The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-06-02

now before them was Of a character of
forlorn hope, knowing well that no man
could here count on escaping death, the
soldiers. without sign Of shrinking from
the sacrifice. Were seen quietly pinning on
the breast of their blouses of blue, slips
OF paper on which each had written his
name.
MEADE RETURNED TO HIS CAMPS.
That this judgment of Gen Warren and
OF his troops was correct. Gen. Meade be-
came himself convinced On riding over to
the left and viewing the position. 1t was,
in fact, even more formidable than the
line of the Rapidan. which it had been con-
sidered impracticable to assail by a front
attack. The only possible opportunity Of
now continuing the enterprise was by NOV
ing still further to the left. and. by manu-
vering on Lees right, endeavor to force
him out of his intrenched line. But, under
the circumstances. with the uncertainties of
q Virginia December, this was hardly to be
seriously considered. The entire plan had
been conditioned on a quick operation tina
would uncover direct communications with
the Rapidan. The trains, therefore, had
been left on the north bank, and the troops
furnished with a limited number of ra-
tiOns, now nearly exhausted. In this state
OF facts, greviOus and calling though it
was to permit the campaign to come to
such abortive issue, Gen. Meade felt there
was no alternative. He. therefore, during
the following night, withdrew the army
across the Rapidan, and it resumed its old
camps.(SO Lee did not follow up in the
least.
THE ARMY IN WINTER QUARTERS.
The movement on Mine Run terminated
for the season grand military operations
in Virginia, and the army established itself
in Winter cantonments for the next three
months. During this period the dignity
OF dullness was disturbed only by one or
two cavalry expeditions, planned with the
ambitions aim of capturing Richmond by
a sudden dash. The first of these schemes
which had the merit of boldness in con-
ception If not in execution, was devised
by Gen. Butler. then commanding the De-
partment Of Virginia and North Carolina
BULER's PLAN TO CAPTURE RICHMOND.
Believing that Richmond had been
| stripped of it's garrison for the purpose of
| strengthening the Confederate force Oper-
ating in North Carolina under Gen
Pickett, Gen. Butler formed the design of
| swooping down on the Confederate Capt.
tai with a cavalry raid by way Of New
Kent Court House on the Peninsula AS
a diversion" in favor of this enterprise,
the Army of the Potomac was to make a
demonstration across the Rapidan. The
| raiding column, under command of Brig
Gen. Wistar, left New Kent Court House
on the 9th Of February, and reached the
Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge on the
| following day. The 7th, in obedience to
orders from Washington, Gen. Sedgwick,
temporarily commanding the Army of the
Potomac in the absence of Gen. Meade.
threw Kilpatrick's Cavalry Division across
the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and Merritt's
Division at Barnett's Ford, while at a
point between. two divisions of the Sec
ond Corps made the passage Of Germania
| Ford by wading. The Confederates held
| their positions, and considerable skirmish-
ing took place during the day The troops
remained on the south bank until the time
| fixed for the terminate of Gen. Buffers
movement. when they were withdrawn