New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-09-23
The Rcconnoissnnces on the Virginia shore
-Repnise If tho Rebels-Thev Remove
their Batteries Further Back-Indica-
lions Of a Rctrcnt TO Winchester.
ON Our Special CoTTespondent'

their Batteries Further Back-Indica-
tions Of n Retreat TO Winchester.
From Our Special Correspondent.
ARMY OF THE PoTONAc, SHaRPsBuRo, Mo-
SATURDAY NIeHT Sept 20, l'C2.
The headquarters OF the army were moved this
afternoon to position between Shapsburg and the
river. All efforts so far to obtain foothold the
Virginia shore have failed. The reconnaissance
made yesterday afternoon under cover of our guns
on the opposite shore by the 18th Michigan Regiment
and portion Of the Regular Brigade Of infantry,
was successful to a certain extent. They captured
-four pieces of artillery and returned to the Maryland
side with but slight loss-not more than twenty men
being wounded
An attempt to permanently occupy the opposite
sho-e was made this morning. Col. Barness late
Msrtindales, Brigade, in kitz John Porters corps,
with portion of Sykess division, two batteries and
O force of cavalry under Gen. Pleasanton, crossed
.he ford under a heavy ire from our guns. They
commenced TO move in line of battle toward heavy
timber where the enemy were known to be.
The march had hardly begun when the Rebels
emerged from the woods with line Of infantry
ne;urly q mile long. The skrmishers were soon ell
gagci and the main body were getting into action
whe: the order was given to retire. The Rebel COL
ann moved up at quick pace, firing rapidly, bu;
soon came within range of our batteries OF twenty
PIECES on the Maryland shore. The firing of the ar
tlery was splendid, the shells exploding directly in
their ranks, making great gaps; but they were Inn
Dediatey filed and the column still moved on.
The nearer the Rebels approached the river the
more rapid and effective was artillery firing,
when they were forced to fall back but not wthou.
severe loss. Projected by heavy fire Of artil-
lery, our troops succeeded in recrossing into Mary
land, bringing all their wounded, bat leaving the
dead behind. Our loss will probably exceed 800 in
killed, wounded. and prisoners. This is the version
Of the affair current at headquarters.
Various opinions expressed about the policy OF
attempting such q move without sufficient force. 1t
appears that i. was planned and carried out by q
corps commander, without the consent OF knowledge
of Gen. Mcclellan, who had not at that time fully
made up his mind what would be his future course
The enemy las. night moved all tier batteries
from the river, and none were used by them in the
action to-day.
Harpers Ferry is reported evacuated, and Banks 6
troops now occupy Maryland Nights. Everything
indicates that the Rebels have fallen back in the
direction of Winchester with their main BODY eav-
ing strong infantry guard 10 cover their supply
trains.
Gen. COUGHS Division left this morning, and now
occupies Williamson,
The falling back Of the Rebels froil the line Of
the Potomac is PROBABLY s.ce..sy in order to sub
nss their ar~.v
believe that the next move on the military Chess
board far as this army is concerned, has OF been
fully determined upon.
Departure OF stonewaI Jackson md the
Rebel Army--How il wns Done-Attack
on his Rcar-l;nard-How we were Wis.
staken-9, 900 stand of Arms Gathered
Up-Burying the Des.d-scencs on the
Battlefield.
From Der spscisi Correspondent.
3BN. HcCLELLASs HYIDouARrRRs At
KxxprsyILLs Md. Saturday. 10 O'Clock p H. sept 20
Stonewall jackson is gone; he crossed the river
with his whole force, artillery, cavalry and infantry
he carried all his train, leaving not az much as
wagon behind him. The ford where he crossed is
about seven miles from this village ne kept up a
show Of line OF battle all day Thursday. and stray
n.usketry and artillery.frDg was going Oh all day
along the lines. He sent some heavy batteries
Grst and stationed them on commanding nights
on the opposite side, and then crossed quite un-
uolested. He commenced crossing ON Thurs
day night. Yesterday is was discovered he
was going, sDd troops crossed forward,
captured 1000 Of bis rear-guard, banged away
at him with artillery, from this aide of the river
which be cared very little about; and now all our
predictions that he would be bagged amount to Just
nothing. What disappointment! "The man who
hsau and runs away will live to fight another day"
Just 20, aud who knows where we shall meet Jack.
son again: Certainly no one in this Grand Army.
1t Is said, If we attacked him on Thursday when he
va, demoralized BY defeat he should surrender,
but OAR Generals know best, and we must hear the
army nurrnr, bu, say not word against any one.
Fits John Porter 10 in tho advance he is near the
river, Just where the fox escaped 1t WAS Gen.
Burns;de's command that captured the 600 prison.
ers Maryland 10 rid Of Jsckson's presence. but how
much have we 10 boss, of Every man in the army
believed :ha, Heir.zelmans and SeigePs forces were
posted Oh tho opposite eide Of the river to prevent
him fro u crossing. Bot this was deluson. Where
were they Ecso answers "Wherel"
Ever; thing Is quiet on the Upper Potomac. Our
ea7slry. IN massive bodies have just passed; they
are s,ne in different directions, presume to look
amer the runaway Rebels. The Ist New-York, Col
NsReyceids, 10 of to Williamsport; his regiment,
ssnm $50 stroug. has just passed.
-As headquarters here is beautifully situated, in
Aetshi.o 3sld on the verge Of this village. The
A3d Ssw-york under Col. Butler, are doing provost
duty around headquarters. Yesterday Capt Race
u Col. Bu!ler's command went out with detach-
nant Of 20 men an ter wagons aud brought in from
tie field $50 Gand Of arms. Capt. McNett, the
Gay before, brought in $50; to-day, Lieut.. V. S.
Bazaar xsa, sui with company for the same pur-
~.