Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-10-31
LATEST NEWS.
Faom Gen. aIccIeIIou's Army.
RV TEL EGRA PH
40 THE WORCESTER DAILY SPY.

HARPER's FERRY, Get. 29-P. M.-Since
Saturday last the movements of troops in this
vicinity have been constant, and, with the eX-
ception of Summers (now Couchs) corps, on
Bolivar Nights our whole army may now be
said to be in motion. Gen. Burnside's move
ment into Virginia has been strongly followed
up, and Gen. Fitz John Porter's corps is now
in position to operate promptly in the same
direction, if required.
The rebel pickets in strong number have
again appeared in front of Charlestown, and
their artillery and cavalry are visible from
Bolivar Heights. They keep a strict guard,
and are apparently very solicitous to prevent
any communication within their line in that
direction. Their pickets have also reappear-
ed opposite Sharpsburg, and picket firing over
the river has been resumed. Notwithstanding
these manifestations, the impression increases
at headquarters that the main body of the
rebel army has already retreated, and that we
shall find nothing at Winchester if an ad-
vance is made In tnat direction but few of
his wounded who could not be moved.
1t is pretty well known that a considerable
force of rebels have already crossed the
mountains through the gap of Front Royal,
and it is believed still larger force are pass
ing southward on the other side OF the noun
tans. The forces which our reconnaissance
have found in the vicinity of Smokers Gap
and Upperville are probably watching against
an attack on the flank of the main army, as it
stretches toward Gordonsville.
Surprising this general belief OF retreat of
the rebels is founded on fact, there is still
good chance for a pursuit that would force
Lee to turn and give battle. The position of
our army is good for accomplishing this. We
hold the shortest route to Gordonsville, and
In, +ba bac nd d. Of
command.
Our "Reminiscences made by Gen. Pleas
anton during the last few days, have infinitely
examined the country over which the pursuit
would be made, and has been fruitful of much
experience that will be valuable. Unless
Lees retreat is much further advanced than
is probable or possible. it would seem that
Gen. Mcclellan has the power of a vigorous
forward movement, aided by a similar adj
vance from Washington, to force Lee to stop
and fight before he gains Gordonsvllle.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE ARMY OF THE
PoToMAC, Thursday evening, Oct. 30.-A
force of cavalry belonging to the command of
Gen. Kelley, left Cumberland yesterday, max
ing forced march into Virginia, in search of
body Of rebel cavalry who had been commit
ting depredationS in that section. They
marched all night and came up with them
this morning, capturing sixteen prisoners and
twenty horses; also one hundred and fifty
head of cattle, which these guerrillas had
stolen from the citizens of an adjoining
county.
The rebel pickets, under Gen. Walker, at
Upperville, were driven from that place yes
terday afternoon. The infantry were said to
have marched to Snykersville, their intention
evidently being to escape to the right of the
Blue Ridge mountains by way of Snyker's
gap This is the only news from that section
to-day.
The orders of the commanding general of
this army are being carried out day and night
with all possible dispatch. The rebels have
destroyed portion of the railroad running
from CharleStown to Winchester. An aid to
Gen. Longstreet, who was paying visit at
Fairfax, was taken prisoner to-day.