Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-10-31
Headquarters,
Army of the Potomac,
Monday Eyeuing, eth.
,cfnted preSS.

Monday EveuIng, 18th. }
To the Associated Press:
Gen. PIcasantons advance arrived to.
day at Purcellsvilla, within few hours
march Of Longstrcets command, which is
believed to be at UpperviI!c, near Ashby
Gap.
4 dispatch from him at 1 o'clock stated
that he had driven the enemy so far with
the loss Of a corporal, who was taken pris-
oner by his horse falling.
No information has been received to-
day changing the position OF the main reb-
el army from tue vicinity Of Winchester
and Bunker Hill.
Rebel cavalry continue to show them
selves between Martinsbnry and Cherry
River, and regiment was seen and fred
at opposite Shcpardstown yesterday.
BALrIYoRE. 9th.
The American, has tae following special
despatch from Berlin:
The movement of Gen Burnside across
the Potomac at Berlin, thourh it has not
been followed by an immediate general
advance of cur forces, is unl9abteil y an
initial movement OF that long promised
activity on the part Of the army OF the
Potomac, which we all hope is to deal
against the rebellion most staggering
blow
Today there has been no movement be-
yond gradual bat heavy reinforcement
of Gen, Burnside in his position.
He has taken the Virginia side Of the
Potomac near LovettsytIe, but it will not
do to say what numbers have been mass
ing in that direction, until it is evident
that the movement IS no mere reconnaissance
bat in reality aa advance of tae left wing
OF the army.
This movement, It will be observed,
brings our left wing, which was previous
ly in the rear, on nearly straight line
with the centre, and all the distance from
Pleasant Valley to Lovettsylle nearer the
Ferry. In this respect it will be seen that
the movement was necessary preimna-
ry to placing the army in n position for
an advance, whilst it does not in the least
betray the plan on which the advance is
to be finally made.
From Lovettsville Gen. Burnside threat
ems equally the rebel flank at Winchester
and their line Of communication via Front
Royal. There is but little news from the
front to-day, and as there has been no fir.
ing to-day it is presumed nothing impor-
tant has occurred. Gen. Burnsido's forces
are massed in the vicinity Of Lovettsvillo
Our cavalry and light artillery, under
Gen Pleasenton, are reported to have &C.
supied Leesturg last night, the rebel cav
airy force there retrcating before our ad-
vance but l cannot now verify the re
port from any one acquainted with thC
facts In relation to the rebels we have
numerous reports, all tending to one con
clusion that the main portion, if not tn,
entire army, has fallen back beyond Win
chester. One fact may be said - tc Ger
tainly established; they have deserted tn
line OF the Potomac, and are neither t.
be found in Charlestown, Magtinsburg O.
Shepardstown-
During several days of last week, a
has been their practice usually before
retreat, they showed themselves in stron!
force at all the various points of our line
and their pickets we're viciously beIliger
en., firing at any and everything. Ol
Saturday, all these demonstrations ceased
and their pckets disappeared cntiFel,
from our front.
Refugees from Winchester are also re
ported to have come within our lines
who stated that their town had been cvac
uated by the enemy, who were retreatin;
towards Staunton. give it us only a re
pert. The very general belief, however
j. that General Lee is making fast tim
towards Gordonsville, and that the mai
portion of his army is already wei! at
vanced in that direction.
Everything is quiet at Harpcf's Fer
ny except the hustle and stir incilent t
the presence of large force.
Notwithstanding the predictions alnos
daily for week past of an advauc of tn
forces on Bolivar and Maryland height
they are yet quiet in their tents engage
with nothing more important than tn
usual duties Of camp life. The men
invigorated by braeing Northwestern ap
pear in the finest health and spirits
is admitted that the army is now full
prepared for offercive movements, AM
the present quiet therefore means moth
ing.
Oar outposss in this direction hay
been at HiiIstown for several days. ant
it is reasonable to conclude they vii
hold Charlestown.
The rain of yesterday wound up las
night ina furious storm Of comminglec
r,s, .nd Wind that was felt in the camn.
occupying exposd positions on the sum
mits and sides of mountains on Bolivar
and Maryland Heights. The storm rag
cd with such fury chat tents were over
turned and the men forced 20 q midni ghi
battle with the elements
Notwithstanding the considerable guam.
tisy of rain that fell yesterday aud last
evening, the river has been but little al
fectet. thereby the water has not risen