The New York Herald Newspaper, September 18, 1862, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENSETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFIOEN. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, TERMS cash in advance. Money sent dy mail will be ot the tisk ofthe sender. ‘Mone dus Bank Sits Current in New York THE DAILY HERALD. two centeper copy. $7per annum, THE WEEKLY HERALD, every Saturdoy, at sus cents Pog pap thy ig Loe) Wry Weadneed jition eves ly $+ 6 18 totny part of the Continent. both fo include postage: tht California On the lst, 11th and let a/ each months at ois gents por cony, 0” 84 15 der annum. THE FAMILY HEALD, on Wedneslay, ot four conte per copy, oF $2 ver annum Volume XXVII., AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—Orne1..a WALLACKE'S THEATRE, Brosdway.—Lova Cust WINTER GARDEN Broadway.—Macoera. NBW BO! THEA’ Bowery.—1 FARRIOR euurnsapoeaey Peirce rer Haws. canis NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1862. gether with a highly interesting account of the brilliant affair in that region. The Indiana troops supporting Colonel Wilder behaved magnificently, four thousand of them putting ten thousand rebels to route. Our news from Bermuda is important. It ap- Pears that there are now lying in the port o St. George no leas than five ‘‘Anglo-Confederate”’ steamers awaiting a chance to give aid to the rebels, but apparently in a quandary as to their future movements. One of them, the Minho, arrived from Charleston with cotton for Liverpool, but was out of coal, and had to burn her bulwarks and mainmast for fuel. These vessels will all prove rich prizes for our cruisers if they are vigi- lant enough to catch them. It was reported that seven steamers are now on their way from England to Bermuda, with goods for Southern ports. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. A terrible accident occurred at the United States Arsenal at Pittsburg, Penn., yesterday, from the accidental falling of a shell, by which seventy-five or eighty boys and girls, employed in the areenal, were killed. The building was total- ly destroyed by the explosion and the fire which followed. | Judge Betts yesterday granted the order forthe sale of the Elle Warley, a prize vessel nn ee pieaeecuptonrs gare Fourteenth siroet and ageantinaumptape Suan fey ated hour” Gcavan Haw SRY, MINSTRELS’ Mechantos’ Broad- qenireene Sones, Buntesdvse, Dinats, antes CHRISTY'§ OPERA HOUSE, 685 Broadway.. Gores, Dancde, £0.—P era eee Purran Pose. ‘WOOD'S MINSTREL 514 Broadway.. Goncs, Dances, 4c.—Tut Bino Howraes. i ae APEL, No. 720 Broadway.—Exursition oF HO! cI Minneite Cantrouni HITCHCOCK'S THEATRE AND myaro HALL, Canal x street.—Tas Two Scamre—Fox in a GAIETIES CONCERT HAL! _ a oe L, 616 Broadway.—Daawing PARISIAN CABINET OF WONDERS. roadway.— Open daily from 10 A. M, till 10 P. M. bia —_ New York, Thursday, Sept. 18, 1862. aS THE SITUATION. The progress of General MoClellan’s army for the tothe Finance Committee. Tn consequence of the state of the country, the Committee of the New York Book Publishers’ Association have concluded, in accordance with the expressed wish of many contributors and pur- chasers, to postpone the fall trade sale for one month. Thursday, October 16, instead of to-day, as pre. The sale will therefore commence on viously announced. At a regular meeting of the Board of Educa- tion, held last evening, a resolution to appropriate the sum of $21,710 for the purpose of building a new school house in Monroe street was referred The report of the Committee on Bye-Laws, favoring the appointment of special teachers, was then taken up, and pro- voked a lengthy debate; but the Board adjourned without taking any action on the matter. Stocks opeued very firmly yesterday, and in almost every instance higher prices were reached, the firmest Stocks on the list being the two Eries, which seem just now to be favorites with speculators. But shortly afte” noon some uneasiness began to be felt respecting the ar- my, no news having been received, and a reaction of % a 3 per cent ensued, the market closing steady. Gold opened at 116%, and advanced in the afternoon to 117%. Exchange on London 12934. Money abundant at 4 per cent, The trade tables for the month will be found in the money article. ‘The cotton market was quiet yesterday, and price, rather tame. The sales were confined to about 300 bales, on the basis of about 56c.a57¢. for middling uplands» with some small lots quoted a trifle under the inside figures. ‘there was scarcely enough doing to give stabil- ity or regularity to prices. Owing toa further declino in freights, flour was again better, and for common and medium about 5c. per bbl. higher. The sales were fair, and chiefly to the home trade. Wheat, from the same cause, was from lo. to 2c. higher, and active, in part for export. Corn was firm and in fair de- mand, with sales of sound Western mixed at 593c. a60c. Pork was heavier and lower, with sales of meas at $11 8734 @ $1150, with some small lote reported as low as $11 25 a $11 3734, and prime at $10. Sugars were firm and active, with sales of 2,522 bhds. and 135 boxes. Coffee was steady: a sale of 1,500 bags Rio was made at private terms. Freights were lower, and wheat was en- gaged to Liverpool, in bulk and in sbips’ bags, at 113(4. a 12d. 81234@., and corn at 11d, a 11s¢d., in bulk; and wheat to London was taken at 13d. a 133gd., in bulk and in bags. Two foreign vessols were engaged for Cork and orders at 15344. The amount of freight offering, gene- rally speaking, was moderate. last two days has been a succession of victories, which, it is not too much to say, must culminate in the total