The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-27

cupy The hills and woods for mary miles around.
formidable earthwork has been constructed by the
rebels on hill about three miles from Leesburg This
forticaon long one and be distinctly seen from
the Mary land shore In addition TO this earthwork it is
believed that they have number OF masked batteries
throughout that portion CT the country
Yesterday afternoon about half past three O'Clock, tho
rebels appeared in considerable force opposite this point,
not fat from tho Virginia shore They quite bold in
presenting themselves and their movements could be OBJ
served from the bluffs the Maryland side They drew
up in line of battle about four miles from ccsburg Oar
troops under command Of General stone, immediate
posted in position to receive them should they advance
and attack us.
Geuera Banks had rcnforcements preparing to cross
the when the engagement should have commenced
For two horrs The operations Of the enemy, who con.
santiy kept shifting portions OF his force from point
to another with rdEg movements on the part Of
our troops so as TO be prepared for attack indicated
that there was going to be general engagement Gene
rails Mcclellan and Banks stood upon high hill opposite
the ferry closely scrutinzing the movements Of the OPP
posing forces on the other side Orders given by
General Mcclellan for the renforcements TO be in readi
ness to cross at moments notice. Accordingly several
regiments Of infantry and number Of batteries Of art-
ery we're sent down to the ferry the men cheering as
they went. Canal boats waiting to convey
them over as soon as the command should
breathless anxiety everybody awaited the anticipated
attack II was thought that the rebels after comnenc.
ng the engagement, would, under the guise Of appa-
rent retreat fall back TO their chosen positions expecting
forces TO follow them. When they observed nd
vancng towards the Union lines sharpshootcrs picked
OF number OF them and drove their advancing columns
back The sharpshooers did excellent service At long
range every shot brought down a
growing dark and battle had yet been be-
gun. The ateness OF the hour rendered 1t highly i'm
probable then that any engagement would be commenced
that night Both parties retired from their positions in
line Of battle and after the camp Ares the vir
gnia and Maryland sides Of the Potomac
tered over the country for several miles.
IT was believed however, that the enemy was only
bringing up his forces preparatory TO an attack this
morning We had but comparatively small force the
Virginia side II was pretty well ascertained that in tho
morning the enemy had several brgades front Of
command and that large rebel reinforcepents were eo
sany arriving The rebels must have had at least Ave
men TO one. The wind was blowing a heavy gale all
the afterncon from the northwest and the difficulty of
sending sufficient reiniorcements Across with cxpe-
dtion became apparent TO all In view Of the imposs
biy Of throwing enough troops to meet the supe
ror numbers OF the enemy generals thought that
prudence would require withdrawal Of troops The
Maryland side Orders then given for their removal
The crossing was effected in the most adro and skillu
manner, under cover OF the darkness. II was n
splendid military movement. The boats this eide Of
the river which in readiness take the reinforce
ments across, were now employed to bring the troops
from the Virgina shore. The boats towsd about
half mile up the canal and then guided across Their
return from the Virginia side was made in the
ner Tire crossinroi the troops beautiful and vet
painful sight. The night was cold aud dark aud The
men suffered much Some who had remained hour after
hour drawn up line Of battle we're 30 cxhanstea whom
they got that they hardly able march
their camps. was four O'Clock this morning when ii
supposed that all had been brought over After day
Drcnk, however q lew O our men were seen the
other side, and boat was sent over to bring
them They proved TO be Of the pckets who
had been cut all night duty, and were not called in
when the rest Of the force was leaving Sone OF those
who counted among the missing at the battle at
Balls Bluffs keep coming in II Is believed how.
ever that all troops which across the river at
this point on the Maryland side.
This morning the rebels be seen in their fortiaca.
tons towards Leesburg They appear quito active
and occasionally horsemen be seen riding up and
Tie roads leading to he carthwork on either side
Our batteries Of artillery are posted the bills short
distance from the river On the Maryland side ready for
any acton which they may be called Oh to perform