Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-10-23
War N VS..
A REVIEW OF THE SEVEN DAYS CAM
PAIGN.

IA REVIEW OF THE SEVEN DAYS CAM
PAIGN.
1t is pretty evident now that it was
Lees intention to make a grand raid il
the rear of the army Of the Potomac
cutting off railroad communication witt
Washington by destroying bridges Sc.
curing supplies for his half famished
troops and horses by Selling and scatter
ing the wagon trains and then, by rapid
evolutions throwing his main force upon
different points and so demoralize and
destroy Gen. Meade's army in detail.
On Saturday last, when Lees flank
movement was discovered, Meade or
dered a rear movement east of the Rap
pahannock from Culpepper, Kilpat-
rick's cavalry divisions, with infantry
supports, covered our rear. At this time
Hills rebel corps had advanced by way
of Sperryville and Little Washington on
our north flank towards Warrenton via
Waterloo. Our rearward movement
commenced at daybreak on Sunday, and
the army reached the east bank of the
Rappahannock the same afternoon.
Finding that Ewell's corps had not push
ed US to the river, on Monday Gen.
Meade sent three corps and Buford's
cavalry on a reconnaissance over the
Rappahannock toward Culpepper, aud
found no heavy force of rebels there.
Lee, in the meantime, had pushed bis
main column towards Warrenton, in hope
Of executing his well planned movement
upon our rear, but our reconnaissance
towards Culpepper led him to believe
that it was Gen. Meade's intention to
get in his rear. He therefore halted his
army and took position to give a de-
fensive fight. Up to this time Lee had
the decided advantage. He was as near
to Washington as Gen Meade, and, un>
encountered with trains, had every pros
pect of gaining Manassas and Centre
vile and cutting off our retreat and all
our heavy trains. He evidently expect,
ed to be attacked in force, Tuesday morn.
ing, and maintained his position in line
Of battle until noon on Tuesday, await
ing our advance.
Gregg's cavalry division had retarded
Stuart's advance over the Rappahannock
during Monday, and although compelled
to fall back from the river, prevented al
continued and prompt advance of the
rebel cavalry to destroy the railroad.
Quietly, during the reconnaissance on
Monday, Gen. Meade had prepared his
trains and got them en- route rearward,
and during Monday he had withdrawn
bis corps from Culpepper. The recon-
noissance destroyed the railroad bridge,
abutments and all, and sent the pontoohs
eastward before daylight on Tuesday
Sunrise saw the whole army
we'll on their way towards CatIett's Sta
lion, the cavalry and light batteries pro
tecting our rear and right flank. From
an elevated point of view, the advance
Of our army over the plains of FauquIer
by four parallel routes, with fanking col
INNS Of infantry stretching for miles and
moving steadily forward, was magnif-
cent beyond description.
Cannonading and musketry were fire.
luently heard on our now left flank, as
bodies of rebel cavalry came down at
lifferent points, under the fixed belief
hat they could reach the railroad and
,ut our line unopposed. That they were
extremely puzzled, is no expression of.
heir surprise they were astounded at
hiding force at every point, miles from
'ur line of travel, to meet and repel
hem there.
Nor was Lee less mistaken or non
'lussed when he learned that he had
n successfully out-generalled by
Meade. He pushed off Stuart's caval-
y from Culpepper Springs upon our
ear, Tuesday evening, and rushed for
yard Hills corps at double quick to sup
ort them. Ewell advanced more lei
urely. Hills troops were double.quick-
d on Wednesday, from Warrenton to
lear Bristow Station, to support the cav
Try and light batteries who were then
ngaged liz the vain endeavor to cut off
ur rear guard. The result Of their eff
orts has been heretofore stated. The