The Express.
London, England, 1862-09-29 00:00:00

M'CLELLAN AND LEE.

The Associated Press Wash 'Tigton despatches,
dated Sept. 17 (even'ng) Ray

Intelligence from near the trait of our army shows that
at noon yesterday the retre►ting columns of the rebels under
General Lonntreet were overtaken by General M'Clellan's
advance division, when they formed in line of battle on the
range of the small hills on the west bank of Antitam Creek.
between ltohoesville and Sharpsburg Ford on the Potomac.
Late in the afternoon more of our division came up, and
shortly after 5 o'clock ►ttacked the enemy, the battle
lasting four hou,i, and the rebels, according to all
advice*, getting the wont of it, being nearly surrounded and
almost exhausted in provisions and ammunition. This
morning the battle was renewed, leading to the more than
probable inference that daring last night Jackson's or some
other division, which left Harper's Fer.y ye .t .rday morn-
ing, ostensibly for Martinsburg, has reinforced the rebel
army. The battle continued during the whole of today.
No official news of this day's contest is at hand to-night,
but the War Department, nevertheless, has not an unfavour-
able word at a late hour. No official news had been re-
ceived from the battlefield of yesterday and to-day, owing
to interruption of the telegraphic communication. A mes-
senger who has arrived from the army reports everything
was progressing satisfaciefly when be left, and that there
could be no doubt of a successful result. The fight hes
raged some twelve hours, and has undoubtedly been most
desperate. Wounded officers arrived here to-night from
Western Maryland say when they left at 7 o'clock this
morning ► battle commenced at Buricietteville, about two
miles from Centreville.

The following particulars of the Stet battle in
Maryland is taken from the Baltimore American:
FREDERICK, Sr.t 15, 2 P.Y.
_

The news that reaches here from the front, coming
through • variety of sources, is all of • gloriously en-
couraging character. Our troops have been driving the
enemy ever since they left Frederick, and yesterday
fought them for four hours in • general engagement, de-
feated them, and sent them flying in rapid retreat.
The scene of the fight yesterday was upon what is called
generally the Seared Mountains of the Cabala range, but
on the map is called South Mountains. Our forces co
Saturday drove the rebel rear-guard out of Midl'etown,
and our advance halted that night a short distance beyond
that village.
Early on Sunday morning the onward movement WWI re-
sumed by General M'Clelba. The rebels were directly in
front, and retreated slowly, and resolutely coot? .t.
ing every foot of ground. Up to about 2 o'clock
the engagement was principally with artillery. The
rebels placed their batteries in every advantageous
position, and shelled our advance. Oar artillery re-
plied, and the firing at times was very heavy ; but
the advantage from the higher ground they occu-
pied being with the rebels is the, art'llery practice,
our generals depended more upon their infantry, and
heavy columns were pushed successfully forward, driving
the enemy back until about half the ascent of the moun-
tain was gained. In doing this work some splendid dashes
were made by our trows, in which Burnside's and Hooker'.
corps, formerly M'Dowell's, particularly distiorl-he I
themselves. Between 2 and 3 o'clock the rebels were found
drawn up in lice of battle, their left covering Tarim a
gap, through which the pike to Hasletown passes, and
extending to Cnmptoo's Gap. Our right was led by
General Hooker in the advance, with General Franklin on
the left, ad General Burnside's corps in the centre. General
Heintzelman'a corps was pressing up in the rear, ad was, I
believe, in reserve. Some portions of it may have participated
in the fight. When the enemy were thus found drawn up
in line of battle on their chosen position the engagement
at once became general and fierce. The musketry
fire, as described by officers wounded in the battle'
and now here, was the moot continuous and sus-
tained of the war. It rolled rapidly and fiercely
from right to left and back and forward with irre-
sistible fury. Our artillery was brought splendidly up,
and played its part well. For two hour.: this continuous
exchange of musketry and artillery continued until
the enemy began to show signs of wavering. Our
extreme right had been gradually but surely pushing the
enemy, crowning him towards the "gap," and threatening
his flank. At 5 o'clock, • general charge was ordered, and
our men,responding willingly and bravely to the all, sprang
forward with an impetus that car.iel all before it.
The rebels fell back, eodesvouring spin to bring their
disordered column into line of battle, but fa." I. Wildly
cheering and determined to win, nor Imes pushed forward,
and drove the enemy from point to point ; and es the last
rays of the sun gilded the mountain and rea:hed its sum-
mit, the pass was won, and the enemy were in rapid
and disordered retreat down the slope toward Boonsboro.
The pursuit was continued for two miles down the mono-
tin, until darkoesi put an end to the contest. Our troops
bivouacked for the night on the battle field, whilst our
pickets extended three miles forward and beyoad the little
village of Bolivrr—not the Bolivar of Harper's Ferry.
The rebels left their kllled and many of their wounded
on the field. My informants had oo koowl.: Ise of the
enemy's loss except where they were engaged immediately
on the right, and can, therefore give no e-Aimste of the
general loss on either side. They found the ground
over which they passed thickly strewn with rebel deal and
wounded.

