The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-09-05

We have never attempted 10 sum up the
war news of the week when contradictory
statements, meagre intelligence, and general
mvstifcatou hung over the whole affairs IN
Virginia more than at the present writing.
We attempt, SO far as the limits of our col
umns will aGmit, to give a connected account
elsewhere of another series of bloody battles
between the government forces and the reb-
ell troops concentrated in Eastern Virginia.
1t will be remembered that the government
holds possession of the telegraph lines out of
Washington, and exercises censorship of the
press. The only official paper that we yet
have in regard to the late fshting,is General
Pope's despatch to Gen Halleck respecting
great battle fought on Friday on the identi-
cal Bull Run battlefield. In this despatch
the country was assured that the day was our
own, though at an immense cost of life
5000 being killed and wounded. As it is
known that there have been several hard bat
ties since, and Immediately following this sec
ond Bull Run, and as there has been no Off
cial report of any of them, it is generally
supposed they have been adverse to the gov
eminent forces, as general can find time to
report victory when he cannot find oppor-
tunity to proclaim defeat.
Although we have very little information
respecting the fighting and the general result
of the battles since Friday, We know that our
army has gradually retreated, until, as the
last despatch says, "Gen Fopes entire COM
mand is falling back upon Fairfax Court
House, and from thence to Washington
We had previously the intelligence of the
defeat of division Of our army at Haymar
ket, few miles Northwest of Bull Run, on
Saturday, and its retreat to Centerville also
the report of the evacuation of Fredericks-
burg by Gen Burnsides army and their re-
treat to Aqua Greek, under cover of the gun
boats on the Potomac.
From what We know of the position of af-
fairs in Virginia, and from what We don't
know, we apprehend matters to be in criti-
cal state. There are many theories in regard
to the strategy of the rebels. But what is
evident and plain to be seen by every one, is
the fact that they consider the present time,
before the government gets its new 100000
into the field, their golden opportunity. They
have always been bold at a land frequent
ly successful. tits evidently their pet scheme
to capture ur burn Westinghouse get into
Maryland and stir up the traitors in Balti-
more and elsewhere, and they stake all on
this issue. A despatch has been received
(sensaticn or otherwise) stating that Stone
wall Jackson was on his way to Baltimore at
the head of $4,000 men, ria Leesburg and
Edwards Ferry.
While the rebels are making these bold
flashes, thousands of troops are almost daily
pouring into Washington from the free States
and report says the government is confident
and calm. 10 us it is the darkest hour yet
in the rebe!lion-they say it is always dark
est just before day. Let US trust in God,
keep our powder dry, and forward the sin
cws of war with all expedition. The traitors
must be conquered.
An alarming despatch comes to us from
Cincinnati. 1t appears as though the rebels
were to make desperate effort to sack and
destroy that city. We hope there will be a
gunboat or two to assist Gen Wallace in Civ
ing the obese Humph. Marshall belly full