The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-05-14
The situation.

morning. General Hooker has recrossed
the Rappahannock, and, to all appearan-
ces. the spring campaign is at an end
Beyond this our Intelligence IS obscure
aud complicated. We have nothing left
us to admire but the magnificent and
Intellectual gallantry of our troops. We,
can, therefore, form no opinions, but
present a summary of the military situa-
ton as it presents itself. There are
hundred rumors afoat, and it seems
almost impossible for US to see how our
defeat was accomplished, or what the
effect Of it will be. 1t is said that Cen
eral Hooker retired across the river
because the fords were high, and he fealed
the rains might embarrass and perhaps
destroy his Communications. But this Is
controyerOl by the news OF the recent
fight, In which, after announcing
victory, our correspondents proceeded to
say that General Hooker retired his lines
a mile or so, and sheltered himself behind
a second line of entertainments. This
fact shows that General Hookers main
attack had failed, and that a retreat was
the alternative of annihilation. An ad-
yancing and offensive army such as Gems
eral Hooker commanded could not afford
to halt. cntrench, or retreat, and after his
failure to obtain victory on Saturday,
and the additional failure Of Sunday, our
hopes turned TO Sedgwick aud Stoneman.
These generals, SO far as the results OF
their opinions are concerned, failed to
justify our hopes and yet we cannot
attribute it to any fault of theirs. Sedg-
wick fought with magnificent valor; the
episodical campaign OF Stoueman was
brilliant and brave achievement. When
these battles enter into history, we shall
read no portions of them with more pleas
ure than those which tell us how Sedg-
wick stormcd the heights of St Marye,
and how Stoneman rode his daring men
within sight of Riehmond city.
As we think over what these officers
did, we can form general idea OF their
campaign General hooker, after masque
rading his forces en- the southern banks
of the Rappahannocil, taking them over
mountains, and through gullies over
mountains again, crossed the Rappahan-
mock and the Rapidian, and marched on
Chancellorviile. His idea was to throw
his main body upon the left wing Of
General Lee, and, by making vigorous
assault destroy his army. In The mean
time, General Sedgwick, with one corps
as we read, although there may have
been supporting corps along the Kappa
hammock which does not make its appear
ance-was directed to make an attack
upon Fredericksburg, with the view of
persuadins General Lee that the real
assault was intended for his right, and
compelling him TO divide his army
Whether he succeeded in leading Lee to
this belief or not we cannot say; but the
mere fact that Se6gwick took the heights
with his single corps does not indicate
the presence of much larger force OF
rebels Lee evidently Anticipated the
plan of the Uuiou general, for as soon as
Hooker occupied charlottesville the
rebels threw their forces upon him with
fearful impetuoSity, and, as we new
know. Prevented him from advancing on
the first day; compelled him TO withdraw
his lines and retreat a mile on the second
day eventually, as we see this morning,
compelling him to retreat over the Rap
pahannock. In this retreat he was
evidently pursued, for we are told that
the sounds of his soldiers feet were
deadened by pine bouchs, the enemy's
shells falling among his trains and trooN
In the meantime, Lee having compelled
Hooker to fall back to his first line, held
him there, and, overwhelming Sedgwick,
drove him across the Rappahannock with
horrible slaughter. We hardly know
what the present position Of the army IS.
We have rumor that our forces are
evaouating Acquia Creek Hooker re-
treating to some point near Washington,
and Heintzlenian covering his retreat
In these stories we place no confidence,
and mention them in order that we may
express our doubts. 1t is no at all
Improbable that Hooker may find such
course necessary to recruit his army,
which has suffered so terribly in this
brief and busy campaign. We do not
anticipate pursuit, for the rebels have
suffered as terribly as we have suffered
We can see this from the accounts In the
rebel papers and the number Of prisoners
| we have captured.
Thus far, without any attempt to dis
guise the unpleasant features OF the
situation, do we view this campaign.
1t is shock and blow, but if it awakens
within us new and true life, We shall be
rejoiced 1t is notifying, after so many
| hopes, and promises, aud bright anticipa-
tions, to see our great army brought to
! this untimely stand. Let us all take
| comfort, however, ard have courage
| We see the worst, and we must meet it.
| The Army of the Potomac has glorious
/ Jactipv and tho renl,lse of General Hook.