%Jsenii-Rittel4
W.M. LEWIS, Editor and Proprietor.
TERAIS.—" Tun Owns" is published twice a week at
$1.50 a year-75 Cents for six mouths—GO cents fur
tine° months—in advance.
lItTNTINGDON, PA.
Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 29, 1861
fte?" This morning's mail brings us
no later news than we give in our col
umns. All the news we give has been
confirmed.
OYSTERS IN THE SIIELL.-E. C. Sum
mers has just fitted up an Oyster Sa
loon at his head-quarters nearly oppo
site the Jackson Hotel. We called in
on last evening and tested the quality
of his oysters and"fixens," and we can
safely recommend all who may want,
at any time, a plate of fine oysters, etc.,
to call on Mr. Summers.
GOVERNMENT TEAMS.—We have no
ticed passing through our streets three
very - fine four horse teams, belonging
to the Government, for the use of the
Mountain Brigade. Several more
teams will be fitted out as soon as
needed. The number of horses already
inspected here for cavalry, artillery
and for the wagons, reach about four
hundred. A. P. Wilson & John S. Mil
ler have a contract for taking care of
a part of the animals.
THE INlAms.—Making all allowance
for a reasonable amount of carelessness
on the part of post masters and route
agents, complaints are becoming too
general to keep quiet any longer. Not
a week passes that some three or four
of our subscribers do not complain of
not receiving their papers from the of
fices to which they aro regularly ad
dressed. The papers aro either ap
propriated by the post masters or al
lowed to be taken away by newspa
per thieves. The route agents too,
arc
. frequently to blame. They very
often fail to distribute correctly, not
only newspapers, but also packages of
letters, and sometimes whole mails.—
There must be gross carelessness in
the Philadelphia post-office. A through
mail for this place is made up in that
office every evening, but whenever the
evening papers are of the most impor
tance to subscribers, and country pub
lishers in particular, the packages are
sure to be thrown in the wrong pouch
and sent to some other than the right
office on the route. We are tired of
the carelessness of humbug postmas
ters and route agents, and shall make
it our business hereafter to report to
the proper department all failures to
discharge their duties correctly.
D?. We spent the greater part of
last Sabbath at Camp Crosman, and
were pleased to notice that considera
ble improvement in the grounds had
been made since our previous visit.
Each Regiment occupies separate
fields, but the whole are under the
command of Col. Murray, as comman- .
der of the post. The Murray camp is
beautifully located, and the good order
and cleanliness of the camp shows that
the Col. feels that he occupies a respon
sible position and is anxious to dis
,charge his duty fully. The grounds
of the Juniata camp have also been im
proved, and we have no doubt Col.
Lewis, who has just taken Command,
will make all necessary improvements
for the comfort of his men. The Mc-
Clellan camp is more exposed to bad
weather than either of the others, and
we think a change of ground would
add to the comfort of the men. The
Regiments have been filling up slowly.
There is in the Murray regiment parts of
nine companies—in the Juniata regi
ment parts of seven, and in the Mc-
Clellan parts of five companies. A
full supply of clothing is expected this
week, We examined the shoes, stock.:
in s, under shirts, drawers and over
coats, and a Which better article can
not be manufactured. No soldier will
complain of his new "rig" when ho
gets it on. It will make him feel com
fortablo when okposed tho most
disagreeable winter rains and storms.
Rev. Shindlo, ex-Senator, preached
in the Murray camp on Sunday.
The Bulletin of Saturday says:—lt
appears that Major General Fremont
has not been removed from his com
mand, and it is intimated that he will
not be. At all events, the Government
seems disposed to await the issue of
his present active and energetic move
ments. These promise to be entirely
successful. The different divisions of
the army under his command are mo
ving rapidly to the Southwestern part
of Missouri, and there seems to be a
prospect that they will overtake the
rebel general Price before ho reaches
the Arkansas frontier, and will give
him battle. If Price should be too
fast for them, they will pursue him
into Arkansas. Missouri will thus be
cleared of the rebels, and the war will
be carried within the borders of the
so-called Confederate States, where it
properly belongs. If Fremont once
gots into Arkansas with a largo army,
ho will have a good country for mili
tary operations. There are no moun
tains, and no rivers of any magnitude,
except the White and the Arkansas,
which can be crossed without great
difficulty. The climate also is favora
ble, at this season, for military move
ments. Wo may look for stirring news
from this Western army very soon.
Retrospective.
The times are big with events. We
have so many things that we would
say, that we do not know what to say
first, nor yet where to end. Within
the last few days we have to record
tho fight and signal defeat of our arms
at Ball's Bluff or Edwards' Ferry, as
you please, and the death of the gal
lant, brave and lamented Col. Baker.
