New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-25

eesburg. and report what was seem Inc
Can,,;n tbouobt bs saw 80 Rebel tents, and
hrouobt hack word 10 that effect. Acting upon
the report, Gen. Stone sent five companies Of
Col. Deyepss Regiment, supported by five
of Col. Lees Massachusetts goth, to
capture the supposed Rebel camp. On arriving
at The spot they found no tents and saw no
oremv. They fell back short distance, took
no.ition. and cent word back.
Gen. Stone, having information that the
rebel Gen. Evans had 5000 men near Lees
burg, and that he had sent his baggage
over Goose Greek to the south, that no might
not be impedod in retiring to Manassas if at
tackled by superior force, and perceiying that
the coast was clear, concluded to attempt the
capture of Evans's whole force. Col. Baker
tool command. Gen. Stone gave him 1880
men, being Col. Bakers own brigade and the
Tammany Regiment, with cavalry and as much
artillery as the enemy had, and the residue oil
the 18th and Goth Massachusetts,, being the
best regiments he had. Now begins the con-
fict OF statements. According to Col. Col
burn, Col Bakers orders were to cross at
Harrison's Island; not to go beyond the island,
unless bis means Of transportation were ample;
not TO move from the Virginia bank OF the
river until the whole force was over; when he
advanced to be careful in sending out scouts
aud sklrmisbers; in protecting his hnnhs and
guarding his rear; and on no account to make
a demonstration unless so posted as to feel
sure of success.
Col. Baker, however, according 10 Col. Col.
burns statement moved forward before more
than 700 or 800 had crossed With that num-
Der, leaving 10 guard at tho river and keep
ing up no communication with it, 80 toat three
companies, which subsequently crossed, were
unable to Join him. After he had been joined
by the nine Massachusetts companies, under
command Of Gel. Deyens, he, with about l,sOo
men, was attacked by Gen. Eyans's whole
force. with the exception Of his battery, which
remained on hill opposite Edwards Ferry
being threatened by Gen. Stone, who made
feint of crossing in order to keep it there.
During the fight our men, although out
numbered three to one, fought with the utmost
bravery throughout, as brayey after the fall
of officers as before, and to the last of their
ammunition. Gradually retreatiDg to the river,
they were there ordered by their officers to
throw their guns into the water, to save them
from the enemy, and all that could to SWIM
for the Island. The boats were not TO be
found They had been sw amped i'll carrying
over the wounded, how many of whom were
drowned is not known, as swimmers were
shot in the water.
Gen. Mcclellan is delighted with the behavior
of the troops throughout, and is in excellent
heart at knowing that such men are IN h;'
command. He found neither those that were
in nor those that were out of the engagement
delnoralized in the slightest, but eager to tight.
On hearing Of the disaster be telegraphed
Gen. Banks to take command, and to cross a
portion of bis force immediately. Accordingly,
on Monday night, AGO men were taken across
at Edwards Ferry. Gen. Mcclellan found
them on the Virginia bank Of the river OF
Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, report came from th'
other side that the enemy was about to attach
our position. Preparations were made to re
enforce. 1t was, however, blowing gale
and the river was very high, seven ieet on al
average. The first to cross was foiled, although
the boat was taken mile up stream. Luckil.
the threatened attack turned out to be falls
alarm.
The loss in killed, wounded, and missing va
estimated this morning, when Gen. Mcclellan
left, at 625 men, of whom ~ are thought Il
have been killed, and 100 wounded. Gen
Stone telegraphs this evening, however, tia
many of the missing are coming in. The Ser
peant. Major and a Captain Of the Massachu
setts 18th, at frat reported lost, have re
turned.
While our 400 men were on the Virginia
bank OF Edwardss Ferry, Gen. Lander, who
was here when the engagement was reported
but rode up the river Immediately, made a re-
connOssance toward Leesburg with 400 or SOC
men. tie encountered body Of rebels est
mated at 1000, and put them to fight, taking
possession Of the field, on which eight bodies
we're found. The only casualty on our side
was Gen. Lander, who received severe hesl
wound in the calf of bis leg.
THE BLOCKADE OF TIE POTOMAC.
| The Potomac is blOckaded at Quantlco and
Mattbias Point. The interval between these Il
40 mile. long. The rebel steamer Page Is ou'
from her old lair in Acquis Greek, and on the
rampage among the forage vessels. She varies
foraging with shell and shot practice on the
sickles brigade on the Maryland side, and
,;u ferrv;no over rebel maraudeIs. Thl,