The New York Herald Newspaper, September 15, 1862, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 9498. HIGHLY IMPORTANT. More Heavy Cannonading in the Vicinity of Williamsport and ‘Harper’s Ferry. Supposed Great Battle Yester- day at the Ferry. Occupation of Frederick by Gen. MeClellan, The Enthusiastic: Reception of Our Troops by the People.- Burnside in Pursuit of ‘the ; Rebels. One Thousand Prisoners Taken by Our Cavalry. THE WAY THE REBELS TREAT THEIR SICK MOVEMENTS Suteresting Details from Our Special Correspondents at Frederick. OF REBEL CAVALRY. STRENTH OF THE REBEL ARMY. SPEECH OF HOWELL COBB, to, &, de. THE REPORTS FROM HARRISBURG. HARRISPURG, Sept. 14, 1962. Heavy cannovading was heard this morning at Hanover, Breoncastle and Chambersburg, proceeding apparently Brom an action between McCleilan’s army and the rebels: General Reynolds ‘bas assumed command of the army Yor the dofenco of Pennsylvania. Kdward McPherson, eandidate for re-election to Congress we the Sixteenth Congressional district, is on the etaff as Volunteer aid-de-camp. Posreckirt, Afternoon, ‘The excitement has increased by the reported cannon- Ming hoard at Chambersburg and Greenoastie, Military operations are progressing finely. Regiments are constantly being forwarded. Troops are Peering im op foot and by rail from ail directions. Harniesurc, Sept. 14, 1862. Taformation from rebel sources receivea at bead Quarters at eight o'clock this evening, state that the rebel Pickets had retired from the State line into Maryland, and ‘that our pickets had been extended southward. Nosigns Wf the enemy were visible i tbe neighborhood of Middle- ‘burg and Waynesboro, Pa. YVeaterday a portion of our cavalry appeared within @areo miles of Hagerstown without any signs of the ene" my. Ov Saturday three scouts were reported to be three tiles south of Greencastle. Heavy cannonading was distinctly heard at Greencastle {Ms morning, in the direction of Harper's Ferry, up to one Weloch, when it coated, As to the result nothing bas been @eveived. i Harweevne , Sept. 14, 1862. ‘There was a battle to-day in Middietown. Longstreet’s @ivision, moving on the Boonsboro road, in the direction @f Williameport, with the intention, no doubt, of recross- tag the Potomac at that point, was engaged by the ‘Waloniats. Nothing official bas been received at head Quarters of the battle op to this hour (midnight). THE REPORTS FROM FREDERICK. Fagprniox Cr, Md. , Sept. 12—11 P. M. At three o'clock this afternoon your correspondent ac- @ompanied General Pleasanton’s division of cavalry from ‘Urbanna, ight miles distant, on a recopnoissance towards its city. OUR GAVALIY CLOSE ON THR REBELS EELS ‘The rebels wore reported in force ahead, between Ur- Damna and Frederick. and the deserted campe of the Bampton Jegion and Stuart's cavairy, which were passed, @Ave token that a large body of the enemy had eccupied Be ground we traversed but a short time previously. In- deed, the common reply of farmers along the route in an- @wer t questions concerning the flecing rebels was, ‘Ob, they have not been gone but a few hours.” Swiftly our @evalry rode on, accompanied by a rection of fying artil- fery, without coming up with the rebels, crossing the ‘earnpike bridge over the Monooacy, which, strange to way, had been spared by the rebels the fate of its neigh- ‘Dor, the ratiroad bridge. We pushed on with our cavalry @enera) Pleasanton occasionally sending squadrons in pursuit of flecing rebols discernible on the beights sur- wounding. ‘FUR KEW MARKET CORPS OCCUPY FREDERICR. When about two miles from Frederick intelligence veached Goveral Pleasanton of the occupation of Frederick by our troops from the direction of New Market. at five o'clock P, M. Immediately orders were given fe our column to fling tb Pendants to the Mountain breeze, preparatery © marching into the city. In about twenty minutes after our troops had eptered by tho wid national road the cavairy division of Pleasanton entered by the road jeading 0 Market street, OUR RECEPTION IN FREDERRE ‘My pen fasis when ] would attempt to describe the glo- whous reception we mot with from the citizens of Frede- Fiek and the charming Jasees, with cheeks reddened by the mountain air, expecially from the time the horses foot ‘of the first Mle trod the streets of the ancient city of Fre @erick, Maryland. Our march through the streets was one Grand ovation, Old men hobbled into the streets 10 cal! ws deliverers. The richest and fairest of the Deanties of the fair sex soiled their dainty feet with the mud of the street to wave myriads of Union emblems in our