Bit to counteract all this, yet we can
not cease to mourn the death of Sena
tor Baker, we call the attention of the
reader to the brilliant action at Rom
ney, Va., by Gen. Kelly, who captured
many of the enemy, three pieces of
cannon, and all their wagons and
camp equipage. Is not this glorious
news to the loyal heart? Then we
give good news from Missouri. The
brilliant and bold action at Springfield,
by Gen. Fremont's body guard, threo•
hundred strong, who attacked two
thousand rebels, drawn up in lino of
battle, and completely routed them,
cutting their way through and taking
possession of the place, and hoisting
the glorious old Stars and Stripes.--
We also have authentic news of the
gallant exploit of the bravo Major
Frank White, who at the head of one
hundred and eighty of the patriotic
Union troops, recaptured Lexington,
driving out five hundred of the rebels,
and releasing all the sick and wounded
soldiers belonging to tho Federal ar
my. Are not these victories sufficient
to balance all the defeats and disasters
we have met with thus far? We have
cheering news too, from the Potomac.
Although the reconnoitring party
sent out in force a few days ago was
surprised and defeated, yet the most
active preparations are going on, and
we may soon expect to hear of one of
the most glorious military achieve
ments ever heard of in the known
world. Gen. McClellan is not going to
precipitate our army into bloody con
flict, without first having made every
deliberate preparation; neither is he to
be hurried on by the impetuous clamor
ings of those. in civil life, who know
nothing about the mode of warfare or
of wars. When ho strikes, he will
strike a decisive blow, and one from
which the enemy will never recover.
Let us all pray for it at least. Let us
put our trust in that Providence who
rules all events.
Our naval department also, deserves
more than a passing notice. The in
telligent reader will readily perceive
what Herculean labors our Govern
ment has done in almost a moment of
time, as it were. Look at the fleet of
one hundred ships already fitted out
and set sail on the waters of the vasty
deep, to protect and defend the old
flag, the Union and the Constitution.
In the West too, we have another force
by water, unequalled in the civilized
world. Can the nations of the civil
ized world but look on with wonder
and amazement at the rapid move
ments of the young and almost un
fledged America? Our army can
command the attention and respect of
the whole of Europe, for the precision
and' efficiency to which they have al
ready attained in military movements.
Taken from the civil walks of life, they
have attained that degree of military
skill and proficiency as to astonish all
Europe, as lute files of their papers will
already show. Are we not a wondrous
people ? and have we not a wondrous
Government? The picture is too ex
alted for our imagination, so we shut
our eyes to the scene, but we will ever
lend our best efforts to raise still high
er, "this beautiful fabric, reared by
our forefathers, cemented by their
blood, and left to us as a precious in
heritance."'
IMPORTANT TO RECRUITS AND RE
CRUITING OFFICERS.—There are nu
merous instances where men have
signed their names on enlistment rolls,
and afterwards failed to go into the
service of the several companies they
had pledged themselves to. It ap
pears that these recusants could have
been held according to a recent mili
tary decision. It has been decided by
Generals Butler and Schouler, after a
very careful investigation, that a sol
dier is holden from the time of signing
his name to the enlistment roll, just as
truly as though he were "sworn in ;"
and persons who have enlisted and left
the service without a proper discharge,
are to be considered deserters, wheth
er they have been "sworn in" or not.
Speaking of the disastrous blunder
at Edwards' Ferry, the Washington
correspondent of the Tribune says:
" Capt. Young states that the field
officers, assisted by privates from the
California regiment, worked the artil
lery. All the gunners fled early in
the engagement.
"An napression is being created
that Col. Baker exceeded his instruc
tions, and did, not retreat, as ordered,
when ho found the enemy in over
whelming strength. Cap t. Young says
there was no possible retreat, save by
swimming the Potomac. The only
flatboat by which they got over was
stink. The disaster is attributable to
the want of transportation. The, or
der given, by Gcn. Stone to Col. Baker,
was picked up with his hat, out of
which it had fallen, coveredwith blood
and brains. It is in the city."
If the above be true, the names of
those gunners should bo published, so
that all craven cowards or traitors
shall be warned, of an immortality of
infamy for such conduct.
ter-Five car loads of Indiana sol
diers passed through this place over
the Pennsylvania Railroad, on Satur
day last, on their way to Washington
FALSE RUMORS.—AImost every day
we are startled, yea, almost frightened,
at stories which eminate from some
quarter, that something awful has hap;
pened, and that our army is cut all to
pieces, and the enemy victorious, &c.,
&c. These false and absurd rumors
spring from some source, and were we
to surmise, we would say they come
from idlers, who have no other em
ployment for their minds, but to_ get
up some story to excite and agitate
the public mind, and from men who
are secessionists at heart, and desire
the overthrow of the Northern army.
