Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1862-03-07
OF HARPER'S FERRY AND
CHARLEST0WN.

HARPER s FERRY, Va, Feb. 27.--A pou>
toon bridge arrived here by train from Balti-
more yesterday morning in charge of Capt.
Duane aud corps OF Engineers who had it
thrown across the river at bali past o'clock
ready for service.
Gen Banks was abont the 6rst to cross, foil
lowed by Hamiton'r brigade, the Third Wis.
eonsin being on the right Of the advance.
Col Gesry's command bad been IN possess
sion Of Harper's Ferry for several days, bsv-
ing crossed over by a rope ferry on Monday
Knapp's Battery accseded HsiDiltcn's com
mand, and Gen. GormaH's brigade and squad
ron ef Michigan cavalry, under Major Atwood, !,
aud Captain Fisher followed, and reached the
f'sacred soir' at dusk.
The inhabitants Of Harper's Ferry, Camp
town and Bolivar received our troops 6lth ev-
cry demonstration of rejoicing aud joy
sYankee Doodle aud "Dixie" asre performs
ed by The regimental bands respectively as
they reached the land
Col. Geary, who was 10 Harper's Ferry
learning during the forenoon that Secession
scouts were on Loudon Heights, aud within
rifle shot Of The bridge, crossed the Sheaan-
doah With four companies, who asocuded the
mountain on three sides and routed two COM
panies of their cavalry; who were evidently
observing our operations. The Colouel held
the mountain until our position on the Virgin
la side was safe from attack.
Captain Hamptoa's battery also passed over
the bridge and took position en- Bolivar Heights
last night. This battery is uoR attached to
Gen. Hamlton's Brigade, which also occupied
toe same position iu advance of other com
mands.
The signal corps, division which was sta
toned 10 Bolivar during the transit of the ar
my, rendered important service.
The river was quite high, aud consequently
a strong current was running, but not the
least apprehension was felt for the safety Of
man or beast, and no accident occurred.
Intelligence from POolesvIllo states that on
Tuesdsy night the Rebel batteries opposite
Edwards Ferry opened on the Canal stoIe-
houses thore, and also directed several shots
at the locks of the Canal, with the evident in-
tention Of destroying them and draining the
Canal above. 1t is also stated that they have
strengthened their earthworks in front OF Lees
burg to formidable extent
A high wind prevails to-day which will test
the permanenoy of the bridge. At the hour
of writing, II a. NJ, no accident has trans
pired.
A few rebel scouts from Cbarlestown have
been observed beyond Bolivar Heights, re-
conuoitsripg. but no large bodies have been
seen.
Hundreds of refugees are thronging Sandy
Hook, anxious to return TO their deserted
homes.
LATER FROM HARPERs FERRY.
HARPER's FERRY, Feb. 28.-Yesterday
morning The First squadron of Michigan Cav
airy, Major Atwood, approached near Charles
town. They discovered 20 large body of Reb-
els there, but captured three cavalrymen and
three fne horses.
1t is rumored here that Winchester has been
largely reinforced by troops from Manassas.
AS train was passing Berlin this mornng
Rebel battery opposite threw twelve shells at
it, ten fell short, and two passed over.
The pontoon bridge Rithstood the gale Of
last night without moving. Wagons with for
age, provisions, and camp equipage are cross
ing this morning.