for rapid marches and a vigorous
campaign. was matter of great disap-
Pointment aud regret. f
Gen. Halleck states that he telegraphed
TO Gen. McClcllau, October 9th, 10 cross
the river. Gen. Mcclellan disapproVed oil
the plan ofcrossing south of the Blue Ridge
but proposed 10 cross at Harper's Ferry
! and move on Winchester; but did not cross
until October 26th, and then at Berlin; the
passage occupying till Nov. Sd.
During this period Gen. Mcclellan stop
lped communicating with the Commander ir
Chief. addressing the President. On the
fifth his removal was ordered. The Score
tary of War details the military operations
during the p 'st year, points tn the fact thai
the department of the Pacific has been fret
from any of the calamities occasioned by
the rebellion. An earnest and deep sym.
patty has been manifested by The loyal cit
r izeus of the Pacific States in the support
l of the Uuion. 80
From survey of the whole field of op-
eratious, it is apparent that whatever dis.
asters our arms may have suffered Mt par
ticular points, great advance has been
made since the commencement ofthe war
The Union forces are now in the field un.
der the best commanders, stronger than
? ever resolute and eager to he led against
q the enemy, to crush the rebellion by Wig.
erous winter campaign.
The armies Of the Potomac and of the
1fo IL H. 81. Il. 81
dealing the quickest and heaviest blows
against the enemy taught by experience oil
the ruin of inactiou and the hazard of de-
lay. A spirit of earnest activity seems
: now to perVade tho forces of the United
States beyond what has hitherto been er-
/ hibited. 9 reE zanf 7GE
In the numerous battles and engage
ments that have occurred, our armies In
general have displayed the courage and de.
termination that should inspire officers and
soldiers fighting in defense Of their govern
ment. sa rn 4r.i5-Eg IL
Under the calls of July and August there
are already in the field over 420, 900 new
troops, of which $4,000 are volunteers
$4,000 Of these have volunteered for three
years.
THH secesh prisoners are utterly aston
ished at the size of the Union army. A
letter from Lagrange, Tenn, says :-"Af-
ter the review yesterday as the troops were
passing back through the town to their
camps, one of the secesh prisoners heard
come one mention the losd illinois. iTbs
wha,!' said he. The 1881 Illinois, said
the other carelessly- .'well didn't know
you hdd'to send SO many as that to lick
u.s. 'oh, that's not all, said fhe soldier.