Last Sunday we were told no less than
half a dozen different times by as many
different persons, that Captain George
McCabe's company had been entirely
cut up by the rebels, with the excep
tion of two or three, and that they
and the Captain were in town. Now
everybody knew that that was a lie,
and bore a lie on its very face, and we
expect it eminated from the lips of a
liar and a coward, if not a secessionist
at heart. For awhile we stood these
vague and provoking stories, but we
have become tired of them, as also the
public in general. Wo have enough
.sorry news that is true, without re
quiring such fabrications, and we ad
vise our readers and everybody else,
to believe nothing they• hear, until
they see it confirmed by some good
authority. There is no use in lending
your ears to such base falsehoods, when
we have truth enough to startle us
every day. Away with such stories!
Let us hear no more of them.
OUR CORRESPONDENCE.
BARREE TOWNSHIP, Oct. 23, 1801
FRIEND LEWIS :—Thinking an item
or two from old Barree, would, perhaps
be of some interest to your numerous
readers, I concluded to while a mo
ment away by writing to you. •
Of course, the all-adsorbing topic is
the war; all classes have but one
question to ask as they meet each oth
er, and that is : " have you heard any
news from the war." Uld men and
young maidens are seen poring over
the latest Globe, or listening with anx
ious ears, to some narrative of Uncle
Sam's doings, in the "happy land of
Dixie."
Folks generally are pretty well sae
isfied with the result of the election.—
I think it would have looked something
better if the Union Ticket would have
been elected unanimously.
There has been a revival of religion
progressing at Ennisvillo, for some
time back, tinder the ministering care
of Reverends Baruitz and Clark, of
the Methodist church, which I am
happy to state has resulted in turning
many from the error of their ways.
Several others are in contemplation
the coming winter in this neighbor
hood.
The fall grains look well, and the
farmers aro about closing up their fall
work. - The corn crop, f believe, gen
erally has done well.
I would note the death of our oldest
and most estimable citizen, Iron. J.
Stewart, at an advanced age. lie was
a captain in the war of 1812, and since
then held the office of Associate Judge
for this county, for a number of years;
the old landmarks are rapidly disap
pearing.
The weather has been beautiful this
fall, more like June than October; our
brave soldiers lying on the banks of
the Potomac, no doubt arc thankrul
for it. Wishing our country safe
through her present troubles, and you
success generally, I remain yours,
Our Army Correspondence.
CAMP PIERPONT, Vs., Oct. 2i106,,1.
DEAR. GLOBE:—A part of the Re
serve—the sth and "Buck Tail" regi
ments taking the lead—provided with
two days rations, took up their line of
march on the Leesburg pike. We left
camp in the morning about ten o'clock
and by five in the evening, having
marched about 16 miles, we lay our
selves down, as we supposed, fbr the
night, but scarcely had we made our
selves comfortable, until we were or
dered to re-pack knapsacks, after which
we come back on our route as flu. as
Bainsburg, a distance, of about two
miles. The reason of our leaving our
first stopping place, it was thought we
might have been within range of some
of the enemies guns. Scouts were
kept out during the march, scouring
the woods around on the look out for
masked batteries, as these seem to be
one .of their favorite contrivances of
treachery. Our advance guard got a
sight of seine of their cavalry pickets,
but their horses heads were turned to
wards Leesburg, and spurs applied.—
After unslinging knapsacks and fixing
ourselves near Rainsburg, out of curi
osity and the hope of getting sonic ex
tra provender, we visited the neigh
boring houses. From a farmer's wife
I saw a soldier purchase some butter.
The woman brought the butter and
the price paid. She then told him she
thought it pretty good butter, only
that, perhaps he wasn't used to having
his butter seasoned with fish salt as it
was, though the people were compelled
to use it in that neighborhood, for the
want of' a better article. The soldier
concluded that that butler might suit
the F. P. V.'s, but was rather briny for
a Pennsylvanian. The citizens who
have talked with tho Rebel soldiers,
state there is great scarcity of small
arms in their army. All their troops
are allowed their three "jiggers" of
whiskey a day though, while ours that
are so inclined, can't get any for their
own private cash, but perhaps they
need the spirit. They told us that it
was believed by the soldiers and most
Of the people in the South, that they
had talked with, that our army did
not exceed 160,000. Also, that they
did not intend to show us fighting of
any account between this and Manas
sas. I saw some of their scrip money
in circulation among their own pecu
liar people, to be made secure when
their government is secured. Coffee
sells at a dollar a pound in Leesburg;
salt at ten dollars a sack, and I saw a
common pair of boots a man had on
that cost sixteen dollars. I believe
the ladies we met were more inconsola
ble on a secede than their lords, at least
they were more fearless iu expressing
their sentiments. One of -them said
she wished to have hold of our old
flag to try how many pieces she could
make it into. This privilege, however,
was denied her, though, no doubt, wo
man-like, she would have had her way
in other affairs. We lay near Rains
burg until Monday morning, when we
started on our return, having only
been out for reconnoitreing purposes.
