The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-31
Gbe Im
From the Army of the PO-
tOan0c.


The American has tho following special
dispatch from Berlin:
"The movement of Gen. Burnside across
the Potomac ut Berlin, of which you were
informed yesterday, though it has not been
followed by an immediate general advance
of our forces, is undoubtedly an initial move
ment Of that long-promised activity on the
part Of the Army OF the Potomac which We
all hope is to deal against the rebellion q
most staggering blow.
To day there has been no movement beyond
gradual but heavy reinforcement of Gen.
Burnside in his position. He has taken the
Virginia side Of the Potomac near Lovetts-
vile. Infantry and artillery (it will not do
to cay in what number) have been massing
in that direction, until il is evident that tho
movement is no nero reconnaissance, but In
reality an advance Of the lett wing OF the
army.
This movement, II will be observed, brings
our left wing, which was previously in the
rear, on nearly straight line with tho GEN.
tire, and all tho distance from Pleasant VAL
ley to Lovettsville nearer the enemy. In
this respect II will be seen that the move
ment was necessary preliminary to placing
tho army in position for an advance, whilst
1t does not in the least betray the plan on
which that advance is to be finally made
from Loycttsville. Gen. Burnside threatens
equally tho rebel flank at Winchester and
their line of communication via Front Roy
nj.
There is but little news from tho front
to-day, and as there has been no firing to.
day, It is presumed nothing important has
occurred.
Gen. Burnside's forces are massed in the
vicinity Of Lovettsvillo.
Our cavalry and light artillery, under
Gen. Pleasanton, are reported to have occu-
pied Leesburg last night. the rebel cavalry
force there retreating before our advance,
but cannot now verify the report from any
ono acquainted with the facts.
In relation to the rebels we have numcr-'
GUS reports, oil tending to ono conclusion.
that the main portion, il not the entire
army, has fallen back beyond Winchester
One fact may DO said to DO certainly estab-
lished-they have deserted the line Of the
Potomac, and are neither to DO found in
Charlestown or Martinsburg, or Sheppards.
town. During several days OF last week, as
has been their practice usually before a re-
treat, they showed themselves in strong force
at the various points of our lines, and their
pckets werc viciously beligerent, firing at
any and everything. On Saturday oil these
demonstrations ceased, and their pickets dis
appeared entirely from our front.
Refugees from Winchester arc also report
cd to have come within our lines who stated
that their town had been evacuated by tho
enemy, who were retreating toward Staun-
ton. give it only as a report. The very
general belief, however, is that Gen. Lee is
making fast time toward Gordonville, and
that the main portion of his army is already
well advanced in that direction.
Everything is quiet at Harpcr's Ferry ex-
cept tho hustle and stir incident to tho pres
enco of large force. Notwithstanding
the predictions almost daily for week past
of an advance, the forces on Bolivar and
Maryland Heights are yet in their tents en-.
gagged with nothing more important than
the usual duties Of camp life. The men, in
yicorated by bracing Northwestern. appear
in tho finest health and spirits.
II is admitted that tho army is now fully
prepared, for offensive movements and the
present quiet, therefore, means nothing
Our outposts in this direction have been at
Hallstown for several days, and, it is reason.
able to conclude, will hold Charlcstown.
The rain of yesterday wound up last night
in furious storm Of commingled rain and
wind, that was severely felt in the camps oc-
cupying exposed positions on the submits
and sides Of mountains. On Bolivar and
Maryland flights the storm ragged with such
fury that tents were overturned, and the
men forced to midnight battle with the
elements.
Notwithstanding tho considerable quanti-
ty of rain that fell yesterday and last even.
ing, the river has been but little affected
thereby. The water has not risen over foot,
and wagons cross the fords at the Ferry to-
day without difficulty. The rain will rather
tend to facilitate than retard any movements
that may be in contemplation. Under the
influence of the bright sunshine and dry
wind that has followed, it will harden the
roads and place them in first rate condi-
ton.
Judging Of the condition OF the army by
what have seen Of 1t here and at Sharps.
burg, Think our men were never in finer
state Of health and spirits.