from The Worcester Spy, October 22, 1862 , (Volume 91 # 43), 
THE POTOMAC ARMY 

(Correspondence N. Y. Times.) 

Sharpsburg, Oct. 17, ---The rebel army is reported to be shoeless and without food, and yet it exceeds our army in activity. The army of the Potomac fought most valiantly on the 17th of September, and unable to pursue the retreating enemy, has since then laid on the battlefield a full month, waiting for clothing and commissary supplies. Nor have these yet been furnished by the several departments.

Ammunition was distributed to Hooker’s corps on Tuesday; clothing and blankets for a fall campaign, are promised to be delivered “soon.” Officers and men are weary of waiting, and nothing would be more welcome than an order to move against the enemy. If the man on the engine will only whistle “up brakes!” the train will move forward. 

Many scenes of the most distressing character are daily witnessed in the hospitals and on the field. This vast country, filled with the dead from every state, is the goal of many a sad pilgrimage. Some, coming to find the dead, are overjoyed at finding the object of their search still living; others, who seek the living, are shown the spot where lies the dead.

In the beginning of the week, a mother and daughter, from a distant state, came to the hospitals in Sharpsburg; hoping to administer to the wants of their husbands, whom they believed to be convalescent---almost able to accompany them home. But, alas! who can measure the anguish of their hearts when they learned that husbands father and son, were dead, and already three days beneath the earth. They were led in deep sorrow to the graves, and immediately threw themselves upon the mounds; and , in frenzy of despair, with their hands , tore away the ground, screaming and crying aloud in the most heartrending tones. when they had wholly exhausted themselves with weeping, the ladies who accompanied them, took them up and brought them to the village. mothers nursing their sons, wives caring for their husbands, and Christian ladies, caring for the wants of the friendless, are seen in every hospital and sick room, bending in deep solicitude over the wounded patients. It is a scene for angels of mercy to look upon with pleasure, and he whom eyes do not melt in tears at the sight must have a heart cold indeed.

 

 

15th Massachusetts VI