New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-25
AFFAIRS AT WILLIAMsPORT, MD.


From personal observation your correspondent is
convinced that the rebel troops which have been
threatening this point not at the utmost extent
over 1000 in number, and not over four pieces Of
artillery have been seen here within the past week.
The militia, which might have numbered 500, re-
fused from the first to the river and on two oc-
casions would not approach nearer than mile.
The mill owned by the Colstons, at the south end
of Dam No. s. was set on fire on Thursday night by
Capt. Hampton of the Pittsburgh Light Battery, at
tached to tie LIST Virginia Regiment, and SIX men,
volunteers, who went over in three skids. They
found in the mill, beside the articles before men
toned several SHELLS, which were probably to have
been sent over the next day.
On Friday the elegant brick residence of the
Costons, situated a hundred yards from the MILL
was seen to be on FIRE, but party of the LIST Vir-
GINA went over and extinguished it, after which
they raneached the outbuildings, and brought OIL
considerable amount Of plumber, such as overcoats,
picket ropes, leggings, axes, beside supply Of
poultry.
The enemy, excepting few solitary sentnels
posted on the distant hills, were not seen at this
20 mt until - p. M, when they brought in sight their
l2.pound Parrot gun, and threw a few shells to-
ward the camp of the lst Maryland, which had sue
ceeded the 9TH Connecticut, then en- route for
Hancock. A ten-pound Parrot gun of Matthew's
Penn. Battery soon drove them out of sight. There
was no LEES on side, and probably but slight loss
on the other side owing TO the safe distance at winch
their gun was stationed.
While these things were in progress, troop of
rebel cavalry made their appearance opposite Will
Transport, about one nile from the river. They re-
manned in full view for several hours going through
a dill for the benefit Of the spectators.
About noon regiment Of cavalry and another OF
infantry made their appearance near the ford at the
-Four Locks, two miles above Dam No. 3, but not
liking the appearance of Col. Keney's preparations,
they subsequently Withdrew without making any
demonstration.
In the afternoon information reached Col. Leonard
tha, the main body Of tie enemy were, with their
wagons and boats concentrated near Failing Waters,
Eve niles from Dam No. ), on the Virginia side
but owing to the curves in the river, fifteen miles
between those points on our side, Col. Leonard i'm
edaicly re-eniorced bis pekcis at the former point
keeping r section Of battery and the 29th Pennsy-
ynnia as "a reserve. few shells Were exchanged,
snd tie enemy retrcaed. encamping out oil sight, be-
youd the range of orr PARROT guns.
Intelligence, yesterday from the other side goes
TO show that the rebel commander, having failed in
all his attempts withdrew bis forces that morning to-
ward Mauirsburg, leaving only three or four com
paries III pckets, but not taking away bis wagons
aud boais. Ali was comparatively quiet during the
Gay.
HaaeoeL, 20h.-The 39th Illinois having received
their arms are here posted in strong portion,
Gnxiously awaiting an opportunity to rePel the en-
envy, or cooperate with Gen. Kelly advance guard,
which now extends here, beside guarding the rail-
road all the way from Cumberland. The 9th Con-
necteu, and Knapps battery are expected here IN a
Day or two.
JYHiamsport, Dec. q. - This morning, man
named J. Is. Wharton. residing at Clear Spring, si-
preached one OF the river plckets and offered hin
a. to carry dspatoh to the other ste. The soldier
made the fact known to Col. Leonard, who Lad him
arrested bu, not tin he had destroyed the dispatch.
lie is connected By marriage with ex-senator Mason,
now in Fort Warren. Col. Leonard holds him as a
Spy.
The town has been under martial law FOR several
months. Lieut. John G.. Hoyey, Of Company H.,
Massachusetts l3tl j. the Provost. Marshal. Among
his political prisoners are Il. ID. Shepherd Of Shep-
berdsioyu. son-ir law Of Alexander Boteer; Abra-
ham Shepard. n captain in the rebel army and n
considerable number OF civil officers Of Morgan
County. who undertook TO execute the rebel laws
Telerraphic communications are now received
from Eomney in four hours, including twenty miles
Of horse transportation. In few days the lines
will connect.
Lannon'S brigade, tic let Virginia Regiment con-
sie,s Of three companies of cavalry now with Gen.
Kelly, four companies OF infantry, and two COM
pauies OF artillery, uDder Col. Leonard. The latter
have volunteered 20 act rihemen until their bat
teries are received.
soecin.en of forced marching occurred Wednes-
day night. Col. Kenlys let Maryland Regiment
len their camp, near Frederick, Of IL o'clock, aud
arrived here at 10 a. m, on Thursday morning, n
Distance Of nearly % miles. They stopped four
,,nes only on the route resting Is minutes each
occasion.
Dam No. 4. Dee. 22.--James Greenwood, a
sanch Unionst reports that there is but one guer-
ris company len to keep guard on the meek OPP
poaiie between this place aud Failing Waters, four
mile. above. The remainder LEFT, for Martnsburg.
on Saturday morning. excepting tie wagons contain
inc the boats. Mr. Greenwood's residence is a mile
back of the dam in Virginia. where bis family stil
reside. To his vigilance and patriotism are attri-
buled the successful repuses of the enemy at this
point He is un,iripg in exertions to give timely
notice TO our authorities Of any movements OF the
enemy n this direction. He states that this guerrilla
company are always on the 90, showing Themselves
AT point after point to convey the impression that the
enemy have large force there.
Yonr correspondent is indebted TO Mr.. Greenwood