faces, while the young men and the children actually Jaughed unt.) they eried for py. Tt seems strange how euch a quantity of the representa- tives of our country’s glory, in the shape of fags, could ave been preserved from the ruthiess tonck of the in- ‘vader as wore this day waved in our faces by the fair sex of Frederick. I can only account for it when } consider the marvellous proficiency of the weaker in aeceiving the Gtronger sex, acknowledged in all ages by poets and sages. BB wras oe soLvms rnoveers oF 1. Our soldiers are highly elated ot tbe kind- nesses they bave received at the bands of the citizens. They eay it is worth tenfold the toil and hardabips they have endured to be received thus with open arma and hearte by the people of Maryland. ‘Tho jatriotiam of the citizens bas manifested itself not only in more formal acts, but in genuine bospitality. A majority of the houses are to-night open ones for ibe Union roldiere. A mention of tames would seem inyiai- oun where nearly the entire population seem to have vied in kindness. The homes of Mesere. Brengle, Schley and ‘Trail, however, to-night present whe appearance of & soldier's rest. All honor to the noble Unioniete of Froderick who have not allowea a gloomy week of suffer ing under rebel rule to dampen their leve for Union prin- ciples aud those who are fighting io their defence TUY SRIRMOE BEFORE WS RYTRRRD FREDERICK, Our troops did not occupy the city without a slight airmish, of which the following is ab account, derived from oyo witnerser:— ‘Thinking (hat the rebels had evacuated ihe town, a body of cavairy, about one hundred aod Afty in number, proceeded up Patrick treet, Gel Moore, with wix pri vaton, was fome distance ahond, wnminiful of danger < Buddonly a forge of rebel cayalry, two humdyedt gna ftty NEW YORK, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1862. PRICE TWO CENTS WN RONTIRO YAR CR IER yy SS , RAS (ann gtoo cN = \ \ a =z > im number, of the Hampton Legion, charged from in front of Dr. Schley’s store, with yells and cries of ‘Kill the Yankee sons of bitches,” &c. Riding down Patrick street, discharging their earbines as they advanced, they came up to Col. Moore, whom they captured and carried back into town. Proceeding in their charge, they encountered the detachment of the Rigbth Illinois cavalry, who charged in tarp upon them, putting them to a complete rout with trifling loss. They quickly skedaddied from the city. WHEN THE REELS ENTERED FREDERICK. On Saturday morning, the 6th, at ten o'clock, the rebels first occupied Frederick. Their force consisted of in- fantry, artillery and cavalry. From that time until yes- terday morning there were continuous arrivals of rebel troops. Jacksob’s forces lay outside of the city to the Rorthwest, about three miles, Their arrival in town reomed to be unpremoditated, as they swarmed into the place like jocusts. Every Seuthern State appeared to be represented in the motley crowd. THR CITIZENS CLOSE TORIR STORES AGAINST THEM. Shortly after they possessed the town in force the mer chants were obliged to close their stores, being unwilling to exebange their wares for the worthless shinplasters of the rebel States. This, however, did not prevent the rebels from exchanging a Jarge quantity of their worth- less carrency for the desirable commodities of which they stood in need. Dr. Schley has about eight hundred dollars worth of the trash, for which he has been obliged to give some of his most valuable chemicals and drugs. Other of the Union moo suffered in proportion. Dealers in shoes, clothing and horses eepecially, vecame the victims of rebel necessity and sharp finance. As much 8 one thousand dollars in Confederate scrip was offered for an ordinary horse, The soldiers seem to have been supplied especial ly for the occasion with a vast amount of Confederate notee, which they distributed ad libitum among the mer. chants. A broker of secesh prociivities advertised to give fifty cents in Treasury notes for one dollar in Con. foderate money. As may be guessed, sellers of the por- trait of Jeff. were numerous. After distributing about five hundred dollars, the broker suddenly closed busi- nees for the day and has not opened since. STRENGTH OF THE REBELS—THMR HEMAVION. Tn regard to the number of rebel troops who were here and hereabouts, opinions differ, though not materially, among the well informed citizens. Tbe rebel generals claimed to have one bandred and fifty thousand men, of all arms, in Maryland. The lowest figures 1 have beard assigned by citizens is seventy-five thousand, while some give them their