destruction of the invading army of Ma- ryland, and the speedy subjugation of the rebellion. All the news which reaches us from Harrisburg and other quarters comfirms the story that the rebels are baffled, demoralized, and utterly routed. The pursuit by our troops on Tuesday Was @ murderous affair, as the account of dead lef on the field to be buried by our men will show. Five hundred of them were found yesterday morning, uncared for by their friends in their flight, and were consigned to their mother earth by the soidiers of our army as early as nine o'clock, and the work was not yet finished. The records of yesterday show ® still more desperate contest in which {t is evident the whole force of the rebels was en- geged. The battle field was in the direction of Sharpsburg, near Antietam creek, on the roads connecting Williamsport with Middletown, It is reported to have been the most fearful battle of the campaign, and continued during the en- tire day. The rebels were reported yesterday evening to be driven towards Hagerstown, as though their passage across the Potomac was cut off. On the Pennsylvania border the State Militia, 10,000 strong, were hastening down to meet them. It was said that Jackson had made a junction with Lee, while our army at the same time was rein- forced from Washington with 30,000 men. There is no doubt that the rebel forces at Lees- burg have been cent across into Maryland te sup: port Lee. There was a serious fight at Centre- ville (Maryland not Virginia) yesterday, near Kit- toctan creek, between a large bedy of our troops end the rebels, in which our side gained a complete victory. It is not improbable that the rebels engaged were the fresh troops from Leesburg, who were endeavoring to get into the rear of McClellan's army. No particulars of this battle have reached us, however. Our last despatches from Harrisburg, at ten o'clock last night, confirm the reports of an earlier part of the day that the rebel army has been annihilated. They say:—‘A great battle has been fought, and we are vic- torious. The carnage on both sides was awful. General Longstreet was wounded and taken prisoner. Despatches just received at head- quarters from Hagerstown say that we have achieved a glorious victory. Longstreet is The Great Battle of Sharpsburg—The Death Straggle of the Rebel: Our reports from the great battle field of Sharpsburg are as yet so brief and indefinite as only to sharpen our anxiety for something more. The Baron Cuvier, from a single bone or two of one of the uncouth monsters of the saurian epoch, would reconstruct the entire animal. Could we, in like manner, from a few facts, build up a complete chart of this great battle, we should promptly do so for the satisfaction of our readers. We think, however, that scanty and vague as are the specifications before us, they are sufficient to justify the unqualified con- clusion that General McClellan has administer- ed the death blow to this hydra-headed rebel- lion. First, itis evident that after the battle of Sunday at the South Mountain, the rebels, in their hurried retreat, realized the necessity of putting the Potomac river between their army and our advancing forces. Secondly, it ap- pears that, failing in this enterprise, they were not slow to comprehend their critical situation, not killed, but wounded and a prisoner. General Hooker was wounded in the foot. The rebel General Hill is reported killed. It is said that General McClellan has destroyed the aqueduct at the mouth of the Antietam creek, and the bridge across that creek upon the road leading to Sharpsburg, thus cutting off the retreat of the rebels in the direction of Shepherdstown. Later reports from Hagers- town state that on last evening the rebels were retreating in great disorder, and that subsequently heavy and rapid firing was heard in the direction of Williamsport, Which induces the belief that General McClellan }as pursued the retreating rebels to that point, Jad that they made a stand there to cover their |. Jissage over the Potomac. All these facts intimate that yesterday was the most important day of the entire campaign. The extent of the battle may be imagined from the fact that @ call for additional surgeons to Washington and New York was made last night from General McClellan's headquarters. The wounded were being removed to Rohersville, to which point the surgeons are requested to repair. The recapture of Harper's Ferry and ite occu- pation by @ portion of General Burnside’s division seem to be confirmed by despatches last night from Frederick. The original statement that the rebels did not attempt to hold the place, but abandoned it almost immediately, is repeated. This statement comes from some of the Twelfth New York regiment who formed part of the garrison, who state a they met the Union forces marching towards the Ferry as they were coming away, and positively assert that our troops were in possession on Tuesday evening. The forces under Colonel Miles at Harper's Ferry Ronsiated of the Twelfth New York State Militia, Pighty-seventh Ohio, Eighth New York cavalry, Ove Hundred and Eleventh New York Volunteers, Pne Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Volun- teers, two companies of the Fifth New York ar- pillery, and ove Maryland regiment. Wo gtve a map to-day of the vicinity of Mun- pevillo, By., the scone of the late pattie, to- short distance above the Point of Rocks. and that they could escape only by the most desperate and obstinate resistance. In this exigency the forces of Jackson, estimated at forty thousand strong, were called up some twelve miles from the Virginia side of the river at Harper’s Ferry; but Lee was