The New York herald., 1863-07-13

Ialy by the gcssiping farmers, who congregate tw
light around tho hotel Of tho town. Occasionally rebel
shows himseh In the streets but the people
very little for their presence pursue their avocations
with apparent unconcern
Hasersown lies Just beyond its spires ana ehimneys
rising In the hase abeve the hilltop. We hear nothing
from u whatever. alH
The farmers around Hagerstown were permitted to
visit Frederick; but that il longer allowed by the
enemy. and we get very little indeed concerning
rebel operations
Tho topography Of this ssosion 10 quito favorable
tho enemy. Antetam brook, deep stream with prscip
tous banks, winds In among the hills with all the twstinsp
or serpent, and divides army into two parts.
Bridges have been thrown at every available
point, and all necessary lnss Of communication have
been established between the two wings Of the army;
but should either wing be hard pressed no little dicuty
would be experienced In moving supports across tho field
This Is nos properly mountainous region, Is II level,
like most Of valleys among the mountains Of MARY
land and Virginia. From the base Of South Mountain tho
swel Of upland ron In successive ridges higher and stn
higher, until st Hagersowp reach hill top overlook
Ing all. 1r.
There dozen favorable positions for Lee betwssn
Boonsboro and Hagerstown, and IL now believed that
he has evacuated Hagerstown.
An advance OF the picket lines was made last night.
Just before DARK emo brigade from each corps pushed
forvard to within short distance and ski mlshing
took place; but nothing OF Importance attained.
Near Funkstown tho enemy had two regiments drawn
mp; but these retired Immediately upon the opening Of
our artillery The istencss Of the hour prevented
from making any further advance, and after dark
forces returned 70 their former position Another ad
vance will be made to. day.
Lee undoubtedly crossing tho Potomac and should
be at all surprised that tho whole rebel army
has escaped from Maryland Everything indicates ch
movement. Since the reconnaissance made by the
my last Wednesday ne has shown disposition TO hold
any position, and Thursday the Sixth corps advanced
several miles, driving the rebels before IL and in the
skrmtsh Of Friday, in which the Vermont brigade
alone engaged, the rebel officers had great difcuy
keeping their in line indicating that they had kts
support
On Friday night the rebels withdrew their artillery
from the front and threw up rifle pits Funkstown,
and serday mornlng but few pieces OF artillery
returned to their positions Tho ensmy's pckcts
strengthened and every device employed 70 arrest
engagement between the skirmishers Columns Of
tiery, Infantry and wagons have been moving IN
the direction Of wiamsport and cavalry yesterday
failed TO nnd any large OF rebeb north Of Hagers
tUwn. -
Lea has caused every building the neighborhood or
wiiamsport bs stripped OF boards for the purpose
building natboats and have the slightest doubt that
upon advance We shall meet with nQihiny bus few
skrmishers and the guard Of tho rebel army.
II is possible that all these movements mere ruse
the raTt OF Lee, intended draw on but why he
should wish to risk another engagement north Of the
Potomac with victorious and largely reinforced army
. mystery.
To-day We shall know what the enemy is doing All
under orders TO be ready TO at moments
tce and before this communicative reaches s dsstina
ton win have been determined whether Lee viii light
again In Maryland should he DO So feel cooAdcnt
that shall crush him and leave but remnant, any
thing, Of the rebel army. g.e .8
LOSS OF THIRTY PIECES, OF ARTILLERY
By THE REBELS IN THE GETTYSBURG
BATTLE -GF.N8s Fiji HfE.s.s. #.M
4n WAMx0roH, July II, 1858.
II seems 10 have been nowhere mentioned that in the
Gettysburg nght the enemy thirty pieces artry
disabled and abandoned. Oalcers who have closely
scannci tho Geld report this fact.
Amy.
The whole country between here and the Pennsylvania
line ,rth Of the Potomac flied with sfraggers Tnoso
from the Onion Army Of tho Potomac chiefly
who taken prisoners by the rcbcs al Gettysb
and subsequently escaped The estabied
country sfu Of straggers and deserters mostly from
the rebel army and more anxious 20 gct porthward
than 20 ,oin Gen. Los. -Four hundred and twenty hvo VI
into Washington to-day and committed the custody Of
the Provost Marshal
ADDRESS OF GEFERAL HOWARD TO THE
tE ELEVENTH CORPS.
r4mN..