Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1861-07-05
FEDERAL TELEGRAMs.
The First Battle on the Upper Po-
tonne.


HAGERsTowN, July AIT A o clock this af-
ternoon a special conveyance arrived in this
town, bringing Corporal John n. McGully,
of the Independent Rangers, of Philadelphia,
he being the first soldier brought here wound
ed in an action which took place this morning
between the Federal troops under General
Patterson, and the Confederales.
Considerable excitement was ut once occa-
stoned upon the arrival of the wounded man,
and eagerness to learn the news. From state
ments made by him and from those in higher
authority, the government telegraph opera
tors here have CLEANED the following particu-
lars:
Between and I O'Clock this morning the
U. S. troops, which have been concentrating
at Iagerstown and Williamspori for several
days past crossed the ford at Williamsport.
Major-General Patterson reviewed the troops
as they filed past him. The morning was
| bright and beautiful and the soldiers were in
excellent spirits.
Scouting parties, composed Of Capt McMul-
/ lin 5 Rangers and others selected from the
First Wisconsin regiment, were sent out at
midnight, and frequently during the night
brisk firing was heard between the Federal
pickcts and those Of the enemy on the Virginia
side.
The proper lords having been ascertained,
]
post Of honor being assigned 10 Capt McAIul-
/ Inns Independent Rangers and the First Wis
consin and Eleventh Pennsy lvania Regiments.
! The advancing columns consisted Of the
3rigaGes Of Coils Abercrombie, Thomas and
/ Nagley.
| The Independent Rangers behaved remark
ably well, getting close up TO the enemy ut a
distance Of only 70 yards.
! Col. Abercrombie brigade led the advance,
and the casualties Of the conflict were almost
exclusively IL the lst Wisconsin and Eleventh
Pennsylvania Regiments.
Col jarrett and Lieut. Col Coulter led the
skirInishers, opening upon the enemy 1T four
Z hundred yards. The whole Of the Coniede-
rate forces at Martinsburg, consisting Of four
regiments Of infantry and one regiment Of
( horse, were engaged in the action. They had
with them four pieces Of artillery, partly ri
fed cannon and were Commanded by Gen.
jackson.
The First City Troop, of Philadelphia, were
assigned position near the United States
Cavalry, under Capt. Perkins, and behaved
remarkably well. As far as known. the
casualties on the Federal side are two killed
and several wounded.
Several Of the dead and wounded Of the Sc
I cession troops were left on the field, in their
hasty retreat. Two Of them were buried by
our men.
In anticipation Of n retreat Of the Federal
forces, the Conicdcrates had lcyeled the fences
on both sides Of the turnpike even with the
ground SO az to cut them of in the event Of
their retiring to the Potomac
The first stand was made at Porter6old's
farm, on the turnpike road, near IIancsyllo,
where it was necessary TO destroy barn and
carriage-housc in order to make n charge upon
the enemy. Here the conflict vas fierce, the
Confederatcs standing well up to their work,
but finally slowly retreatng.
knapsacks aud caDteens wcrch hastily thrown
aside as eneumbrances to a backward march.
They left behind them n number Of blankets
and other articles ofyalue, indicating a con-
siderable oss on their side.
Gen. Patterson's Account.
WAmEGToS, July 3.---The following dis
patch was received here III 2.l5 this morning,
by telegraph
Hook RIVER, NEAR MARnssBUnG,
July I'd.
10 Cot. b. u. Topnsend, Assist. mn. Gen. !;
We left Williamsport NJ six 0 clock, a. NJ,
to-day for this place. We drove and .routed
the rebels, about 5000 strong having with
I them four guns, and now occupy his camp,
with a loss on our side, regret to Say, Of 3
killed aud 10 wounded.
(Signod) II. PATTERSON,
r-General Commanding.
II is said that General Scott was so much
gratifed on receiving this news that he caused
the President 10 be awakened from his sleep
70 receive II.