Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-08-30

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Aug. 90, 1862.
Mr. Lincoln said during the existence of
the Department OF the Rappahannock, that
a heavy dew caused "A treshet in the rivers
of Virginia. The smart thunder shower
of Friday evening probably delayed IA
great battle on the North side of the Rap
pahanuork. From prisoners taken in the
skirmishes, and IRON mauy other sources,
/ have learned that ii was the intention of
General Lee TO cross his entire army dur
ing Friday night and the day following,
ana attack General Pope before the re.
endorsements from MeClellan's army arriV-
cd urou the ground. Before the army of
Virginia made its mastery retreat before
the eyes of the whole rebel horde, it was
supposed that the Rsppahannock 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 oil the river WAS
one grand ford, and that the rebel army
could almost march up TO its banks in line
of battle, and walk on the bed OF the river
dry shod.
The old fords of long standing were close
~ watched and strongly guarded, but TO
the surprise of our generals, rebel skirmish-
ing parties were discovered crossing at
points supposed 10 be impossible, compel
ling US to shift our ground constantly to
prevent being ouiaInked. The dash of the
rebel Gen. Stunrt was but preliminary
skirmish in part to pay off Gen. Pope for
some of his Western raids, and also TO con-
ceal the more extensive movements of
jackson.
During the night while Stuart was fun
bling in the trunks of Gen. Pope, and OBJ
tanning clean linneu enough to last through
the season, Jackson crossed his whole
corps at half a dozen points above Warren-
ton Springs. jackson, according to the
programme, was TO engage the right of
Gen. Pope, draw off his attention If possi-
BILE from his left aud centre, SO ns to give
the main body of the rebel army au oppor-
tunity to cross at other fords than those
guarded by us, aud then when safely over
take the risk of the most desperate coflict
Of the war.
The programme succeeded so far as Jack.
son was concerned. He crossed the river.
Stuart performed his part well, and both
Rebel and Eational army are day enjoy
ing the practical joke he played of upon
Gen. Pope. But Providence in this instance
seemed TO be upon our side. a heavy black
cloud rose in the West, and Mt about mid
night burst iu furious storm on both ar
mics. II was too dark to see the fprds,
even If they could have been passed. The
storm continued all night. In the morning
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 jack
son, and did not feel strong enough to en-
gage the whole army therefore he did not
take the offensive. jackson, learning that
Gen. Lee could not reinforce him, kept
close to the. river and the bushes, and as
ithe river fell recrossed it and Joined the
| main body ofthe army. But forthis thun-
der-storm the greatest battle of the war
would have been fought before this; and
| God alone knows with whom would have
peen the victory.
The day following, the Army of Virginia
| fell back from the line ofthe Rlppahannock
and invited the enemy to cross, but be po
litely declined the invitation. To-day your
correspondent understands the National
Army again assumes the offensive, to
abandon forever, it is to be hoped, Its
'.linesi of retreat.n
Persons who were attached to the staff
Of Gen. Pope. aud who we're taken prison
ers BY Stuart 10 his last raid. but who es-
capped at Warrenton, say that the joy man.
ifested by the oilizens of WarFeDton upon
the return of Stuarps Cavalry with their
trophies exceeded all bonnds The popu-
lation of the village turned out en- rnasse
Ladies ran up 10 the soldiers and embrace a
them, although many of them were entire
| strangers. The only bell left in the village
ranp ,;ut loud and clear and blended its