Our men fiught the whole day with desperate valour,
sod literally drove the enemy the whole time, giving them
no time to rally, no opportunity to recover, and thus kept
them at a disadvantage.
The new regiments rivalled their elder Tompanions in
arms in the steadiness with which they went under fire.
Among our lases we have to lament General Reno, who
was killed by a rifle ball whilst feeling the position of the
enemy on Sunday.
General Lee is reported killed, and the best pa,.: of
Longstreet's division captured. Tracing these reports es
far u I am able, 1 find that General Lee is re-
ported by prisoners taken as wounded, and some say
killed. General Garland, of Virginia, was certainly k'lled.
Of prisoners probably from 1,500 to 2,03 bave Leen cap-
tured, independently of wounded left on the field. •
The reports are that the rebels retired during the night,
and this morning were in rapid retreat towards the river,
rendering it doubtful whether they would be overtaken be.
fore they had put the Potomac between themselves and
General Y`Ckllan.

THE BATTLE AT HARPER'S FERRY.
NEW YORK, Seer. 18.

The Federal forces which surrendered at Harper's
Ferry consisted of the 12th New York State Militia,
87th Ohio, Bth New York Cavalry, 111th New
York Volunteers, 126th New York Volunteers, two
companies of sth New York Artillery, and one
Maryland regiment.
The battle at Harper's Ferry commenced on the
12th by a Confederate attack on the Federals sta-
tioned on Maryland Heights. The Federals sent
reinforcements from Harper's Ferry to Maryland
Heights, and the engagement continued during the
12th and 13th. The Federal. evacuated Maryland
Heights on the 13th, and crossed on a pontoon
bridge to Harper's Ferry, previously spiking
the guns on Maryland Heights. On the
14th the Confederates assembled on Loudon
Heights, and opened their batteries from
that point, and also from Maryland Heights.
Skirmishing continued during the 14th. During
the night of the 14th the Confederates planted
additional batteries on London Heights, and another
battery on the opposite side of the Potomac to the
right of the Federal position, thus enfilading the
whole of the Federal entrenchments. The Con-
federates opened fire from these batteries on the
morning of the 15th, when a Federal council of war
was held, and a white flag displayed. During the
hoisting the white flag a shell struck Colonel Mike,
who commanded at Harper's Ferry, wounding
him mortally. The Federals surrendered to General
Jackson on the following terms :—" Officers and
men to have ready parole. Officers to retain their
side-arms and private property. All United States
property to be turned over to the Confederates."
The Confederates paroled about 8,000 prisoners,

26, 1862

and the New York Tribune correspondent says they
captured 10,000 stand of arms, 40 cannon,
and cartridges and stores. Fifteen hundred
Federal cavalry succeeded in escaping pre-
viously frost Harper's Ferry, and captured
en route Confederate General Longstreet's baggage
train. Rumours from various sources state that
the Confederates immediately evacuated Harper's
Ferry, and that the Federal General Burnside has
since occupied it.
The battle of Sunday, the 14th, was fought in •
gorge of the mountain, on the turnpike road be-
tween Middletown and Boomsborough. The
Federal attack commenced with artillery.
The Federal General Reno ascended the moun-
tain on the left with infantry to attack the
enemy's flank, when the Confederates gave way,
leaving the Federals in possession of a portion of
the ridge. Hooker's division, with the Pennsyl-
vania reserve, ascended the mountain on the right
to attack the enemy's left, in which he was success-
ful. On the following day the Confederates took
the road towards Sharpsburg.
The Federal General Morgan, who is surrounded
at Cumberland Gap, writes that his troops are in
good health and spirits, and that his condition is
in every respect better than that of the enemy
who surround him.

