Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1862-10-28

We have some further particulars Of the re-
cent skirmishng along our lines. On Thursday,
the 18th, the Stonewat brigade was sent out be-
yond our lines to destroy certain bridge on
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and to tear up
the track. The enemy, who, at that time, cross
ed the river in iorce, perceiying this, attacked
thS,m with overwhelming numbers, and they
were compelled to fall back, with the loss of
several men. Col. Konalds Of the 4th Virginia
Regiment who was at that time acting Brigadier
General, is now in Winchester, severely wound
ed. On Friday morning the enemy seeing the
smoke of a barn which was accidentally fired near
our lines, and Supposing that We were burning
our comnissary stores for precipltate retreat,
made al advance along the whole line but ind
ing that our forces were prepared to meet them,
they declined an engagement, and the main body
of their army again fell back TO the Potomac
When this was made known, our army went
back to camp well contented. They are now
resting quietly.
A dash was made by our cavalry on dwelling
below Charlestown, on the 18th instant, ofwhich
a corresp pondent sends us the following account,
and copy OF a letter to VIM Ii. Seward, writ
ten by his nephew, which was captured by our
men. Our correspondent says:
Our men were a little too late. as all the 6tue
birds had flown to the woods about fifteen min
utes before. But in their hasty retreat, the Yam
KEGS left behind package Of letters, &C., just
mads up for the North, to be sent uia Harper $
Ferry. Through the KINDNESS OF Corporal NJ.
who made the capture, have been allowed to
copy the following, which will be found exceed
ingly rich. 1t seems to have been written by a
nephew Of Seward, but there is nothing to ex-
plain what is his position IN the army.
THE LETTER.
NEAR CHARLEsTowN, Va,
October, 10, 1867.
| DEAR UNCLE 81 got here from the Ferry
yesterday afternoon. have not time TO write
| you Dut few lines now but will write more ful
| lv in day or two. @
| l send you half dozen copies of various o.
/ the Richmond papers. captured by some of Oul
cavalry last night By reading them you will
/ see that the rebels net yet fully convinced
that they have not been routed in Kentucky =
| The Whig's editorial says it never expected
success there while the rebel army was under
such incompetent Generals! And the Exarni
/ ner is still in state OF painful anxiety abou
| the battle of Perryville! !
It seems that they have received dispatche
| from Gen. Forrest, and numerous other Scutherl
i sources, telling OF their victory; ut Bragg
4 official report has not been received and the,
4 have seen the Federal papers, and as these d,
not admit defeat to the Union army, the South
! erners really doubt whether any has occurred !
Is not this another evidence of the wisdom o
your policy in regard to the Northern press !
Gen. Scott was right in saying that classification
was necessary part of the machinery OF war;
In this war it is powerful aid, as the Souther
: press republish and seem to credit so much o
what we choose to give to our papers.
: Push your policy as to the press still further
. Make them state every fight glorious victor
: and stick to it. It will do great good North an
: South. No time for more now. Bob Verplan
is here and we'll. Very effectionately, yor
nephew. WILLIAM II. VANPELT.
. Hon. VIM. I'll. Seward Q
= For Curing ifac ON. r.
. E After sprinkling the hams and shoulders wi
: -alt, pack in clean barrel, then take Z /