Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-10
SkITmishing of the Army of the Potomac.
From the Richmond Examiner sep..6

A stirring skirmish took place yesterday in thu
advances of the amy of the Potomac. For over ter
days our forces have been gradually driving in the
plckts of the enemy and closing up lines seizul
and terrifying strong positions. Having possession
of Munson's, Mason's and Upton's Hills and strength
ened them by suitable entertainments, it was though
advisable to push on still further in the direction
Arlington and occupy Halls HILL mile further in
the advance. where the enemy was posted in SONS
force. Col. Corse's Alexandria regiment and de-
tachment CT the Washington Artillery were dis
patched for this purpose. The enemy defended the
position at first with spirit, but coon retired
after loss of between one and two hundred killed
aad wounded. The Confederate loss is estimated al
about twenty.
The day before. Col, jenkins, commanding one Of
the South Carolina regiments attached to General
Boahsm's brigade, was sent with Kamper's battery
to look after two regiments reported to be encamped
on the other side of the Potomac in the vicinity of
the great Falls. Colonel jenkins marched eighteen
miles, starting at eight in the morning and reach
ing his destination the next morning about two hours
before day. Waiting for the grey OF early dawn he
opened fire on the enemy, which were posted as re-
ported, just they preparing fer their morn
ing drill. They made no resistance, but fed pre-.
cipitately leaving it is believed, two or three hun
bred killed and wounded. There was no pursuit,
as the river was too deep 60 ford.
For now more than week the glove of battle has
been thrown down TO Mcclellan by the Confederate
Generals and yet he has not dared to pick it up.
Five Thousand Confederate troops have for ten days
been in sight of Washington. The Confederate Gag
has been flying in full view of the Lincoln Cabinet
Dixie" has been discussed morning and evening
by our regimental bands in shot of the Federal
troops; still they keep closely in their lines, and
dare not venture out in force. What, indeed, has
become of the Grand Army?
From the Richmond Examiner, Sept. Z.
Nothing additional is reported as TO movements
on the Potomac. Our troops are steadily fOrtfy-
ing their advanced positions, and extending their
lines in every direction. Regiments go down daily
as reiefs to those duty in the advance, as to
distribute the hardships of the forward positions.
Meanwhile, the whole army Is on the alert Moth
ing can exceed the enthusiasm of the troops or
their anxiety for battle.
A few days since the balloon came over in the
direction of Aunson's Hill, where Capt. Rosser of
the Louisiana Artillery had several rihed pieces.
When about mile off, he fired at it, without dis
turbing its occupants. Sighting another of his
pieces with more care, he repeated the experiment
with better result. This time the balloon disap-
peared earthwards with startling rapidly, and has
not been seen since.
Life in the advance forces is full of stirring Incl
dents. The men have no tents, biVouacIng nightly
and sleeping on their arms. Few camp fires are
permitted The long roll is beat sometimes four or
five times during the night in preparation for an
attack, while the sharp, quick crack of the rifle and
musket heard at intervals through both night and
day.