The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-07-12
WAR NEWS.
The Fight near Martinsburg.

We take the following from the Win.
chester Republican, published near the
scene of the fight,
On Monday last, the Federal forces I'M
der command of General Cadwallader,
numbering $4,000, crossed the Potomac
river at Williamsport ford, ard advanced
in tho direction of Martinsburg. On
Tuesday morning, about 10 o'clock, the
9th Virginia Regiment, under command
of Col. Harper, which had been sent out
by Col. jackson as u scouting party, sud-
denly and unexpectedly came into collis-
ion with large force of the enemy, esti-
mated to be Mt least 5000 strong. A
sharp conflict Mt once ensued. Our forces
had but one piece of artillery, which be.
came useless after two or three rounds
had been fired. Although the strength
of the enemy was greatly superior to ours
In numbers, our men fought with great
GOODNESS and bravery. The enemy being
well provided with artillery, threw shell
among our forces. which compelled them
to retire, which they did in perfect order.
From persons who were engaged in the
fight, we learn that not more than four
or FIVE bundled Of Col ITarper's Regiment
were in the action. The Continental
Morgan Guards, of our town, commanded
by Captain Avis, and the West Augusta
Guards, of Staunton, were in the thickest
of the battle from first to last; and it was
only in these companies that any casual
ties were sustained. AS we'll as we can
learn, there were but two Of our men
killed; their names, we learn, are Parrish
and Snapp, of Captain Avis company
whilst there were eight or ten wounded,
but none of them seriously SO. Five or
six Of the wounded have been brought 10
town, and are receiving every necessary
attention. The loss of the enemy in
killed alone has been estimated by those
who were in the field after the fight at
from 100 to l50. company which had
been detached from the main body,
were captured by Capts. Patrick and liar.
desty's companies of Cavalry. forty-three
of the prisoners were brought to town
Wednesday morning. and lodged in Jail.
They state that when they volunteered it
was only for three months, and under the
condition that they were not to cross the
Potomac. They say their term of service
and that they were forced to cross into
Virginia. They speak in greatful terms
OF their treatment since their capture
arrived, but are hourly expected.
After the engagement, Col. jackson,
with his brigade, retired two miles south
of Martinsburg. Tuesday evening Gen.
Johnston, with all the forces stationed in
and around Winchester, marched to his
aid, and we may expect to hear of q
battle at any hour.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed
upon our forces engaged. Although
largely outnumbered, they stood their
ground manfully until they were COM
mandeI to retreat. With such material
to fight our battles, victory must perch
upon our banners.
LATEST INTELLIGENCE OF THE FIGHT.
Since we penned our article about the
engagement near Martinsburg, we learn
that more prisoners have been captured
by our forces. The number is said to be
twenty-seren. Among them is Lieut..
Colonel, a Captain and a Surgeon. They
are Pennsylvanians. We have also just
received information that the Yankees
have taken possession of Martinsburg,
and are estimated to be from 5000 to
$4,000 strong. General Johnston is at
Darksville, seven miles this side of Mar
Gnsburg, and at the time of our writing
is preparing to advance upon the enemy.
His command is about $4,000. A glori-
Gus victory Of Southern chivalry over the
. hirelings of the North, who have audaci-
ously and impudently desecrated our soil
with their polluting tread, is hourly en-
pected.
The militia of the county have been
ordered out, and are rapidly collecting
in town, eager for shot at the mnions
of Lincoln.