After the Defcat. the Potomac. McClellan in Com mand. The Federal position during August and September was one of defense, in his department. The fortifications around the Capital were strengthened and extended,* but there owing to a disagreement | exact of their own men. in the plans of the rebel This was preliminary to leaders President Davis opposing an at- the rigid discipline and tempt upon the Capital as premature. But, accountability which, ere long, followed; and the loyal North beheld the danger, and pub- the country witnessed, with pleasure and a lic opinion was hushed in the one overmas- feeling of relief, an army grow up under the tering sentiment of opposing the rebel ad- young General's hands to which it would vance. Regiments seemed to spring from be safe to trust the fate of the campaign on the ground. The tireless engine rushed from the North and West with its burthen of human freight seeking the ranks at the point of danger. Transports swept the rivers and the sea, loaded to their guards with men who counted the hours of their journey as if to hasten the speed of the wheels. In the country village, in the great city's thoroughfares, were the sound of marching troops, the shriek of the fife and the wild huzza-at once a greeting and an adieu. It was a solemn, imposing uprising-more solemn and significant of blood than the uprising of April; and Washington soon found its streets clogged with the advent of men eager to wipe out the disgrace of that mortifying defeat. McClellan in Command. Major-General George B. McClellan was called from the successes of his Western Virginia campaign to assume the active field command of the forces around Washington. General Scott was too feeble in body to meet the requirements of the hour; and, at his request, McClellan was called.* All that host, gathering from the loyal firesides of the Free States, was to be taught the art of war: order was to be brought out of chaos: confusion was to be confounded, and the enemy to be kept at bay until the army of the Union, reorganized and remounted, should again essay the "Onward to Richmond" programme. August 1st saw him at the Capital, and not a week had passed before the stringent measures of a strict disciplinarian began to be felt. The first steps were to compel officers to return to their posts-then to inspire them with the spirit of military obedience and promptness toward superiors which they were only too eager to It is stated that Mr. Lincoln first proposed to call McClellan to Washington, but the facts are that Scott, in a conference with the President, suggested McClellan for the command. The fortifications erected up to October 1st, were named and located as follows: The work south of Hunting creek, "Fort Lyon." That in front of Lee's house, " Fort Ward." That near the mouth of Four Mile creek, "Fort Scott." That on Richardson's Hill, "Fort Richardson." That heretofore known as Fort Albany, "Fort Albany." That near the end of Long Bridge, " Fort Runyon." The work next on the right of Fort Albany, "Fort Craig." The work next on the right of Fort Craig, "Fort Tillinghast." That south of Chain Bridge, on the height, "Fort Ethan Allen." That near the Chain Bridge, on the Leesburg road, "Fort Marcy." That on the cliff north of the Chain Bridge, "Battery Martin Scott." That on the height near the reservoir, "Battery That near Georgetown, "Battery Cameron." That on Prospect Hill, near Bladensburg, "Fort McClellan in Command. THE OCCUPATION OF DRAINESVILLE. 343 The Occupation of was no movement beyond | evacuated by the Confedtheir precincts which could erates on the 17th, was still be construed into an ad- held by General Evans with vance, for nearly two months. The massing his division. For several days prior to the of men, at that point continued, during that 21st, the brigades on the right bank of the time. At the date of October 1st, it was es- Potomac, above the Chain Bridge and the timated that from Harper's Ferry down to Falls of the Potomac, had been pushed up in Alexandria fully two hundred and fifty thou- the direction of Leesburg. These brigades, sand troops were aggregated. This vast however, commanded by General McCall, did army it was McClellan's study to place in a not advance further than Drainesville, twelve state of high efficiency. His camps became miles south-east of Leesburg, although their schools for the officer as well as for the sol- scouts were pushed forward to Goose Creek, dier. Order, precision, obedience and stern four miles from that place. On Saturday and discipline gradually superseded the indiffer- Sunday General McCall made two reconnoisence and disorder which would appear to be sances towards Leesburg, and could find no inseparable from the volunteer system; and trace of the enemy. The country people dewhen, on September 28th, the first Grand clared that the rebels had abandoned that Review was held, the country witnessed a place some days before, and the belief at headpageant which must have made the spirit of quarters was that the rebels had withdrawn the Great Napoleon restless in the skies. Such to Aldie, ten miles to the south-west, where an army, in men and equipments, the