checkmated even here, in the thirty thousand additional troops from Washington which joined McClel- lan at the same time. Thus the battle was joined between all the forces of the two armies that could be hurried up tothe field. Tuesday, the first day of the battle, closed decidedly in our favor, and with the close of the second day (yesterday) the impression prevailed at Ha- gerstown, some twenty miles to the northward, that “the whole rebel army of Virginia is anni- hilated.” While this main battle was progressing at Sharpsburg it appears that there was an im- portant flank fight, resulting in another Union victory, on the southern side of the dividing chain of mountains, at Centreville,on the Kittoctan or Catoctin creek, in Maryland, a We presume that the rebel forces in this battle were those left at Leesburg by General Lee, and that they had moved over into Maryland and were endeavoring to reach him, when they were intercepted by our troops left behind by General McClellan for thie purpose. If we are not mistaken the brave and trusty Sigel was the commander of this corps. Assuming this reported battle and victory to be correct, the success of General McClellan's combinations is so complete a8 instantly to repair our late in- cidental drawback of Harper's Ferry. The rebel leaders appear to have been com- pletely blinded by their late delusive victories. It was only the other day that in the so-called House of Representatives at Richmond a series of resolutions were adopted, declaring that “Congress has heard with profound satisfaction of the triumphant crossing of the Potomac by our victorious army; and assured of the success of that masterly movement” this army is ex- pected to go on “to achieve new triumphs, to relieve oppressed Maryland, and to advance our standard in the territory of the enemy.” Against these insane declarations Mr. Lyons, of Virginia, vainly argued and protested. Mr. Miles, of South Carolina, was bold and defian t. “Give Jackson,” said he (and he spoke by au- thority of a rebel general), one half our pre- sent army, and although there were six hun dred thousand men (Union troops) in the field, he would drive them all before him.” Further, said the infatuated Miles, “the regular armies of@fcGlellan and Pope are unable to make one- of the number they ought to be,” and, by @ vote of 62 to 15, the rebel House of Repre- sentatives adopted these opinions of silly South Carolina. One of our reports of the Sharpsburg battle says that the routed forces of Lee were retreat- ing towards Hagerstown, and that a corps of ten thousand of Governor Curtin’s sturfly Penn: sylvania militis was moving down ‘to me them. If Lee was driven to the extremity of moving northward to seek a passage gcross the Potomac, his retreat towards Harper’s Ferry and Shepherdstown must have been cut off. Even supposing that a large portion of his army has effected its passage over the Potomac higher up at Williamsport, how is it to escape? It is two hundred miles away from Richmond, short of supplies, badly cut up, demoralized, and with a desolated country before it. Thus we see that in adopting this bold and desperate war programme of an invasion of Maryland and the North the rebel government at Richmond has precipitated its own destruction. The results of the battle of Sharpsburg will enforce the adoption of a different set of reso- lutions; and it would not be surprising if this redoubtable Miles were to be the first man to suggest the expediency to his fellow legislators of an exodus of Richmond without loss of time. The country surely will expect General Halleck to cug short the session of the rebel Congress at Richmond, while Gen. McClellan is gathering up the fragments of the late great Maryland liberating rebel army. Anticipating during this morning the full confirmation of our confident hopes, we think we may venture to congratulate the masses of our loyal people that in a well directed blow or two Gen. McClellan has substantially pros- trated this rebellion, silenced, the clamors of our abolition faction, and ‘vindicated the sound, sagacious, conservative policy of honest Abra- ham Lincoln’s administration, Tue Gas ano Rarcroap Tax—WuoLesome Ixrivenos or Pustic Opmton.—There has rarely been a measure against which such a unanimity of opposition has been manifested as against the attempt of the gas and railroad companics to make their customers pay the tax intended by Congress to be levied off their own profits. To such an extent has the feeling excited by it been carried that arrangements are being set on foot to carry the matter before the Legiela- ture, with a view to deprive of their charters all those companies that persist in levying the tax. We have an idea, however, that it will not be necessary to resort to so extreme a step. Since the press came out so decidedly against this imposition several of the gas com- panies have backed out of it. The New York and Manhattan companies, we understand, are among those who have yielded to the pressure of public opinion, and now consent to pay the tax themselves, That thick-akinned monopoly, the Brooklyn City Gas Company, have also been shamed out of their purpose. These cor- porations must mind, however, that in pretend- ing to pay the tax themselves they do not try to extort it from their customers in another form. Public attention has been aroused to their proceedings, and it would take but little effort to bring a pressure to bear upon the Le- gislature to effect a transfer of their charters to the different municipalities. There is no rea- son why the Corporation should not supply our citizens with gas as well as with Croton water. We believe that it could furnish a purer article, and at half the cost of that sold at present. In mentioning the companies that have been compelled to recede from the position they had assumed on this question we must not omit to do justice to those who, from the first, have re- cognized the unfairness of the attempt to levy this tax on the consumer. The Harlem, N. Y.; Citizens, Brooklyn; New Bedford, Mass., and Philadelphia (city works) have thus honorably distinguished themselves. The railroad companies had better at once take the back track on the same issue. They may kick as much as they please, but they may depend upon it that they will ultimately have to do it. Sreapivess or Ovr Raw Troops IN THE Freip.