fall claim, ‘Their condition, as respects clothing and general appearance, is represented as revolting. Asa general thing they were barefooted when they arrived, and had upon them tattered garments. Their bodily ap. Pearance was ‘disgustingly Aithy. They literally swept garmente and shoes from the town. It was almost im- poreible to distinguish the officers from the privates; all wore alike the victims of poverty and rage—rich in baught else, save desperation, dirt and Confederate scrip Ip the main their bebavior was commendable, save in the connections 1 have heretofore mentioned. They were quiet and inoffensive, molesting no one for the ut- terance of sentiments of opposition to the rebellion. ‘They appeared to be assuming a character for interested porpores—endeavoring to make ag good an impression as poseibie upon the people THE INSIGRIFICANCE OF THR REGRL SUTPLY TRATK ‘Their entire transportation trajo did not number over ‘one hundred and fifty wagons. They brought but little provisions with them, depending, as they said, upon getting a supply from the country throngh which they are passing. They looked balf starved and fumiebed, and Literally devoured the stock of subsintonce stores of the city, leaving the habitants io many cases dortiture of w decout family meat. They profess a determination to deni fairly with the Maryland peoplemi. ¢., pay for what they yet in their own money—but threaten to waste the fat of the land ia Penneylvania and other Northern Staves, te make a track of dewolavion wherever they go in revenge for our javasion of Virginia, The story about their baying any grent quactity of Vuited States Troaeury noter if falve. Some of tho reg ments had some, taken near Managaas lately in the raid THE HEAVY CAN Occupation of HESTER Gap “ on Catlett's station. These they never offered unless compelled by motives of self-interest. ‘THE REBELS STATE THEIR PLANS. ‘The rebels did not attempt any concealment of their plans from the citizens, regardless of their sentiments. Their common remark was that Pennsylvania was their destination, and some asserted that a large force under Jackson already occupied Harrisburg, the capital of the State, having defeated our forces in that direction. INDUCEMENTS 90 EWLIST—FAILURE, Great efforts were made by the rebel generals to induce the young men of Frederick and vicinity to enlist their fortvanes with the rebellion, immense inducements being held out. That these efforts have proved barren of effoct is seen from the fact that only fifty from Frederick and forty from the entire neighborhood enlisted. There was no onthusiaem manifested by the small rebel population here on the appearance of their brethern to “ relievo Maryiand from bondage,’ as they term it, In fact, tho reception given to the rebels was chilling even in the houses of their own friends. Their sudden departure before the march of our troops gave pleasure to those even who longed for their coming. ‘The expectation of the rebel leaders was to receive a large addition to their force in Maryland, besides material aid. In this they have been grieviourly disappointed and cbagrined. The advent of the rebel army in Maryland is regarded bv officers high in command in their own ranks and their sympathizere here, as a fatal step—the worst move they have yet made—a misstep taken throngb the sheer desperation of hunger, About four huedred sick rebels are left in our bands at the hospital here, General Stuart told a paroled Union officer to tell the Yankee commander that he would retaliate for any un- just treatment of the prisoners left bebind. GRNSRAL BOWELL CONB ‘ON THE sTUMP.’? General Howell Cobb made a speech in the square on Patrick street Jast night to the citizens, in that speech be said he knew the name of every Union man in Frederick, that he wonld soon return, and if they bad turned over any of his friends to the fury of the Lincoln government he would revenge bimself and bis government tenfold. He said he could dgtect Yagkee sympajbizere, if by no other algn, by their conntenances. As an apology for Howell Cobb on the occasion, it may be proper to state that he ‘was under the influence of the ardent, GENRRAL RWELL LOBES In LEG. General Ewell bas suffered amputation from his rooent wound jn the jeg. General Lawton now has Ewell’s for- mer command. A leading rebel officer gave it as bis deliberate opinion that the withdrawal of the army of MoClellan from the peninsula infused a spark of hope into the breast of the Confedorates at » time when they were ready to euccum, ‘The route of the rebels from this place was towards the Pennsylvania jine, via Hagerstown, whither Jackson went a few days ago. Faxomnuce ,, Md. , Sept. 18, 1862. 