The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-10-19
BY TELEGRAPH


From the Army of the Potomac.

From the Army of the Potomac.
NEW YORK, Oct. II.
The Tribune has the following:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF Potomac,
October 10, 1853.
Our lines of battle we're maintained through
out yesterday and to-day, but the enemy have
made no further demonstration, and all has
remained quiet.
The rebel pickets appear close to our front;
but whether, having been SO completely foied
in all their recent endeavor to gain an advan-
tage, they will try another flank movement or
risk an engagement, is as yet undeveloped by
any discoveries we have been able to make.
A reconnaissance on our right has disclosed
heavy body of infantry occupying the passes
of the Bull Run mountains, while Ewell's
corps Is believed to be still lowering upon our
left.
A squad Of mounted rebel raiders dashed in
upon the headquarters supply train Of the 9th
corps, between Chantily and Centrevie, about
midnight last night, capturing the teams Of
only four wagons.
All rumors of fight having taken place at
Fairfax Court House, or that our army had all
retreated thither, are fabrications.
The Worlds dispatch says the Army OF the
Potomac has retreated thus far closely pressed
by Lee. A battle would probably have been
fought on the old Bull Run ground yesterday
had Meade accepted it. Lee moved heavily
on his flank and Meade moved back still fur
Their. Unless Lee has been largely reinforced
he is weaker than Meade, and presumes this
movement on the fact that our army is depict
ed by troops sent to Rosecrans.
The fact is that the departure OF corps
made but little difference. Meade informed
the President day or two since that he should
attack Lee, but both armies are front to front,
twenty miles Distant and he does not do It.
Some here intimate that Lee is going into
Maryland again, but OF this intention we have
not sufficient evidence.
The Times says there was little or no fight
ing in the front yesterday. 1t is rumored that
Lee has sent portion of his army up the She
nandoah Valley. Certain it is his army crossed
the Rappahanuock on Wednesday. A. p.
Hills corps is in the advance.
The cannonading yesterday was occasioned
by an attempt of the rebels to cross Bull Run
at Union Hill, Mitchell's and Blackburns
Fords. They kept up continuous fire to
cover their crossing. Their fire had little ef-
feet on our troops. They made repeated at
tempts to cross, massing their infantry in solid
columns. Our infantry and artillery repulsed
them each time. Firing ceased at shutdown,
the rebels retiring. At dark a portion of Blu
ford's cavalry had brisk fight with Stuart's,
near Brentsville. We succeeded In routing
the rebels. u
Gen. Meade is undoubtedly well informed
as to the movements of the rebels and is pre-
pared for any contingency.
The Herald's Washington dispatch says in
telligence from the front indicates movement
of part of the rebel cavalry toward the Poto-
mac. Steps are being taken to prevent it.
In addition to the large number Of soldiers
already employed in strengthening the de-
lenses, one thousand more were detailed from
the conyalescent camp to-day for that duty.
The military authorities appear to under
stand the recent movement of the rebel army
of Virginia. The best opinion is that large
reinforcements have been sent from Bragg's
army to Lee, to enable him TO make dash
upon the Federal capital.
1t is not believed that he would make such
attempt without large force at his command.
The alternative is plain that Lee has either
pushed the army back with mere handful
of men, or he has a tremendous army to sus-
tain him. The latter is probably true, and an
attempt to flank Meade's army by attacking
Washington may be expected.