The National tribune., 1907-10-31

ments from Lees force and his acquies-
ence in them, but it is best for us to
regard them as unbelievable, and that
Mcclellan was merely in his usual ig-
norance of what the enemy was doing
it was not until Aug. I and that
Jackson felt strong enough to cross the
EaEidan and move toward Culpeper.
He had now force of from $4,000 to
800 men. His cavalry advance was
roughly handled by our horsemen un-
der Gen. Bayard. who showed great
ability as cavalry commander. Pope's
position was an exceedingly risky one,
and only assumed because of his ex-
pectation that Halleck would fulfil the
promise 20 put Mcclellan on his right
flank NY way of Aqua Creek within
"the next two or three days" 1t will
be remembered that Mcclellan received
the order to withdraw and unite with
Pope Aug. 2, and with the facilities at
hand junction should have been ac-
complished within a week.
Pope's Line of supply.
The dangers of Pope's position were
greatly augmented by the difficulties of
supply. His only line was the rickety
Orange & Alexandria Railroad, never
a first-class line, and now suffering from
repeated destruction Of track and dam
age Of equipments. 1t was at this time
tildt bTlB--IcH. I1dupt EcuutTcu SiSHdi
service to his country by his extraordi-
nary activity and ability in reorgan-
izing the supply system and improvis-
ing facilities to meet emergencies. in
fusing his own wonderful energy into
his subordinates. Pope's unfortunate
temper brought him into collision with
Gen. Haupt. and the latter was suspend
ed from his position. After eight or
10 days. however. Pope found he could
oil NIT nd yaiv
stated him.
AS soon as Pope learned that Jack
son had crossed the Rapidan he ordered
his commanders to concentrate in front
Of Culpeper, with Sigel on the right at
Sperryville. Banks in the center at the
Hazel River Bridge, and Ricketts'S Di-
vision and some other troops at Gull
peper.
On the morning of July Pope adj
vanced to meet Jackson, with Sigel, as
usual mistaking the road, only coming
up hours after the appointed time.
Banks moved forward toward Cedar
Mountain, followed by Ricketts, at
diste nee of three miles. Jackson. on
!..e side, thrust out Ewell toward Banks.
Cedar Mountain is about eight miles
beyond Culpeper, and Banks reached
there about noon with less than 5000
men in the divisions of Augur and Will
liams Jackson's plan was to strike
Banks before the rest of POpes army
could reach him, and Ewell's advance
was followed by Winder's Division, and
these in turn by A. P. Hills. so that al
together there was within striking dis
tance of Banks's 5000 men at least
1000 Confederates. About 3 o'clock
Early and Taliaferro opened the battle.
moving with great caution.
Gen. Pope, who was handling his
men skiIfully and warily, had no in
tention of fighting battle at Cedar
Mountain. He merely intended that
Banks should present firm counte-
nance toward Jackson and check his
advance until the tardy Sigel could be
brought up. and line formed for the
protection of Popes communications
from Culpeper to Washington.
Banks and his men were doubtless
overzealous for fight. They were burn
ing with shame over the retreat down
the Valley, and longed for an Oppor-
tunity to retrieve themselves in the
eyes of the country.
Banks formed his line in the Valley
Of Cedar Run. where he overlapped the
left. Geary and Prince ad-
with their brigades, met Early
and Taliaferro on a broad. slightly
rolling wheat field south of the Gull
y, "nile Crawford turned the enemy's
eft, and the first advantage was gained
by Banks, who had shown prompt
lesire to come into close quarters with
he enemy.
Jackson hurried up Garnett to strike
Crawford's flank. and he sent besides
.wo of Hills Brigades to increase the
pressure upon Geary and Prince. Banks
llsO brought up GOrdon's Brigade, !
which charged in to the support of
while Greene's Brigade |
moved in to help Prince and Geary. |
Jackson succeeded in getting up the |
most guns first, and drove Banks's ar
illery back after stubborn resistance. |
Under the cover of tbs success Ewell |
pushed his division forward, and all of |
Hills Division came into line, crushing |
3anks's front by sheer weight of num-
'ers. Bayard made repeated charges
With his cavalry on the Union right,
Which prevented the Confederate vic
ory from being more complete than it
vas, and after dark Banks withdrew
rom the bloodily- fought field to where
e met Ricketts's Division and Gen.
'Ope in person. Just why Pope had not
urr,ed up Ricketts, to Bankss assist
re with the same energy that Jack
on had helped out his troops is an un-
ettled question. That he did not great
, impaired the confidence of the troops
I their new commander.
Gen. Dranch's View.
Cen r. n n Rranch Uivoe th;u a. !,