New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-21


members had ventured to maintain their fidelity 70
the Union. These families had plainly suffered all
sorts Of depredations, and had, in cases, been
subjected to personal violence, while others, who
had yielded their ready sympathies to the last occu-
piers, had apparently been shielded from modest
alton.
One mile beyond Anandale, upon the brow Of a
considerable elevation, the first halt was ordered.
The road having been uniraveed for many weeks by
our troops, and having been uninterruptedy in the
hands Of the Rebels, It was necessary to take the
most cautious observations. Withthe aid Of glasses
d party Of four horsenen was discovered about two
miles in advance, riding slowly toward MS, while our
officers, grouped together in an open field, watched
their movements. They appeared to catch sight OF
Us, for tLey suddenly turned about, and rode back
with great speed. A negro who had just walked in
from the Court-House, volunteered the information
that they composed scoutiBg squad, which Lad been
lowering about the road all the morning, aud assured
us there were troops stationed anywhere this
side Of the Court Iouse. Although the possessor Of
private document, which he showed with great
PRIDE atesng his services to Union soldiers Of var
ous times his statements were received with the IN
credulous Careessness which every well-edueated
diminishing officer considers it his first duty to mani
fest and the reconnaissance proceeded with the same
caution as before.
On approaching the spot where the rebel scouts
had showed themselves, the tops of rough wigwam
huts were discovered, pecping suspciously in rows
above the crest Of HILL The presumption WAS, that
tbey were deserted, but the same action was neces-
sary AS If their occupation was matter Of necessity
,y,ls struck by the skill with which the German
officers moved iheirskirmishes forward at thispont
taking advantage Of such inequality of the ground
and 30 dsposing their men AS not only to prevent
surprises bat also to provide for their safe concen
traton in case Of any sudden attack Butno such
necessity arose. The hu,s had all been abandoned
although the position WIS exceedingly strong, and
afforded great advantages for defense. Two Ggedn
habants totercd forth in great terror while we ex-
amined this ground, and made deprccating gestures
but. being treasured, grew gartulous, and gave .
marvellous insight into the enemy = designs by the
statementia they lad ported themselves just behind
the ton Of tie bin TO draw US forward and give Us
second Bull run affair; but when two days ago, they
heard Of an impending attack, they retired without
any ceremony, beyond that Of abstactins one turkey
and an assortment Of chickens from The ayiary oil the
aged couple.
A little further on we were met by collection OF
chameleoncorscicrced citizens, who, emerging from
Coyles Tavern, revealed the fact, that Union sent
mens bad long been secretly Deposited in their
hearts and that they were, Of all things anxious to
know whether We came in force, or, as they up
rosed in a feeble body, for q casual purpose The
answers which these gentlemen received were not
sufficiently lucid TO be valuable the statemenis az TO
our immediate force varying from ten to fifty thou
sand, according to the imaginative activity Of the
respondents. The Union gentlemen Of Coyles
Tavern were confused and withdrew IN sorrow, #
no, m anger. From this point, Gen. S,Hhel pushed
on about two miles further, and finally stopping al
the hou OF Mrs. Goodwin where yestigcs Of au-
other deserted camp remained. mile and bali THE
eide Of the Cour-IIousc, beyond which he ,iduoi
feel justified in advancing. The view ahead, was
however, sufficiently clear 20 demonstrate eai no
force Of any hind stationed this SIDE Of Fairfax.
As nesrly a. we could learn from tie reports OF intab-
ha.ts. two bdga3,s Ttill fingered there, but were
preparing to depart, and were net expected d re-
main many hour. The General then tuned back,
afler partatirg ofthc bounty Of Ec-sinmon tree,
in consequence Of which, IT, iruit being unrpc, be
and his staff rode r the space Of one hour viii WY
faces, and oiaied orders with Tuckefed acocut
The Object Of the reconnaissance Wa 10 inquire
mo the truth Of the reports that the lifo 81 th,
country this sdC Of the Cour-llouse had been aban
doned. We ae now assured tl,. 40 obstacle eSisi,
to our approach in that direction. whenever We
choose 70 move forward.