We reached our camp last night, and
our haversacks have again been re
plenished with three days rations,
though what will be our next move I
will not attempt to tell. It is rumored
in camp to-day, that Banks has pos
session of Leesburg, the truth of which
you •will have learned before this
reaches you. We have had very rainy
weather last night and to-day.
Yours, &0., CORKEY
.
CAMP CURTIN, Oct. 28, 'Ol
DEAR G LOBR :—By my last I told
you of our coming to camp, and re
ception on our arrival hero. It is now
three weeks since we left home. Du
ring that time we have seen a great
many new things, but not much out
of the regular routine of camp life.—
One reginient;(the 45th) has left since
we have been, here, and one more is
expected to leave this week. Our reg
iment is numb'cred the 55th. We hope
to have a chance soon.
' On last TuCsilaY morning we had
orders to take', down our tents. At 8
o'clock the bugle sounded, and the tent
pills were all pulled ; at fifteen min
utes past eight, the bugle sounded
again, and in 'five minutes there was
not six tents standing in the whole of
camp No. 1, he tents were all car
ried out on th~i drill ground, and the
grounds thoroughly cleaned, laid out
in streets on a now plan, and we wore
then ordered to pitch our tents again.
We are only about five rods from our
first quarters. ,Our second Lieutenant
was home recruiting for some time,
and on Thursday evening, with seven
men, he brought us also, a good lot of
dainties from our good friends in Schells
burg, for which they have our very
best wishes. We get the mails here
twice a day, and our boys seem to be
on the look-out about mail time. Your
paper is always hailed with delight.—
As I have nothing of interest, I will
close. More anon.
A. J. PORTER, 0. S.
WAR NEWS.
The Battle Near Edward's Ferry.
POOLESVILLE, Oct. 22.—The follow
ing report of the battle of Ball's Bluff,
midway between Conrad's Ferry and
Edward's Ferry, and opposite Harri
son's Island, which occurred yesterday,
is gleaned from .authentic sources:
On Sunday night Col. Devins, of the
Fifteenth Massachusetts, who had for
some time guarded , Harrison's Island
with one company, ordered Captain
Philbrick, of company 11, and Quarter
master Howe, of his staff, with a do
t:le:me:lt of
i 202 men, to scout the Vir
ginia shore n the direction of Lees
burg. They crossed from the island
to the shore, and executed the order
by approaching within three-fourths of
a mile of LeeSburg, returning to their
starting point about 10 o'elock at night,
discovering, as they supposed, a small
camp one mile or more from Leesburg.
On reporting to Col. Devin, the lat
ter with about 300 men pushed for
ward, as directed by Gen. Stone, in
the same locality, with orders to de
stroy the camp. At daybreak the
scouts returned to Col. Devin, who re
mained with his command concealed,
and word was sent back that no one
iv was in sight. Capt. Philbrick's
company took an adVarieed position,
while the remaining companies were
concealed as a reserve in case of an at
tack on the advance. When about a
mile and a half from the river and five
hundred yards in advance of Colonel
Devin's reserve, Captain Philbriek, ac
companied by Col. Devin in person,
attacked and drove back a company
of Mississippi riflemen, and then fell
back to the reserve concealed in the
rear, on the appearance of a body of
rebel cavalry. In the skirmish, Capt.
Philbrick had a difficulty in getting
near enough to the enemy for his
smooth bore gnus to have much effect,
whereas the others used long range ri
fles on our forces.
MAE
At daylight, and the same hour that
Col. Devin's command left the shore to
make the advance, Col. Lee, of the
Twentieth Massachusetts, sent over
one company of his regiment, which
remained on the shore, to cover the
return of Col. Devil). The Colonel,
however, maintained his ground, and
was reinforced during the morning by
300 more of his regiment, under Lieut.
Col. Ward. About 1 o'clock he was
attacked by a considerable force of ri
flemen, who attempted to outflank
him. Fearing that they might be
successful, and, after resisting them
for some time, Col. Devin slowly re
treated in good order toward the riv
er, where Gen. Baker had arrived with
a battalion of the California regiment,
commanded by Lieut. Colonel Wistar.
