Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-10-24
THE RETREAT OF THE REBELS.
WAsHINGTON, Friday, Oct. Is, lS6

The report is confirmed that the Rebels
have again fallen back along their lines from
the Orange aud Alexandria Railroad to the
Upper Potomac. There is a small body at
Fairfax Station, and some force, probably not
large, at Fairfax Court House Vienna is
deserted and Leesburg is being rapidly evacu-
ated
We have, as yet, made no attempt to occupy
the abandoned positions, but our pickets are
pushed out and our scouts range the country
to within a very short distance of the rebels.
1t is reported that Gen Hancock'S brigade oc
cuped Vienna this morning, and made a re-
connoissance beyond, which the results are
not yet known.
This is denied at headquarters, where it is
said only our pcketS have, up to this time,
been to Vienna.
RECoNNoIsSANCES TOWARD FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE.
On Thursday aft rnoon, Col Wourtchel,
n Y 8th Regiment, with 100 infantry and a
small body guard Of cavalry, visited Amman
dale and remained one hour. In consequence
of his report. Acting Brigadier Stah started
this morning upon further reconnaissance, at
tended bv his staff, and at the head of seven
infantry companies from the New Y ork Sth
and PENNSYLVANIA 29th, under Col Wourtchell.
At Amandale, six miles this side of Fairfax
Court louise, skirmishers were sent forward,
aud a regular march begun, with all the usual
precautions of guatding side roads to prevent
surprises, &c.
The inhabitants along the route seemed di-
vided in sentiment, some welcoming, Others
avoiding our troops. The Union people had
suffered nuch from depredatons by Rebels
1,
molestatiOn whatever.
The family of one man, who was known to
have voted against the Ordinance of Secession,
was visited with all the wrath which the
Rebels could shower uponit Their cattle and
crops were coufscated, their property destroy
ed, and three of their sons forced into the Reb
ell ranks to act as servants. Others of the
family during the Rebel occupation, were taken
sick with measles, but the surgeons refused to
visit them. Having lost all their goods aud
provisions, they were to day dining off a
cabbage, the only food that was left them
The officers of the German Rifles subscribed
sum of money for their relief and sent them q
supply of better fC cd.
The accommodating party halted for obser-
vations one mile beyond Amaudale, upon the
road to Fairfax Two miles in advance four
Rebel horsemen were discovered approaching,
who, on perceiVing our troops, turned and
rode back with great speed A negro who had
just walked in from the Court House declared
that no body of troops were on the way, but
that two brigades were yet in possession Of
the place itself.
Proceeding cautiously, the party continu d
to within two miles of the Court House, meet
ing with no Interruption and enc0unterng only
deserted camps, which the villagers said had
been abandoned two days before. They were
in strong positions, but they had been very hur-
riedly vacated.
Geu. Stahel waited for some time at Mrs.
Gocdwiu's farm, the nearest point TO which he
could venture with his limited force, and re.
turn to Bailey'S Roads about 4 o'clock this
afternoon.
This reconnaissance shows that the road is
entirely open and free from obstruction to
Fairfax Court H0use, and that the whole line
of country this side eau be occupied without
an engagement at any desired moment