Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-11-30
Prom washington.

WAsHGSeToS, November 26.-No intelligence
from the Army of the Potomac has been re-
ceiAed to-day at Headquarters up to 2 P. NJ.
The Star says that Yesterday our cavalry
pushed forward rs far MS Locust Grove, where
they met the advance of the rebel cavalry and the
latter were driven across Russell Creek. and AT
terwarls across MIL Run A body of rebel in
family was posted between that point and Orange
Court House. The whole rebel force moved off
in the direction OF the latter place Locust Grove
is four miles south of Germania Ford in Orange
County, and within short distance of the will
derness where Hooker fought his battle. Mil
Run is miles from Locust Grove. and thence to
Mountain river where the rebel General Early
with Ewel's corps, is said to be in force. Orange
Court House is or 10 miles further OH in n
south west direction.
The Commissioner OF Internal Revenue has
concluded to recommend in his report TO the Sec
rotary of the Treasury large increase in the
excise tax distilled spirits. The present tax
being considered absurdly low, as compared with
that levied upon other goods. While in England
il yields 20 per cent. and upwards of the gross
renenue of that country, here it yields less than
10 per cent. As it is deemed necessary to in
crease taxation to make the law meet the expec-
tation OF Congress, there is no article on which
can be better levied than on this, therefore the
Commissioner will ask the tax to be increased to
so or 60, probably the latter
WAsnISeruS, November 29.-The Army of
the Potomac advanced at o'clock on the morn
ing of the 9th from near Oulpepper, Germania
and Jacobs Fords and formed in line of battle,
the center resting on the Fredericksburg turn
pike near Robertson's Tavern; the left advanced
along a plank road and formed a curve toward
Gordonsvillc and the west, terminating near the
Rapidan, southwest of Jacobs Ford
As the center advanced it came upon the enc
my's pickets and subsequently, upon the skirmish
line
The enemy's line strengthened by the ar
rival of reinforcements from Ewell's corps on the
Rrpidan front.
About o'clock, slow and irregular cannon
aiding commenced on the road leading toward
Orange c. H. and also considerable firing be
tween the skirmishers occurred. The enemy
does not reply with artillery.
At four O'Clock il was announced that Hills
corps, which had retreaied on the RapidaD, west
OF the railroad, approaching in the center.
Heavy musketry was heard in the night, showing
that the Sd corps, forming that wing, was en-
gagged. Our casualties were but few in the
center.
The only officers of rank at that time known
to be killed is Lieut.. Col. Hesser. of the I'D
Pennsylvania.
The battle ground is in the wilderness with but
little open country.
An accurate description of our position cannot
be given, but it will he perceived that we have the
enemys fortified position on the nights skirting
the Rapdan on the right. and can COMPEL them to
give battle if they intend to fight. upon ground
less unfavorable to US.
JEFF. Davis, owing to the unfavorabe weather
of Wednesday. did not review the rebel army, as
he intended, and prisoners say that he has re.
turned to Richmond.
rGen Gregg's cavalry and artillery had a severe
fight with the enem. ON Thursday. aud drove
them back on theif infantry line, when we we're
compelled to fall back with the loss, it is said of
$50 killed. The 9Th corps coming up, the enemy
Was in turn compelled to retreat.