The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-01

~
- - --------------
Hill yesterday lilo vas the groom Of General pcaure
gard a. tho the latter ocouped Fas church as his
tcrs The contraband states that he overheard
several conversations between General Deauregard and
his officers and In instance the general remarked that
he fearful Of attacking the 70 era troops opposite
Washington, owing TO the fact that by doing he would
unnecessarily sacrifice many lives, but would fall back
and within six miles Of tals Church no would be happy
70 welcome the United States forces with bloody hands 20
hospitablc graves.
AFFAIRS ON Tug UPPER roToaAc-APPEARANCE OF
LARGE REBEL FORCE AT GREAT FALLS-THE
RIVER UNFORDABLE.
despatch received this forenoon from the Maryland
side of Great rails sixteen miles above here that
the rebels made their appearance at tho
Fails this morning, on the Virginia side, and
that there about about eight regiments and six
pieces Of artillery. They made short stop, evidently
being on reconnaissance and ten separated half OF the
force disappearing in auorthery direction and the other
hall towards the west This the largest force that has
been seen in that direction aud for the cavalry
pickes observed yesterday at Townsville. They mato
no demonstration, and forces did not fire at them,
beng anxious TO detect their movements.
The river to-day, at all the places where the rebels
have any hope Of crossing is six feet above fording
Fotdng depth where the about up tho bolt
say about two and half three feet deep. The
nossance of the rebels this morning probably developed
TO them the condition Of the river.
despatch from General this morning announces
that everything s quiet the Upper Potomac in tho
vicinity Of Poocsvile.
Nothing has been Of the rebels in front Of General
Banks column to-day.
RETURN OF THE REBELS TO GREAT fxfLs-BnIsK
FIRING BETWEEN HOSTILE BATTERIEs-THE
ENEMY DISPERSED.
The force OF rebels, consisting of eight regiments and
battery Of six pieces that appeared the Virginia side
Of Great Falls, the Potomac, this morning. and disap-
peared returned this afternoon and opened their
teres upon our troops the Maryland side They fred
one hundred shot and shell hitting and njurng only
Of our men, Our troops returned the fire vigorously and
the rebels fed OF 1t is impossible tell how
many OF them killed or wounded.
ACTIVITY OF THE POTOMAC rLorLLA.
powerful squadron blockadng Freesono Point and
oceoquan creek while Aqua Creek and lower down are
watched by number Of United States steamers. The
flagstaff which had the rebel flag flying at Freestone
Point has not been since Saturday and the place
apparently deserted though this movement looks like
feint.
The Yankee has several contraband negroes On board
escaped from Virginia.
REBEL FORCES CONCENTRATING AT YORKTOWN.
Information received here to-day by the govern
ment that large rebel force being concentrated
Yorktown. Corresponding preparations have been
promptly made upon side.
ARREST SUSPECTED Spy.
AZ noon today a man was arrested in woods near
Falls Church SUSPICION of being a spy. Tie could
give no satisfactory account Of himself.
PROBABLE WITHDRAWAL or REBEL SOLDIERS FROM
VIRGINIA FOR SERVICE IN KENTUCKY.
The sudden disappearance Of tho rebel foroes from the
forncations e- have FOR weeks been erecting In front
Of this city, confirms the statement IN prev ious des
patches to the HERALD Serious doubts entertained
whether, after all their preparation they win have the