New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-09-17
make determined stand. II the approach of our
co,,,,rpa deve,ors any purpoae 10 carry the town,

columns develops any purpose 70 carry the Town,
Frederick. being only eight miles further, is within
easy supporting distance. Roads conyerging at Ur-
banna seem to indicate it as point OF union Of our
forces and its nearnese to Frederick makes equally
fit for an outpost or advance guard position TO the
main BODY OF the enemy there concentrated-there
if anywhere.
Gen. Sedgwck's division marched at G this morn
inc for Hyattstown, with orders 10 carry the posi-
ton. The movement was understood TO be in CO.
operation with another, which for some reason was
not made the force destined to effect it having been
diverted to another ls mt. The change of plan be-
ing unknown, or p rs not affecting this part Of
the scheme, Gen. Ewick pushed on bis column
rapidly till within ~ miles of Hyatstown. Re-
ports there came back from Capt. johnson, command
ing a company of the 9th N. Y. Cavalry in advance,
that their pickets had been driven in, and that the
enemy were in possession of the town and of the
nights commanding II.
The lst California, Col. Wistar, was ordered for
ward as an advance guard and two companies, ID
aud y, both under Capt. Rittman, were thrown out
also in advance Of the regiment. A message came
soon after that cavalry was in possession Of the
village but that the enemy held the nights beyond
Lieut. Howe, of Gen. Sedgwioks staff, rode TO the
brow of the hill on this side to reconnoiter. No in
dication of the enemy could be discovered on the
opposite hills but was evident that if artillery was
posted against us, column OF troops on the road
would be considerably exposed to its fire. A mes
sage was sent back and Gen. Howard came forward
to the front, and, after examining the ground, sent
for section of artillery TO shell the woods on the
other hills. 1t was known tina, the Rebels bad artil-
lery. They had been in the town the night before
with cavalry, and Major Adams with bis forces had
been driven out and followed by half dozen shells.
While the artillery was coming up, Gen. Howard
rode On into the town. Ii ism IA town-only poor
village Of perhaps a hundred and fifty people
three fourths Rebels. They were excessively un-
willing to give information, but by the help OF q
negro woman it WAS pretty certainly sscertained
there had been infantry seen in or near the place.
The let California came down the bill and occupied
tie main street, while cavalry scouts sent out
on the roads 10 right and left, and company OF
slirmshers deployed in line on either flank. Then
the battery having come up, dozen shells were
thrown into the flrihesi woods without reply ana
the infantry again advanced. The skirmishers went
cautiously through the oornfeds on both sides of the
road and frequently dropping fire in front told
that they had found something in the way. The
rest Of the column pushed on but before it came up
the line OF skirmishers, with spirited cheer, rushed
on at double quick, and PIT TO flight Il body Of
Rebel cavalry which was discovered in the road
perhaps thirty or forty in number. They disap-
peared in the woods on the Urbanna road, after hav
ing fired two or three irregular volleys from car
bnes, rifles and shoi.guns
Gen. Howard occupied the position with infantry
and artillery and has held it daring tho rest Of the
day without interference. Cavalry has once or twice
shown iiseif IN the Distance, and one officer thought
he observed two regiments Of infantry in The woods
with colors fly ing but al quiet eiil IN front There
was no loss on either side during the day
Three or four loyal citizens joined the advancing
column Of Gen. Sedgwick odAy with offers of GER
vice, and with some valuable information about
roads. With these exceptions, the temper of the
people ia very like what it in Virginia-suleny
hostile. On the theory that the country IL friendly,
guards are everywhere stationed protect the prop
ery of citizens without inqurns Into their opinions.
The people not allowed to pass and repass in and
out OF our lines without permission, but pckets are
slight obstacle TO men whose knowledge Of the
country is complete. Here as in Virginia, the
Rebels have early accurate and full information Of
all our movements while it is next TO impossible 10
find out where the Rebels are, or how many men
they have. II il week tonight since the Rebel ad
vance crossed the Potomac, yet their numbers and
position are still mystery.