The New York herald., 1861-12-17
OUR WILLIAMSPORT (MD) CORRESPON.
DENCE.

w1LIaMsroRr, Md, Dec. 49, 1861
The Deeaceess Condition Of Wihams1o,t-Tco Regiments
Rahout AynS-A Reconnoissance-The Weather IN Mc
Camrs--Shono anti Abolition Feeling Among The Sol
diersA Captain and Th,tesm Men 7aken Prisoners. de-
This place, which has population Of about twelve hun
drcd, has been for some tmo in defenceess position;
but portion Of General Banks division is expected
here daily. Tho Thirteenth Massachusetts regiment, Col
Leonard, and the Illinois THIRTY y-ninth, who without
arms the only forces at present here, besides out
Russels company Of cavalry, who have been acting
home guard siuco the commencement OF tho war. The
Illinois regiment had OF inferior character before
ehving Missouri, where they stationed before
coming here but they destroyed them before leaving
that State, and have since been without any. They
ALL however excellent soldiers, and should be speedily
supplied with al the ccssary military equipments
Captain Russols company Of cavalry crossed tho river
here day before yesterday, and made reconnaissance
toward Martirsburg, twelve miles from the river. Thoy
were gone all day and returned in tho evening" without
having any OF the enemy. There was, therefore,
probably foundation tor the report few days since,
that there five thousand of the enomy opposite this
place There few rebel pckets visible OCCASION
ally about that me but they have disappeared
trey and il is generally supposed that the main body Of
the enemy concentrating In the neghborhood OF Win
chester, whero the rebel General Jackson has his
headquarters. The people here have been apprehensve
Of an attack upon the forces here ever since the Demon
straton at dam No g. Tuesday last but the gradual
approach Of portion Of GeE, al Banks division in this
direction has relieved them very much.
The weather here has become clear and cold within tho
past couple Of days. The men in their camps suf-
FER a good deal, but sheet iron stoves arc be
coming quite common in the tents, and arc found
to be great comfort. They light and
easily handled and could doubtless bo generally intro
duced into the army to very great advantage.
Tho proposition to arm the slaves has supporters
here, 0nd among the people. The Union sentiment is
very strong but tho initiation Of project OF that kind
by the government would drive tho state out of tho
Union In forty eight hours Tho triumph Of the policy Of
the administration therefore, the abolition disunion
faction the North has strengthened the loyalty Of the
people very much, and inspired them with increased
confidence in the ability Of the President to successfully
prosecute the
1t is reported this morning that Captain Fiery, Of the
Maryland Second and thirteen of his men, were taken
prisoners n day two since about fifty miles above
this on the Potomac. They have been stationed
Cumberland for time doing picket duty and return
ed the Virginia side of the river in pursuit OF game,
having been previously successful n several similar
petitions Captain Fiery is brother of Senator Fiery,
from this county, and is said to be daring man. and
good soldier He originally at the head Of tho Clears
fng Home Guard about ten miles from here Mos OF his
men are from this section cf tho State.