New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-10-04

visit the battle-ground OF Antieta before returning
to Washington.
Feeling for the Encmy-A Reconnaissance
a. fur ms Mnrtinsburg-A brilliant Skir-
mish between PIensanton's Cavalry ana
thc Encmy-Wounded md Missing-Thc
Rebel Army between Bunker Hill ana
winchester -Longstrect Woundcd-Con-
dillon OF the Rebel Army-The Whole
Country Lnid WASTE.
From Our Special Consspepdent.
SBARPsBURG, Nd, Oct 9, 1862.
The OK swallowed by the great anaconda on
the l7th of September has been digested and the
serpent begins to and to show signs of life and
activity. New prey is looked for, and strong folds
are being gradually drawn around the position OF the
victim. The figure aside our army having rested
from ,s hercuean labors in the Maryland campaign,
is not only preparing for. but is already entering
upon new Virginia campaign.
A Reconnaissance on Tuesday across the river
and down the narpors Ferry road from shepherds
town, fonnd the pickets of the enemy two miles
from the ford. few shos were fired without elect
on either eide. The enemy WIS not found in force
within six miles of the river. a foraging party
from Gen. Porters corps went out toward Martins
burg and procured several wagon loads Of hay and
returned without being disturbed by the enemy.
Yestorday the Second Brigade Of Cavalry under
Gen Plemonton consisting OF the 9Th Pennsylvania,
the sih Illinois and the 81 Indiana Cavalry Regi-
mentn, accompanied by Tidbal's battery Of regular
arti lory crossed the Potomac at Blsckford's Ford
above shepherdsiown, with the determination Of
learning the position Of the enemy.
A mile beyond Shepberdstown the enemy's pickets
were discovered and half mile beyond, toward
Martnsburg, body Of cavalry, with artillery, gave
battle. Gen. Peassntons forces made dash on
the enemy, when bis forces broke and ran. brisk
skrmish ensued for several miles, IN which three
,roopcrs Of the sth Illinois were shghtly wounded.
Tie enemy lost one killed. and several wounded.
A Rebel lieutenant and five privates were made
prisoners.
Tie accommodating party reached Martinsburg at
about II o'clock. Many OF the citizens were quite
jnbilant over their supposed delverance. Several
National banners were displayed, and usty cheers
went up Tor the Union and our gallant troopers.
When il was found, however that the National
forces had no. como TO stay" deep sadness filled
the hearts aud marked the couniensnces Of those
loyal citizens, and they sorry because of their
illtmsd mantle Of loyalty to the National
Government
Our troops remained little more thn an hour at
81 trtinsburg and when they rotraced their march,
some twenty Union accompanied them, believ
ing il to DO more safe to remain back because of
their display of love for the Union.
A camp Of tho enemy is ut Bunker Hill, and bis
entire army lately driven from Maryland,
is reported 10 DO lying between Bunker
Hill and Winchester. Tie citizens Of Martinsburg
represent the Rebel officers saying: A great bat
tic will be fought this side of Winchester" This
would indicate present determination TO make
stand at that point.
Only ono gun and two companies Of cavalry went
into Martinsburg The main force was concealed
beyond the hill. The little force guarding single
piece OF light artillery, dehanty paraded the streets
Of the town, in order TO draw out the enemys cav.
airy. The scheme entirely successful, and when
the squadron withdrew ard started toward Shop
herdstowp, q body of Stuars Cavalry was seen
coming toward Martnsburg.
Before Pleasaniou's Brigade had gained the top of
the hill. two miles this side of Msrtinsburl, the enc
my's cavalry with artillery, came galloplng through
tho town in hot pursuit. Preparations were made
10 give them becoming reception. The cavalry
was divided into squads TO support the battery,
which was stationed in sections rising ground
the second and third sections distance apart and
TO the rear Of the fist, with the cavalry in fields be-
hind stone fences.
On came the enemy at a furious rate, needless
and perhaps ignorant, Of tho number and maneuver
Of our forces. As soon rs he came in range Capt.
Tidba sent him q reminder, with such accurate aim
that he came to halt and commenced Smelling our
forces with nix pieces of artillery. In the meantime
m additional cavalry force arrived, and the enemy
attempted flank movement.
The frrt section Of our battery and the supporting
battalion beat Lasty retreat and fell in the rear Of
the third section. The movement was well con-
ducted and had the desired effect. The attempt at
aanking was turned into a charge and the enemy
came laundering after what lie supposed to be our
dsorganized retreat. The retiring squad fell 10 one
side and at q range fearfuly short-thc second
section of the battery opened with q shower Of
grape and canister that sent the charging troops
reeng, confused with sstonishmen,, to the rear OF
their artillery. The cavalry at the same time opened
severe enhlading fro from behind the fence, which
told fearfully on the enemy.
Gen. PIeaanton then rapidly withdrew his forces
to moro advantageous position, and egain tricked
the enemy into raking fire Of grape and canister,
and Obstructive earbine fro and saber charge, |
which made terrible havoc among his troops.
At Rocky Marsh, three miles beyond Shepherds.
town, our whole force was drawn up TO make final
charge upon the enemy, in order to insure the safe
o,o..;,o o. tLa ford IN. RaheI forco bouay.r |
failed to up, having sufficiently tested the metal
of the remembering party to know it could both
fight and run. The dashing Rebel troopers returned,