The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-06-10
FROM THE RAPPAHAN.
MOCK.
PART TAKEN BY THE 11TH AR
NY CORPS IN THE RECENT
BATTLE.
Correspondence of the New York ribune.]
Brooks STATION, VA, May II, 1863.

Correspondence of the New York Tri bune.]
Brooks STATION, VA, May II, 1863.
While much has been written in praise,
palliation, and censure of the officers and
men of the 11th Army Corps, l have seen
in none Of the journals any correct state
ment in detail of the important part and
position taken by them in the recent en-
gagement on the Kappannock. When we
remember, also, that upon this corps has
hinged all that there may be of reverse,
or defeat Of Gen. Hooker's most admira-
BILE plans, and splendid developments of
them, it is of consequences that not only
the truth, but the whole truth, be stated
That the genial socialities of " headquar-
ters, where NEST newspaper reports are
written, may not be most conducive of
justly severe and impartially true criticism
is possible; yet an event involving the
momentous consequences of human life,
of orphanage and widewhood, as this has
done, the just responsibility of such dis
aster should be made to rest unerringly
upon the right parties. 1t is with this
view that l give you succinct statement,
made by one who has military skill enough
to form legitimate conclusions from the
positive facts which came under his own
personal observation while in the discharge
of his duty on that ever memorable field.
Whatever may have been the degree of
success won by the general movement (and
| claim it was great, and the Potomac Ar
my so deem it today it cannot be denied
that needless disaster was permitted to
happen at Charlottesville. Upon whom
rests the fault? "Our own correspon-
dents" in all the journals, have attributed
it in turn to the disaffection, the panic,
the cowardice of the Eleventh Corps, and
able editorial homilies have charitably
insisted upon the inevitability Of panics,
proving their positions by quoting repeat
ed Instances among the best drilled French
troops and English "machines." 1t is
true that no considerable war ever was
carried on which would not afford us the
same lessons Of comfort if such history is
comforting or compensatory.
But such explanations restore no life to
the deed or lost limbs to the manned, nor
chase the dark shadows from bleeding
hesrts and desolated homes. Neither do
they cure the wounded honor Of the SOL
dier; and most of all, in this case, answer
not the demands of truth. But suppose
they did, who is responsible for the panic?
Panics have their laws, and they are gen.
orally under the control of human fore
east, and seldom do they occur where that
important faculty has presided. The
great generator of panic is surprise-sur-
prise. Surprise, especially in broad day
light, is most hated by all military com
manders, because in the majority of cases
it is synony nous with ineompetency, stu
pidity, or treachery. That one brigade
| (German) behaved badly is admitted; that
they ran panic stricken through the lines
Of ther brigades, disorganizing them, is
true; but that the fault was the command
ers'-or commander sand that the re-
suit must have been the same with any
troops, of any condition Of discipline OF
nationality, in from three to five minutes,
is most certain, as the public may judge
when state the facts.
THE MARCH.
| The march was the most remarkable
one of this war, or any ,other. tAll the
/ sick and doubtful cases were left behind
land the campaign undertaken by the har-
DIV and buoyant. With enthusiasm they
broke up their Winter camp, and full Of
confidence in Hooker, began march
they hoped would be crowned with decis
i've results for the country. How patient
Nv they toiled beneath their knapsacks
weighed down by eight days rations
marched by day and by night, through
sun and storm. are matters of heroic re-
cord. And crossing the Rapidan withou
deposition, concluding that for once oul
lplans were not revealed to the enemy
they became hopefully jubilant There
were numerous regiments which took int
the fight every mosket with which they
left camp. The latter part of the marcl
was made on the plank road leading from
Orange Court House to Fredericksburg
They continued the march on this high
way down to the point where the ole
turnpike leading from the same plac,
Eioins it, distant from Chancellorsvill'
,, about mile and half when the boy
" filed left aud camped for the night, ;
mile from the point of juncture, and slep
in peace. Friday was spent in making
preparations for the decisive hour, skir
!, !, mishing and occasional cannonading Civ
ing an earnest eff the coming fray.
The line of battle taken by the 11tl
Corps was formed early Saturday morning
and kept during the day. 1t was a long
weak line, that might have been pierced
at almost any point; and, making it still
feebler one brigade was detached 10 pur
!, sue the retreating CD Rebels No ad
vantage of ground was gained by thu
extending it. RiAe-pits had been dus
along the front, affording our troops
! large measure of safety while firing upol
the enemy, attempting to sweep over tn
. open field before them. 1854
Meanwhile, the Rebels were busy try
ing our line, in order to seize upon an
j profit by its weak points. About noon
became quite evident they had made thei
> decision, for large bodies were distinctl
seen passing along the Kathanpin Roa
t lin the direction of our right flank. Thi
b road branches off from the plank road
n eight miles from Fredericksburg, at
!. place called Deckers. At Ford's tavern