The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-10-16

not yet made his appearance; but, as he
was in condition to obtain large reinforce
ments, and our situation, for the reasons
above mentioned, was becoming daily
more embarrassing, it was deemed advis-
able to recrOss the river. Part of the pom
toon bridge was recovered, and new boats
built, so that by the 18th good bridge
was thrown ovG the river at Falling
Waters.
The enemy, in force, reached our front
on the 18th. A position had been pre-
viousy selected to cover the Potomac
from Willamsport to Falling Waters, and
an attack was awaited during that and the
succeeding day. This did not take place,
though the two armies were in close prox-
unity, the enemy being occupied in fcrti-
flying his own lines. Our preparations
being completed, and the river, though
still deep, being pronounced fordable, the
army commenced to withdraw to the south
side on the nioht OF the 18th.
Ewell's corps forded the river at Will
Transport, those of Longtreet and Hill
crossed upon tile bridge. Owing to the con-
dition OF the roads, the troops did not
reach the bridge until after day light of the
18th, and the crossing was rot completed
until P. NJ, when the bridge was remov-
ed. The enemy offered no serious inter-
ruption, and the movement was attended
with no loss of material except few dis
abled wagons and two pieces of artillery,
which the horses were unable to move
through the deep mud. Before fresh
6o hoa a. a. 81,
rear ofthe column had passed.
During the slow and tedious march to
the bridge, in the midst of violent storm
of rain, some of the men lay down by
the way to rest. Officers sent back for
them failed to find many in the obscurity
of the night, and these, with some stray
lers, fell into the hands of the enemy.
Brig. General Pettigrew was MORALLY
wounded in an attack made by small
body of cavalry, which was unfortunately
mistaken for our own, and permitted to
enter our lines. He was brought to Bun
ker Hill, where he expired few days af-
terward, He was brave and accom-
plished officer and gentleman, and his loss
will be deeply felt by the country aud
the army.
The following day the army marched to
Bunker Hill, in the vicinity Of which it
encamped for several days. The day after
its arrival large force of the enemy's
cavalry, which had crossed the Potomac
at Harper's Ferry, advanced toward Mar
tinsburg. 1t was attacked by Gen. Fitz
Lee, near Kearneysville, and defeated with
heavy loss, leaving its dead and many of
its wounded on the field.
Owing to the swollen condition of the
Shenandoah River, the plan of opera
tions which had been contemplated when
we recrossed the Potomac could not be
put in execution, and before the water
had subsidized the movements of the en-
envy induced me to cross the Blue Ridge
and take position south of the Kappa
hammock, which was accordingly done.
AS soon as the reports of the COM
manding officers shall be received. a more
detailed account of the operations will
be given, and occasion will then be taken
to speak of the conspicuous gallantry and
good conduct of both officers and men.
1t is not in my power to give a correct
statement Of our casualties, which were
severe, including many brave men and an
unusual proportion of distinguished and
valuable officers. Among them l regret
to mention the following officers: Major
Generals Hood, Fender, and Trimble, Sc
verely, and Major General Heth, slightly
wounded.
Gen. Pender has since died. This la
mented officer has borne distinguished
part in every engagement of this army,
and was wounded on several occasions
while leading his command with conspicu-
Gus gallantry and ability. The confidence
and admiration inspired by his courage and
capacity as an officer were only equalled
by the esteem and respect entertained by
all with whom he was associated for the
noble qualities Of his modest and unas-
suming character. Brig. Gems. Barksdale
and Garnett were killed, and Brig Gen.
Semmes MORALLY wounded, while leading
their troops with the courage that always
distinguished them. These brave officers
and patriotic gentlemen fellin the faithful
discharge of duty, leaving the army to
lnoaSn their loss and emulate their noble
examples.
Brig. Gems. Kemper, Armistead, Scales,
e, I. Anderson, Hampton, J NJ. Jones
and Jenkins were also wounded. Brig.
Gen. Archer was taken prisoner. Gen.
Pettigrew, though wounded at Gettys-
burg, continued in command until he was
MORALLY wounded at Falling Waters.
The loss Of the enemy is unknown, but
from observation on the field, and his sub
sequent movements, it is supposed that he
suffered severely.
Respectfully submitted
(SigneD r. E. LEE, General.
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