1 wae awakened this morning by the sound of Oring at no remote distance. Fastening to learn the cause, ! dis- covered four pieces of artillery in position in a field in the gap of the firet chain of the Catoctine, guarding the old national road runing west from Frederick, and disputing the passage of our cavalry and fying artillery, which were pursuing the enemy i that direction. Our batteries were quickly brought into position, and for a time the cannovading was quite lively. About twelve o'clock the rebe) battery was silenced. THE CAVALRY UNORR GRNKRAT PLRASANTON, ‘The detachments of cavalry which were sent out on different roads to capture the ekedaddling rebels are rev turning thie morping, each equad bringing in Jarge num bers of the sorry direiples of King Jem, , including the # left bebind in the hospital at the barracks. Here | sot down the nomber of prisoners taken at fully one thou rand. Ovr cavalry, under the command of Gen. Plea- fanton, i¢ fast gaining & bigh reputation, and bide fair to become what, lam #orry to say, it bag not befere been, gave in a fow oxceptional Cases, & valuable arin of the wervice THE REELS DRFERT THRTR MOK COMBA TIS ‘Wap rebels before leaving Frederick Tedbed Vig, hoxps NONADING IN Frederick by McClellan---The Retreat of the Rebels. aT : agak BREE CHES. A ots Bui S TOWN) Y FRANKLI WS f yorws Sicko ~~ (SULPHUR SPRIN RS, Qu PETERSUURGY RMP EBROOK = Y \ SRCARLISLE. LISBURN EWISBEARY 3 Sy WoW iae SEMECA MILLS Ky MARYLAND. NeWREG f SPARKS ‘wiseauac Asi EISTERS TOWN COCKE YSViE - cy Tc/BERT vl SANT oe ; i dana ee NEW LONDUN RIO ; ope WF Repl Zoo : fi », Hy \s\" é: Ss feX é Ri ‘ = : ote Onecee s ~ oe i i “LAP SSeS nonce neyapene rela ee vioonsrad wwealgavme ia: CKEYST § IY\. it Me fz \ cocksvile > A Pees tea 4 Rd Ton ss 2 L oo < ELuica Se RT Me Heng - : é ficyesra Nit ya a sy) SS ANDES d sO grein hi ag ~My NOUN YTOWN OR EL AND, Cis, Salof ali ite medical stores, leaving their sick comradas and our own destitute of medical remedies. This is about the ‘woret piece of vandalism on the part of the rebels that isgraced their ehort stay in Frederick. I bad this morning an interesting interview with Hon. Lewis J, Brongle, formerly of the Maryland Legislature, who left the town on the approach of the rebels and ro- turned to.day. He says that he went to Pengaylvauia. On his return he met and accompanied in this direction « force of rebel cavalry, 500 in number, ona segut, They bad visited Liberty and Westminster, the counsf town of Carrol county, Maryland, destroying in the latter place the enrolment list for the new draft. From conversations with the rebels Mr. B. dees not believe that they have yet made their appearance im any considerable force beyond the Pennsylvania jine. His opinion ss that they will en- deavor to get back into Virginia by way of Hagerstown, ‘Md., the fords on the Potomac near Williamsport, and Shepherdstown, Md. A moderate stage of water in the Potomac would effectually prevent their passage at those pointe. ANXIETY ABOUT HARPER'S FERRY—ALL SAFE. Considerable anxiety has boen manifested for the oom mand of General Miles, at Harper's Ferry, by the citizon® of Frederick. J do not share in the feeling, as bis mean® of defence or retreat are ampie to cecure his safety. Gen, Stonewall Jackson attended divine service twice tn the German Reformed church on last Sabbath, dressed in bis usual service suit of well worn gray, with the jaunty cap. He appeared to pay doep attention to the fervice. In their late visit to Frederick the rebols seized every horse they could lay hands upon, remuverating the owners in Confederate notes. OUR TROOPS CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS. The soldiers, after their late severe marches, still keep up their spirits, and long for a decisive cxyagement with the rebel forces. At first our men were disposed to re- gard the march into Maryland af a chare of the ignis fatuus; but since the undoubted evidence thoy see and hear of the presence of the invaders in large force, they burn with desire to meet, whip and destroy them, FRrepenicn, Sept. 13, 1862. Frederick if ours. The first of our forces ontered the east end of the town at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, Half ao hour —_ ater acavalry force, under command of General Pleasanton, entered the city by way of the Market street turnpike. The main body of the rebel forces evacuated the city on Thoreday. A fow cavalry from the comwand of Genera) Stuart and the