Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-04-28
FROM GENERAL BANKS ARMY.
INTERESTING NEWS

CAMP NEAR SPARTA, April 25.-Several de-
serters aud refugees cOrroborate previous re.
ports that Jack son, after flying from our ad-
vancng column, on Friday last, pushed for
ward to point one mile north OF Harrison
burg where turnpike branches to the left,
passing MagaugheystOwn in the south fork OF
the Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge, and run.
ming thence to Gordonsville. Jacksons t. ain
had been pushed towards Staunton, but hear
ing that that town was in possession OF Union
troops he remanded it to Harrisonburg. AT
an early hour Saturday morning, jackson,
with his whole force and train took the Cor
louisville road, and at latest accounts he had
reached Magaugheystow
Saturday night squadron of the first Yer
mont cavalry. while scouting the Luray road
beyond Massanuten mountain, fell i'll with
body of the enemy's cavalry, and skirmlsh
ensued, resulting in The capture OF seven OF
the enemy, and eleven of their horses. None
Of our men were hurt, but lieutenant had
his horse shot under him.
The paymaste- of the Vermont cavalry ar
rived at camp yesterday the train contain
ing shoes, stockings, &c, for Gen. Williams
division, reached Mount jackson on Friday
They will be distributed to day. The weather
since Friday has been very Indictment, owing
to a prevailing northeaSter, the dampness pen
etrating tents and clothing, and chilling the
bodies of the men. There are loud calls for
a restoration OF the whiskey rationS.
The inhabitants OF this valley, although
they gave an almost unanimous vote for Sc
cession, now sincerely regret it, and appear
well pleased in the belief thai the war in Vir-
ginia is nearly at an eud. Fresh meats and
breadstuIs abound, and the owners are not
disposed TO conceal them. JaCkson's retreat
from the valley has had beneficial effect on
the volunteers, and drafted men from Rocking
ham and the surrounding counties. Large
numbers OF them are daily coming into our
lines and delivering themselves up. 1t is said
that hundred OF them are in the Massanulen
mountains, hiding from AshLyS scouts, and
only awaiting an opportunity 10 escape and
claim protection from Gen. Banks. One who
came in yesterday reported that he tnuud a
barn few miles hence, where were concealed
sixteen refugees and deserterS, who will prob
ably come into town to-day.
a portion of Ashby's cavalry are scouting
on both sides of the mountain near Harris
sOnburg, waiting our movements, and endeav-
oriug to catch deserters. The main body,
however, it is believed, have gone with Jack
son, wherever he may be. The refugees aud
deserters are turned over to Lieut.. Col. Batch
elder, OF the provost maTslal's department,
ana examined by COl. Ciaiki OF Gen. Drinks
staff
DR.. Baxter, late assistant surgeon Of the
Wisconsin Sd, has been appointed medical
surveyor for this department, and is temper
arily stationed at Strasburg. The rebel hos
ptals are models Of comfort, convenience and
cleanliness. AT Mount jackson three large
two story frame buildings have been recently
constructed on the most approved plan, being
lathed aud piastered and divided into appro-
PIRATE wards. The ceilings are high and the
ventilation perfect. They are sufficient to
accommodate six hundred patients and will
be occupied by our sick.
Wagons are actively collecting forage and
other supplies which are mere abundant here
than in Shenandoah and Frederick counties
A Union hostage who escaped from Jack
son, Saturday morning, reports that his force
was at that tinc six miles east OF HARRISON
burg, which place he lett in perfect panic
The Union hostages taken by Jackson from
Winchester and the valley, many OF whom
are sixty years old and upwards, sick and
crippled were barbarously compelled tC
march ON foot behind the train up hill and
down, through mud and creeks, in some cases
falling down from sheer exhaustion. This
act caused great Indignation in our army, and
loud cries are made for retaliation upon the
prominent seces> iOniSts.