Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-09-08
Military Affairs in Washington.

Correspondence of the New York Evening Post.l
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, lS62.-As the facts
of the recent battles come fully to light, it be-
comes evident to all intelligent persons that
there has been no such fighting as some of the
dispatches sent out describe. The loss of
fifteen or twenty thousand in killed and
wounded is gradually lessening down to five
or six thousand. 1t is not believed at the
surgeOn-general'S office that the whole num-
Der will exceed five thousand. As for the
fighting, some of it was magnificent. That
under Sigel, on Friday, covered the troops
participating in it with glory. Perhaps the
less said about Saturdays fighting the better,
though the bulk of the force engaged behaved
finely.
NO REBELS ACROSS THE POTOMAC.
The fact that the enemy has not yet made
any serious attempt to cross the Potomac,
gives much confidence here that he cannot do
it now. If the rebels had pushed across ten
thousand or twenty thousand troops, the most
of them cavalry, on Monday and Tuesday,
they might have given Gen. Halleck great
deal of trouble. At that date it would have
been almost impossible to have resisted their
passage across the Potomac at Edwards Fer
ry. Now it is different. The f0rds are guard
ed; the government has had time to dispose
Of its forces properly. The army has recov-
cred from the partial decentralization conse-
quent upon continuous retreat New troops
are pouring in, and Gen. Casey is organizing
them as rapidly as he knows how. These
great advantages have been gained by the de-
lay OF the enemy.
ACTIVITY.
| am very happy to be able to write that
one hears in and about the war department
nothing of inactiOn of winter quarters, of de-
tenSive war or of delay for few weeks, but
vigorous onward movement is constantly
spoken Of and there is evidently no intention
OF another winter upon the banks of the Poto-
mac. sharp, decisive contest is what every
official demands. 1t is said that even Gen.
Mcclellan is for very early onward move
ment, just as soon as the new troops can learn
to handle the musket.
REBEL SPIES.
Two rebel cavalrymen came down into the
city from Poolesvile last night. They were
very promptly arrested. 1t is supposed that
they crossed at Edwards Ferry and made
their way down through Rockville without at
tracing attention. No doubt rebel spies are
more numerous in this city to-day than ever
before.
SIGEL AND BANKS.
The people here are very enthusiastic over
Slgel and Banks, whenever they appear on
the streets at the hotels. At noon to-day
these two generals were at room at Will
lard's, looking over map of Virginia. Gen.
Sigel came out shortly, and mounted his horse
and drove away on gallop. As he came
m>the private room into the hall of the ho-
tel, the crowd set up the cry of "Sigel! There
goes SigelH' And by the time he had reach
ed the sidewalk a large crowd was around him
hurrahing excitedly. 1t is noticeable fact that
whenever great tavorite of the public APP
pears the prefix of general is never applied
to him The people cry, "Sigel!" "Banks !"
and ''Burnsidel ~ and say nothing as to their
rank General Sigel is looking very thin, but
in good health. He and general Banks have
plenty to do just now.