H S. Williams to 292 OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA. (Cuar. XIV. ââ, October 25, 1861
GENERAL ORDERS, ! HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
October 25, 1861.
No. 32. “Washington, October 25, 1861. The major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac desires to offer his thanks, and to express his admiration of their conduct, to the officers and men of the detachments of the Fifteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, First. California, and Tammany Regiments, the First U. S. Artillery, and Rhode Island Battery, engaged in the affair of Monday last near Harrison’s Island. The gallantry and discipline there
displayed deserved a more fortunate result; but situated as these troops were—cut off alike from retreat and re-enforcements, and attacked by an overwhelming force, 5,000 against 1,700—it was not possible that the issue could have been successful. Under happier auspices such devotion will insure victory. The general commanding feels increased confidence in General Stone’s division, and is sure that when they next meet the enemy they will fully retrieve this check, for which they ar
not accountable. :
By command of Major-General McClellan:
Assistant Adjutant- General.
No. 2.
Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, U. S. Army, with orders.
HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION, –
Poolesville, October 19, 1861.
GENERAL: The following is the substance of information derived