Hampton Legion made a charge upon our troops whon the latter euterod, but the enemy were speedily repulsed. Our loss was two killed and six wounded, while the rcbels suffered at least to that extent. The reception of our forces was of @ most enthusiastic character. The ontire city was overjoyed, and the people turned out en masse to wolcome our forces. All along the atrects through which our forces pareed, flays were waved from housetope and windows, and the sidewalks were lined with spectator, including @ ful! representation of ladies, The rebel forces are represented to be about 125,000 etrong. The citizens of Frederick have suffered mach from the rebel incursion, inclading the loes of domestic supplies. ‘The enemy were in a starving and ragged condition, many of them being without shoes. They confidently expected that at least 50,000 men would Jock to them in Frederick county, Jockeon was here, together with Longstreet and Hil, They left Frederick with the intention, as reported, of going to Penueylvania; but subsequent events seem to indjente they will endeavor to retreat into Virginia by way of Williamsport, This morniug an evgagement i# going on at tho foot of the mountaing, on the road to Sandy Hook, with the rebel, consisting of two thousand cavalry and three bat- tories A portion of the enemy went to Hagerstown, while Jackeon took the left hand road towards Harper's Ferry, The repels left 490 of their sick in Frederick. About forty priconers were taken Jast night and this ‘morning between this city apd the mountains. Framgwor, Sept. 13—P. M. On our way hither thie morning from Urbanna, after crossing the Monooacy, General MeClollan and staff passed through General Sumnor’s corps, who opened their ranks for that purpose. The enthosiasm with which he was received by that veteran corpe is beyond degeription, THE REBELA SACK THE HEWEPATER OFFICER. Before the rebels jeft Frederick they sacked and de- stroyed tho Union (Kredeick Bzaminer) newspaper office. The ladies here were forced to hide the American flags about their persons lo prevent the rebels from carry ing thom off. ‘THE REASON WHY THE REBELS LEFT FREDERICK. Io the artillery duel yesterday, which lasted til one o'clock, between General Pleasanton and the rear guard of the revels, we had three horecs killed and two wound- ed, The rebels, fearful of boing surrounded by. infantry, fell back three miles beyond the mountains to Middle town, from which place they wore driven in the atter- noon. Our troops held the town during the night. Faevenicx, Sept. 14—A, M. ACTIVITY OF THE TROOPH—PRNNSYLVARIA SAFR. There is no probability that our troops will remain jnactive. ‘There is now no fear of an invasion of Pennsylvania ‘The troops are in excellent spirits at their reception by the people of the State. The sick aud wounded rebels left here have been paroled. CAVALRY. FIGHT. Yesterday afternoon the Fighth Iilinois cavalry , Colonel Farneworth, charged on two rebel regiments of evvairy and three guns, a short distance above Middletown, on the road to Hagerstown. We bad three men wounded and took forty prisoners. Thie charge i represented as haying been a eplondid affair. ANOTHRE CAVALRY CRAROR, Later in the afternoon four squadrons of the Second Indi- ana cavalry charged on @ regiment of cavalry, supported by artillery, ou the read leading from Middletown to Har per's Ferry. It was a desperate affair, We lost thirty men killed and wounded, The logs of the enemy in killed and wounded during yesterday was double that of ours. Our cavalry so pushed the enemy's wagon trains yesterday that they were forced to burn half a m)le of wagons to prevent them falling into our bands, THE LATEST FROM HARPER'S FERRY, Frepeniok, Sept. 14, 1868. A gentleman, who left Harper's Ferry yesterday (Sat- urday) reports that Longstreet was repulsed there in the forenoon, At this writing, 8 A.M. (Sunday), the battte has been rencwed in the dircction of Harper's Ferry. The firing i rapid and heavy, Our main column will come up with the enemy, it is thought, this (Sunday) after noou, when @ battle, it seome, must take place. The* forces engaged by our troope yesterday were those cover. ng tho rebel retreat, ‘The mon are fn fine spirite, and anxious to be ed forward to rid the Marylanders, who bave treated t.em £0 -!!, of all invaders, THE REPORTS FROM BALTIMORE. BALTIMORR, Sept. 14, 1862. Two railroad employer, who were taken prisoners by Jackson near Williamsport, have returned, They say he took thorn with bim across the river, and when his dive sion had crossed on Friday allowed them to return, There