The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-09-26
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
ATTEMPTS TO CROSS THE
RIVER.
Fighting on Virginia Side.
THE REBELS .ALL OYER.
Rebel Army DefsOraIi$ed.
They Lose 5000 by DesertiOn.

FREDERICK, Sept. 2l.--The 4th Michi.
gan with few men from Sykes brigade,
crossed the river at Shepardstown ford late
yesterday afternoon to reconnoitre. They
met with stout resistance from the enemy,
but succeeded in reaching this side with
but slight loss and bringing with them four
pieces of artillery captured from the rebels.
The occupation of the Virginia shore
was again attempted by this wing, but
with less success. Acting Brig. General
Barnes, with his own and portion of
Lyke's brigade, some cavalry and two
batteries crossed and took possession of
the Virginia shore.
Shortly after our troops had been placed
in position, the enemy emerged with line
of infantry mile long. Our troops soon
became engaged, when an order was given
to retire; which was done 10 good order.
The enemy followed closely. When they
came within range, fire was opened from
twenty pieces of our artillery posted on
the bank, with such effect that they were
obliged to retire. Their loss must have
been heavy, as the explosion of our shells
was seen to make large gaps in their lines.
Our loss in killed, wounded and missing,
is about $50.
Information was received today of the
evacuation of Harper's Ferry. Their ar
tillery was removed from the line of the
Potomac last night
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2.-ISpecial to 1ri~
bune We have just received brief dis
patch from one of our special correspond
eDts who returned at 8 Pm. to Frederick
from our advance lines.
Heavy firing was going on all day yes.
terday, be says, with both cannon and
musketry, and many wounded men were be-
ing brought in.
Our troops had crossed the Potomac in
large force, and we're fighting on the other
side. In the fighting so far we had deci.
dedly the advantage over the rebels.
Yesterday we captured Whole brigade
of them, 1000 in number. This your cor.
respondent asserts upon the testimony Of
bis own eyes
When be left the field at midnight on
Saturday, the firing had not ceased.
A special to the Times dated on the Pc.
tomac, opposite Sbepardstown, Va, Satur-
day, 8 P. NJ, says in reconnaissance this
morning the l1Sth had Ia killed and 100
wounded, including Col. Provost and Adju.
tant Mexican wounded. There was some
loss in other regiments and a number re-.
ported to be taken prisoners.
On Saturday the enemy crossed at Will
Transport, but were driven back by the ad.
vance OF our army, assisted by the Penn
sylvania militia. The attack at Blacksford
disturbing their movements.
Williamsport is now occupied by the
United States troops in strong force. The
rebels hoped in crossing here to turn Nc.
Clellan's right flank but failed.
The Herald's special despatch reports the
loss of the 4th Michigan in their reconois.
sance, Lieut.. Jordon of Co. killed and
eight privates wounded.
Acting Brigadier Barnes brigade which
subsequently made q reconnaissance had
fight. The enemy hearing cannonadng
and not knowing but general engagement
might ensue, the regiments came hurrying
towards the river. Close by the river and
directly opposite Shepardstown, was Grif~
fms brigade, every moment expecting Nor.
rell would order them across the river.
Sykes also went across the river, with
regiments attached to his command, and
during the battle was prominent in the
thickest of the fight.
The Herald has special dispatch from
Frederick, dated the 2lst at 10 P. NJ, which
says that advices have been received there
from opposite Shepardstown, reporting
everything quiet up to noon on that day.
During last night there was considerable
firing between our pickets and those of the
enemy on the other side of the river.
At six o'clock this morning number OF
the enemy, SUI posed to be a brigade, showed
themselves on the opposite bluffs, and fired
voley of musketry into our artillery
camp.
Our batteries, Captain WATERWAYS, Mar.
tins and uazlett's, soon opened concern
trated fire on the rebels, causing them to
disappear.
This forenoon flag of truce was sent
over the river, asking permission to bury
our dead, which was granted.
1t is believed that the enemy must be out
of artillery ammunition, from not responding
to our guns. For some time there has not
been rebel seen on the opposite bank.
1t is thought that they have fallen back.
Itwould not be proper to state the dispo.
sition or movements of our forces, but it is
probable important news may be expected
from McClelan's army within the next day
or two.
Officers of Gen. COUGHS division who
left Harper's Ferry at one O'Clock this
morning, report everything quiet there and
no signs of rebel forces in that vicinity.
Large numbers of rebel soldiers remains
ing about the mountains are surrencering to
our forces.
The rebel army seems to be completely
demoralized and in process of dispersion.
Numbers of wounded continue to pass
through here hourly en- route North.
1t is believed by citizens that the rebels
lost at least 5000 men by desertion during
the raid into Maryland scarcely sufficient
troops were obtained to form company.