Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-10-01
WAR NEWS IN BRIEE.

From the startling capitals and exciting head
lines of the telegrllhic dispatches in the papers
of the day, we CLEAN such items of news about
the war, and the movements of our troops with
in tue last two or three days, rs we deem rea-
bic. They are rs follows;
1t was determined on Friday, at a council Of
war held at the headquarters of Gen Scott, that
an adVance 'hould be made, aud within twenty
fur hours afterwards the enemy prepared for
Hight. If this coincidence does not establish the
fa't that spies and traitors still lurk about in the
high aud secret places of the government thqn,
we presume no evidence can establish that
fact to the satisfaction Of our rulers
Munsou's hill has been occupied by the Uni
ted States troops, as well as Falls church nrd
upton's hill, the enemy having abandoned ,h,ir
whole linz of posts in front Of Washington No
fortfcations were found at Muuson's hill. no
evidences Of batteries having been built and in
fact very few military preparations of any con.
sequence. Cen Mcdowell is in command of a
large body Of troops at Munson's hill. The
advance of Gen. Smith on Fall church from the
Chain Bridge was attended by events Of the
most deplorable character. Having passed Van
dcrwerckers and Vanderberg's houses, on their
way to the former place. and when about half a
mile from it, by some uuaccouniable blunder,
Col Ovens Philadelphia Irish regiment, in the
darkness Of tue night mstaking for the rebels
Captain Mo't's battery, which was in the I'D
vance, sustained by General Bakers California
regiment, Col Baxter's Philadelphia Fire Zou-
aves, and Col. Fricdman's cavalry fired IA full
volley into the troops last mentioned killing aud
wouudug n large number The California rt-
giment not knowing whence the firing came
from, returned it with marked effect. The
horses attached to Motifs battery became un.
manageable, and the tongues of the caissous
were broken, owing to the namowness of the
road Lieutenant Bryant, having command Of
the first section, ordered the guns to be loaded
with grape and canister, and soou had them in
range to rake the supposed enemy, when word
was sent to him that he was in the company of
friends. All was excitement, uud a long time
elapsed before the actual condition of affairs
was ascertained and confidence re-established.
An officer detailed to observe the condition IF
affairs along the Potomac, returned on SATURDAY.,
aud reports that with the exception of the lat
terry recently unmarked by the rebels at Free
stone Point, he could discover none in addition
to those known TO have existed several weeks
ago. There is, however, information ut bead-
quarters that the enemy are erecting number
OF batteries along the river, but their operations
are probably coucealed By the thick woods along
the banks, so as not to be diacoyerable from the
river until they are ready 10 unmask them
Information has also been received TINT tho
rebels are pushing large forces toward the fer
ries in the neighboihood Of Poolesyille. and nsn
down the river towards Aqaia creek The sud.
den activity of their movements, and the extent
Of the forces thus thrown forward. Indicate ap
attempt to effect a crossing OF the Potomac i'm
mediatey These movements nre CLOSELY watch
ed, aud preparations to meet them nre promutlv
made. During Saturday, the recently uumn-k
ed rebel battery at Freesio one point fired a mum
ber Of shots evidently with q view To nsccrtnir
the range Of the guns. One she'll from IA riil,d
cannon is said to have teen thrown entirely
across the river, upon the Maryland shore-a
distance Of four miles, On Saturday afternoon.
ole section of the draw On the Virrinin side of
the Long Bridge gave way. while herd of beef
cattle were crossing, nrecipiialng many Of them
into the Potomac. The accident Immediately
cut off all communication between Washington
and the camps on the other side by this avenue.
Hundreds of soldiers anil government wagons
which cross this bridge every hour we're Obliged
to take an out of the way course, via the George.
town and Arlington ferry. Ihe bridge win be
repaired Immediately.
Reports from reliable source from General
Lanes command say that after his successful
engagement with the rebels at Papnsyille. he
made forced march on Osceola, succeeding in
surprising and capturing u large supply train
which had been left by Generals Rans and
Price, together with 100000 in money. The
command is now supposed to be on a march to
Join General siurgis. All of the Federal officers
taken prisoners have now lett Lexington, with
the exception of Col. Mulligan, who remains
there to settle up some business affairs lie is
not wounded, as reported. Prices force on the
morning Of the surrender of Lexington. was