—Camps of instruction for recruits are very good things when there is time to perfect their theoretical education. Active service in the field is, however, a better and quicker gchool of training, as has been proved by the conduct of our new levies in the recent terri- ble conflicts in Maryland. One regiment—the Seventeenth Michigan—we are told, after using up all its ammunition, retired in the most or- derly manner to get @ fresh supply, then re- turned to the fight and nearly annihilated Day- ton’s rebel brigade. And yet this regiment had not been more than a fortnight under arms, and had never before been under fire. To the steadiness and gallantry generally of the new regiments raised under the last call General McClellan bears the most cordial testimony. He cays that with but little assistance from our own artillery they carried very strong positions defended by artillery and infantry. Can there be a greater stimulant to us to complete and send. forward as rapidly as possible the regi- ments now-in progress of formation than this gratifying fact? Let us but place within General McClellan's reach enough men, raw or other- wide, to.certy out bis plans, and we can reckon on « prompt and effectual crushing out of this unnatural rebellion. Gunengls McOLELLAN AND Kearny.—A state- mont is going the rounds of the papers, alleging that General Kearny, just before his death, wrote g letter to M. V. Halstead, Eaq., of New Jersey, in whigh be denounced Gengxal MaQlel- lan. This statement was forged by the radical abolitionists, under the impression that because General Kearny was dead it could not be con- tradicted. We have, however, the authority of Commodore Kearny, United States Navy, a cousin of General Kearny, for stating that no such letter was ever written. This is not the first time that the radicals have attempted to give their cowardly lies currency by foisting them upon honorable men. THE SIEGE OF HARPER'S FERRY. The Three Days’ Fighting---Esespe of the Union Cavalry, & a OUR FREDERICKSBURG CORRESPONusNCB. Fasvanicx, Md., Sept. 16, 1862. STATEMENT OF PAROLED PRISONERS, ‘Tho following is @ statement of M. J. Coble, bugler in Captain Hunter’s company of the First Maryland battalion of cavalry, and Peter J. Cavghlin, a private in Captain Coles’ company of the same battalion, who were taken Prisoners at Harper’s Ferry yesterday morning and paroled:— SUMBER OF OUR FORCES AT ‘HARPER'S FERRY. They state that our forces at Harper's Ferry numbered from eight to ten thousand infantry and cavalry—most of the latter, of whom there were about three thousand: making their escape before the surrender of tho place. OVERWHELMING REBEL FORCE. They state that the rebel force which first advanced upon Harper’s Ferry was about twenty thousand, under the command of General Hill. They, had a iarge supply of artillery with them, ‘THE DEFENCE OF HARPER'S FERRY. Golonel D. 8. Miles, Acting Brigadier General, was in commana of our forces at Harper’s Ferry,and made a good fight, notwithstanding the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. He retained the command until about eight o'clock yesterday (Monday) morning, when ho was se- verely, if not mortally, wounded by apiece of shell, in tho left leg. After this Gen. White, who was present and en- gaged in the contest throughout, took the command, It was understood that Colonel Miles tendered the command to Gen. White, who, of course, was his superior in rauk, but he declined to take it, preferring to serve under tho galiant colonel, who acted nobly and fought bravely throughout this whole affair. THR UNION BATTERIES. Our batteries occupied both Bolivar and Maryland Hoights. Upon tho latter were three largo siege guns and somo five or six smaller pieces. There were breastworks and earthworks upon Maryland Heights; but,as they were originally intonded to repulse an attack from the Virginia side of the river they were not in very good condition to repel an attack from the opposite shore. ‘There wore also earthworks and intrenchments at Bolivar Heights in addition to those at Harper's Forry proper. ‘Thus matters stood when the ball opened. ‘THE FIGHT OPENS. On Friday evening there was some artillory practice made from the Maryland Heights and from Camp Hill at Harper's Ferry; but to this the enemy did not reply, not being ready as yet to accept the challenge to battle ten- dered him. THE ATTACK ON MARYLAND HEIGATS. On Saturday morning, however, they were prepared and commenced an attack on our batteries on the Mary- land Reights and our forces thore, with artillory and a strong force of infantry. Fighting continued at this point through the day, and there were a good many killed and wounded on both sides. Tho rebols say that they had but ono brigade of infantry engaged thore. My informant could not recollect whose brigade it was. On our side there were enga;ed the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York, the Garibaldi Guard, the Thirty-second