The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-09-20
FROM THE BORDER
Stirring Times-Cdnnonading-Co fusion among
the Fenates-Peace BY Diplomacy.
SHBrHERpsTOwy, Va, Sept. l6. 1861.

SttTT1ns Ilmes-Cdrn0nddtng-C fusion among
the Femates-Peace By Diplomacy.
SHBPHERDsTowy, Va, Sept. Is, 1861.
Since the recent skirmish at this place, our
citizens have had a stirring time of it. Never
before has I" the Oldest inhabitant" of the
town witnessed such disorder dismay and
distress, since it has been a " local habita
tom
After the fight of the 10th instant, which
afforded our people a foretaste of the "pride
and circumstance OF glorious war; we were
enjoying degree of comparative quiet. De-
sultory shots were exchanged between the
hostile parties the two succeeding days, and
on last Friday night, about o'clock the re-
verbera ting echoes of the loudmou thed can
non produced degree OF surprise and alarm
not easily described. This unexpected salute
took every one by surprise and created no
little alarm. AT first, we felt inclined to
hatter ourselves that it was only done to
brighten a few minutes elapsed and it
was let loose, sending a messenger, in the
shape OF 4 four pound ball, to apprise as that
it was no laughing matter. Five shots in all
were fired, and I'm too glad TO say-no IN
jury done.
OF course the scene that followed battles all
description. A panic was created among the
female portion of the population, who ran in
every direction frightened nearly 10 death
Numbers of them left town at once, and
sought safety with their friends in the coun
try. company of cavalry stationed here
imm adiately proceeded to the River bluliS
but being in the night time, could do but
little service.
After the fourth shot was discharged, the
enemy fired voliey of musketry at our men
on the eli ifs, and then scam pered off, exclaim
ing; "Ahl Cd Oh you, how do you like
that"
Quiet was at length restored, only to be
renewed next Observation-Disclosures our boys
kept a constant fire at them at this point, and
down at the fording they returned the ''four-
pound compliment. This latter surprised
the Hessians equally as we were astonished
the previous night. What damage was
done by our cannon is not exactly known
1t is reported that we killed three on the
other side at this point. Random shots were
kept up nearly all day. In the meantime the
excitement and confusion in the place was
very great. The citizens Were removing
their families, goods and chauels as fast as
possible. A report prevailed that the town
was TO be BON barded, and two hours and
half given to the women and children to
leave. In less time than that nearly every
woman and child was out of danger.
Our citizens began to think it was time for
hostilities to cease, they set about to Soon
quer u peace" which was done by diplo-
macy. Three commissioners were appointed
for that duty, who repaired TO the river under
"flag of truce" 10 make treaty. They
found the enemy as anx1ous-if not more So
for a cessa ton of hostilities as our citizens.
They Immediately elevated peace flag"
but it was with some difficulty that an officer
could be induced to venture over. However,
across he came, with an armed qua I'd, and
peace agreement was made to this effect "If
You don't fire over at us, why we won't fire
over at you "N1T cAd''-thats bargain
Well, this agreement-"child's bargain as
it is called-was sufficient; it was enough to
save the town, if strictly complied with, but
there was a feeling of dlistrust with regard to
it. So this morning Monday an alarm was
created by report that some of them were
crossing. Our men instantly ran 10 the river,
whilst the citizens trem bled, fearing a report
of a gun, and then farewell TO peace.
At the present hour, IL nj, the town Is COM
paratiyely quiet and it is your correspond
ent's earnest hope that it will SO remain
The firing into the town with a cannon under
the cover Of night may be strictly regarded AZ
one of the most cowardly and brutal acts on
record. POTOMAC.