Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-07-17

NeSSrS. EditorS:-I suppose you will
have been informed of the sudden evacua-
ton OF the rebel force at Camp Laurel Hill
ere this communication shall have reached
you. They left their camp on Thursday
night and evidently in great hurry,
think in, perhaps, double quick, which
seems to be the most efficient and nearest
perfect part of their drill, especially on
retreat Arms, cooking utensils, shirts,
blankets, tents, and stores, beside many
little camp conveniences, were left scatter
ed heller SHELTER all over the camp-in
fact the entire camp presents unmistaka-
ble evidences of very sudden and pre-
cipitate movement. They had no doubt
caught an inkling of Major-General Nc
Clellan's doings, on the other side. About
$500 of our troops, of which Co.'s Q and
X of the LIST Regiment OF Virginia Volnn-
teers form part, moved on in pursuit, on
Friday morning, taking three pieces of
artillery with them. Nothing definite has
been heard from them since their depar-
ture. Madam Rumor had it here yester-
day that Gen. Mcclellan had engaged the
rebels between this and Beverly, causing
great slaughter among them, taking
great number of them prisoners, their
cannon, some arms, ammunition, tents,
Wagons, and stores. This report needs
verifying. But that there has been an en-
gagemcnt there is no doubt, as heavy firing
has been heard in this neighborhood.
visited. their camp yesterday, and Mr..
Music, the gentleman upon whose farm the
camp is, informed me that the rebels had
been there inst four weeks. AT first about
1000 strong, daily receiving reinforce
ments until, as he supposed they were from
800 to 5000 strong. They certainly de-
serve much credit for the great amount of
4 IL NI,os,,
parations for their defence. l will not at
tempt an elaborate description of the
work, as that will require great many
military phrases with which l am not
familiar, but will give few of the general
outlines. The camp is formed upon two
knobs, which slope in three directions,
forming Il kind of triangular hollow,
through which the Beverly Pike passes.
Two strong batteries, composed of green
timber and clay, with three pieces each,
are built upon these knobs, commanding
the pike from this side, evidently expect
ing to be attacked from this quarter.
Around each of these batteries are deep
entertainments and heavy barricades.-
Heavy entertainments are dug around the
entire camp. containing, suppose, an area
of one hundred acres. 1t is, perhaps, tue
most substantial and complete work of its
kind ever built i'll this country, and was,
undoubtedly, intended for their stronghold
in Western Virginia. Col. Hubbard has
taken charge of, and is now guarding it.
In looking over the camp, | discovered
fourteen graves, nine in one spot and five
in another. Three of these had inscrip-
tons upon them, which may be of some
interest to your readers, of which the fol-
lowing are fac simite copies:
CHARLES U. Corr,
Richmond, Va, &c. H, 23d Reg. Va. Vol.
Who was shot in action, July LIST, 1861.
Aged OyeNrs.
JOHN E. BLAKE,
Richmond, vo;, Co. H, 2sd Reg. Va, Vol.
Who was killed in action,
July 10th, 1861.
Aged I9syrs.
W. S. CLAY,
lst Reg. Georgia Vol.
July lst, 1861.
Aged z years.
Some 1900 troops are still here, guard
ing this camp. Major DuvaIl has command
at Phillippi, and is guarding that place.
Hours, A. h.