world the enemy could place Goose Creek between never before beheld: may the country never themselves and the advancing Federals. again witness such a host called together for Goose Creek is about the size of Bull Run, the defense of the Capital against its own but has high and steep banks, and cannot be crossed by artillery, except by bridges. On the right bank of the creek are high hills, admirably calculated for defense, and these, it was understood, the rebels were fortifying. General Stone, commanding at Point of Rocks, determined, upon his own responsibility, it would appear, upon a demonstration toward Leesburg, looking to its occupation. sons! The Second Federal Towards Manassas. A reference to the Historical Summary, No. 5, will give, in brief, the several minor conflicts which transpired up to the first forward movement of the Federal forces, October 9th, when Lewinsville was occupied. On the 16th General Geary held Bolivar Heights overlooking Harper's Ferry, repelling a large force of rebels. This apparent advance was but a reconnoissance to determine the enemy's lines. On the 16th the rebels retired from Vienna-on the 17th from Fairfax Court House, drawing in their lines preparatory to a stand at Centreville and Manassas, where extensive earthwork defenses were reported to have been constructed during August, September and October. Leesburg, though reported to have been That next on the left of Fort Lincoln, "Fort Saratoga." That next on the left of Fort Saratoga, "Fort Bunker Hill." McCall's demonstration on Drainesville excited the enemy to renewed vigilance. A regiment of infantry and a troop of cavalry were dispatched by General Evans to watch the vicinity of Edwards' Ferry-these forces taking possession of a hill about one mile and a half from the river crossing. Evans had, it afterwards appeared, feinted an evacuation of Leesburg in order to draw one of the Federal Generals into his cleverly laid net. He was near at hand with his entire division. Stone having completed his arrangements, October 20th, proceeded, at one P. M., to Edwards' Ferry, from Poolsville, with Gorman's brigade, the Seventh Michigan volunteers, two troops of the Van Alen cavalry, and the Putnam Rangers, sending at the same time to Harrison's Island and vicinity four companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts The Ball's Bluff Dis aster. The Ball's Bluff Disaster. volunteers, under Colonel | being challenged, the camp Devens. (who already had having no pickets out any one company on the island,) distance in the direction and Colonel Lee with a battalion of the of the river towards Edwards' Ferry. Twentieth Massachusetts. To Conrad's Ferry he dispatched a section of Vaughn's Rhode Island battery and the Tammany regiment, under Colonel Cogswell. A section of Bunting's New York State militia battery, under Lieutenant Bramhall, was, at the time, on duty at Conrad's Ferry; Ricketts' battery, already was posted at Edwards' Ferry, under Colonel Woodruff. Orders were also sent to Colonel Devens, at Harrison's Island, to detach Captain Philbrick and twenty men to cross from the island and explore, by a path through woods little used, in the direction of Leesburg, to see if he could find anything concerning the enemy's position in that direction; but to retire and report on discovering anything of the Confederates. General Gorman was directed to deploy his brigade in full view at the river crossing, if possible to draw out the lurking rebels, and thus to learn their strength. No enemy appeared, to answer to the menace offered. Shell and spherical shot failed to call them up. Three flat boats were launched, and, under cover of the artillery, then shelling the woods opposite, three companies of the First Minnesota crossed and recrossed the stream, proving the readiness and gallantry of the men as well as seeming to assure the Federal commander of the absence of any great body of the rebels. As darkness came on, General Stone ordered Gorman's brigade and the Seventh Michigan to fall back to their respective camps, but retained the Tammany regiment, the companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts and artillery near Conrad's Ferry, in their position, waiting the result of Captain Philbrick's scout, he (Stone) remaining with his staff at Edwards' Ferry. About four P. M., Lieutenant Howe, of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, reported to General Stone that Captain Philbrick had returned to the island after proceeding, unmolested, to within a mile and a half of Leesburg, and that he had there discovered, in the edge of a wood, an encampment of about thirty tents, which he approached to within twenty-five rods without General Stone at once sent orders to Colonel Devens to cross four companies of his regiment to the Virginia shore, to march silently, under the cover of night, to tae position of the camp referred to, to attack and destroy it at daybreak, pursue the enemy lodged there as far as prudent, then to return rapidly to the island; his return to be covered by the Massachusetts Twentieth, which was directed to be posted on a bluff directly over the landing place. Colonel