It is stated that the reported investment of
Charleston by the Federal gunboats has received
some confirmation in a letter received from the
Federal squadron, stating that Fort Sumter had
been fired upon with shot and she'll, resulting in
serious damage.
Fighting continues at Mumfordaville, Kentucky,
between the Confederates under Bragg, and the
Federal; under Wilder, with a portion of Buell's
army. It was reported on the 16th that Buell
himself had arrived and joined is the engagement.
The Governor of Pennsylvania states that 72,000
have responded to his call for the defence of the
State, and he expects the number will be increased
to 103, oca.
These men are being furnished with equipments,
and being moved to the State border as soon as
possible.
Drafting is to commence in the State of New
York on the Ist of October.

An explosion occurred yesterday at No. 8
Arsenal, at Pittsburg. One hundred and seventy
boys and girls were employed. Eighty were killed
by the explosion.
The medical director-general of General M'Clel-
lan's staff has telegraphed to New York for surgical
aid for the wounded in the late battles.

The Federal Commodore John Percival died yes
ter ay at Boston.

DEBATE IN THE CONFEDERATE
CONGRESS.

A debate occurred on the 12th in the Confederate
Congress on the resolutions thanking General Lee
for his brilliant victories, and stating that the Con-
gress heard with profound satisfaction of his cross-
ing the Potomac.
Mr. Lyons disapproved that portion of the reso-
lution which was in favour of the invasion policy.
Mr. Miles strongly favoured the plan of re-
lieving the oppressed in Maryland, and marching
into tho enemy's territory.
Mr. Lyons did not think the Confederates could
go so safely into the heart of the North.
Mr. Miles, however, fully believed they could,
and said, " Now was the time to strike. The re-
gular armies of M'Clellan and Pope were unable
to meet one-fifth of the number they ought to be.
If the resolution was struck out, the Congress
would not favour the awessive policy so much
desired by the count y."
Mr. Ayre, of South Carolina, thought that the
people desired the war to be carried into the
enemy's country, and he wished the army to dare,
and dare again, and still to dare.
Mr. Smith was of opinion that the voice of the
people was not always the right voice ; the people
were very often wrong. He opposed the resolution.
They had never been invited to enter Maryland,
and they did not know how they would be re-
ceived. If the invasion policy was continued they
might look for the second day, which tried men's
souls.

Mr. Foote thought that the voice of the • people
must be listened to.

The resolution favouring the invasion policy
was then passed by a vote of 56 against 13.

THE PONTIFICAL STATES.
ROME, Sm. 28
The French Ambassador, the Marquis de Lava-
tette, has left to-day for Paris.
The marriage of the Princess Annonziata with
the Archduke Charles will take place by proxy on
the 115th of October.

THE BRAZIL MAIL.
LISBON, Snrr. 2S.
The Royal Mail steamer Tyne, with the above
mail, arrived here this morning.
Rio JLNEII.O, Sart 9.—Exchange on London, 2C.
Coffee, good first, 6,009 to 7,000 reis. Shipments
since the departure of the last steamer, 41,500 bags,
of which 29,003 were for the ChanueL Block,
160,000 bags. Freights fiat to the Channel, 255.
to 325. &L

At Labia exchange on London was quoted 261,
261. Cotton nominal. Sugar, 1,850 to 1,900;
white, 2,450 to 2,500.
Exchange at Pernambuco, 261. Sugar, white,
nu sales ; brown, 1,700 to 1,000. Cotton, 20,000
eels.

The Tyne spoke the Guiana on the 13th, in
Ist. 11 s., lon. 36.30 W.

THE WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MAILS.
SOUTHAMPTON, Sr. 29.

The Royal Mall steamer Tasmanian, with the
above mails, has arrived off Netley Hospital. She
brings 99 passengers, 2,168,429 dole. in specie, and
2,300 packages of cargo.

She left St. Thomas's on the 13th inst.
Vera Cruz was very unhealthy.
Mich fever prevailed among the shipping lying
at Sacrificias.

