New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-09-17

| contestlng every foot OF ground. up to about TWO
o'clock the engagement was principally with ar
tillery
The Rebels placed their batteries in every advan-
tageous position and shelled our advance. Our ar
tilery replied and the firing attmes was very heayy
but the advantage from the higher ground they oc-
cupied being with the Rebels in this artillery prac-
tice our Generals depended more upon their infan-
try, and heavy columns were pushed successfully
forward driving the enemy back, until about hafthe
ascent of the mountain was gained. In doing this
work some splendid dasbea were made by our troops
in which Burnside and Hookers corps formerly Nc
Dowells, particularly distinguished themselves. Be-
tween 9 and 3 o'clock the Rebels were found drawn
up in line of battle, their left covering Turner's Gap,
through which the pike to Hagerstown passes, and
left extending to Compton's Gap.
Our right was led by Gen. Hooker In the advance
with Gen. Franklin on the left and Gen. Burnsdes
corps in the center. Gen. Hentzelman's corps was
pressing upon the rear and was believe in reserve
Some portions of it may have participated in the
fight. When the enemy were thus found drawn up
in line Of battle their chosen position, the engage
ment at once became general and fierce. The mus
kerry fire rs described by officers wounded in the
battle and now here, was the most continuous ana
sustained of the war. II rolled rapidly and hercely
from right to left and back and forward with irri-
sistble fury. Our artillery was brought splendidy
up and played its part, as usual, well.
For two hours this continuous exchange Of mus
kerry and artillery continued until the enemy began
10 show signs of wavering. Our extreme right had
been gradually but surely pushing the enemy, crowd
ing him toward the "Gap," and threatening his
flank At five O'Clock, general charge was ordered
and our men responding willingly and bravely to
the call sprang forward with impetus that carried
all before it,
The Rebels fell back, endeayorng again TO bring
their disoriered columns into line OF battle, but
failed. Wildly cheering and determined to win, our
lines pushed forward, and drove the enemy from
point to point, and AZ the last rays OF the
sun gded the mountain and reached its summit
the tass WAS won, aud the enemy were In rapid
and dsordered retreat down the slope toward Boons
boro'. The pursuit. was continued for two miles
down the mountains, until darkness put an end to
the contest Our troops bivouacked for the night on
the battlefield, while its pickets extended some
three miles forward and beyond the little village OF
Bolivar mot the Bolivar of Harpers Ferry.
The Rebels left their killed and many Of their
wounded on the field. Ny informant had no knowl.
edge Of the enemy's loss, except where they were
engaged Immediately on the right, and can therefore
give 10 estimate Of the general loss on either side
They found the ground over which they passed
tbickly strewn with Rebel dead and wounded.
In a cornfield where desperate stand was made
there was marked evidence of the severity With
which they had been punished. Our own loss, 1t is
believed, il very much essperhaps not half that OF
the enemy.
Our men fought the whole day with desperate
yalor which in battle often proves that there is
safety in ,emerity. They literally drove the enemy
all the time, giving them no tine to rally, no oppor-
tunity to recover and thus kept them at disadvan-
tage.
Our veterans have added new lanreh to those
gained on other weIl.fought fields, while new regi-
ments did far better than one would have ventured
to hope. Enthusiasm made up for their inexpe-
rence, and they rival.ed their older companions In
arms in the steadiness with which they went under
fire.
Among our losses we have TO lament Gen. Reno.
He WAS killed by rifle ball while feeling the posi-
ton Of the enemy on Sunday.
hear of the oss OF no other of general officers.
Az TO our loss of field and line officers we have no
reports.
We have numerous and 10 doubt extrayagant ru-
mors here OF the loss of the enemy. Gen. Lee is
reported killed and the best part OF Longstreets
division captured. Tracing these reports as far as
am able find that Gen. Lee is reported by prison
ers taken as wounded, and some say killed Gen.
Garland Of Virginia certainly killed. OF pris-
soners. probably from 800 to 1000 have been cap
u e. Id Loo ha tall
Some intermittent artillery firing was heard early
this morning, but from the general quiet in 'front.' 1t
is evident that no battle was in progress to-day.
The reports are that the Rebels made good use of
their heels during the night, and that this morning
they were in rapid retreat toward the river render
ing it doubtful whether they would be overtaken
before they had put the Potomac between themselves
and Gen. Mcclellan.
The hone is that Gen. Heintzelman's corps being
comparatively fresh, will be enabled to push after
them and embarrass if not prevent, their retreat.
Much anxiety is felt here TO learn the condition OF
affars nj Hsrpers Ferry, where it is known Col.
Miles is hardly pushed by Stonewall Jackson
Can't. Cole was sent from there on Saturday night
70 communicate with Gen. Mcclellan. Through his
knowledge Of the roads he got safely across the
ene,pys lines and met Gen. Mcclellan at Middle
town on Sunday. His report is Il gather 1t seconc-
hand that the Rebels Friday advanced in such
force on the Maryland Hights, coming up from the
rear that our people were forced 10 abandon the
battery there. The retreat was, however, done
systematically. The guns Were spiked and then
thrown over the precrpice, and most Or all OF the
men ESCAPED over to the Ferry.
Jackson had also possession of Loudon Nights, the
snallress Of Col Mess force rendering il impossible
for hin 70 maintain these detached positions.
ON Sunday the Rebels endeavorcd 10 place bat