The New York herald., 1862-10-17
PRICE TWO CENTS.

lClOG ~ OUlN i %
eight A. NJ spon cavalry advance from battery Of
two guns which II known they masked in this
vicinity The knowledge Of this fact led q cautious
advance and the enemy failed reap any bench, from
this trap, which they had cunningly laid for US.
clarkes battery Of light artillery was soon got into po
son and an artillery duel short duration took place.
ending In the precptae OF the rebels from tbe,r
position.
At this point learned that there had been rebe,
camp in adjoining woods, but which had skedadd,ed
early this morning, the officers firing pistols TO call IN the
pickets.
While the cannonading was going on word that
the rebels were advancing Capt. Tompkns' battery waa
to the right OF the road and sheed tho woods in
front Of which tho rebel cavalry made their appearance
few rounds suced clear tho front Of the woods at
least Of any rebel cavalry.
Howard's battery Of regulars, commanded by Lieut.
Thomas, son of Adjutant General Thomas took posi-.
ton in the and to tho left OF Tompkns supported
by the Eighty-eghh regiment New York, Of General
Meagher's brigade, but we're not engaged. ~
After some slight skirmshng on the left OF the road
the whole column moved and occupied Charles
town without further opposition the rebel cavalry falling
back to high range Of hills some two miles beyond
that place
There evidences all along the road OF the pre-.
sence OF cavalry in considerable force
The rebels left at Charcstown their wounded and ono
killed in the skrmish this morning.
The rebels represent the force Of the rebels passing
through in retreat as about two regiments OF cavalry
and one light battery It is possible that they
may be reinforced and make a stand on the
next range Of hills but am inclined to the belief thai
they could be chased into Winchester without much dan
ger to the attacking party.
When messenger left troops were quietly oocu.
pying the town.
The General Press Despatch.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY THE PoroMAo,l
Oct. 1G-Evening.
An important reconnaissance was made to-day by
portion Of the Army the Potomac in the direction Of
Winchester.
The division Of General Hancock, late General Richard
sons left Harper's Ferry at early hour this morning
on the road to Charlestown.
Three miles from Bolivar they upon the enemys
outer pckets, who retired as our troops advanced
until within half a mile or CharestowD:
where they formed in line Of battle With
dismounted skirmishcrs thrown to the front.
Having no infantry, they covered the approaches 70
charlestown by two pieces Of artillery the left, and
three upon the right Of the turnpike with tho view Of
disputng our occupation Of the town.
battery was brought into position and opened
with shell and solid shot, which promptly replied 10
by the nve rebel pieces already in position.
Tho engagement. which was carried on wholly BY
artillery, lasted two hours, whom the rebels fell back 70
the hills beyond the town.
Our loss was one man killed and eight wounded.
Captain smith, Of the Richmond Artillery, and eight
men we're wounded and taken prisoners which the only
loss they arc known to have sustained.
The troops General Hancock entered Charesowp
about twelve o'clock and occupied It, the enemy leaving
IN our hands over one hundred men who were wounded
at the battle or Antietam.
Al four O'Clock our infantry formed in line Of battle on
the righ. and left Of the road leading to Bunker m when
bev advanced driving tho enemy from the hns and at
dark occupying position two miles beyond tho town.
Information obtained today shows that the main body
Of the rebel army occupies position extending from
Bunker Hill 70 the Shenandoah.
Cen Mcclellan arrived at charlestown at two o'clock
where he remained during the night
But very little Union feeling was shown by the people
Of Charlcstown upon its occupation by troops.
Reconnaissance TOWARDS SHePHeRDST0WN.