New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-09-23


z. 81 passed through Sharpsburg, on my way
back here, this evening. 1t is rough, dapidated,-
poverty stricken, wretched little village, and Just
about nconsequental every way a. the village Of
Waterloo, with which is destined to stand ascot.
ated in the future history of the world. Our cannon
had done it some damage, beside soaring its nhabi-
tants IN their cellars!
Reconnaissance townrd shcpherdstown-
Gallant Charge Or a Banery-xts Cap
turc-Bravery OF the 4th Michfxsn-A
Disnstcr--A Brigade Ambuscaded By The
Rebels and Hundreds Slaughtered
taliation-Thc Rebel Line Shattered By
sheIIs-The Enemy Re-cnferced ard
10000 Strong.
From Our Special Correspondent
SHARPsDuRG, Sept. 90, 1862.
The enemy still holds the south bank Of the Po-
tomac.
Gen. Porter, with bis eutire corps, was yesterday
assigned the front, and at early hour marched his
men to within two miles of the river. Gen. Mo-
relPs Division led. Gen. Peasanton, who COM
mands all the cavalry in the army of the Potomac,
directed Col. Farusworh Of the 18th Illinois, who
now commands brigade consisting of his own regi.
men the Sd Indiana, the 4tb Massachusetts and Tho
9Th Pennsylvania Cavalry, to take detacbDsnts
from bis regiments and make q reconnaissance IN
the direction Of Sbepherdstown. He passed over
tue river late in the afternoon sent his to differ.
eat Is in search of the enemy, but found no one
to modest him or make him afraid and returned
without having had DISH at the enemy. Later in
the day the division of Gen. Morell was moved
hi, If tl nd thn
igan, in the advance. about TO cross, battery
OF SIX guns suddenly opened upon them from the top
of tie bluff commanding the ford. OF course Q
slight movement resembling panic at frat mani
tested ITSELF but the moment the order was given 10
croes the stream ascend the bill and take the battery,
shout went up which echoed and re-echoed through
the gorge and filled with CONSERVATION the men at
the guns. The hill was gained in the face OF Q
deadly fire, the guns reached, the gunners shot or
bsyoneted the entire battery in our possession
almost in as short time as have taken to write
an account of it. This charge Of the 4th Mich. was
one of the bavest and most successful Of the war.
The Potomac at the ford is about four feet deep.
The boys threw off their coats and waded across in
water up to their waists and with many of thsm
nearly mp the their necks. The guns, with ono
exception were all brought across the river. The
one left on the other side was spiked, dismountsd
and rolled down the bluff. Two Of the pieces fos3
.nerly belonged to Grltins battery which was taken
from us at the frst battle d; Bull Rum another was
Parrot and tho Others l2-pound brass howitzers,
manufactured in England. The battery altogether
is perhaps the most valuable taken by Mcclellan
since lie has had command Of the army. 1t
should be presented to the brave 9TH
Michigan as Q reward for their achievement.
To-day, however, regret to say have disaster
instead of victory to chronicle. II had not been
engaged for several days in witnessing great battles
battles which recall to mind all the great conflicts
of Napoleon, and in respects will bear favor
able comparrison.-I should dwell long upon the des-
perate fight and speedy repulse OF our troops this
morning. At the commencement Of the war battle
in which one or two brigades were engaged would
receive ell the attention from the press which is now
directed to the grand historical fights which are 70
run through all time to our glory or our shame.
Last evening regiment from Morells division
won the applause Of the whole army in capturing .
Rebel battery. This morning brigade from the
same DIVISION not observing the presence Of the enemy
on the opposite side, advanced to the river, and
crossed, meeting no resistance but the depth Of
water, which all overcame by wading or swimming.
The llSth Pennsylvania and the 18th Massachu-
sets had no sooner crossed and advanced up the bluff
about fifty rods than they suddenly discovered that
they were hemmed in on three sides by overwhslm-
ing masses of infantry, who Immediately opened
most terrible fire of musketry from everv part Of
their line. Gen. Barnes, who commanded the brig
ade, instantly ordered his men TO fall back and re-
cross the river. A scene of the widest confusion
and most terrible slaughter then occurred Inc
Rebels pressed them closely and shot our men DOWN
by hundreds as they attempted to ford tne nvsr:
Great numbers Of tho wounded could NOS oonseno
with the rapid current, and were almost instantly
drowned. The Rebels kept up their hre wn''e 'nsy
were in the water and all who did not escaPe "''e
shot down without mercy. A.;r., n.o
The llsth Pennsylvania passed over the 1ver Wv
strong have Just seen all there is LETT OF shis
.nnS;d REGIMENT which left the Old Keystone State
~, . few weeks sjoce. Portions Of two companies
a.. al, that .emain Of the fine men who crossed the
liver this morning. All the rest are killed, wounded
81, prisoners. Only 80 of the wounded sue
cssd.d IN reaching this side. The enemy, however,
.u,,.red terribly while sprnging another Balls Bluff
tran upon us. The moment the New-York and Ohio
batteries planted upon the hills on this side, dseov.
cred the enemy in such great force, they opened
fire Of she'll from every gun, and kept IL up until The
whole Rebel line fell back beyond range. The sfset
g. IA u.