The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-10-16
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
RETREAT OF GEN. MEADE ACROSS
THE RAPPAHANNOOK.
ATTACK AND REPULsE OF THE EN-.
Capture Of Rebel Battery Of Six Guns.
Splendid Fighting Of Federal Cav.
airy.
Desperate Effort to Flank Gen. Meade.
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
Capture Of Rebel Battery of Six Guns.
Desperate Enor, to Flank Gen. Meade.
General Order.

The Commercials Washington correspond
ent, writing on the 14th, says:
The moment the rebels saw that in the re-
treat from the Rapidan of our army ON Sun
day last it was Gen. Meade's intention to
reach the north bank of the Rappahannock in
safety, they commenced rapid march to turn
our right flank, but Gen. Meade was too soon
for them, and had taken up his position on
the north bank Of that stream. Nothing
daunted, however, by this failure, the rebels
have continued to advance even to the north
bank of the Rappahannock, and Yesterday
were in Gen. Meade's front in considerable
force. 1t is reported that skirmishing was
kept up all day, and that our army fell back
on the line of the railroad.
1t is said that this morning Lee appeared in
force and commenced an attack. Washington
is full of rumors, but it is generally believed
that battle has commenced, and it is under
stood that Gen. Meade retreated to obtain the
choice of a battlefield, desiring to reach Ma
nassas If possible. Lee will fight with the
Rappahannock behind him, and has not, it is
believed, superior numbers. Yet no one would
be surprised to hear on the heels of such be-
lief that the rebels had been suddenly rein
forced. Gen. Meade is much stronger than is
generally supposed.
WASHINGTON, Oct. Is.
In the repulse of the enemy's attack on
Gen. Warren, who was bringing up the rear,
We captured six guns from the enemy.
1t was not known here up to o'clock this
afternoon whether there had been any fighting
OF consequence to-day.
The falling back of our forces from Kappa
hammock Station to Brstow and Catlett's is
represented as magnificent spectacle. They
marched by four parallel lines. There were
no delays nor confusion. Every movement
was conducted with remarkable regularity.
In the recent conflict between Pleasantons
and Stuart's forces, while the latter was pre-
pairing 10 effect flank movement on the for
mer's left, the colors of both these Generals at
one time were not over fifty yards distant
from each other, and while there were charges
Of cavalry on the left and front, hand to hand
encounters followed. Our cavalry were in
splendid condition and exhibited the greatest
bravery and gallantry. Their officers say they
never showed better spirit, and in the sue
cession of charges rallying to orders with
GOODNESS and rapidity unequalled in the war.
The country being open the spectacle is de-
scribed as interesting and grand beyond de-
scription.
A few particulars of the engagement yester-
day in the neighborhood of Cattell's and Bris-
tow's Stations have been received. 1t appears
the rebels early In the morning furiously at
tackled the I'd army corps, commanded by Gen.
Warren, and the cavalry division Of Gen.
oiCeks Auc ~ CoIpS Deliix Oue vi Tic Oluest
and most efficient succeeded in stopping the
rebel advance, compelling the enemy to fall
back with heavy loss. Our own troops suf-
fered largely. The Federal cavalry, in like
manner, fought with great desperation, leaving
many killed and wounded on the field. A
considerable number of prisoners fell into our
hands, and battery Of six fine guns. Gen.
Sykes with the 9th army corps ably supported
the I'd in their arduous task Of defending the
. r.. lAHl-s To-
made desperate attempt to flank Gen. Meade
by way Of Chantilly, and endeavored to get
into his rear by way of Fairfax Court House.
In this he was unsuccessful, as Gen. Meade
anticipated the rebels by falling rapidly back
to the coveted spot, thus efectually checking
a movement which would have endangered
the army Of the Potomac as well as the Capt.
tai. During last night Gen. Meade ordered
one OF his supply trains further back in his
rear, when it was attacked by small force Of
re )els, probably mounted guerrillas. The
teamsters resolved not to lose the property,
rallied to defend it, and succeeded In driving
away the enemy, who escaped with only two
out Of a large number of wagons. 1t is not
believed there has been any fighting of i'm
portance to-day. Artillery firing was heard
early this morning, but 1t was not of long con-
tinrance.
Major Gen. Sicklds with his staff left here
for the front this afternoon. In case Of a gen.
eral engagement he will take command OF his
own corps.
The guns captured, four Of which are u. S.
regulation 3-inch and one Blakely gun, were
exhibited here to-day. The prisoners were
mostly North Carolnians, about fifty of whom
have expressed desire to take the oath of
allegiance. Our casualties yesterday were
small. A considerable number OF rebel dead
and wounded fell into our hands. The latter
are not included in the foregoing aggregate Of
prisoners. The march from our late to the
present position was accomplished in the most
perfect order and without the loss Of wagons
or property. The enemy we're held in check
at every point where they attempted sur
prise or attack. The force which attacked
Gen. Warren were portions of Gen. Hills
corps. Some of the prisoners state that they
have marched from Hanover Junction, near
Richmond, since Saturday last.
The following general order was published
to-day:
Headquarters army Potomac, Oct 18TH
The Major General commanding announces TO
the army that the rear guard, consisting of the
I'd corps, was attacked yesterday while march
ing by the flank The enemy, after spirited
contest, was repulsed, losing battery of I've
guns, two colOrs and $50 prisoners. The skill
and promptitude OF Major Gen. Warren, and
the gallantry and bearing of the officers and
soldiers Of the I'd corps are entitled to high
commentator.
By command Of Major Gen. Meade.
(Signed) S. WILLIAMS.