Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-11-28
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
The Whole Army South of the Rapidan-A
Battle in Pr osresS

Battle IN Progress.
WASHINGTON, Nov. q, p. m.-[Associated
Press Dispatch. ]-Accounts received to-nish,
from the Army OF the Potomac say that our
troops broke camp yesterday morning. and
marched toward the Rapidan in three columns.
The right consisting Of the Sd corps, supported
by tbs 9Th, were ordered to cross at Jacobs
Ford, below Raccoon Ford; the I'd corps to
cross at Germania Ford, and the 5th, supported
by the LIST corps, to cross at CuIpeper Ford, be-
tween Germania and Ely's Fords
The center column arrived at Germania Ford
about noon. Only a small picket OF Georgia
cavalry We're seen On the other side
The latest reliable intelligence is th1 Lees
forces do not exceed $4,000 men. Gen. EwelI
If not dead, is At least relieved from the COM
mand OF his corps, in consequence Of disability,
occasioned by the stump of his leg having
broken out afresh. He has been succeeded by
Gen. Early. The rebel cavalry is nominally
5000 strong, but in fact much less. Early's
corps Is fortified from point near Mountain
Kun. south ont, OF the Rapidan, following the crest
OF the hills westwardly to the railroad. where
it connects with Hilfs corps, which covers the
Rapidan thence westwardly.
The enemy's right flank near the mountain
Is projected by line of works diverging from
Tue river defenses, running south, and then
southwest, resembling our own position at
Gettysburg. =
Our crossing points therefore were all be.
tween the Rappahannock and the rebel DO.
sition. A portion of onr troops reached the
other side OF the Rapidan Yesterday, and the
remainder To-day, together with headquarters,
which moved before O'Clock this morning
The enemy were discovered in force, but
they contracted their lines and fell back from
the river No opposition was made to our
crossing excepting at one Of the upper fords.
An Engagement. ..
shortly after O'Clock this morning heavy
cannonading commenced, and continued up To
clock this afternoon without intermission
put no particulars OF the engagement have
been received in Washington. It was prob.
ably along both sides of the plank road in
front Of Orange Court House, as this was ex-
Pected to be the battle field
Late last night Moseby, with 4 force of cav
from Brandy Station to our front. He secured
10 wagons and l39 mules, and burnt ~ other
wagons. They We're loaded with oats
From the Front.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, In
lie Field, Nov. 28.-The entire Army of the Pot
can reach you we shall have had Il fight unless
the enemy shall have taken the hint and mo we'd
toward Richmond.
never saw an army in better spirits or con.
the lust twenty EIGHT hours, and are in tolera-
bic condition now. Headquarters broke up
about eight O'Clock this morning
The last train leaves here at quarter to
eleven for Alexandra, and this dispatch will
be the last you will receive from me until we
return from beyond the Rapidan. z
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, (EA.) Nov. 10
The Army of the Potomac is entering upon q
movement which may prove to be the most i'm
portant it ever made. The march and the route
81 the infantry and cavalry divisions cannot
be described until the shock Of arms be heard
along the lines; but 1t may be remarked that
every one in the ranks seemed to regard him.
self as hero, and appeared determined to
conduct himself in the approaching contest as
becomes brave man and true. There is some
mud, which to limited extent, impedes the
progress Of artillery and supply trains; but the
roads are corduroyed; so that nothing has been
stuck in the mud thus far.
One OF the grandest sights ever witnessed
was the column Of infantry as they marched
towards their destination and victory 1t is
tne nrst time for long period that the Army
y! me Fotomac has cut itself loose from suOply
suaions, and moved with its supply trains
Iauen for long march Never has il been in
coholuon 70 move with so great CELEBRITY as now,
every pound OF baggage and camp eouipag %
not aDsoiuteiy necessary fer daily use having
been sent to the rear ~ As
The last supplies for the. present on the line
Of the Orange and Alexandria railroad yrcra
issued to the army late last nieht ana rerv
early this morning the depot commisssr;as anJ
quartermssser's, with all their tents aud c.mr
eauipage, have been sent to Alexandra The
railroad dispatch cars have also been sart 20
the same place, and the construction corps hs Va
Nmoyed all their stock and tool. to the rear
The entire rolling stock of the road is now At
and on the way 70 Alexandria depot, and no
trains will now be run beyond Rappahannock
station, and to that point only for special pur.
poses. The LAST train LETT here ut dive o'clock