The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-22

in almost an unprotected condition until after midnight
when portion of two companies forming at Hagerslown,
about six miles from hore arrived the ground. During
tho early part Of Ito evening, however many women and
children taken away under the apprehension OF an
attack but most OF them have returned and comparative
quiet again reigns supreme
The Massachusetts Thirteenth has not yet returned
from Falling Water; but although nothing reliable has
arrived from there heavy hrng III that direction during
most of the day some evidence that they have had an
engagement 1t is generally believed, however, that the
enemy has not made any very strong effort to get
tho at that point and that his only object is TO draw
in that direction so as TO prevent, II possible,
their going further up the river, where lie will probably
show himself in force il few days.
There viii soon be sufficient force, however, here
aud above this river to guard against any emergency
The Connecticut Fifth Colonel Terry, and Captain Best
battery have arrived from Frederick to day and other
forces will follow The army of the rebel Jackson
h evidently not far from on the opposite side Of
the river bis pckes being visible In almost all direc
he may make an attempt to cross over TO this side
large body OF MS men have been hard at work today
trying to damage Dapi No, 5, eight miles above this,
where the skirmish took place week ago last SUNDAY
by tearing away sufficient portion of the structure on
the other side TO enable the water itself to destroy the
dam; nut they did not appear 10 progress
very successfully in the undertaking. and have apparently
abandoned it. portion Of the men OF the Massachusetts
Thirteenth, who stl on picket duty the dam fired
them for time with Their muskets but they
too mach concealed behind the portion OF the dam next
the shore where they succeeded in making large exca
walton before discovered enable IDea INTERRUPT
their operations very much The object of destroying the
dam is 10 prevent navigation the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal.
The deposits in the Washington County Bank were re-
moved from here TO Hagerstown during the excitement
last night The removal, however, altogether
premature, as the enemy did not trouble at ali
this polnt and nasmuch now rendered
pretty secure by reinforcements today There
Is still a large quantity OF -four and salt here,
and il thought that the object OF an attack
upon the place would be to obtain these two articles
and the money there might be i'll the bank.
Tho incomplete companies from Higerstown which
here last NIGHT have again returned that place
where Captain Cook company, from sharpsburg about
fifteen mites be'ow this, have also arrived during the day
They have gone 10 that place to protect some government
arms anu ammunition which have just arrived there,
and to assist in the construction Of telegraph line from
that point to iiomney
The weather is ngsin very delightful aud the men are
comfortable IN their camps.
WtLLrGtsPoRr, Zee. 90, 1861.
Today large dwelling the burnt mill, opposite
Dam No 5, discovered to be fire. Four from
the First Virginia Volunteers and extngusbcl
the Ire. They brought back many useful articles eit by
the rebels.
IN artillery duel occurred al the same place between
one Parrot ten Founders and twelve pouuor Of
the enemy. The latter was driven oil.
squads Of The enemy cavalry made their appearance
opposite wi.ianspogt, but made no demonstration.
1t is generally thought that General Jacksons forces
have concentrated to-day at Falling Waters but oay
occasional picket Is seen there.
Refugees continue to arrive by the way of H,ncoct.
They confirm report Of this morning. and add that the
whole Of General Jacksons forco nearly afteen nou
sand men, four thousand OF whom arrived at Winchester
on Sunday, from the valley.
It's ,hought that II is a ksons intention to
and sack williaasport. me movements arc being
made among troops to-day to meet any attempt Of
the kind.
OUR POINT OF ROCKS CORRESPONDENCE.
PoisT or RocSs, Dee. 81 1864
All quiet at Wiliamsport -Four hundred shells were
thrown by the rebels at Dam No. 8, on Thursday, many
& them tho latest British patent Tho dam is not dc
stroycd