Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-12-11
.ER0A THE ARNYOF THE PoToMA0

to ito late base at Brandy Station on the line
OF the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
Well informed military men here say
Meade's only mission was to threaten Lee in
order to prevent him from reforcine Long
street, and that object has been fulfilled as
Burnside has been ascertain to have been
safe beyond all doubt. Gen. Meade will
therefore resume his position on the line Of
the Rappahannock.
1t is believed that he has performed his
duty to the satisfaction Of the War Depart
ment
IL is hinted tonight that the army Of tho
Potomac may go into winter quarters this
side of the Rappahauock.
IL is the opinion that Lees whole force
did not exceed $4,000 men. He had how
ever, great advantage in position.
(Signed) PrR1ry
The dispatches sent from the Army of the
Potomac yesterday failed. owing TO unoon-
trollable circumstances, to reach Washington n
until to-day.
IL appears from these dispatches that it was
evidently intended to attack the enemy's ex.
tended works on Monday, and cannonading
was opened by our batteries, and the right
wing sklrmishcrs were advanced to Mine
Run, where it was found that the enemy had
built succession of dams which raised the
streams to depth Of four or i've feet, with
swampy margin On our extreme right it
was found that the enemy had formed an
abattis several hundred yards in front of their
works, and directly under their guns
On the left Gen. Warren moved forward
his line and discovered the enemy in such
numbers and so strongly entrenched as to
make It more then haqardous to attack them
/ he H. IL g.
their advanced post behind their works aud
awaited further Instructions.
These and perhaps other considerations in
duced a postponment of the attack.
1t is understood that General Meade visit
ed the entire line, carefully noting the enc
ny's strong posted batteries and earthworks,
and after consulting with his officers, deemed
1t advisable to withdraw tothe north side of
the Rapidau
General Meade abandoned the campaign
when 1t became evident that the enemy had
anticipated his advance and rendered oar ap-
proach to Gordonsville and Orange Court
House an impossiblity.
New YoRK, Dec 4.
The Worlds Washington dispatch dated
lilo p m. says; General Meade has not
been superseded yet and be may not be at
all, though Gen. Sedgwick and Hooker are /
most confidently talked of as his successor. |
The President is now well enough TO give the |
subject his attention, and it is probable that
there will not be mnch delay in the decision.
There is nothing Of interest from the army. |
But few rebel pickets have again appeared on
the Rapidan.
The report that General Meade has been su-
iperceded is premature. No doubt change
Twill soon occur, but few persons believe that
the next chief will be chosen from that army.
The Herald's Army of the Potomac dis
patch says 1t is likely the army will retreat
towards th4 Potomac, where water is conve-
nient and better, and supplies more accessible
for "wnter quarters" aud mentions Center
vile as proper place.
The HeraId's dispatch says none of the
wounded in the recent engagements with the
rebels north Of the Rapidan will be brought .
to Washington, arrangements having been |
made for their treatment IN the Alexandria
Hospitals. The loss is estimated at Wash
ngton at / $40 killed and wounded
The Herad's Army Of the Potomac dis
patch says deserter from Maine regiment
was shot to-day in the lst division of the Sd
corps.
There are rumors that we shall soon change
our camp to some point north Of the Rap
pahannock, before going into winter quarters.
presume such will not be the case however,
as the presence of river the size of the
Rappahannock will be a great preventative
against deserton.
The weather is fine. Large numbers of
furloughs are being furnished to officers to
20 home There is much speculation as to
whether General Meade will be retained in
command Of this army. The army is partly
vi In nh ali ka