The Bishop of Honolulu and party arrived at
Colon on the Bth instant. The mission was to leave
for Panama ou the Bth, to await the arrival of
her Majesty's ship Topaz, which would convey it
to Honolulu. The bishop had held a confirmation
at Colon, and would hold another at Panama.
D'Ospina, the deposed president of New Grenada,
and several members of the conservative party
who had been imprisoned at Carthagena during the
pleasure of Moequera, escaped, and took passage
in the Royal Mail steamer Avoe, and arrived at SL
Thomas.

Yellow fever had been very fatal among the
shipping at Havana. The number of cases, how-
ever, was fast diminishing when the mail left.
Her Majesty's war steamer Challenger arrived at
Trinidad on the 13th August.
The weather at Barbadoes was very hot, and
yellow fever very prevalent. Many cases had been
fatal. The crops were generally good and improv-
ing. The provision market was dulL Exchange,
90 days, 1971 dollars.

Trade continued dull at Demerara, without pr(A_
pect of improvement. The stocks of provision.
were abundant. The crops were fast arriving at
maturity. Harvest operations would shortly cow-
menoe on the estates.

The Jamaica legislature was appointed to inert
on the 28th October. The new measures to be
introduced by the executive committee bad INA
transpired. The markets were still dull, awl
rtocks abundant. Transactions were
Heavy rains had retarded the picking of the
coffee and pimento crops. The latter was reportoi
to be limited. Sales of coffee bad been made at
488. to Ms. Sugar, 16e. to 18s. Freights doll
Exchange, 90 days, it per cent. prem.

The Tasmanian wu detained 21 hours by fog,

THE FRENCH IN MEXICO.
(BT i7.IRYC TZLIGRAPI4.)
SOUTHAMPTON, Mosim.

The Tasmanian has brought news that thrt-, In
of-battle ships, four transports, and two guilb..4
were lying off Sacrificios, in the Mexican Gulf. 1% ,
thousand five hundred French troops landed at V, ra
Crux on the 28th ult.

Twenty-five thousand troops were to be lawi..l
by the end of October. The French communicati.a
between the coast and the interior is repeatedly is.
terrupted. 'Fifteen to twenty persona are dyihq
daily in Vera Crnz. The shipping at Sacrifici,l
is unhealthy.

THE ROMAN QUESTION.
The Independance of yesterday says :

Orne of oar Par's correspoodents furnishes no with rii
information that for two mouths a warm straggle to brn
going on in the imperial cabinet with respect to the Memos
in the Moniker of the documents which hate recently
appeared therein. Besides, the intimation of Y. Thomen
that he would resign, the influence of M. Farad's chosen-afire',
and the resolution of Prince N►poleon not to go to Lis
WI satisfaction was obtained on this head, seem to have
derided the point in favour of the friends of ltd.,
It is added that upon the return of the Empersr
they sill make a last and final effort. At the ministered
council which is already fixed for the 6th of October, 11
Thouvenel has decided upon reading bis reply to the tut
note of M. Durando, and retiring from the direction of
foreign affairs if the spirit, at least, of that note does not
rally round it a majority of vote.. This resignation would
probably involve that of M. de Persigoy and create the
necessity for constituting • cabinet openly retrograde and
anti-Italian. It seems to us doubtful whether the Emperor
will be desirous or willing to push his condescension so
far in the direction of • policy which is incompatible with
the interests of his mown and country, especially if it be
true, es the Petrie affirms, that the unexpected publienice
in the Moniteur was preceded by the sending to Rome of
despatches which showed the inn Witty of the last efforta
of French diplomacy, and informed the pontifical govern*
mist of the resolution of France to give up in future all
atteniptor at conciliation. However, we moot not abandon
omwelves to too decided hopes. Appearances are for the
moment favourable to Italy ; but a transformation may
take place, and public opinion should be on its ',nerd against
surprises. A misisterial council was held on flaturday, nun
the:presider:icy of Count Walewski. Lord Cowleylhai sent a
note to M. Thou:vend, pointing out the necessity which
exists for the evacuation of Rome by Freon, explaining the
entire policy of Great Britain in regard to the Italian cum.
tioo, and completely justifying England with respect to the
participation attributed to her in the last Gard:skin