can, therefore, be no doubt of the fact that Jackson i¢ on the other elde of the river. The report that the rebele had made an atiack oo the Northern Central Ratroad is unfounded ‘There was cannonading at Harper's Ferry all day yes. terday, ceasing at four o'clock in the afternoon. Tho re. sult has not yet been learned General Burnside passed through Frederick carly en Saturday morning, and the whole army pusted on after the enemy by every road, even cross ing the flelds, The people turned out to welcome Burneide with the wildest enthosiaem, men, women and children, and when McClellan came th people bloeked up the street# so that it was difficult for him to reach bis great the streets, while Union peuple gazed on with mute amazement. ment ‘at different houses, making Inquiries, while one company proceeded right aloug to ine vntskirts, These men were postedgas pickets on the roads, principally on the main headquarters, The scene is described as most grand The waving of flags and handkerchiefs was universal, and oven the women and children sercamed words of welcome at the top of their voices. Our advance guard entered Frederick on Friday even- ing at five o'clock, and had a skirmish on the streets with Stuart's cavalry, Several were killed and wounded on both sides, and Colonel Moore, of the loyal Virginia cavalry, was captured by tho rebels and carried off, but afterwards recovered. ‘The rebels did not destroy any of the three turnpike bridges over the Monocacy, but left nothing bus the piers standing of the splendid iron railroad bridge Arebol train of one hundred ammunition and sabsist- ence wagons was captured by Geveral Franklin, and about one hunared and fifty pritoners had been sent in to Frederick. THB REPORTS FROM PHILADELPHTA, Prupansen:a, Sept. 14, 186%. The special correspondcnt of the Press, who is en rowe direct from MeCTellan’s army, which he left last night, telegraphs briefly from Baltimore that his news is good. The rumor about the repulwe of Burnside is false. THE REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON. Weiincron, Sept. 14—Midnighty That the fight has been progressing in the direction of Horper’s Ferry seems beyond question. Both on the Vir ginia and Maryland sides of the Potomac heavy firing has been heard all day, with but brief interraptions. ‘The reports wore audible two miles from the city, The news thus far received through private sources gives Promise of beneficial results to the Union cause, apd has Accordingly elated the spirits of all loyal men. Mail communication with Frederick will be resumed to-morrow. Wasninaton, Sept. 14, 1862 Officers who loft Frederick this morning report that ® general order of General ice was found there, directing that two columns of the rebel army should proceed by way of Middletown, one ef them destined for Greencas” tle, Pa., with all possible expedition, and the other to Proceed by way of Williamsport or Shepherdstown» at discretion, to engage the Union forces at Harper's Ferrry. During yesterday afternoon heavy and rapid firing of siege guns in the direction of Harper's Ferry was heard at Frederick, and last night it was feared that the smalt force under the command of General Miles would be over- come; but during to-day the firing nas been renewed, an@ it is evident that General Miles is still sustaining the eon. flict. He has a strongly intrenched position on Bolivar Heights, and it is reported has sent a couricr to General McClellan stating that he could hold out, It is stated that the column attacking Harper's Ferry is under the command of General Longstreet, and there is. reason to believe that an additional force suder Johnston, from the Shenandoah valley, has participated in the as- gault. Up toa late hour this afternoon the sounds of the conflict were still beard, but no further reliable advices had been received. ‘The only apprehensions entertained are for the safety of the email force under General Miles, at Harper's Ferry > Dut if ihey bave been able to hold out until this evening” sufticient reinforcements haye, uo doubt, reacbed them. It is reported that despatches were received here to- night requiring borpital accommodations to be rent to Frederick for four thousand wounded men, stating that ekirmishing had been going ou all day, and that these hospital equipments were ordered ip expectation Of a general engagement. From tbe latest information received, there had been no dattle; but it is evident that the rebel rear guard wil; make the best possible defence to enable the main body of the army to recross the Potomac. They dare not leave Harper’s