General Baker then took command,
first complimenting Col. Devin for his
successful resistance to a superior
force, and giving his command, now
less than GOO men, the right of the line
of battle, the center and left being
formed of about 300 of the Massachu
setts Twentieth, under Col. Leis', and
the California battalion, about 500 in
number, under Lieut. Colonel Wistar.
Two mountain howitzers, command
ed by Lieut. French, and one piece of
the New York battery, commanded
by Lieut. Bramhall, were in front of
the center just previous to the COM
moneement of the action.
The, attack. was commenced, by the
enemy on our right, but was soon di
rected more heavily to the centre and
left. For about two'hours the battle
raged terrifically—a complete shower
of leaden bail fell. Three several
times the left of the line made an ad
vance, but wore compelled to retire as
often. The right was better protec
ted and held their position.
.An order came from General Baker
to throw two companies of the Fif
teenth Massachusetts to the center,
which was immediately executed.—
This produced the impression that the
battle was going against us, but caused
no confusion or dismay. The left was
hard pressed, but remained firm.
About this time the news spread
that Gen, Baker was killed, while in
the act of pushing a cannon forward,
with his shoulder to the wheel, when
he was pierced with six halls. lie
was evidently the object of the ene
my's sharpshooters.
After this there was a cessation of
the fire for a few minutes, during
which Col. Cogswell, of the Tammany
regiment arrived with two companies,
and ho being the senior officer, the
command devolved on him. In a
short time it became evident to Col.
Cogswell that the day was lost, and
he thought it best to cut his way
through to Edward's Ferry, where
Gcn. Gorman was in charge , throwing
over reinforcements by direction of
Gen. Stone, who was within sight of
the battle-field at Edward's Ferry, di
recting the general movements.
An order was now issued to trans
fer the Fifteenth Massachusetts from
the right to the left, which was execu
ted as calmly as at a battalion drill.—
Col. Cogswell soon became satisfied of
the improbability of reaching Bd ward's
Ferry, as desired, and gave an order
to fall back towards the river, which
was executed as well as the circum
stances would permit. They reached
the river bank about twenty minutes
before nightfall. Hero the Fifteenth
deployed as skirmishers along the
shore. The only means of conveyance
to the island was a largo boat capable
of carrying about forty persons, which
was over crowded and swamped, and
another boat of small dimensions.—
The troops marching along tho shore
made a desperate resistance, and it is
believed that the enemy took compar
atively few prisoners in consequence.
Those who could swim plunged into
the water, many carrying their arms
with them, and others throwing them
into the river to prevent them falling
into the enemy's hands. Some escaped
by availing themselves of the darkness
and the heavily wooded banks, but
several are known to have been
drowned in the waters of the Poto
mac.
The behavior of our troops before a
superior number of the enemy was
marked by noble bravery and endu
rance. Near the close of the action,
and after the day was considered irre
trievably lost, the two companies of
the Tammany regiment which had just
arrived, made a desperate charge on
the enemy, but were met with a ter
rific fire. It is probable that the dri
er r who appeared in front and gave
the order to make this charge was a
Secession officer, and was mistaken by
our men for ono of their commanders.
The brave Lieutenant Bramhall, of
the New York Ninth battery, lost one
of his guns, and was himself wounded
severely, but not fatally.
The gallant Lieutenant French, of
the howitzer battery, fired four shots
with his own hands after the clay was
lost and his own men scattered. He
was shot iu the left breast and ankle,
but not mortally.
On reaching the island, which ho
did by throwing his sword and revol
ver into the river, and swimming
across, Col. Devins at once posted
thirty of his men to prevent any at
tempt of the enemy at pursuit. This
force was subsequently augmented by
the arrival there of other companies
from the Maryland shore, under Col.
Milks, of the Nineteenth Massachu
setts.
The Oalifornia Rogiment engaged in
the battle numbered but six hundred
and eighty men. The Captain esti
mates that two hundred are killed,
wounded and missing. Captain Har
vey is wounded and taken prisoner.
It was while Col. Baker was writing
an order to Gen. Stone for reinforce
ments that he was shot. Six balls
simultaneously entered his body.
Some time before Col. Baker was
shot, Col. Wistar received a shot in
the cheek, and ten or fifteen minutes
afterwards received a second shot in
the arm. When Col. Wistar approach
ed Col. Baker, and the latter said to
him, " What, Colonel, shot ag ain ?"
"Yes," replied Col. Wistar; " but just
please put my sword in the scabbard
for me, will you ?" Colonel Baker com
plied with his request, and then order
ed him to the rear.
