Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1863-10-29
From Virginia.

ARMY OF TIE loTOMAC, OCT. ~.
The sudden withdrawal of Lees
army from our front is explained. In
formation just received at headquar-
ters from Washington, confirmed by
reports of deserters and prisoners,
renders it certain that Burnside is
gaining a position in the rear of the
rebel army, actually threatening their
chief base of supplies, Lynchburg.
Dcscrtcrs state that, on Friday
night, Lee received positive orders
from Richmond to fall back on Cor
louisville with all haste and protect
Lynchburg from the advance of Burn
sides army, already within $50 miles
Of that place. Lee at once commen-
ced a retrogade movement, compri.
sing in his withdrawal from our imme-
diate front. all but small picket, by
Sunday night.
The movement of the enemy was
suspected on Sunday, and prepara-
tions were made by Meade to recon-
notre in force to find Lees wherea-
bouts, but certain contradictory infor-
nation, previous to movement TO
our right, caused delay.
On Sunday night positive intelli-
gence was received Of the enemy's re-
treat. Buford's and kilpatrick's cav
airy started at once in pursuit. At
daylight the next morning the whole
army advanced. Buford came up with
Lees rear in front of Thoroughfare
Gap Monday noon, when severe skir-
mish ensued. The rebel cavalry, with
artillery covering their rear, wheeled
and gave battle. Buford met them
with cavalry and artillery. The artil-
lery duel was one Of the most spirited
on record. From the heights Of Cen
treville, twenty miles in the rear. the
whole engagement was visible
Though only curling smoke was seen
to distinguish the lines of battle, every
report Of cannon was distinctly heard
For four hours the duel continued
when Buford made spirited charge
and rcpulsed the enemy in confusion
driving them into the mountains.
The enemy, in their retreat, tore up
the greater part of the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad, from Manassas
to Oulpepper. Deserters say that the
destruction is complete. All the
bridges were burned and abutments
blown down; rails torn up for miles
piled on ties and burned. 1t will re
ouire at least week to put the road
in running order. Workmen are al
ready at work. a#a
1t is not proper to state the present
locality of our army, but it is not idle
and will be supplied by to morrow
with all the rations it can carry. Tht
destruction of the railroad will not re
tard its march to the present point 0
destination.
Lee moved the bulk of his arm,
back to Culpepper, where immens,
trains Of cars were waiting for them
by which they were quickly transpor
ted South. All the railroads in East
ern Virginia are said to be laid unde
contribution to supply rolling stool
for this movement. The railroad
running to Richmond are temporaril,
suspended for the purpose.
1t is positively known that Lee in
tended fighting Meade in the defence
of Washington. My dispatch of tn,
18th is fully justified. Meade fel
back to secure position, also To lur,
Lee as far from Burnside as possible
Lee followed innocently, ignorant 0
Burnside's whereabouts and move
ments. He had eighty to ninety thou
sand men, and had withdrawn every
thing from points in the interior o
Virginia. Hence Buruside's advanc
was the easier. Lee intended attack
ing at Chantilly, on Sunday, previous
ly making demonstration at som