Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1863-05-23

burg, 10 be ready to undertake the eros.
sing simultaneously with the other corps
at Keley's Ford on Wednesday morning
WEDNESDAY.
The enemy were evidently not prepared
to resist the crossing at either point, and
the affair was so well managed that both
divisions of the army had established
themselves on the West bank of the river
and covered their bridges without any
serious opposition by the enemy
Gen. Sodwick. who commanded the
three corps on the left wing, made no for
ward demonstrations, except enough to
attract the enemy and prevent them from
turning upon the detachment which wa.
forcing its way towards the rear of the
cuemy's works in command Of Gen. Stone
man. Gen. Hooker had personally super
intended the pass sage of the troops at
kelly's Ford, and returned while they
pushed on towards the Rapidrp at Ger
mania Mills, where they crossed success
fully and made some progress beyond it
before Wednesday night.
THURSDAY.
Sedgwck still threatened the enomy
and held them near Frederickburg while
Slocum pressed on from The Rapidan and
took his position across the plank
(tho cnemys line Of retreat toward Cord
vllle) at Charlottesville. Couah's (Sccond
corps which had remained at Banks
Ford, new moved up to the United States
Ford, and crossed o join Gen. Slocum -.
General Hooker also rcjoincd, and took
command Of the four corps thus conccntra
ted in the rear Of Fredericksburg and
across the cnemvs line of retreat. twas
now time for his detachment 10 take tt e
defence and hold their position until the
other corps should join them, and the army
thus united, be enable TO meet all the for.
cos which the enemy might bring against
them.
On Thursday night there was sharp
work on both sides to outmanouvcr the
other. The enemy had now learned
with sufficient certainty, that large force
was in their rear in the direction ofChan-
caller>villc, and that Stonomon's Cavalry
were greatly cndlngcrng their railroad
Communications, ana thoy were moving
accordingly y away fom S,dgwick towards
the rear Of Hooker, between Chancolors-
vile and the Rapilan, by the roads at the
South Of the plank road which vas in our
POSSESSION. While leaving Sedgwick S
front the enemy made unusual demonstr g
tions of camp fires, as ii concentrating
there, and similar devices was resorted to
on our side. But Mother deceived the
other, for both were moving away, and
on our side portion Of the bridges were
taken up Immediately, and the Sd corps
moved all night toward the Uuited States
Ford 10 join with Gen. Hooker at Chan.
cc!orsville.
FRIDAY,
While the First and Third corps were
moving from the left wing to join General
Hooker at Charlottesville, anG while
Jackson was taking circuitous route to
reach the rear of General Hooker's line
between Charlottesville and the Rapidan
| two DivisOns-Sykes of the fifth Corps,
and Williams of the twelfth, pushed on
toward the rear of fredericksburg,
SATURDAY.
GeQOeal Hooker occupied the day il
waiting the attack of the enemy, which
was evidently expected in front, The
u0yemcpt Of the enemy seem to indicate
that they were retreating and as the main
line OF their retreat was occupied By our
forces an attack to recover that line was
confidently expected, What was the sur
prise, then, to find Stoncwcll jackson, OF
Saturday afternoon, upon our extreme
right and rear between Charlottesville
and Germania Mills A most furious and
desperate attack was made, and the righ
of our lines, which was held by tA'
Eleventh corps, was almost broken anc
panic stricken, men in utter confusion
with and without muskets, hats and coats
rushed headlong from under fire down th'
only road which led to the bridges, anc
no power on earth could have stopped o
prevented the complete and diSgraccfu
route of the soldiers who have hitherto
shown better qualities under their forme
commander. General Howard could hav
no contro! over the cowardly fugitives, VIII
stopped not to look back until they ha
reached the Rappahann So disgrace