Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1862-09-24
WASHINGTON, Sept. II.

o'clock this afternoon Intelligence was re-
ceived that since 80 this morning the
fiercest and most sanguinary battle of the
whole war has been in progress.
All the corps d'armee which Mcclellan
had taken with him to Frederick, were
massed at the point indicated, and the
engagement is believed to have been be-
tween the whole of the two armies.
There is reason to suppose that the
losses on each side are very great,as requi-
sition for medical stores, and arrange
mcnts for wounded men to be sent to
R ochesville, Immediately, are larger than
have ever been made at any time.
LATER.--Reports from Hagerstown
state this p. NJ, that the rebels were re-
treating in great disorder, and subse-
quently heavy and rapid firing heard
10 the direction of Waliamsport, which
induced the belief that Mcclellan has
pursued the retreating rebels to that
point and that they made a stand there to
cover their passage across the Potomac.
Reccnn since made by Col. Davies
cayarly, who made dashing foray to-
ward Hanover Junction from Fredricks.
burg aud now under command of Heint,
zelnan, show that since Friday last that
the rebels have evacuated Leesburg, and
that force of 10000 men. with thirty
pieces of artillery and supply train two
miles in length, has gone in the direction
of Harper's Ferry.
l:lO P. MI Special to Times -
Very little is positively known here in
regard to to-day's fighting, except that
the contest is still going on.
Government has preserved silence in
regard to whatever information it pos
sesses, but we learn from some official
sources that the tenor Of advices is favor
able to the Union cause.
Private dispatches, believed to be cor
rect, inform us that the enemy had de-
stroyed the turnpike bridge over Antie
tam creek, and had thrown up rude earth.
works to defend the fords of the stream.
LATER.-Ws learn that they have been
driven steadily back towards the Poto
mac. and it is believed that the fighting
was mainly by rebel guard which was
contesting the advance of our troops and
covering the retreat Of the main body.
A special tram with medical stores and
Surgeons leaves here to night for Fred
erick.
HARRISBURG, SEP. II.
Especial to New York Herald. y
Reports just 90 me in this evening, state
that the whole rebel army has been driven
this way, and is retreating to Hagerstown.
D. H. Hill is killed.
Ten thousand Pennsylvania militia will
meet the foe at llagerstown, to invade
Pennsylvania backward.
There was severe engagement yester-
day between our army and the rebels,
near ShaFpsburg, in which the enemy
was well thrsshed, with terrific slaughter
Five hundred of their dead were buried
by us as early as 8 A. N. to-day, and the
work is still going on.
This morning the battle RECOMMENDED
near GettysviIe.
jackson joined Lees forces at Antre-
tam Creek, while our forces were rein
forced by $4,000 men from Washington.
Jackson's reinforcements to Lee is re-
ported to be 10000.
Up to my last advices victory ilIumi-
mated our standards, and an impression
prevails at Hagerstown that the whole
rebel army of Virginia is annhiated
Confidence prevails here, and enthusiast
tic admiration of Nice lellen and his army.
We have undoubtly won great and de-
cisive victories both yesterday aud to-
day.
Among our troops are whole batteries
and thousands of small arms and prison
ers.