Ohio and the First regiment of the Maryland Home Guard: ‘The Garibaldi Guard are said to have distinguished them- selves by their gallantry on this occasion. Other regi. ments wore there, but wore but slightly if at all engaged . THE REBRIS REINFORCED, About four P.M. the rebola were largely reinforced, and were then in such overwhelming numbers that we were obliged to abandon tho Maryland Heights and re- trpat across the river, This was done in good order; the gung were spiked and the wounded taken with them. The ammunition of both parties is said to have partially given out before the conclusion of the fight, and that stones wero used instcad of balls for the artillery. Tne cotonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York was wounded, but whether dangerously or not my iafor- maote could pot tell. ‘THE REBFLS ON THR LOUDON HEIGHTS. During the day tho rebels made their appearance upon the Loudon Heights, upon the Virginia side of the river, with their signal corps, which attompted to commence their operations from the top of the Block House. Thoy were shelled from Camp Hill, and a the third shell thoy disappeared, and the signal officers were not again geen. The rebels, however, wore not en- tirely dislodged, and could be son at intervals. They were engaged in placing batteries upon these heights» which command both Bolivar Heights and Harper’? Ferry. CHARLESTON TURNPIKE OCCUPIED. During the afternoon the rebels made their appearanco in force on the Charleston turnpike. They were shelled from Bolivar Heights, but did not return the fire. Saturday night passed in comparative quict, our forces lying on their arms, and only an oecasional musket shot broaking the stillness of the night, and assuring our forces of the presence of the enemy pear our pickets. THE FIGHT RENEWED ON SUNDAY. At daylight on Sunday morning our troops were aroused, supplied with their breakfasts, and placed in their respective positions, At an early hour skirmish, ing began on the Charlestewn pike, but withou, serious results on either side. Our forces maintained a firm front, and gave way not an inch before the advances of the rebels. Therebels also commenced at about the same time an artillery practice from the same direction, which was promptly and with spirit reaponded to from such of our guns as could cover the Geld in that direction. As is usual, but little damage was done on eitner side, although the rebel shelis exploded in rather close proximity to our forces. During all this time Colonel Miles was in command. General Julius White was also present, and participated in the engagements, but it is understood that be declined to assume the command from Colonel Miles. REVEL BATTERIES ON LOUDON BRIGHTS. At about two o'clock P.M. the enemy succeeded in getting their batteries in position on Loudon Heights, on the Virginia side, and opened upon our position. Bat- terios were also opened upon our forces from the Mary. land Heights, but rather weakly, and also from the direc- tion of the Charlestown pike. A TERRIFIC CANNONADE. ‘The capnonading from this time was terrific. Our bat- tories from Bolivar Heights, Harper's Ferry and Camp Hid were in full play in response, and the very moun- tains, rocks and valleys seemed to be'alive with the deto- nations of heavy artillery. The mountains seemed to shake with the deafening roar, and the battle emoke hung like « pall over aud about the combatants. Every gun that we bad was at work sharply and efficiently, as the list of dead and wounded of the rebeis will sufficiently attest. ADVANCE OF THR REBTLS. Under this fierce cannonade the rebola advanced in force down the Charlestown pike, and eseayod tho capture of our position by a coup de main. REPULAE OF THE ENEMY. The fighting was sharp and severe at this approach. Nearly all the available infantry force was engaged in this battle. The rebels were in very strong force—not less than fifteen thousand men—and the engagement was desperate and coutinuous until about sundown, when th® enemy, repulsed and beaten, withdrew from the fight and retired to @ position out of range. GALLANT FRAT OF THI GARIBALDI GUARD, Meanwhilef the Garibaldi Guard, Colonel d’Utassy, crossed the river to the Maryland Heights, and, in the face of a wary and powerful foe, brought off the artilery, with the exception of the three large seige guns, one of which had bursted while im use, The two reniaining heavy guns were spiked and rolled down the steop declivity into the river, Such of our wounded ag still remained there were also brought off, and placed jn the hospital at Harper's Ferfy, This gallant and splendid operation elicited the commendations of all our officers and won, and addedj new and fresh laurels to the repute” tion of the brave Garibaldi Guard. PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CONFLICT. After sun the contest wae suspended, and quiet reigned tr the long a each party busy with tho preparations fr the renewal of the coming codtent of the morrow, whigh was récoguized os Wikdly to De thé Gorcest Confost of the siege, eh LT Neither party had effected avy considerable advantage during the prolonged fight of Sunday, though the loss on either side was thought to be very heavy, and”each was Prepared to give and receivesome heavy, telling blows on the morrow. ANXIBTY 10 HEAR FROM MCLELLAN. The weary night at last was wasted, and the carly dusk ef morning came, finding both sides up and ready for the worst. Not a moment passed during that long night that some ear was not listening for the rattle of mus+ ketry, which should tell of the coming of reinforcements from McClellan. But all in vain, and as cach man went to his