New-York daily tribune., 1863-11-09
THE SITUATION.

The Army of the Potomac il once more
advancing; has successfully attempted the line
of the Rappahannock, crossed that river at two
points, and handsomely defeated such Rebel
forces as opposed it. Gen. Sedgwick carried
the encmy's works at Rappahannock Station,
captured guns, officers and men in considerable
numbers, and-by inference, for the dispatch is
not explcit-is in possession of that part of the
river which was formerly crossed by railway
bridge, of some hundred and fifty feet incngth.
There were redoubts at either end Of it so long
ago as the Pope campaign, but the position is
not strong one to hold, tho river being fordablc
at short distances both above aud below.
Sedgwicks attack seems. from the number OF
prisoners taken, to have been a surprise, and
being accompanied by successful movement
on kelly's Ford by Gen. French, some miles
below, has probably driven the Rebels wholly
from the banks Of the Rappahannock.
Ii is.eyideni enough that Gen. Meade IL plsh-
ing dccisiyely forward-whether by orders from
Washington. or Of his own motion--in search
OF battle; but there is not much to indicate
whether he is likely to find il or not. If Gen.
Lee has sent as Is reported, a heavy detNh-
ment against Burnside he cannot well be strong
enough to risk an engagement at great dis
tancc from Richmond. Between the RaIpa-
hammock and Rapidan We know of no battle
ground likely to suit him except near Cedar
Mountain; nor is tha, position intIinically
strong against anything bl, a blind assault Ike
Gen B.nks's. in his battle Of that name. An
engagement, Therefore. seems improbable this
side OF the Eapidan. and beyond the Lapidar,
She question presents itself. how far vii Gcn.
Mcado advancc' He mus, feel hiinsclf much
stronger than previously 10 his late retreat, II be-
intend 10 trust himself IN sh offensive campaign
on ground which be ha. once refused to attempt
II may be prc,umsj, however. that he move
under positive Instructions to br.ng Oh a gem
cral engagement. or % pr,h ,he enemy back on
the dcicnscs of Richmond. To sny the lca-;. II
j. quite time that this liuc-known commonly
a. the Gordon-yllc lino--werc vigorously at
tempted or dec.iyc'y abandoned. There la
been A. much piomenadine over that particular
route ~ tie county 80 prc-eni care 10 sec.
Gen. Burnside. meanwhile. is undoubtedly
hard pressed by heavily ouinumbcEing force.
and must expect safety either from rapid con.
ceniratioa Of his forces on /. dclcnsibh position
or from cooperating movements by other col.
umns Of Gen. Grant. or from a prompt retreat
to a point nearer his supple. Gen. Meade
,,,,arJ ,,nv.,,.nf /. uudcr-.Doa Ia be with a
Wow 10 hold Lees army in front of the Army Of
the Potomac, purpose Tor which II Is TOO late.
But IL II stated with confidence that Gen. Bum
side. and of cOur,e Gen. Grant, have been for
against the former, AID that due preparation.
ale made and making to meet them. II II very
probable, nevertheless, that Gen Burnside must
retreat, and scarcely possible tina. If be retreat
he VIII get away without loss--as witness this
morning saccounts Of the capture Of parts Of
two regiments. The expectations Of lis ulii-
mate safety and Of general Advantage 70 the
National cause, are ba. I'd on a balance OF losses
aud gains, taking into account the whole terri
tory on which campaigns are in progress-cam-
paign5 which for once seem 10 proni come
SOFT Of general cooperation and unity Of pur-
pose. With that hope we may hear with les
anxiety Of the possible disaster to portion OF
burnside army. II anything les, than GEN
cral disastcr beidll5 him, the Rebel plans must
be- utterly conioundf, for it l. against him that
thcir strength Is believed To be concentrated.