May 8, 1863, The New York Herald
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF MR. S.M. CARPENTER.
UNITED STATES FORD, May 6 – 8 A.M.
Yesterday morning the trains were all ordered back to camp, and by dark the wagons, extra caissons, pack mules, &c., were at Falmouth. The wounded were hastily removed from the hospitals and sent to Washington, leaving nothing on the other side except our infantry and artillery.
About five o’clock it commenced raining. The water fell in torrents for over an hour, deluging the roads, tearing up the corduroys, sweeping away bridges and threatening the destruction of the pontoons. The river rose with great rapidity and soon overflowed the ends of the pontoons, rendering crossing impracticable. The upper pontoon was taken up and used in lengthening out the others, and after several hours of very hard labor the bridges were once more ready.
Pine boughs were spread upon the pontoons to prevent the noise of crossing, and about mid-night the troops commenced falling back. The First corps was the first to cross, and is now nearly all over. The Third corps remains in the intrenchments to cover the retreat. It is hoped that the army will reach this side before the enemy discovers the retreat; but cannonading has commenced quite fiercely at the front, and a desperate battle is not an improbable event.
We can doubtless retire across the river without serious loss; but if discovered in our attempt the struggle will be fierce. Unmolested the troops can get over by noon.
The roads are in a horrible condition – almost as bad as when General Burnside foundered here last winter. Our sick are lying in the woods, but ambulances are coming up to remove them.
There was no fighting yesterday of any consequence. The sharpshooters were quite active, and the artillery opened occasionally; but results were unimportant. The enemy has evidently massed his army on our right, with a view, it is believed, of crossing above and attacking us on the flank and rear. The high water, however will frustrate that movement.
Three pontoon trains are down near Hamilton’s crossing, and some fears have been entertained that the rebels would make a demonstration across the river below Fredericksburg.
A great number of our wounded have fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Our dead on the battle field of Sunday are still unburied, and the wounded are undoubtedly dying in great numbers for want of attention. Dr. Johnson, Medical Inspector of the Army, has volunteered to go over with a corps of surgeons and take charge of our wounded. He will probably be sent across as soon as practicable.
General Hooker is very much depressed. Last night he held a consultation with his commanding generals, in which it was urged that a longer stay in its present position would prove unsafe for the army. A hasty return to our camps is imperative.
The rain is falling heavily and the river rising with great rapidity.
THE LATEST.
FALMOUTH, May 6 – 10 A.M.
Three bridges were swept away on the railroad from Aquia last night. Building parties were at work al night, and the trains are again running.
It is rumored that the enemy’s cavalry has crossed over upon the Northern Neck, and is advancing cautiously towards this place. A force has been sent down to oppose them.
Everything is quiet on the other side. The river has risen over ten feet and is still rapidly rising.
Heavy cannonading is heard in the direction of the United States Ford.
POSTSCRIPT.
The army is safe.