Ferry in our possession upon the flank of their movement, as it would afford an opportunity for Genera! McClellan to throw a large body of his troops in front of the retreating rebel army, and dispute their passage at any of the fords. No information has been received showing that recent rains have ocasioned a rise in the Potomac to euch ap extent as to prevent tho fording of the river at almost any point above Harper’s Ferry, where roads come down tothe river bank. If the attack upon Harper's Ferry can delay thé progress of our troops for a sufficient time, tho principal portion of General Lee’s forces may be enabled to cross the Potomac at some of the upper fords, and get lato Virginia, ‘As was indicated some time ago in this correspondence, it is now evident that there will be no attempton the part of the rebel troops to cross the Maryland line. ‘They will be very fortunate if they arc able to get into the Shenandoah valley without experienciug a wt.) defeat and the loss of the principal part of thoir army. It appears that the representations as to the number of wagons in attendance upon them i# incorrect, and the fifteen hundred wagcns taid to have passed through Fre- derick have now dwindled down to only ove hundred and firty, capable of carrying stinted rations for the estimated forces of the rebels for a singe day. Het?} dud continued firing, apparently in the direction, of Harper's Ferry, commenced on the afternoon of the, 13th, and Jasted during that day and all of this (the 14th). SAVETY OF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE ITAL. oe we Havhussure, Sept. 14, 1862. Qn receipt of the news of the occupation of Frederick vy Burnside aud the advance of McClellan, the peopie became wild with enthusiasm. The telegraph offices wore besieged with regard to the result, and great conf- dence is now felt here as to the safety of the State cap- ital. ‘Troops are still arriving op foot apd by rail and being forwarded. McCLELLAN’S STAFF. Wasmxcrow, Sept 12, 1862. As there are many questions daily arked in regard t McClellan’s new staff, and as it if now compored of some of the most distinguished officers of the regular army, 1 gon't you a complete list, which may be of interest to the public: Chief of Staff,.........-Brig General Randolph B. Marcy Adyitant General Brig. General Seth Williams. tnspector General... ..Coloue! Delos B. Sackett Quartermaster... .C Rufus fagalts. Colovel Heury F. Clark. Dr, Jonathan Letterman. -Licutenant Horace Porter, { Lieut, Col. Baward Molt Hudon, wes de-Camp ......4 Lient, Col, Nelson B. Sweotzer, ad y (Liewt, Col, Albert V, Colburn, hical Engineer. . Vacant of Commissary al Divector, of Urdnane Chief Topo, Chiet Fag! OUR WESTMINSTER CORRESPONDENCE. Weenusree, Md, Sept. 11, 186%. ‘Grant Dath Into Weetminster—Arrivat of a Regiment og Retel Cacalry—Movements Throngh the Tiwn— Excitement “Among the Citizens—Appratensions of the Union Men— Exultation of the Rebel SympathivertPlaying “Hide and Sek” —Cheers for Jeff Davis—The Bivowac for the Night, de., de. ‘Thie usu iy quiet town wns precipitated into a state of great commotion this evening by tho arrival of a regi ment of rebel cavalry, Thoy left New Market at nine o'clock this morning, arriving bere about seven o'clock this evening. It may be thata fey of the prominent rebel sympathizers knew that they were coming: but their entrance into towm was altogether unexpect+ ed by most of the Inhabitants, stajor Genernt Stuart commands a whole division, comprising three brigades of rebel cavalry. This wae the Fifth Virginia regiment, Colonel Rosser, belenging to General Fitzbweh Lee's brigade, They galloped ints tow upon a chargeg There {s only one street worthy the name in town, Alege this street thoy dashed, amid the gathering darkness. It was dificult at first to tell whether they were Union or rebel cavalry, for little more than ‘he outiines of the men and horses could be perceived as they rode slong. The people rushed to their doors and windows and soon the whole town was wrought up into @ state of unusual excites Presently cheers from tho direction of the railroad depot—~cheors for Jef Davie—were Beurd, just as they wore passing there on their gallop to the othor end of the ‘Almost «imultangously with the cheers their gro tonque and dusky forme wore seen passing the two princi- pat hotels or taverns, Scoossionists everywhere were in gico, cheered from their houses and ran along Vacant, ment. town. the depot, portion of near the reg. and ‘The principal remained in town {CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PACE | <4