The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-09-26

The greatest battle of the war was fought
on Wednesday of last week on Antietam
creek, near Strasburg, Maryland, and but
few miles from Harper's Ferry. After cap
turing the Ferry, and the vast amount of
stores therein contained, the rebel command
er seems to have changed his program and
turned back into Maryland to meet McClel-
lan's army that was holly in pursuit. They
met as above stated on Wednesday. The
rebels chose their position, which was very
strong one, and were attacked by the federal
army under some of its ablest generals. They
fought with the greatest fury and tenacity
from daylight until after dark. The CORES
pendent of the Tribune says the contest was
undecisive. Carleton in the Journal saws he
cannot tell whether it was victory or a de-
feat, but classes it as an indecisive engage
ment. AS matters turned after the battle it
appears evident that the advantage was with
the Union army. 1t was expected that Gen
Mcclellan, who had the whole of Porters
corps and three fresh divisions. would renew
the attack on Thursday and turn the discom-
future of the rebel army into an utter rout.-
Why he did not is mystery that civilians
cannot understand, and of course something
that they, being civilians, can not and should
not know anything about. He followed on
Friday, but too late to catch the game-it
had flown across the Potomac, bag and bag
gage.
The telegraph now reports "all quiet on the
Potomac" though it does say that the rebels
are preparing for another conflict. We think
1t great misfortune that We ale not able to
follow up an advantage. After the rebels re-
cuperate a fortnight they will be AS ready to
make draw game" of another battle as they
were the last. But to give the devil his due,
We will say that to retreat across large riv-
er in the face of large and almost victorious
army shows good generalship on the part of
the rebels, and not remarkable watchfulness
and care on the part of the Union generals
or general. AS we gave Gen Mcclellan great
credit for getting his army and trains away
from the peninsula and from under the ewes
and nose ofGen Lee without loss or moesta-
ton, we now transfer the credit to the latter
genera.
News is abundant from all portions of our
country. The rumor that Iarpers Ferry
had been It captured by our forces is undoubt-
eddy incorrect.--The excitement and panic
which was enacted at Cincinnati short time
ago is being reproduced, this time however
at Louisville, Ky. 1t is reported that Bragg
has outgeneraled Buell., and he was expected
to attack Louisville on Thursday. The PEG.
pie of Cincinnati are treasured of security
and have returned to their customary occu
pationS.- Government has dismissed Com.
mander Preble for allowing the armed rebel
steamer Ovieto to run the blockade. He was
undoubtedly lax, cowardly or traitorous.-
The Indians in the Northwest are now quiet
and some of the tribes are suing for peace
There was quite little fight at Iuka
Miss, last week. between Rosecrans and the
notorious Price. 1t is called a brilliant vic.
tory for the federals. -Mumfordsville Nv
was besieged by the rebels. and after several
days of fighting our forces were obliged to
surrender.-The loss in Gen Summers corps
in the battle Of Antietam, was 5.OoS in killed
wounded and missing.