Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-01-29
FROM THE UPPEK POTOMAC

HANCOCK, Jan. 26.-rhe existing freshet in
the Potoml &c has produced disastrous results
to the canals. AT Cumberland there is a large
break, another at Little Orleans above dam
No. g. another between dam No. and Han
cock, and two between Hancock and the four
locks. Al dam No. 5 the crib on the Virginia
side which was undermined and weekend by
the rebels some weeks ago has yielded to the
pressure of the high water, and although the
canal is now full, on the falling OF the water
it will drain the Williamsport Ievee above /;
but near dam No. the guard bank has been
carried away and at the dam the stop lock and
portion of heavy masonry have broken aud
fallen in Thus for the present the canal has
been rendered useless both to the government
and the public. The estimated time for re-.
pairs is about twenty five days, and the cost
S12 900 to $4,000. As the canal is a strong
work tor offensive and defensive operations, ii
seems emmently proper that the government
should send its aid to the company to restore
it to a state of usefulness.
Gen. Kelly left Cumberland last Thursday
for Wheeling. The state OF his wounds al.
most precludes the hope OF his recovery. On
the right side where the bail entered the
wound IS suppuratng, and his ribs are visible
on his back where the incisiOns were made 10
extract the ball. aud there are large suppur-
ating sores surrounded with infamed pus.
tules. Ii is supposed that this state OF his
wonnd arises from an unhealthy state Of HE
blood, or from some latent poison in his sys.
TEN.
Our troops at Cumberland are under the
immediate command of Major Swearuizen,
who is also provost marshal. Acting Briga-
der Colonel Evans commands those at New
Creek, and Gen. Lander in person is at Pat
terson's Creek OH the Virginia side, but has
been furnished with ample means for crossing
the Potomac by the management Oi the Ches
apoake and lOhio Canal Company, should he
be assaied by superior force.
The sick OF Gen Lander's command are all
al Cumberland, numbering 677. A new addi-
tionaI hospital building is now being fitted
up there There is considerable and ucreas
ing.sckness in Gen. Williams brigade here,
arising, it is believed, from the manner in
which the men are crowded into the houses.
The fifth Connecticut and nlneteeth. New
York, have left the houses and pitched their
tents outside the town. The other regiments
will follow their example as soon as tents can
be procured.
jackson with his full force is reported to be
at Nugers, twelve miles north OF MarInsburg.
FREDERICK, Md, Jan. N.-A report has
reached here from Dam No. 5. that a portion
of Gen. jackson force demonstrated against
the Dam, yesterday, but this requires confirm
alton.
SANDx Hook, MD, Jan. rs This fore
noon a squad of AshDy's rebel cavalry made
their appearance at Boliver, accompanied by
a section of artillery which opened fire on
Co. Ii, of Col. Geary's regiment stationed
mile and halt above Sandy Hook. Our
parrot gun and Entield's soon slenced their
battery, and drove the rebels back behind
the hill. AT the latest advices no rebels were
in sight, except a wounded picket stationed
in small wood near Bolivar. Jackson's
main body is concentrating at Charleston.
Our iaiormants state that great consterna-
ton exists among the rebels, in consequence
of reports that our whole division is about
to cross over, and that Jackson las posted
to Charlestown to resist our prog ess. 1t is
thought here that jackson will will move
down nearer to Harper's Ferry TO night.