Devens was ordered to use this opportunity to observe the approaches to Leesburg, and the position and force of the enemy in the vicinity. In case he found no enemy, or found him only weak and in a position where he could observe well and be secure until his party could be strengthened sufficiently to make a thorough reconnoissance, which should ascertain the position and force of the enemy, to hold on and report. Orders were dispatched to Colonel Baker, to send the First California regiment to Conrad's Ferry, to arrive there at sunrise, and to have the remainder of his brigade in a state of readiness to move after an early breakfast. Also to LieutenantColonel Ward, of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, to move with a battalion to the river bank opposite Harrison's Island, to arrive there by daybreak. Two mounted howitzers, from Ricketts' battery, were detailed to the tow-path opposite Harrison's Island. In order to distract attention from Colonel Devens' movement, and at the same time to effect reconnoissance in the direction of Leesburg from Edwards' Ferry, General Stone ordered Gorman to throw across the river at that point, two companies First Minnesota, under cover of fire from Ricketts' battery, and sent a party of thirty-one Van Alen cavalry, under command of Major Mix, accompanied by Captain Charles Stewart, Assistant Adjutant-General; Captain Murphy, Lieutenants Pierce and Gouraud, with orders to advance along the Leesburg road until they should come to the vicinity of the battery, which was suspected to be on that road, and then turn to the left and examine the heights The Ball's Bluff Dis aster. THE BALL'S BLUFF DISASTER. 345 The Ball's Bluff Dis aster. between that and Goose | vorable than the first, and connected by a good road The battalion under Colonel Ward was detained on the bluff in the rear of Colonel Devens, instead of being directed to the right. Stone said in his official report: "For some reason, never explained to me, neither of these orders were ever carried out. The cavalry were transferred to the Virginia shore, but were sent back without having left the shore to go inland, and thus Colonel Devens was deprived of the means of obtaining warning of any approach of the enemy." This reconnoissance was most gallantly made by all in the party, which proceeded along the Leesburg road nearly three miles from the ferry, and when near the position of a hidden battery, came suddenly on a Mississippi regiment about thirty-five yards distant, received its fire and returned it with their pistols. The fire of the enemy killed one horse, but Lieutenant Gouraud, the gal-The report then went on to state the orders lant Adjutant of the cavalry battalion, seized given to Colonel Baker, under which he the dismounted man, and drawing him on acted, viz.: his horse behind him, carried him safely from "Colonel Baker having arrived at Conrad's Ferthe field. One private of the Fourth Vir-ry, with the First California regiment at an early ginia cavalry was brought off by the party, and as he was well mounted and armed, his mount replaced the one lost by the fire of the enemy. Meantime Colonel Devens on the right, having in pursuance of his orders arrived at the position indicated by the scouts as the site of the enemy's camp, found that they had been deceived by the uncertain light, and had mistaken the opening in the trees for a row of tents. He found however, wood, in which he concealed his force from view, and proceeded to examine the between that space and Leesburg, sending back word to General Stone, that thus far he could see no enemy. Immediately on receipt of this intelligence, which was carried by Lieutenant Howe, General Stone ordered a non-commissioned officer and ten cavalry to join Colonel Devens, for the purpose of scouring the country near him, while he continued his reconnoissance, and give him due notice of the approach of any enemy, and that Lieutenant-Colonel Ward, with his battalion of the Fifteenth Massachueetts, should move on to Smart's Mill, half-a-mile to the right of the crossing place of Colonels Devens and Lee, where, in strong position, he could watch and protect the flank of Colonel Devens on his return, and secure a second crossing-place more fa hour, proceeded to Edwards' Ferry, and reported to me in person, stating that his regiment was at the former place, and the three other regiments of his brigade ready to march. I directed him to Harri son's Island to assume command, and in a full conversation explained to him the position as it then stood. I told him that General McCall had advanc ed his troops to Drainesville, and that I was extremely desirous of ascertaining the exact position and force of the enemy in our front, and exploring, as far as it was safe, on the right towards Leesburg, and on the left towards the Leesburg and Gum Spring road. I also informed Colonel Baker that General Gorman, opposite Edwards' Ferry, should be reenforced, and that I would make every effort to push Gorman's troops carefully forward, to dis cover the best line from that Ferry to the Leesburg and Gum Spring road, already mentioned, and the position of the