Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-10-28
CLEARFIELD. PA. OCT. ss. 1868.
THE WAR NEWS.

THE WAR NEWS.
Since our last issue the Rebel force under
Lee, which was threatening Gen. .Meade's
right wing, has retreated south of the Rapi-
dan. and the army of the Potomac now holds
undisputed possession of all the country east
of the Rappahannock, with no signs of bat
tie at present The hasty retire at of the rebel
army, their officers say, was caused by want
of provisions, and when Stuart passed through
Warrenton he did not stop to feed his men.
though he admitted they had eaten nothing
for "a hours. 1t was also said by their ofli-
GERS that having destroyed portion Of the AL
exandria and Orange Railroad Lee would have
time to send troops to the assistance of Bragg.
The rebel newspapers claim the capture of
1000 of our troops,a full battery, and large
number of wagons during the campaign. In
formation from Washington states that the
damage to the railroad will be repaired and
In running order within ten days from the
retreat of the rebel forces.
Adyicas from the Army of the Potomac
continue of the most Satisfactory character.
Cavalry reconnoissances are continued on our
part as far as the Rappahannock. The Orange
and Alexandria Railroad had already been
repaired one mile beyond Bristow Station,
and forces kept at work night and day.
The discipline and morale of the army never
were better, and the officers and men are
represented as having the greatest confidence
in Gen. NJ eade. 1t is estimated that 800
men will cover all our losses in the late cam
paign, including killed, wounded, stragglers
and prisoners. This, it will be seen. is below
the estimate ofthe Rebel loss made by them
selves-their loss being, according to their
own accounts, 800 killed and wounded, and
a large number taken prisoners.
During the past week change of comman-
,ders has taken place in the army of the Cum
beriand. Gen. Rosecrans has been relieved
from his command and Gen. Thomas appoint
ed as his successor. Many rumors ahoat
as to the cause of this change, but we forbear
publish ing them, as they are very contradic-
tory. We will however remark, that, no
doubt, there were sufficient reasons for the
change, or it would not have been made by
the War Department. Time will set all things
right.
Gen. Crooks official report of his pursuit,
defeat, and rout of Wheeler's force, sent by
Braggs to cut off ROsecran's communications,
is received. Gen. Crook had three fights with
the enemy, whipping him severely each time,
and finally scattering his force in every direc-
tion, capturing four pieces Of artillery, 1000
stand of cavalry arms, and $40 prisoners, be-
side the wounded. Gen. Crook says he never
saw troops more demoraized, land thinks their
loss in this raid was not less than 1900.
Joe Johnston's force, with the exception of
one division, has been sent to reinforce Bragg.
There are not over 10, 600 Rebel troops in NJ is
sissippi Richardson, Ross, Whitfield, Blythe,
and Chalmers each have band of about 500
strong, and are in different parts of the State
hunting conscripts with bloodhOunds, and rob
biug the inhabitants. In three counties over
100 bloodhounds are used to capture Union
men.
The notorious guerrilla, Jim. Keller, with
six of his gang were captured at Sharpsburg,
KY, on Sunday a week. While in the hands
of his guard, Keller was shot and mortally
wounded by man named Watkins, formerly
of the Kentucky cavalry.