The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-05-15

5 ton across the river OeloW rIeuellcksouIS 3
4 A great number of wounded have fallel
E into the hands of the enemy. Our dead OF
e the battle field of Tuesday are still unburied
r and the wounded are undoubtedly dying ii
} great numbers.
, Gen Hooker is much depressed. Monda!
night he held consultation with his generals
in which it was urged longer stay woult
prove unsafe for the army. Rain was fall
r ing heavily, and the river rising rapidly.
From the Heralds Correspondent, Falmouth
May6, lOA. N.
Three bridges were swept away on the
railroad leading from Aqua Creek last
; "wednesday night. Building parties were
at work all night, and trains running again
; 1t is rumored the rebel cavalry has crossed
over upon the northern neck, and is advanc-
ing cautiously towards Falmouth. A force
has been sent down to oppose them. Every
thing is quiet on the other side. The river
has risen over ten feet, and is still rapidly
rising. Heavy canonading is heard in the
direction of United States Ford.
Richmond papers state that the rebel Gen
Paxton was killed, Jackson severely wound
ed, and Gems A. P. Hill and Heath also
wounded The rebels state their losses to
have been tremendous.
! From the Tribune's Correspondent at Fa lmou tn,
! Wednesday, May 81
The army of the Potomac has recrossed
the Rappahannock at United States and
Banks Fords, and is marching back to the
old camp along the Aqua railroad. Sedg-
wick was overwhelmd by numbers, and was
hardly able to make good his escape near
Banks Ford. Fredericksburg and the nights
have been re-occupied by the rebels. Sedg-
wick lost five thousand men, but his artillery
and trains were safely over on Monday night.
! After the battle of Sunday, Hooker con-
tinued TO strengthen his lines, continually
harrassed by the enemy. Our artillery took
position commanding United States Ford,
and the crossing was there effected without
!oss on Tuesday. The sixth corps, recently
engaged at Charlottesville, recrossed at
! United States Ford and are marching back
to Falmouth.
The retreat of Hooker'S army produced
great paric at Aqua Creek, and everything
| movable was placed on the boats. The or
| der for retreat was surprise, as it was be-
lieved to be the determination to march out
and attack the rebels in front Crossing
commenced at 10 o'clock Tuesday night. At
3 A. NJ. Wednesday, all the wagon and mule
trains and artillery had crossed, and the in
fantry was crossing on two bridges at United
States Ford, Couctl's corps in advance The
retreat was covered by Meades fifth corps.
Lees sharpshooters picked off the artillery
horses, and any mounted officers seen. The
rebel batteries occupied all the advantageous
positions. and fired vigorously upon Hooker's
camp, but disappeared as soon as our bate
ries opened on them. At Il consultation of
the corps commanders, it was decided that
the enemy we're too powerful. Sedgwick
failed to join Hooker, and being hard pressed
crossed the Rappahannock to prevent anni-
hilation, his experiment costing 5000 men.
Sedgwick's repulse added to the weak coun-
sels of Hookers corps commanders, shook
Hooker's confidence. In fatal moment he
gave the order to evacuate his strong position
and his fortified camp, and to retreat.
The army is not panic-stricken, but great
| ly demoralized by this inglorious retreat
There was no time from Friday morning to
Monday night but what Hooker might have
attacked and defeated Lees army He lack
ed ability to give the order. At daylight on
Monday the rebels shelled our trains at Unit
ed States Ford, which seemed to increase
Hooker's fears, and the longer he delayed
the less was he able to advance.
The army is safe with ten thousand fewer
men in its ranks and a much larger number
unfit for duty. The heavy rains of Tuesday
night and Wednesday have seriously impair
ed the health of the men who were without
shelter. Tents were left behind and many
lost their knapsacks in battle.
SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENTS BY OUR CAVALRY
Richmond papers of the 9TH state that
Stoneman's QederaD cavalry have destroyed
all bridges between Richmond and the Rap
pahannock, torn up the railroads, cut down
the telegraph wires, and ventured within four
miles of Richmond itself; and consequently
that no communication can be had from the
capital with Lees army.
Official intelligence from Gen Stoneman
states that, after the above achievements
he deployed his immense cavalry force
for many miles, forming long line of OBJ
servation, to detect approaching rebel REIN
forcements.
The Washington Republican of Wednes-
day states that Stonemon not only cut the
railroads and telegraph wires, but all the
bridges over the Pamunkey river.
The Tribune states that it is known at
headquarters that Gen Stoneman destroyed
the bridge on the Fredericksburg and Rich
. railroad near Saxton's Junction, but the enc
my, however, received his reinforcement by
l way of Gordonsville.
Gen Stoneman's great cavalry force was
divided into three columns, one under his