breastworks and hidden batteries, which prevented the movement of troops directly from left to right, were also pointed out to him. The means of transportation across, of the sufficiency of which he (Baker) was to be the judge, was detailed, and authority given him to make use of the guns of a section each of Vaughan's and Bunting's batteries, together with French's mountain howitzers (of Ricketts' battery), all the troops of his brigade and the Tammany regiment, beside the Nineteenth and part of the Twentieth regiments of Massachusetts volunteers. I left it to his discretion, after viewing the ground, to retire from the Virginia shore under the cover of his guns and the fire of the large infantry force, or to pass our reen The Ball's Bluff Dis aster. The Ball's Bluff Disaster. forcements in case he found it | tional flat-boat to be lifted practicable, and the position from the canal into the on the other side favorable. I river, and had provided a stated that I wished no advance made unless the line, by which to cross the boats more rapidly. enemy were of inferior force, and under no circumDuring the morning a sharp skirmish took stances to pass beyond Leesburg, or a strong posi-place between two of the advance companies tion between it and Goose Creek, on the Gum Spring, i. e., the Manassas road. Colonel Baker was cautioned in reference to passing artillery across the of the Fifteenth Massachusetts and a body of about one hundred strong of Mississippi riflemen, during which a body of the enemy's cavalry appeared, causing Colonel Devens to fall back in good order on Colonel Lee's position, after which he again advanced, his officers and men behaving admirably, fight river, and I begged, if he did so, to see it well supported by good infantry. The General pointed out to him the position of some bluffs on this side of the river, from which artillery could act with effect on the other, and, leaving the matter of crossing more troops or retiring what were already over, to hising, retiring, and advancing in perfect order, discretion, gave him entire control of operations on the right. This gallant and energetic officer left me about nine A. M. or half-past nine, and galloped off quickly to his command." and exhibiting every proof of high courage and good discipline. Had he, at this time, had the eavalry scouting party which was sent him in the morning, but which, most unfortunately, had been turned back without his knowledge, he could, doubtless, have had timely warning of the approach of the superior force, that afterwards overwhelmed his regiment and their brave commander and comrades. To that surprise was owing the disaster. This statement is precise, and if Colonel Baker was caught without transports for a retreat, was surprised by an overwhelming force which cut off his retreat, in part, it was not General Stone's fault, if the orders explicitly detailed above were given and were understood. Baker's friends as explicitly state that he undertook the enterprize, conscious that he should be overwhelmed, and that he so expressed himself to General Stone, urging the practical impossibility, with the transports at his disposal, of throwing over the river the force which he deemed safe but was ordered forward. From an exami-place of crossing, and report to Colonel Banation of all the evidence produced, we credit the General's statement, and feel that the censures heaped upon him really were unmerited. General Stone, evidently thinking that Colonel Baker might be able to use more artillery, dispatched to him two additional pieces of Vaughan's battery, supported by two companies of infantry, with directions to its officer to come into position below the ker. Later in the day, and but a short time prior to the arrival of the guns, Colonel Baker suggested this same movement to General Stone. It was about one o'clock P. M., when the enemy appeared in force, in front of Colonel Devens. A second skirmish then ensued. The field was maintained for some time by the Massachusetts Fifteenth, when, finding himself unsupported and about to be outflanked, Colonel Devens retired his men to a Reenforcements were rapidly thrown to the Virginia side by General Gorman, at Edwards' Ferry, and his skirmishers and cavalry scouts advanced cautiously and steadily to the front and right, while the infantry lines were formed in such position as to act rapidly and in concert, in case of an advance of the enemy, and shells were thrown by Lieutenant Wood-position in the edge of the wood, about half ruff's Parrott guns, especial care being taken to annoy the enemy by the battery on the right. Messengers from Harrison's Island informed General Stone, soon after the arrival of Colonel Baker opposite the island, that he was crossing his whole force as rapidly as possible, and that he had caused an addi a mile in front of Colonel Lee's position, where he remained until two P. M., when he again retired with the approach of Colonel Baker, and took his place in line with those portions of the Twentieth Massachusetts and First California regiments which had arrived. Colonel Baker at once formed his line, awaiting the attack of the enemy, who came |