New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-12-01
GEN. MEADE,s MOVEMENTS.

Tho one clear fact about the Army Of the
Potomac is that il has crossed tho Rapidan.
Gen. Meade handled his troops clcyerly, and
Lee was 30 far deceived abouthis movements that
he offered no opposition till the line ofthe Rapldan
was fairly lost. The elaborate deienses at Ger
mania Mills and elsewhere proved useless. Gen.
Meade moved in three columns, by three differ
ent fords. Gen. Leo seems TO haze been in line
of battle at fourth. Our forces, once
over, found themselves entangled in wooded
and otherwise difficult countryside Wilder
ness. The different corps were not able
to effect q junction without considerable
intermediate skirnishing and in two instances
detached columns found themselves confront
ed with about ~ much Rebel force a.
they could well stand under. Gen. Gregg
cavalry was handled little roughly by the en-
emy's infantry, and Gen. French had a sharp
encounter with portion Of Ewells corps, out OF
which he did not retire without considerable
loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Gen.
Sedgwick with the Sixth Corps arrived on the
ground and finally drove back the Rebels. On
the whole, the operations Of Thursday aud Fri
day were q success. The position gained is one
for which Gen. Meade might reasonably be ex'
pecied 70 have fought hard battle. That he
gained 1t without general engagements credit
able 20 his skill aud promptness.
The army on Saturday morning was within
few miles of Orange Cour.IIousc; its lines ex
tending semi-circularly across the turnpike and
plank roads leading from Orange Court iIous'
10 fredericksburg. The lcit was thrown for
ward, reaching well down in the direction o.
Gorlonyile. In that position it seems TO have
but one natural line Of advance; directly upon
Orange Couri-IIousc. and thence to Gorions
vile. Il is at Lees option to fight at either
point, but A. Gor1onsyilleiS the stronger and thu
better fortified position. il Is likely there will b,
no battle a, the Couri-Ilouso. II not Gen.
Mcsic undoubtedly occupied n on Saturday,
and pushed cautiously forward along the rail
rad toward Cordonsyile. Ii must be- his pur'
pose 10 force fight al once, nor can be post
pono il except by abandoning the Virginia
Central Railway.
That rApidiiy Of movement is q necessity to
Gen. Meade 10 evident from lis position. from
the condition Of bis army. and from the season.
He is across the Rapidsn, AMI has practically
abandoned his communications FOR the present.
lie canno, hope to resume them TIL after q bat
lie, unless his advance toward Goftonsyillc Is q
fcn,. and his real object lies IN another direc.
ton. He j. marching with supplies for GER
tain number Of days; in other words, tho Army
II The Potomac is flying column--has on
definite object b. accomplish, and must do il OF
The instant. Finally, tho weather cannot b'
relied on for an hour. Every consideration
.hows that rapiGly is the Indispensable condi
ton OF suocess.
There Is no reason for anxiety At the delay il
hearing oG further movements. The guerrilla
mako communication with Washington euf
| icicntly hazardous. nni il may remain so io
.omc days. Meanwhile, va may b. sure thai
any disaster will be promptly reported. But VI
DO not expect di.aster. We believe Meade &
De perfectly able 10 find, fight, and beat th'
Rebel army.