post at daylight, it was with the full consciousness that he was torely only on the faithful band that stood around him for support and protection. None could be reasonably looked for from the direction of Frederick. Every one was nerved to the task before him, and each and every one determined to do battle until the last, be- fore the enemy should take the place. ACTIVITY AND ENBAGY OF THR REBELS. ‘The rebels wore not inactive during the night. Every hour was profitably spent in erecting new batteries at difforent points, bearing upon the devoted town. ‘THE BATTLE AGAIN RAGES. At daylight on Monday morning they opened with ter- rible power from seven or eight different points. Im fact, our works and force were completely surrounded by their encircling fre. All our batteries replied except our large Geld pieces, the ammunition of which was completely ex- hausted. Our fire was exceedingly effective, and many of the rebels'were killed, while a few of our men were also ‘THE FIGHT BROOME GENERAL. ‘Thore wasalso at the same time asevere and generay infantry engagoment betweea the Shenandoah river aud the Charlestown pike, but with no other result than that we held thom in check, although they were in vastly su- perior numbers, under McLawlor, and being constantly reinforced. COLONEL MILE8 WOUNDED. During this engagement, Col. D. 8. Miles received a dan gerous and probably fatal wound in tho calf of the left leg” from the explosion of a shell, which tore the fleshy par; of the leg entirely off, and causod a profuse and oxhaust- ing loss of biood. His log was amputated at the knee by the surgeon of the Eighth New York cavalry, and the Colonel placed in as comfortable position as possible. ‘The wound is pronounced mortal by the surgeon, and the Colonel is undoubtedly dead before this. It seoms quito uncertain whether Colonel Miles re- tained, or General White assumed, command after this fatal shell exploded. THE WMHITE FLAG RAISED. But, at all events, a short time only intervenel—and while the main body of our troops remained unscathed, and amply able to hold the rebels in check—before the white flag was raised, and the surrender of the strong po sition, with its brave defenders and immense stores of ammunition, tendered the enemy. WARPER’S FERRY SURRENDERED TO GBNERAL RILL. The surrender was made atten A. M., and to Genera) Hill, commanding one of tho divisions of General Jack- son’s army. ‘THE REBRIS STILL CONTINUE FIRING. For an hour after the white flag was raisod the rebel batteries on Loudon Heights, Maryland Hoights and a small battery on the banks of the Potomac river con- tinued playing on our position, the rebel officers offering as an excuse for this gross violation of the rules of war that they did not observe that we asked a suspension of hostilities. Fortunately, but little damage was done by the rebel practice. STONKWALL JACKSON APPEARS ON THE SOENB. General Hill received the surrender of the place, and shortly afterwards the famous Stonewall Jackson appeared on tho parade ground, and fixed his headquarters there, HS ASKS FOR THR CAVALRY. His first question, after glancing over the eight thou- sand infantry drawn up unarmed in line before him, was, “Where is all the cavalry you had?” And on boing in- formed that they had cecaped the provious night, en masse, he was silent; but his face, and the countenances of the rebels about him, wore a look of disappointment and cha- grin, not unlike that of a rat terrier when he springs into the barn door only to find his expected prey safely out of his jaws, leaving only a suggestive odor behind. ‘THE REBELS GREATLY DISAPPOINTED. In truth, the disappointment of the rebels at the absence of the large force of cavalry they so much desired and expected to find, was terrible. They were greatly cast down, and many of them observ- ed that they would rather have lost all the infantry pri- soners than our well mounted and wellarmed men. Qalg about ninety-five were found in the hospitals and their arms and horses bad been spirited away. DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE REDEL CAVALRY. Jackson's cavalry mon were mounted on horses worn down with long marches and stinted provender, ‘and as thin ag horses ever got and not die, and of course utterly useless for quick and long marches. Indeed, such a quan” city of Itving anatomical specimens never crossed the Po- tomac before or since. They were little better than no horses at all for active service. Scarcely oue could be spurred toa pace faster than a walk when it entered Harper's Ferry. WHAT JACKSON BXPECTEP TO GET. Not only was Jackson anxious to obtain an abundant supply of well-fed and active horses, but he also ox- pected to obtain the effective carbine and steel sabre, with the usual complement of Colt’s revolvers, with which our cavalry men are armed, in order that his own daring riders might lay aside the single and double-bar. relied shot gun, the old, rusty carbine, the home-made broadsword and sabre, and the heavy, old-fashioned horse pistol, to arm anew with the more improved wea- pons. But the gallantry and brave dosh ef Colonel Davies, of the Eighth New York cavalry, who was Acting Briga- dior General of the cavalry, foited his well laid pians. GALLANT DASH OF THE UNION CAVALRY. Before Jackson entered Harper's Ferry, the chivalrous Davies had escaped through his meshes, crossed Long- street's lines, capturing property, an’ bad nearly effected a junction with McClellan, But that story of the most brilliant action of the war must be told further on. PRISONERS CAPTURED AT HARIPR'S FERRY, ‘The enomy took nearly eight thousand prisoners, mado up of the following rogimonts:—Garibalti