At the moment Col. Baker fell a par
ty of sonic twelve or fifteen ,rebels
rushed out of the woods after his body.
Captain Harvey perceiving this, said,
"for God's sake, don't lot them get the
Colonel's body" when Captain Ber
lin inquired bow many of his Com
pany would follow him. Three or four
men, with the Captain, then rushed up
to where the Colonel's body lay and
brought it in. While so doing ono of
the men of Captain Berrilfscommand
was shot in the head mid killed.
After the Colonel fell the men in
quired who was their commander,
when Col. Cogswell, of the Tammany
Regiment, exclaimed "here, boys, I
will take command."
As an instance of the weight and
concentration of the enemy's fire, the
clothing and equipments of Quarter
master Howe, of the Fifteenth Massa
chusetts, bore the marks of four rifle
shots, one ball passing through- the
crown of his cap, and another flatten
ing on the plate of his bolt, yet he was
uninjured. Most of the wounded have
been conveyed to their respective en
campment hospitals.
The enemy's force was very large.
Their positions were well selected from
a familiar knowledge, of the country.
There is at present no moans of as
certaining the loss of the enemy, but
it must have been immense, as our few
pieces of artillery were served with
accuracy and terrific effect.
It is proper to state in connection
with the foregoing that Gen. Stone's
orders to' Gen. Baker Were to advance
a brigade, including a battery, to the
support of Col. Devin, and to attack
the enemy in force only in case of a
knowledge of their inferibr numbers,
and of his ability to detbat them, bet
under no consideration to bring on a
general engagement between the main
forces of both sides.
EDWARD'S FERRY, Oct. 23.—During
a skirmish last evening, nearly oppo
site this point, Gen. Lander received a
painful flesh wound in his right leg.
The ball hag been extracted, and no
danger to life at: limb is apprehended.
Our pickets now extend a mile in
land from Edward's Ferry, and 'about
the same distance up Goose Creek, od
cupying the bridge. Tho enemy have
also extended their posts ono and a
half mile up the riVor, towards Con
rad's Ferry. The enemy evidently
selected our officers for the marks of
their riflemen.
Our Troops Withdrawn to Maryland.
EDWARDS' FERRY, Oct. 21.—Yostcr
day, on learning that a huge Ibrce of
the enemy were approaching, and had
4rrived at two point§ nbuve tuns
low, and in the immediate vicinity of
the ferry, it was judged advisable to
withdraw our troops from the Virgin
ia shore, both at Edwards' Ferry and
Harrison's Island. This was rendered
the more necessary from the high
stage of the water and the prevalence
of a gale, which made it a matter of
impossibility to throw over a sufficient
force to make our positions there per
fectly secure against a general attack.
The forces at Harrison's Island were
removed first, in the face of, and un
molested by, a large body of tho ene
my, who, wisely perhaps, forbore to
make any demonstration.
Gen. Stone commanded the division
opposite Edwards' Ferry, and re
moved them during the tempestuous
storm in the night with safety. Gen.
Stone was among the last to leave the
shore, and no accident whatever oc
curred.
The numbers of the enemy are not
known to outsiders, but it is inferred
that they had between 12 and 30,000.
Their positions wero in dangerous
proximity to the ferry, and a night at
tack would have been disastrous to
our small numbers there.
Authentic News of the Fight in the Mis
sissippi.
NEw YORK, Oct. 24.—The steamer
McClellan brings a reliable account of
the fight at the mouth of the Mississippi.
`.Phu rebel feet consisted of nix gun
boats, the Ram Manassas, and a largo
number of fire ships, filling the river
from shore to shore.
Our squadron comprised the Rich
mond, Huntsville, Water-witch, Preblo
and Vincennes, and the storeship
Nightingale. They were at anchor in
side of the Southwest Pass.
The Manassas drifted foul of the
Richmond knocking a hole in hor quar
ter and stern, but doing little damage.
To avoid the fire-ships, the squadron
got under weigh immediately and drif
ted down the river.
The Richmond, Preblo, Vincennes
Nightingale got ashore on the bar, and
while ashore worn attacked by the reb
els, but only one of their shots took
effect,, and that struck the Richmond
on the quarter. They were beaten off
by the Vincennes with only two guns,
the rest of her armament, with her
chains, anchors, etc., having been
thrown overboard to lighten her, she
being much exposed to the rebel fire.
Not one person was killed or wounded
in the squadron.
The :Rich mond,Preble and Vincennes
were towed off the next day by the
steamer McClellan.
