The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-04

route must necessarily be by the latter place. via
Srasburg and Woodstock. In either is believed
they will not perform uninterrupted trip. Further
than this II may not bs proper to say Jackson inti
matey acquainted with the topography of the country
north of the Shenandoah may select suitable positions,
and risk decisive battle has been suggested that,
in order to execute the policy carrying the into
| Maryiand-as recently announced by Of his
manders, General Trimble-ho may, despe-
| rate experiment, change his route towards the
Potomac, between the Point Of Rocks the mouth OF
tho Seneca, retaliation las stated by General Trim.
be) for recent excursion up the Valley Of Virginia
Our scouts report enemy in Martinsburg this
ing II is also reported that the trssse work rail-
road bridge at Martnsburg fired by Ashbys
cavalry on their first entry into the town,
and guarded until night, when the Union citi-
zsns cxtinguished the flames. The next day
1t was retired and so much OF it destroyed to
quro tho entire work to BIO reconstructed The rebels
also tore up portion Of the track the and de-
sroyod the and much other valuable property be-
longing to the company. This twice repeated act Of
vandalism they will later regret for than
ono reason.
In relation to the recent battle and retreat from VIM
chester, Brigadier General Williams, commanding the
First and at the time the only division OF tho Army OF
the Shenandoah, under Major General Banks officially
states his force to have been not over infantry pre-
sent for duty ten PARROT and six brass smooth boro
guns and $50 Michigan cavalry and this force with parts
Of two small cavalry regiments under Brig Gen. Hatch
and the Major Generals personal escort the entire
force brought resist the sudden attack Of the combined
forces of Jackson Ewe and Johnson, variousy estimated
by prisoners deserters and ugitives at 30 00
with fifty to sixty pieces Of artillery. After speaking Of
the disposition Of his troops, he pays well written
compliment to the commanders OF brgades for
the promptness and accuracy with which his orders
were obeyed, himself observing the execution Of every
order given and every new movement Of the enemy.
General Williams speaks in high Of the cool con-
duct of Colonel Gordon Second Massachusetts, command
ing the Third brigade; and Colonel Donnely Twenty
eighth New York. commanding the First brig ado of Col
one Brodhead OF the Michigan cavalry, who under
medical treatment at the time, but herocally
volunteered to assume mis- command Of Captain Z. c. 30
man. Division Commissary Of Subsistence and Of Lieut.
Samuel E. Pittman, his aid-de-camp for their prompt
ness, efficiency and coolness ALSO Of Dr. Thomrs Anti
SELL Medical Director Of Division; Of Capt. H. NJ. Whit
tlssoy A. O. NJ in charge Of the division ran Of Lieut..
Augustine goth Pa Division Ordinance Ocer for saw
ing his train from the enemy's closing grasp.
Gen. Williams experienced soldier, undoubtedly
bestows no credit where It is undessrved.
Major Perkins, United States Army, Inspector Genera,
and Acting Assistant Adutant General to General Banks
from his education and long experience in the field rem
Assistant Commissary Of Subsistence charge Of the
herd Of beevss successfully eludsd the enemy most q
the way, and finally succeeded in bringing the
Potomac large part Of his herd but with loss OF his
clothing fund and camp equipage.
General Hatch, with tho GOODNESS, intrepdity and
activity OF inexperienced cavalry commander watch
cd the and darngy frustrated many attempts
Of the enemy to assa retreatng infantry with light
squadrons.
is fact to be deprecated that numbers Of officers
horses seized by many panic stricken pr-
Yates on the retreat, and probably
lost to tho officers and the government
Tho public should beware Of harboring purchasing
animals from soldiers unknown persons. Col Batch
elder Department Provost Marshal instituting rigid
scrutiny into the matter.
In previous letter your correspondent mentioned
rumor that collision had occurred between the citizens
OF Sharpsburg and Shepardstown villages located
spcctively the and Virginia sides OF the Po
tomac equally in uxtaposition the question.
II now appears that Tuesday night last party from
tho latter over to Sharpsburg and stole
old iron field picco-a relic Of other days. Believing
1t to be still useful, perhaps 1t was
they Immediately sent i. forward to jackson.
On Tuesday o party OF our cavalry went
over to Shopardstown andl It's return under
penalty OF having their town burnt but in view OF its
removal beyond their reach, the threat was not
cuted Since that timo parties among the Shopardstown
invaders have been captured and In the proper
hands.
An ordor has been issued by the Provost Marshal,
preventing small transient traders from absorbing all
the business locations in under forfeiture their
stock, wagons, &c.