The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-22
Advance Of Popo's Army.

Reports from the army of Virginia state
that the rebels are still rctrcating beyond the
Rapidan. They have, however, q strong
forco of cavalry. with artillery on the bank
OF the river, which is supposed to be merely
stationed to cover tho retreat OF tho main
force. otoncwall jackson is said to have
sixty thousand men in his army. Descrters
to our camp state that almost oil tho Virginia
troops would desert If they thought that
they would bc we'll treated. a great mum.
Der Of tho enemy's dead were left entirely
unburicd, and many more only half covered
On Tuesday last Gen. Pope ordered recon-
noissance OF tho cnemy's position by force
under command of Gen. Sigcl. When they
obtained view OF tho mountain slope, two
regiments of rebel cavalry and force OF in
fantry were seen. When our troops got
within range they opened fire upon the
enemy FROM tho artillery, our forces at the
same time making q flank movement.on each
side to surround them. This manGuvro had
tho effect of making tho rebels draw behind
the mountain on the Orange road. On go
ing forward it was discovered that tho main
body of the enemy had crossed tho Rapidan,
and that the force discovered was only tho
rear guard. Gen. Buford then pushed on to
intercept the enemy, and il was reported tho
next morning that ho had entered Orange
Court House, but found that tho enemy had
retrcatcd. On the morning Of the 18th IN
advance was made by portion Of the main
army. The Twelfth Alassachusct regiment.
in the battle, formed into line OF battle and
delivered several vollcys at tho enemy's cav.
airy as they were charging upon Pope and
Banks. and undoubtedly saved those generals
from capture or death. Tho Twelfth had
never before been in action. Prisoners state
that jackson thought that only Banks
troops were in tho rear of tho woods during
tho fight, and threw u large force over to
rout them, but the reception he met COM
PEELED sudden retreat and an abandonment
of the enterprise. Later dispatches state
that Gen. BuiOrd's reconnaissance had. re-
turned, and reported that jackson is thought
to hold his limo about four miles back of the
Rapidan, while his main point of defence is
Gordonsvillc. Large forces Of the enemy
are said to occupy the Central Railroad from
Louisa to Charlottesville. Gen. Buiord
took many prisoners, some of whom came
from their hiding places and gave themselves
up voluntarily. They said they were tired
Of the war.
Advices from Culpcpper mention the sciz-
urc of quantity Of Hour designed for the
rebels; with reports of continued reinforce
ments to the rebel army, and tho extension
of the Federal lines. Gen. Banks is fast re-
covering from his injuries. Gen. Burnside's
army arrived at Culpcpper Court House on
Thursday night from fredericksburg, after u
severe march OF thirty-iiye miles.
CULrEPPER, Va, Aug. l6.
Gen. Sigcl, who occupied the advance
near the Rapidan, reports that this morning
the enemy made feint or an attempt to
cross the river but he drove them back.
CuLrErPrR. Va, Aug. IL.
There was general advance towards the
Rapidan this morning. II the rebels intend
to dispute our possession OF Orange. they
will probably cndcavor to drive us back
Up to o'clock this afternoon nothing about
any Gght had reached Culpcpper.