Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-29
From the Virginia Free Press of Oct. 18th.
Rattle Near Harperss Ferry.

Our readers are already acquainted with the
fact that Federal marauders have been intestDg
our county for some time. They have approach
ed within four miles Of this town, committing
all manner of depredstions. On Friday after
noon of last week, they advanced as tar as 'Red
HILL" two miles from Harper's Ferry, with sew
eral pieces of artillery, and fired upon the Con-
federate pickets who were stationed one mile
below Haltown.
To give them warm reception, the Cavalry
under Col. Ashby, and Lieut.. Glenn of Captain
Hender3on's command. and Capt. Baylor, as well
as the mounted and foot Militia, prepared for an
engagement on Wednesday morning the 10th
instant.
Absence from home deprived US of witnessing
the battle, but from all we can gather it gave
evidence that our forces were not to be driven
from their homes and fresldes by gang who
seem to have nothing else in view than plunder.
The battle commenced about O'Clock in the
morning-the enemy having placed themselves
in the woods and surroundings at Red Hill, above
the lower toll gate formerly occupied as an en-
campment by The I'd Virginia Regiment, before
the evacuation of Harper's Ferry. Although
the enemy were 10 large numbers they were
driven from their position with heavy loss, Sc
creting themselves IN a large brick house, un0c-
cupied, belonging to Mrs. Wager, and other
houses from WHICH tney were SOOu routed anu
scattered in all directions.
But two pieces of small artillery were used by
the Confederates-a larger gun having broken
the carriage upon which it was placed, and which
was left and taken by tha enemy-whilst they
brought to bear large guns from the Maryland
Heights and afterwards Rife cannon.
The loss upon the Federal side in killed and
wounded was not less than torty-6ve or fifty
whilst but one was killed on the Confederate sce,
Mr. thinner of the militia from Rockingham
county.
We have been furnished with the names of the
wounded on our side, as follows:
Israel Jones of Rockingham, (Capt. Winfeld's
command,) wounded 10 the ancle.
Henry Kern, Shenandoah (Capt. Dinges,)
wounded in privates.
George Oline Rockingham, Capt. Harrison
wounded in the he ad.
D. Fraley Jefferson, (Capt. Hess,) wounded in
the lett knee.
A Mr.. Vanarsdale, (Capt. Miler,) wounded in
leg.
John Y. Beall, and Jno. W. Rider, of this
county, members of The Botts' Greys, who were
in the county, on special duty were also among
the wounded.
Several others received slight scratches from
splinters of trees which came in contact CT those
near by.
Edgar Ross, OF the Wisconsin Federal Army,
was severely wounded in the leg and back, and
was taken prisoner.
man calling himself Renaiah Pratt, a corpo-
raj of the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, was ta-
ken prisoner, and has been sent to Richmond.
The Rev. N. G.. North, of this town who was
near the scene Of action as spectator, was taken
prisoner by the enemy. The horse upon which
he was riding, was slightly shot, ball passing
along the line of his back bone, growing the
skin in its passage. MIR. N. is still prisoner,
but will doubtless be soon released
The enemy, in their flight, secreted themselves
in cellars, and remained there until they were
reinforced, when they returned with artillery by
which they were enable to take our broken down
gun.
| Blu. for the accident to our gun the enemy
would have been cut to pieces. As it was, how
ever, they lost in their fight upwards of 100
coats and blankets, besides other trappings.
| Great credit is due to every command; and
the militia behaved with commendable bravery.