Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-05-17
Affairs at Harper,s Ferrv

The Harper's Ferry correspondent Of the Alex.
andria Gazette writes May 18th: .
giments sounded an alarm. immediately, from
every direction were seen soldiers hurrying to
and fro. In few minutes more the different
regiments might be seen marching in all direc-
ttons. The news was that the enemy had beaten
the Virginians at Shepherdstown, and were CROSS
ing the bridge in large numbers. To that point
three regiments were ordeTed-the LIST, 2d and Sd
The first regiment, under the command OF Col.
Allan, arrived there first accomplishing the dis
tance I'll mles) in 2H hours. The other regi-
menu stationed here, were ordered to different
points in the neighborhood. The battery at the
bridge was manned, and several companies Of
Sharpshooters drawn up by Its side to assist In Its
defence In addition to this, measures were also
adopted by means Of which the bridge was to be
blown up, should the enemy appear in over
whelming numbers.
About an hour after the sounding of the alarm
a most terrific hail storm accompanied with
thunder and lightning, burst forth with tremend-
GUS fury. The stones were as large as bullets and
came down in such numbers, that the troops on
the march Were much bruised and beaten BY
them. Had an engagement been going on near !,
the noise Of the muskets and cannon could scarce
ly have heard, so loud and deafening was the
roar Of the storm. The troops never needed once;
but springing through apparent impassable
marshes, kept up rapid march In defiance Of
the elements, that were warning around them
Upon reaching Shepherdstown 1t was discovered
that no enemy had been heard Of and that there
was not the slightest prospect of a fight After
enjoying the hospitality Of the citizens Of Shep-
herdssown, the first regi iment returned on the cars
to the Ferry.
Reliable information has Just been received.
that last night 600 men with is hours provisions
and ten cannon had left the Relay at twelve
O'Clock, for some point in Virginia. All tele-
graphic communications eastward Of this place
ceased last night about 2 o'clock
500 Mississippans reached here last night COO
more will be bere this morning. They are from
all appea ances excellent troops They are well
armed and well oficered
Forty or fifty negroes have Just gone across the
Potomac bridge armed with axes and picks
Upon reaching the Maryland side their cornman-
der gave them some directions which they were
to follow In going up the mOuntain and then
he quietly went back across the bridge
The correspondent of the Seatinel writes:
A G Cummings has been appointed Colonel
of the Sth Regiment ofVirginia VOLUNTEERS, at this
point.
8. B Gibbons formerly Colonel of the same
regiment, but decapitated by the recent action of
the Convention, has been appointed Major. and
assigned to the 4th Regiment
kenton Harper, formerly commander at this
point, has received the appointment of Colonel
and 10 assigned 10 the 5th Regiment
Inc discharge OF these officers created a great
deal OF dissatisfaction among the volunteers at
first, but now their love for Virginia has super
ceded all else and all they ask is for brave reR-
temanly, sober officers TO lead them, and they
will follow. IL officers assigned to this place do
not possess these requisites, they had better re-
sign, and not attempt the command of the volun-
teers No Intoxicating drinks are allowed ameng
the privates, and the privates are determined not
to serve under drunken officers
Several 2roce!s have been found selling liquor
TO the soldiers, and immed ately all their stock
was srized and put under guard.
Owing to carelessness in handling of firearms
great many accidents have occurred. Scarcely
day passes but that some one is wounded
j here are seven soldier lying at present danger
ously hurt. Yesterday during The alarm one
OF The sergeants of the Southwestern Regiment
whose name | have not been able to learn shot
himself through the leg with pistol