Newbern weekly progress., 1862-11-15
Phtl0monf. Ia. Non. q |

Philomont Va, Nor 8, 1862.
The advance Of the Army Of the Potomac,
under Gs'eral Pleasanton, reached this little
village to-day, onits march along Loudon val
ley. The situation of the opposing armies is
very interesting one.
, When the enemy was driven by Mcclellan
at Antietem across the Potomac Fl ON Maryland
back into Virginia he sought shelter in the
sttong position afforded him at Winchester, in
the upper part Of the Shenandoah Valley. -
There every effort was put forth to recuperate
his wearied men and increase his shattered
force, so greatly reduced since the incursion
into Maryland, with the bopc Of drawing us
after him 10 Winchester. The reconnaissance
in force to Charlestown and beyond in that
vicinity demonstrated the fact that the enemy
was posted in strong force at Bunker Hill
and Winchester, and was evidently waiting for
| US there.
General Mcclellan, instead of following the
| enemy to Winchester and along the Shenandoah
| valley is apparently OH his way to cut him of
from Richmond and to shut him up in the upper
part of the Shenandoah. Hence he crossed q
portion Of his forces at Berlin, below Harper's
Ferry, andis now moving down Loudon valley
| The enemy appears to be on his way to the
rebel capital. Orders have been given by Gen
era Lee, within the last few days, to have some
of the sick moved away from Winchester ir
Staunton. A large number Of SMALLPOX cases
were ordered there. Several day since column.
of the enemys troops and baggage wagons were
seen moving down the valley from Winchester
TIE bivouhcs on the match have since beer
known 10 have been at Berryville, Milwood ant
other places on the route towards Richmond.
/, 1t is absolutely necessary for the successful
passage of the rebel army that the gaps in tn,
Blue Ridge Mountains Should Be strongly guard
cd. The first is Smoker Gap The enemy ha
largs force posted Immediately behipd il OIL
the Shenandoabs side and their pickets are thrown
through the, gnp and the town Of Snickersvll
on this (the Loudon) SIDE while videltes an,
signal stations are p, sted along the slopes Of til
Blue Ridge mountains. 1t is believed to be
division under the rebel General Walker From
the Blue Ridge chain, on which these signal
aud videttes are stationed, a splendid view q
the whole of this magnificent Louion valley
obtained.
Ashbys Gap the next below that known a
Snicker's, is guarded by General Lbngstreet
di, ,ision. A few days since ha crossed the She
nanjoali river at Berrys Foid, passsd throug
Ashby's Gap to this side, and is now eucamp,'
in the vicinity Of Upperville and Paris near tn
gap The enemy undoubtedly has forces at th
other passes, and " NJ endeay6r to hold all I
them, including Manassas Gap 4"
When our advance arrived at this place, aboi
eleven o'clock this morning, the citizens, wi
are strongly secession. were considerably exc 'te
aud alarmed A hundred of Stuart's cav III
men had left short time before we arrive
Peasanion placed pickets on all the roads. A
the male adult citizens were arrested by CAP
KERN. the Provost Marshal. to prevent their ri
'1iug the enemy information twenty-five We
arrested. Three had taken the oath of aeeian,
tythe United States. The others nineteen