The national Republican., 1861-12-12
WAR MATTERS.
rIcKsrs DRIVEN IN.

The pickets of General Howards brigade
belonging to the Thirty sixth Pennsylvania reg
iment, were driven In by the rebels IN Tues
day, near Springfield Station, on the Orange
and Alexandra railroad. General Howard
Immediately ordered out bic whole brigade 10
he reimbursement Of the piokets, when the reb.
els retired. The brigade was thea ordered t.
return to camp again. In the meantime, o
balloon ascension was m ide uear he lines,
wbioh Disclosed the fact that the enemy, IN
large numbers, were crossing Accotink creek.
which movement created the Impression amoBg
the Union troops that the rebels were advanc
ing to give battle. General Howard, with bis
brigade, immediately returned, and sent word
10 several other commanders Of b-igades In
the vicinity, Of the movements OF the rebel
troops. aud asking for further reiniorc rcements.
A reinforcement ui ten regiments was prompt
ly cent when the enemy fell back within bis
own lines. This roe remained In the vicinity
OF the threatened attack all Of Tuesday light,
tetarnlog 70 camp yesterday morning. No
body hurt" .,,..,....
General Heintzleman, with about 900 men.
made connoissance 10 the direction of Oc.
coqpan, proceeding as far as the creek by that
name, on Tuesday, returning yesterday after.
noon without having met the enemy.
ANOTHER.
Two brigades from Gen. Summers division
started out at IL O'Clock on Tuesday night
picketing In the neighborhood of Fairfax Court
dria railroad. They advanced to within two
miles Of the courthouse without molestation,
aud returned to camp yesterday afternoon.
A letter has been received, dated Richmond,
from james Patrick, company F, Averhili's .
Third Pennsylvanis cavalry, who was taken
prisoner, with other memb re Of his regiment,
10 the skirmish at Vienna q few weeks sine .
Himself and comrades, twepty-seven iu pum-
Der, are confined in the Richmond Jail, and are
all in GOOD health, excepting Sergeant Bryson,
who is suffering from injuries received BY a
fall from his horse at the time Of the skirmish.
Their capture was effected, be states, by 800
Georgia cavalry.
CASE OF COLONEL KERRIpAN.
In the court martial Of Colonel Kerrigau, the
witnesses testifying yesterday were examined
on the charge of insubordination and drunk
eness. The principal witness was Major Savage,
who testified to carrying an order from General
Martindale, summoning Colonel Kerrigan be-
fore the examining board for examination as to
his fitness 10 command a regiment. He re
fust d to report himself, and was therefore
placed under arrest.
To-day, witnesses will be examined upon
She charge of furnishing Information to the
ensmy.
RErrRNED. Major lngolls, Of the Quarter
masters Department has been to the North to
make arrangements regarding forage, aud has
returned to the city.
No MORE OATs.--An order was issued yes.
terdsy prohibiting further purchases of oat.
while they are held at the present exorbitsnt
rates by Northern spectators.
LATEST PROM THE UPPER POTOMAC LINES.
Gen. stone telegraphed to headquarters az
follows, Wis:
Poolesvile, Dec. II -9.45 q. m.--There are
rumors Of increased force near Goose Greek,
but from personsl examination from heights
early this morning, l cannot see % many signs
OF hostile troops as before.
II large force 10 near Goose Greek or
Lsesburg It ia concealed.
The Star Of last evening, has the following
paragraph, for which we believe there is very
little foundation,
From information In our possession we be
leve that the rebels have for the past We,
been concentrating troops between Occoquan
until they now have camp Of about Sc, ,00O
there"