Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh.
Sir: Your despatch of August 26, No. 50, has been received. The account which it gives of the political condition in Italy is full of interest and instruction. Later advices, however, which were hastened by the telegraph, inform us that General Garibaldi, the leader of the popular movement against the government, has been wounded and captured by a French force in Calabria. It would seem that this event must have brought the armed revolution suddenly to an end, although, instead of abating, it may even have increased the agitation which threatens to disturb the peace of Italy and of Europe.
Military affairs here have taken an unfavorable direction during the last three weeks. The army of the Potomac, which was in command of General McClellan, having evacuated its position on the James river, reached the Potomac, near Alexandria, unpursued and in safety. The army of Virginia, under General Pope, which was advanced to the Rappahannock, through some mistake on his part was flanked by the insurgents in large force, and retired to Manassas. Here it became involved in a series of severe engagements, in which it was not supported by the army of the Potomac, as it is supposed it might have been. Both armies, thereupon, returned to this city. An inquiry has been instituted to ascertain where the responsibility for these unnecessary reverses belongs. In the meantime the insurgents, executing a long-cherished design, advanced on the south side of the upper Potomac, which at this season is fordable at many places, and, crossing it at and above Edward’s ferry, occupied Frederick. When there, menacing equally Washington, Baltimore, and Harrisburg, in Pennsylvania, they put forth an appeal, on Wednesday last, to the people of Maryland to rise and join the insurrection. Our troops having recovered from a temporary disorganization, an army was immediately organized and despatched, under General McClellan, to meet the insurgents at Frederick. The last information we have is that they have promptly evacuated Frederick and advanced westward to Hagerstown This retreat is supposed to indicate an abandonment of any designs to strike Baltimore or to advance on the north side of the river to the Potomac, while it still leaves them a choice of entering Pennsylvania or of recrossing into Virginia at or above Harper’s Ferry.
Acting upon the same general aggressive policy, the insurgents are advancing towards and threatening Cincinnati. These bold movements very naturally produce much excitement and considerable alarm. On the other hand, the armies of the Union are receiving immense re-enforcements, and our military authorities express much confidence in their ability to retrieve the losses sustained and prosecute a vigorous and decisive campaign. Although cheerfully indulging these expectations, I do not think it profitable to dwell upon them, because measures are going on which must [Page 577] produce important results, and perhaps altogether change the military situation, while my speculations would be crossing the Atlantic.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George P. Marsh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.