The Nightingale was still asborer,
but would probably get off the next
day.,
News From Santa Bosas Island
NEW YORK, Oct. 24.—The steamer
McClellan, formerly the Joseph Whit
ney, has arrived from Key West. She
brings advices from the Southwest Pass,
to the 14th ; from Port Pickens, to the
15th ; Tortugas, to the 18th, and Key
West, to the 19th.
On the morning of the 9th instant,
about half-past 3 o'clock, the rebels at
tacked Col. Wilson's position on Santa
Rosas Island in force. Company E, of
the Third Infantry, Captain lltldt, and
29 men of Company A, First Artillery,
85-men in all, under Major Vogdes, met
the enemy some distance above Camp
Brown.-
Major Vogdcs was taken prisoner
immediately, and Capt. 11.ildt assumed
the command and engaged the enemy.
The loss in this struggle was four
killed, twenty-one wounded and eight
prisoners.
The enemy's loss is muck larger.
Eleven of the rebels were found dead
in one heap.
Major Arnold arrived after daylight
to the assistance of Captain Hildt.
The command proceeded to the point
where the rebels had disembarked.
Their steamers were just leaving. A
destructive fire was opened on the
rebels.
The rebels left behind them on the
Island, 2 killed, 5 wounded and 33
prisoners. Many of their wounded
were carried away on the boats.
Capt. Bradford and Lieu t: Elms were
killed. Three of their officers were
captured; one of them is Lieut. Jaynes,
formerly of the U. S. Marines. He is
badly wounded. Gen. Anderson, who
was in command of the rebels; was
wounded in the arm after disembark-
mg.
The enemy acknowledged their loss
to be over one hundred.
In addition to the loss on our side
above stated, the Zouaves lost nine
killod in their camp and eleven priso
ners.
FURTHER PARTICULARS
The details of the fight at Santa
Rosa say, the rebel forces 1,500 strong,
.landed on the island from three steam
eirabout four miles above Wilson's
amp. Their landing was'effected at
about 2 o'clock in the morning. The
night was very dark. • ,
They rapidly formed in three col
umns, and proceeded silently towards
the Zouave's camp, hoping to effect a
total surprise. They wore but par
tially successful in. this. The picket
guard, about six hundred yards off,
discovered and fired
,upon them, gave
the alarm, and saved the regiment
from annihilation.
The attack by the enemy's columns
was simultaneous, and volley after
volley was aimed upon the Zonaves,
who were forced to back, leaving
the camp in the hands of the rebels.
The rebels then commenced burning
the camp.
Fort Pickens was by this time
thoroughly aroused and three coin
panics of regulars came to their as
sistance.
The rebels retreated to the boats,
closely followed by regulars and a
small number of volunteers, keeping
up a destructive fire upon hem, kill
iug wounding a largo number.
The rebels finally reached the boats,
but the steamers were over five bun.'
Bred yards from the beach, and .tour
men poured repeated volleys into the
crowded mass. Every bullet told; and
by the shouts and confusion of the reb
els, it was evident that we had ob
tained ample satisfaction for the insult'
to our flag.
The regulars behaved nobly. Great
credit is duo to Captains Robertson and
IL kit, and Lieutenants Seely and. Tay
lor.
The Zouaves were badly spoken of,
and Col. Wilson is very much censur
ed for inefficiency. He did not reach
the scene until all was over. The camp
was almost entirely destroyed—the
officers and•ineu losing everything.
Wilwlt's Regiment. lost 10 killed, 16
wounded and 9 taken prisoners.
The regulars lost 4 killed, 20 wound
ed and 10 taken prisoners.
The rebels' loss, by their own state
ment is 350 killed, wounded and mis
sing. We took thirty prisoners, incht
ding three doctors, who were released.
FROM WARRINGTON
WAsmNoroN, Oct. 24.-:-Gen. Mc-
Clellan is now at his head-quarters; and
front the best data obtained at liar
rhion Island up to late this evening, it,
is believed that the number of killed
is 70, wounded in our possession and
in possession of the enemy. 141.; rids
sing, now prisoners in the handsel the
enemy, or wandering in 'the woods on.
both shores of the river, not excebding:
400. The total loss in killed, Wounded,.
end missing 620. This will be reduced'
by men-returning to camp, as they ai
constantly coming in.
The officers and 'men behaved with,
the most extraordinary courage. Indy
wore pressed by an overpoweringforee r
but stood firm until their whole supply
of ammunition was exbinieted, and
then retreated to the river, and - threw
their guns and swords into tho
to prevent the enemy from getting pos
session of them.
