Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-09-17


HSSpsr,s FerEyEThe Rebels At
tempting 90 Escape into VI 49,.
We have important private advices from
a gentleman Just arrived from Washington,
an officer in the Pennsylvania Reserves,
whose opportunities for obtaining intor-
nation were such that his statement is en-
titled to full credit.
Just before our informant left Washing
ton, dispatch had been received from
General Mcclellan, at Gen. fHalleck's head
quarters, informing him that the enemy,
under Stonewall Jackson, were making
vigorous efforts to escape across the PotO-
mac into Virginia, and requesting that
40, 600 troops be Immediately. dispatched
from the vicinity Of Washington up the
Potomac towards Harper's Ferry-that
the troops should move in two columns
2O, 900 up the south bauk Of the river, aud
20 900 up the north bank. II was further
directed that the division moving along the
south side of the Potomac should peue-
trate as far into the interior as practicable,
for the purpose of avoiding surprise, and
ascertaining If any bodies of the enemy
were within striking distance. This col
| umn was instructed to move with full
supply of light artillery, so as to bear upon
the enemy wherever he might attempt to
cross the river. nl
AS soon as this dispatch was received
| (which was about midnight FridRy,) Gen.
Halleck Immediately gave the order desir-
ed and by Saturday morning at daybreak
AZ, 600 troops were in motion as Directed
Consisting of veteran soldiers mixed with
the new levies lately placed in the field
Sufficient forces were retained in the in-
trenchments to repel any attack which the
enemy might make. Shonld these men
reach their destination before Jackson's
| forces could effect a crossing, it is impossi-
1 BILE to see how they eau escape.
II was fully believed in Washington that
jackson had from 80 900 I'd 400, 900 men in
Maryland, but their forces still in Virginia
could not be estimated. 1t was generally
believed that many of those remaining on
the Virginia side had hastened back to
Richmond, in consequence of rumor to
the effect that Gen. Mcclellan had sailed
upon an expedition to the James river for
the purpose of etfectiug capture of the
rebel capital. If this be true it will great
4 ly favor the success of our operations.
j The victory achieved by Gen. McClel
lsn's forces. near Middletown, on Sunday
over the forces of the enemy, is briefly men
toned In our Geographic column. This
battle was fought about ten miles north
west of Frederick, Nd, in the valley be
tween the Oatoctin and the South noun
tains, and on the road leading to Booasbort
and Hagerstown, whore it was reported
that the great body of the rebel army hat
posted themselves. The battle so far as W,
know anything about it, is said to have re
suited in cur favor, although We have Il
lament the death of the gallant Gen. Reno
and perhaps muny inferior officers aud men
Gen. Mcclellan had attained very faVora
4 BILE position, according to his own dispatch
and il the battle was renewed this mOraini
twas doubtless desperate and sanguiua'
try one.
Should Jackson be worsted aud attemp
to cross the Potomac, he will not only bt
pressed on the rear by Mcclellan, but hi
will also have to encounter the column
from Washington, which by this time ar
well on their way towards their destination
P. Slater intelligence states that the
reb,ls are retreating in disorder, closel
pursued by MrGlellsn's army.