Guard, New York, Col. d’Utassy ; One Hundred and Sixteenth Now York One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York, Thirty-second Ohio, Sixtieth Ohio, Eighty-seventh Obio, Ninth Vermont, First Maryland Home Guard, and one or two other regi- iments of which { could not obtain any particulars, being new regiments; besides an Illinois battery and some other artillerists unknown to my informants. All the cavalry escaped except those in hospital and those which could not find horses able to endure a sharp and perhaps prolonged march. All the cavalry were paroled, and arrived here thts afternoon, The infantry had not been paroled up to the time our informants left theFerry. THR FORCH OF THE RRARLS. Information from othor sources fixes the strength of Jackson’s forces at about forty-five thousand. THE REGKIS ATTACK IN THRER COLUMNS. ‘The attack on our forces was made iu three columns or divisions, under the command of Generals Hill, McLawlor, anda third, whose name did not occur to our inform. ants. Hill’s division attacked the Maryland Heights, Gen. McLawlor moved, via Sandy Hook, to Bolivar Heights; and the third division, which Gen. Jackson ac- companied, approached by tho Charlestown pike, cach column aumbering about fifteen thousand men. 2 MBAVY L088 OF THR REBELS. ‘Tho enomy’s loss was admitted by rebel officers to be about fifteen hundred wen killed and wounded in all, MARL UNION (089 IN KILLED AND WOr'NDED. Our losa was about sixty killed and one hundred and Ofty wounded. SPLENDID ARTILLERY PRACTICR. Our artillery fre on the rebel masses was very destruc: tive. THE RERE!, SUPPLY TRAINS. After the capture of the place Jackson's trains marched through it, om thelr way to the valley of the She- nandoab, They were hurried rapidly along, and sodnied to be wll fillod with sapplies of ail kinds. Over one hundred and dfty wagons, containing tho ‘one artieie of salt alone, obtained at Froderick, were in one train, Other wagons contained clothing, shoes and other articles muck needed by the rebels. The en. tire train was immense, and would stretch for ton or twelve mileg, and all were filled, The story that Jackson had but ¢ small train of wagons with him in his foray is thue shown to be incorrect. PROVISIONS AND AMMUNITION CAPTURED, ‘The enomy found but few provisions in the storehouses, as the supplice were nearly exbausted when the siege be- gan. The supply of ainmunition found was, however, quite large, and was oagerly appropriated by the rebels, All the saddles wore cut to pices when it was foresven that @ surrender was likely to oecur, and such ovolvers and sabres as remained with the sick cavalry mon were put aside. RAQAPE OF THE ONION CAVALRY. The of the 2,300 mourited men, composed of the First omet, a battalion of the Maryland cavairy , a so ‘sion of tho Maryland mounted rogiment, one compavy-of { seventy-five prisoners, which they carried safely te Greencastle, Pean., pagsing within two miles of Hagers- \ Kansas Rangers, Eighth ,New York cavalry, Firet Bho Island and Twelfth Llinois, Was one of the mest b: events of the war. It was 4'0t before Colonel Davies, the Eighth New York, commay ‘ding the cavalry, bad Several interviews with Colong | Miles, in which he treated and implored permission to sally out and cut way through the enemy, that t be commanding gave tho desired order to that efieet. The ho for doparture was fixed at , ten o'clock day aight; but before that \hour arrived order was countermanded, and it required no litt persuasion on the part of Colonel Day: @3 to gain 4 ne order to the same effect. Colonel Miles Said it was ii possible for the cavalry to get through, and that th would all be taken; but Colonel Davies sa\ 4 he would tempt it if he lost every man in tho eft "rt. At cig! o’closk the cavalry made their appearance before Colon Miles’ headquarters, and were informed of th © nature the movement. They were all eager for a di 8h, and nine they marched silently forth, guided by a man acquainted with the country, ‘THR MOVEMENT BYFECTED IN GAFETY. ‘They crossed the pontoon bridge into Marylan 4, ar over mountain paths they marched and reached Sh ‘arp burg in safety. » LONGSTARET’S AMMUNITION TRAIN CAPTURED. Between that and Hagerstown they came across Loa‘ street's ammummtion train, first being fred upon by reti pickets, just out of Sharpaburg, by which they lost thre killed and five wounded, and cutting up somo of the enemy. On stumbling on Longatrect’s train, they took posueseion of ons hundred wagens and town on the ronte. ‘THRY JOIN M’OLELLAN’S ARMY. Remaining at Hagorstown but a short time, to feed ama, rest their animals, they retraced their steps and MocClolian yesterday at a late hour, thus successfully ex-, tricating themselves from a moat dangerous position, ang, adding a splendid corps to McClellan’s grand army. All honor to the brave soldiers. Colonel Davies and most of his command had been im saddle, scouting, foraging, &., twelve of the preced- ing days before bis last successful movement, and. men and horses were well uscd up; but they were deter-' mined to escape let the cost be what it might. That thoy were eminently succeesful let the above account attest. ARRIVAL OF LONGSIREST’S DIVISION AT HARPER'S FERRY. Longstreet’s division arrived at Harper’s Ferry on Mon- day, ina perfect stampede. The men, wagons, artitlery, and cavalry were mixed up terribly, and all madly, rushing on toescape McClellan, who had 80 severely whipped them and now threatened to capture them alk WIS FORCE THOROUGHLY DEMORALIZED. His force was greatly demoralized, aud if it had aot been for Genera! Hill, who eeut over regiments from Har- por’s Ferry to the