Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-23
New YoRK, Oct. 81.


An officer just in from the front, brings
the intelligence that Lees whole infantry
force is across the Rappahannock. Some of
his cavalry are still this side. Our reserve
cavalry yesterday advanced as Car as Warren
ton Junction, meeting but few rebels, who re-
tired The rebels destroyed the rail road
between Manassas and the Rappahannocs
Rebel prisoners say that Lees design was to
shove Meade back to the defenccs of Wash.
ngton, and then to turn and make the rail
road impossible towards Richmond for or 4
weeks, and to hurry with superior force
down the Virginia g. East Tennessee railroad,
check Burnside if be could and then hurry
back to Meade's front
The Tribune's Washington dispatch, re-
ports our army in full pursuit Of the retreat
ing rebel army.
Trains running up to Brisiow to-day, and
large quantities Of railroad material was trans
ported, for putting the track in order. The
rebels have destroyed the track for miles,
burning up tho ties and digging down the
grading. Our forces are pushing on, but thus
far without opposition or any indications OF
being able TO meet Lee in force and get gen
eral engagement this side Of the Rapidan.
Our cavalry captured about twelve prisoners
last night at Oatlett y station.
An orderly OF Gen. Merrill came in from
the advance at P. NJ. to-day, reporting a
considerable body Of cavalry and infantry
advancing up the road, but up to dark no
demonstrations were made, and it is suppos-
ed to have been a strong picket force for the
night. Large numbers Of cavalry are being
reftted with fresh horses and equipments,
and everything in preparation for vigorous
work
The New York Times Of this morning says
Gen. Burnside is reported by the rebels, to
be advancing into Western Virginia with A.,
600 cavalry, for the purpose Of making raid
on the East Tennessee railroad, and doubt
less intending the destruction OF the great
Salt works near Abingdon. They acknowl-
edge that he had engaged and driven in their
forces, with a loss Of 400 killed and wound
ed, from Bible Ridge TO Greeneastle, and
thence was advancing on Abingdon. He is
also said to have organized three regiments Of
Tennesseeans, and that 1000 refugees were
following his army.
The Herald dispatch, says that Gen. Burn
side has forced his way through the noun
tains Of East Tennessee and Southwest Vir-
ginia and has actually got nossession Of The
main line Of rebel communication, between
Richmond and Chattanooga. His advance is
us miles southwest from Lynchburg. He
has utterly destroyed from so to so mies Of
the railroad. Lee has detached portions Of
his army to oppose him.
The Worlds Army Of the Potomac dis
patch dated yesterday contains the following.
Deserters from the rebel lines to-day which
bring US most cheering news, which under
stand is to be confirmed by official di patches
received by Cen Meade from Washington,
and fully account for tho withdrawal OF Lee
from the front.
II appears that Burnside has forced his way
through the mountains Of Fast Tennessee and
Southeastern Virginia, and is working along
up the Railroad towards Linchburg.
Lee in his recent advance upon Meade,
withdrew all the available men he could gath
er from the line of this IOad surprising 1t per-
fectly secure as loDe as Meade was in his front
II now appears plain what before was in
comprehensive, and Meade was not allowed
to Il ght the rebels on the Rappahannock, as
be desired, but was not allowed to do by the
authorities at Washington. By falling back
towards Washington, he withdrew the enc
| my at least two days march farther away from
Burnside's field of operations. Lee, utterly
ignorant Of Burnsdes movements or where
abouts, followed him.
The discovery Of Burnside's operation
was made on the 18th and telegraphed to
Gordonsyille and thence by special courier
70 Lee, reaching him on the 10Th, coupled
with important orders to fall back Immediate
ly and with all haste to Gordonsville and
reinforce the garrison at Lynchburg.--
His retrogade movement was commenced
on Friday night when the troops intended for
LvnchbuGg were first Withdrawn. These |
understand TO be the corps of d. II. Hill,
which was at that time operating on our left,
and was therefore nearest to Culpepper -
They arrived at Culpepper on Wednesday,
where immense trains OF cars awaited them.
by which they were transported Southwark.
The rest Of the rebel army followed more
leisurely, though with all reasonable expedi-
ton taking the Warrenton turnpike and via
Greenwich. Stuarts cavalry retained their
position in our front until Sunday when they
fell back.
A Cincinnati dispatch Of the 18th says it
is currently reported here tonight to the ef-
feet that large rebel forces are supposed to be
in the Wyandotte country making their way
to Ohio, intending to strike in northeastern
ly direction. They are under the command
OF nentThl iNNthHtf anu arc tue Nha'
we're driven out of Cumberland Gap aud
Knoxville by Gen. Burnside.
In view of this, the AdJt. General has to-
night issued orders to the commanders of all
volunteer militia, to know the exact number
of men may be got in readiness at an hours
notice, and condition Of their arms and equip
ments. The force of the rebels is not known
but supposed to be about 10000.
The destruction of the railroad will not re
tard the Operations of the army. They are
passing on to the point where they are need
ed, full of spirit and strong in their confidence
in their able commander.
The time is not far distant when the OLE
army of the Potomac will strike another blow
influential for the restoration of the Union.
The steamer Fulton from Port Royal anC
Stono Inlet the 9Th has arrived. She report
all quiet at Charleston. On the 10Th sh
chased a blockade runner nine hours, but thu
latter escaped in the night.
LOUISVILLE, Oct. 20.
Major Gen. Grant has assumed command
of the armies of Ohio the Cumberland AM
of Kentucky. He left for Nashville thi'
morning to assume the direction of affairs a
Chattanooga. Gen. Thomas takes the com
mand of Rosecrans' army. Gen. Rosecran
being ordered to Cincinnati to report by let