Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1863-05-16
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

arrived here, and proceed to the
Rappahannock to recover the bodies of their
friends who fell in the recent battles. One
of them, In private note, received in Wash
ington to-day, says communication has
been transmitted to General Lee for per-
mission to pass inside of his lines for that
purpose. Although on Sunday night no
response had been received from Lee, it was
understood from the officers receiving the |
communication at the river, that there would |
be no unnecessary obstacles thrown in their |
way. Subsequently the enemy commenced
sending over the river, under flag of truce
considerable numbers of our wounded, who |
have been parolcd. For several days past
supplies and medicines have been sent over
from our side.
A report was current yesterday that the
enemy had left their formidable position
along the heights, but a close observation,
last evening, disclosed the fact that their
numbers had not been diminished. They
were still at that point yesterday morning
At the time of our recrossing the river at
United States Ford, it is believed that only
two divisions of the enemy's forces remained
on our front, near Chanccllorvllle, as rear
guard. The divisions mentioned were
commanded by Generals Anderson and Nc
Laws. t..
IT. w CpStcT Stlll Telluln5 Ill Tue cntluyS
lines, in care of the wounded. DIR. Sukely,
Medical Director, Eleventh Corps, who was
captured at Chancellorville, sends back
word that our wounded, generally, are do
ing well. ..t
Notwithstanding all the reports that our
troops have again crossed the Rappahan-
mock, 1t was not the case up too Sunday
noon.
GENERAL ORDERS OF GEN. HOOKER.
Headquarters ARMY OF THE PoToMAc,
May 8, 1sG3.--The following order has been
issued:
GENERAL ORDERS, no. 40.
The Major General Commanding tenders
to this army his congratulations on its
| achievement of the last seven days Ii it
has not not accomplished all that was ex-
pectcd, the reasons are known to the army.
1t Is sufficient to say that they were of a
character not to be foreseen or prevented by
human sagacity or resources.
In withdrawing from the South bank of
the Rappahannock, before deliveringa gene
raj battle to our adversarics, the army has
given renewed evidence of its confidence in
itself and its fidelity to the principles it
represents. In fighting at a disadvantage,
we would have been recreant to our trust to
ourselves, our cause and our country. Pro-
foundly loyal and conscious of its strength,
the Army of the Potomac will give or de-
cline battle whenever its interest or henor
may demand. 1t will also be the guardian
of its own history and its own arm. BY our
celebrity and secresy of movement our adj
vance and passage of the rivers was undis-
puted, and ON our withdrawal, not Rebel
vcntured to follow. The events of the last
week may swell with pride the hearts OF
every officer and soldier of this army. We
have added new lustre to its former re.
nown.
!. We have made long marches, crossed
rivers surprised the enemy in his entrench
ments, and whenever we have fought have
inflicted heavier blows thau we have recciv
ed. We have taken from the enemy five
thousand prisoners, fifteen colors, captured
and brought off seven pieces of artillery
place hors de combat eighteen thousand of his
chosen troops, destroyed his dcpots filled
with vast amounts of stores, deranged hi.
communications, captured prisoners within
the fortiiications of his capital and filled his
country with fear and CONSERVATION. W.
have ITO other regret than that caused by thu
loss of our brave companions, and in this w
are consoled by the conviction that they have
fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted tC
the arbitrament of battle.
BY command of Ma. Gen. HOOKER.
: (Signed) 5. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adiutant- General.