Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-09-06
THE SITUATION AT WASHINGTON.
Various Particulars.

il nothinu new from the front to-day. Our
troops are still occupied in getting into posi-
tion. and have for the greater part resumed
the precise localities held by them previous to
their leaving for the peninsula Quite num-
her of field officers are in the city to-day, in
GLIDING mayor generals Pope and Simmer.
There are constant arrivals of troops, in regi-
ments and in squads. Baggage wagons line
the streets, onstheir way to supply our troops
both on the Virginia and Maryland sides of the
Potomac. This description of business has
never been more lively than it is at the pres
ent time.
There seems to be no doubt that the Mary
land side is now free from armed rebels
Five rebel scouts or spies crossed over yes
terday at Edwards Ferry, and were seen at
or near Poolesville. They did not long con-
tinue in that neighborhood. Such recon-
noissances are believed to be of frequent oc-
currence. A regiment of rebel cavalry was
at Edwards Ferry yesterday, and amused
themselves by saluting our men on this (the
Maryland) side with their feld-pieces, doing
no damage.
1t is ascertained that the enemys forces last
seen at Vienna were, for the most part, worn
out or invalid soldiers gathered there as a
place of refuge. The rebels, in the recent
forces, having a powerful reserve to be made
use of as the exigencies might require The
most trustworthy among the conflicting ru-
mors is that the rebel forces, comprising, at a
guess, a hundred thousand men, were still
moving yesterday through Thoroughfare Gap,
branching off into the valley and stretching
upwards toward Harper's Ferry.
Paroled prisoners say that the rebel soldiers
expressed their confidence of crossing over
into Maryland in heavy force in the course of
four days. They doubtless will make the at
tempt. Gen. Sgel arrived here to-day, and
on his appearance at his hotel was warmly
welcomed by his friends Gen. Carl Schurz
is also here, and publicly denies the statement
that Gen. Sigel lost any guns.
WASHINGTON, Sept. I'LL P. M.-The qui-
ct OF the city still continues. No one seems
bold enough to manufacture and circulate an
exciting rumor to disturb the general monoto-
ny. There is no disagreement whatever in
the belief that the rebels are extending their
lines into the valley of Virginia, having in
view the crossing into Maryland, to carry out
their military programme.
1t is not known that even a skirmish has
yet taken place recently on the Upper Poto-
mac, but active movements are of course an
tcipated in that direction as well as on the
line of the Potomac river and the Chesapeake
and Ohio canal, and in the absence of facts
regarding the rebel movements, much is nee
eSsarily left to conjecture Our forces are
watchful and vigilant.
In front of our army, to-day, six or eight
miles distant from our most advanced out
posts, clouds of dust and other appearances
clearly indicate activity among the rebel
troops. This is the extent of the knowledge
upon that subject, apart from the report that
our pickets were driven in this afternoon by
detachment pf rtiI nd
cavalry. The sound of cannon for a short
period seems to confirm this rumor; no dam
age whatever has resulted.
1t appears by private letter that our troops
have been WITHDRAW from Aqua Creek, if not
altogether, certainly in part. The military
stores have been amplyMsecured and placed
beyond the possibility of falling into the
hands of the enemy. Five or six gunboats
were at last accounts lying in that vicinity.
The rebels do not occupy Fredericksburg
with any force as the troops designed to hold
the town have been sent forward to augment
Jacksons forces. The citizens are perform
ing guard duty at Fredericksburg.
A rebel prisoner now in this city, and
whose relatives reside here, represents that
the slaughter of the enemy in the recent bat
ties, was extremely heavy, and he estimates
the number far greater than the exaggerated
number on our side. A rebel mail recently
captured in the vicinity of Fredericksburg,
confirms the report of the enemys heavy los
es, especially among the officers, including
Gen. Ewell.
LATEST FROM WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5.-The following items
are gathered from various sources. 1t is be-
lieved that the rebels have crossed in some
force this side of Point of Rocks, and sub
sequenty for the most part crossed into Vir-
oil, hos IN lyn fhn
experiment of getting lodgment in Mary
land. The rebels have thrown shells across
the river at canal boats, &C., which, however,
did no damage.
A man protesting to have made his escape
from the neghborhood of Leesburg, on We'd
nesday, by swimming the river, arrived in our
lines to-day. He states that jackson had en-
tered Leesburg with his troops, and was push
ing towards Harper's Ferry; and that Long
street was marching in the same direction.
The rebels are well supplied with artillery.
Most Of the Union people about Winches-
ter and Leesburg had made their escape into
Maryland Others were captured by their
secession neighbors while making the attempt
and thrown into prison. Upon receipt of the
intelligence that Jackson was marching to-
ward Leesburg, rebel flags were displayed by
many of the inhabitants in token of their joy
at his coming.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept 5-The Baltimore
American of this evening gives number of
rumors of the rebels crossing the Potomac at
Edwards Ferry the number varying from
10000 down to 400 cavalry and few pieces
of artillery The object is supposed to be to
destroy the Caloctan bridge, cutting off com
munication between the federal troops and
Harperr Ferry and Point Of Rocks. A dis
oatch this evening discredited the whole state
ment 1t is generally believed to be false;
some one probably mistook friends for enc
mics.
FLOATING RUMORs.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5.-The Washington
Star of this evening says, ''last night tele-
eorams and other information reached Wash
ington, saying that the rebels had crossed the
Potomac in the course fthe afternoon at two
noints. one above and the other below Point of
Rocks. Upto noon to-day, we are unable to
learn that these accounts have been confirmed
by dispatches from military officers detailedto
the duty of closely observing the movements
of the enemy on and about the river Large
masses of our troops continue to be marched
night and day to positions within striking DIS
lance of the river f0rds The delay OF the
rebels in making their expected effort mas
given us plenty of time to make due prepare
tons for their reception whenever they may
appear in threatening numbers.
1t is not improper for us to mention that Il