The New York herald., 1862-11-09

gal ant general the ADVANCE for Of tho troops which
Gently crossed the Potomac near Harrers Ferry, IL re-
tans its position nearcst Rchmond-the grand goal Of
ambition OF the Army Of tho Potomac.
But TO our march yesterday. u is sufficiently interest
lug TO allow me TO dwell little upon its description
towards noon became evident that the activity which
has characterized since leaving Pleasant
valley was to be pursued and regiment after reg
meot, brigade after brigade, and division after division
marched out from Their camps in the woods and fields
and forming along the road resumed the jour-
ney. Passing through The outskirts Of the tcwn
Of Union our ears sm'lten with the sound
Of canncn and the shrill report OF bursting
shells, telling us Plainly that cavalry and
artillery advance bad also taken up the word "Forward
and were driving the rebels before From the cFests
Of the hs as we moved along could at times the
skirmish'ng little pun Of white smoke Far ahead and
marked ia bright relief against the dark foliage Of the
woods betokencd the position of the opposing and his
artillery Then rumblng sound in the woods before
bright flash and an explosion beyond spoke the
answor from our gallant boys. Anon a squadron
Of the enemy's cavalry appeared on the summit
OF some ridge or road evidently determined TO
dispute progress. But their stay was Of but short
duration Away went our cavalry in mes, dashing
style; pistol shots rang out on the cold, biting atnos-
phere, and for time both combatanis enveoped in
cloud OF dust which, when II subsidized, revealed
horsemen masters Of the hed. while further another
cloud Of dust showed the path OF The retreatng enemy
And SO the work went cavalry and artillery pru
dently waiting after each onset until the infantry
supports came upthen pushing after tile Zoe, who
again sought At some chosen point to make stand but
vanly, as before. In this way we continued until
reached the town OF Uppcrvle the boundary line OF
Icudon and Shenandoah counties, ard the vicinity Of
which occupy One feature or the day certainly
deserves passing consideration. After leaving the town
OF Union became necessary that the corps should sepa
rate BY divisions and take different roads 10 this point
in order that the whole body might be masscd here al
sunset Accordingly the divisions parted from each other,
and men, on turning into nsrent roads, naturally be-
lieyed they bound TO different points. What was
their surprise then at evening to find themselves all
coming together again Az sight Of each other they burst
Ridge ring and rIs again. happened, at the time TO
eminence overlooking the neighborbood, where |
viewed the conyergng columns winding their through
the woods and along the roads, their b1yones gsenng
like streams OF silver in the last rays OF the SUM- the
long strings Of wagons behind, Ike white ribbons,
stretched through the forests of autumn, gold and
green--ai conspred to Illustrate In small degree
the pomp and glorious circumstance Of war;" and form
picture the beauty OF which viii not soon forget
And when night the spendor Of the had not
laded for the bright, cracking flames Of the b!youac
fires shooting mp among the trees and illuminating tho
woods took The place of the long lines Of blue and STEEL
and, tracing these fires, might now tell whore those
marching cclurnns had sought repose.
The last few nights have been bitterly cold and tho
soldiers occupation (and for that matter too the army
correspondens is not just now coaieur dc rose With
nonght but me gronna ana INC leaves ior ped the
In most uncsremonous manner TO the very marrow Of
all who sleep out Of doors, even with the shelter OF
tent This last is comfort which observe the soldiers
apt to deny themselves under the present circum
stances. Tired with tho days march thoy wait only TO
build fire, and then wrapping themselves in blanket
90 to sleep within tho circumference OF its warmth.
IT. IS hardly necessary TO say that something different
from the usual every day skrmishins Of the present time
s anxiousy looked for by troops But far the ene
my do not appear to oppose progress with any force
From the fact that their cavalry in all Instances endeavor
to support the artillery and its retreat, s
cctured that they have infantry force this side Of tho
Blue Ridge between here and Manassas, that we
may, after all have TO give them battle in their chosen
passes where the advantages will all be on their sde
We also anxiousiy looking forward to junction
with other forces who WILL 10 doubt, turn up in the right
time.
A house Upperviile the Fletcher mansion, sus-
tans the marks Of yesterdays skrmishing squadron
Of the rebel cavalry had taken refuge behind it, and in
order to disleAgc them artillery directed their fire
over II. Unfortunately enc Of the shells entered the
house and exploding In one Of the rooms made COM
iete wreck OF the apartment. Mrs Fleohera rcsolue
ladyand her son, who determined to remain when the
firing commcnced. escaped nnnured. The rest Of the
family bad ed Our troops, taking possession found
dinner ready for the rebel officers which they imme
diately oiverted to more loyal digestion.