Col. Raymond, Lee: and staff were
furnished with a skiff to make their
escape. The Col. gallantly 'refused,
and gave orders to'use it for convoy
ing the - wounded across the river.- 'lt.
was filled with mounded, who 'reached
the Maryland shore in 'safety: , Tho
humane and gallant officer was taken
prisoner. All credit is duo to him.
Gen. McClellan returns with'renow
ed confidence in the action and efficien
cy of his soldiers.
Col. Joshua T. Owen, of the Second
regiment of the California Bri.,'sade-af
rived here to-night, direct from Ed
ward's Ferry, and has related the fol
lowing additional particulars in regard
to the recent eng agement:
The force was 1,736 on our sido.. Of
the number killed, wounded, and miss
ing, 237 belonged to Col. Baker's-Reg , .
invent. • .
Capt. Vaughan, who was sent 'over
to bring the dead, reports that a - large
number of the rebels slain were car
ried away, while . others wore interred
on the battle-field. The impression is
that - their killed far . exceeded ours
owing to the efficiency of onritrtillerY4
Lieut. Col. Wistar,' who was wound--
ed in the shoulder, arm, and jaw, ,
considered out of longer. . •
The field on which the battle was.
fought is circumscribed within an area
of six acres. .
Liout. Bennett, who was taken pris
oner, reports that Col. llatton, of tha
robe' army, was killed at the coin
mencement of the engagement..
This Morning none of their eneamp
month or-troops are visible, except per
haps a soldier occasionally passing
along the roads through the' opening
of the forests.
It is perhaps best to pay no atten
tion to rumors which Leannot fully
corroborate by subsequent frets. I
have invariably adopted this rule, but
will depart BO far from usage as to say
that a report prevails that the enemy
a re_sho.wing.. strong Indications of- al
effort to throw a portion of their army
across the river at Matthias Point.' It
is said that they have proved the felts
ibility of the movement by first send
ing over, in the steamer Page, •flat
boats, pontoons, and scows, some five
thousand men, and afterwards (yester-•
day) ten thousand, in both cases re
turning them by the same conveyan
(Ts. 1 have made inquiry at the Navy
Department, but no facts, •either to
substantiate or refute these rumors',
have been received there. But, sup
pose such is the fact, and adMit that - .
they do cross .over, and: land 10,000'
strong, what would be the probable ,
result'? Simply a division of the one
my's.forces, which could not fail to ho•
terribly disastrous to that wing of their'
army:which had ventured a landing in'
Maryland. Gen. Sickles' brigade is at-
Port Tobacco, opposite Matthias Point
from whom, or by ~the river, wo will
very soon be in possession of despatch- .
es,-if it should prove there hilt ny truth
in the rumors to which I have refer
red. It is certainly known, through
the crews of oyster boats; which came
up'this morning, that the Geo. Page
was crossing the river, and horde& -
was crowded with'men at each trip slie
made. Our force' in the flotilla is not!
largo; a number of y the best - boats'
have gone off to join the naval fleet:it'
Annapolis. That fleet is now required .
on the river to give us once more the
possession of the: river and its banks, •
and drive - the rebels into the interior:.
Gen. McClellan remained .with the
army at Edward's Ferry, yesterday
and last night. We are not advised
at the Departments of. the precise
state of affairs there. A. rumor goon
current through the city today that
an engagement took place yesterdaY,
but from all I can learn there is,not
word of truth in the report. ' „.,
Aside from the above statement, we?
learn from undoubted authority that,
not more than four hundred of the Fif;
teenthr Massachusetts • remain alive,
Almost every officer, commissioned'
and„pion,cominissioned, is wounded,
While the loss of arms is without, par,
alio!. In this gallant regiment, there,
is probably not a gun left, and but two
swords were brought from • the scenq
of the slaughter.;
Some very' important movementu
took place in our army last night and
today. W are not at liberty to give'
particulars, but it looks .a 4 if General
AlcOlellan was now' going ,to work' in \
earnest, and no may expect to:hear of I
a signal' defeat of the rebels in a. :very S's
short time—pl'obablp before Mondity
next,: .
Wisrumrrox, Oct. 26.—A sebut•who
returned to our camps' this morning, ,
roperts that, there is no doubt but that
the rebels have • entirely • evacuated
Fairfax Court House. •
Many persons arc coming here from
the North to learn the • fate of their
relatives who were engaged in the into
battle near Leesburg.
All the Government transports doss
tined for Washington, lying 'in i the
Lower Potomac, and detained because
tin* cannot 'pass the rebel batterie's,.
have bull ordered to proceed to Au,
napolis, to discharge _their cargoes
there.
Both Gen.. Bank's and Gen. Stone's
commands, that had crossed tho Poto
mae, aro now on this side, not oven a
picket guard occupying the . Virginia