Maryland side to enforce discipline, the whole force would have marched pell mel! across the poa- toon bridge to escape the dreaded columns of Franklin. ‘The force was still greatly disorganized at the latest ac. counts. ] JACKSON OFF DOWN THE SHRNANDOAH VALLEY. A portion of Longstreet’s division had crossed at the Ferry into Virginia, and the ovhers were to cross the next Shenandoah valley. Whother all go down is not knowa. WORRIDLE CONDITION OF LONGSTREET’S DIVISION. Longatreet’s division was badly cut up, and he acknow- ledges a heavy loss in Sunday’s fight. Thoy wore ald very hungry, exceedingly ragged, and disgustingly filthy. It is doubtful whether any of them will desire to visit «' My Maryland” again. KILLED AND WOUNDED. It is impossible to obtain a list of the killed and wound- edas yet, Alicutenant in the One Hundred and Twenty- sixth New York was killed, and the colonel of the same regiment soriously wounded. THE PAROLED SOLDIERS TO BE SENT | AGAINST THE INDIANS. Wasuincton, Sept. 27, 1862. ‘The paroled prisoners of Colonci Miles’ late command at Harper’s Ferry are to be sent immeaiately to the North. west to suppress the Indian insurrection. This disposi~ tion of the soldiers indicated cannot affect their parole, and it will enable the government to place cight thousand well drilled troops in a field where their services ar® much needed. THE RECAPTURE OF HARPER'S FERRY. Barzimors, Sept. 17, 1662. ‘Tho American's Frederick letter says:— At the time of the departure of the cars this afterncos it is very generally asserted here that Harper's Ferry felt into our possession again on Tuesday cvening at seven o'clock, and was occupied by a portion of General Burn_ Gide’s force before the rear of General Bill’s division bad all crossed the river, who, te the extent of 1,500 by one statement and 4,000 by another, were taken prisoners. IT bave conversed with some members of the New York ‘Twel..h who were not paroled by the enemy, their haste being 80 great that they could not spare time to attend to them, who inform me that there is no doubt that that place is now in our possession. Thoy say that it was fou o’clock on Tuesday afternoon before an opportunity was given them to cross the bridge, and thas they had og marched a mile before they met the advance of our column moving on. They say the rebels did not undertake to hold the place, but merely made a hasty passage through, not even taking time to secure thelr plunder much of which, for want of trassportation, they de, stroyed. The rumor of the retaking of the Ferry this evening saya that ocarly all the guns and arms were recaptured and that go sudden was the descent made on them that they did not succeed in destroying the raflroad bridges the three spans of which had just beea completed. ‘The wholo number of killed during the siege was forty- three, and wounded about one hundred and Atty. IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON. > The Investment of the City Confirmed Fort Sumtor Seriously Damaged. Rostox, Sept. 17, 1862. ‘The reported investment of Charleston by the gunboats has somo confirmation by a letter received in this city fromon board the United States steamer Bibb, which says:—Fort Sumter has already roceived a prelimi- nary dogo of shot and shell, which resulted in serious damage.” FRIGHTFUL CATASTROPHY AT PITTSBURG Explosion at tho United States Arsenal Seventy-five or Eighty Lives Lost— Burning of the Ruins—Horrible Scenes. Prrrsavra, Pa., Sept. 17, 1862. A (rightful explosion occurred at the United States Arsenal this afternoon, at two o’clock. It occurred im tho largo frame building known as the “‘Laboratory.”” One hundred and seventy-six boys and girls wore em- ployed in the building at the timeof the disaster, of whom, soventy-five or eighty were killed. ‘One explosion followed another until the entire building ‘was destroyed, and those who could not escape in time, wore burned up. ‘The scene was most appaling, the dead bodies lying tm heaps as thoy bad fallen. In some places where the heat was most intense, whitened bones could be eeon througts he smoke and flame. In other placos large masses of blackened flesh wore visible. Up to the prosent time sixty-three bodies have been takcn from the ruins. ‘The cause of the explosion is said to have been the ag- Gidental falling of « shel. —— News from Albany. GENERAL S(CKLES’ EXCELSION BRIGADEB—GENERAG BUSTEED MAKING ARKANGEMENTS POR THE DRAFT. Atuany, Sept. 17, 1862. General Daniel F. Sickles is bere, and, after an inter, view with Governor Morgan, has succeeded in securing prompt payment of tho State bouuty to the yolunteors tor ‘the Excelsior Brigade. ‘The most strenuons exertions will be made by the Governor and the Stato War Department to secure prompt. ly the filling up of all the regiments of General Sicklag? brigade, in conformity with tho earnestly ressed wish of the War Department at Washington. Geueral Dick Busteed is also hore on important business connected with the draft, whioh will probably be made om the Ist of next month. Notice to the New York Hnroll Boarda Albany, Bopt. 17, 1862. » Enrolling Boards of the several towns of this State y notified that arrangements will bo made te pay oper expenses attending the enrolment, us pro- vided in general orders No. 99, frou the War Department, Due notice will be given when the necessary forms and instruotions are prepared and ready to be issuod. Ail nc- counts of this wature should be reserved until saeh notiee appears. THOMAS AHILLHOUSE, Adjt, General, Death of Commodore Percival, Boston, Sopt. 1; 1862, Commodore John Percival, of the United States Navy, died at his residonce in Roxbury his moruing, ar