The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-10-21
NEW YORK, Oct 90.
The Herald has the following:
DE-, \ 2

| ~, ~ NEW DIRK, Oct. 20.
The Herald has the following:
| tBkB ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 2
| October 49,
1t is now quite definitely settled that the
rebels are falling back toward the Rapidan
and that our army offers them battle by adj
Vancing. Construction trains have run as fai
as Bristow Station to-day, and tomorrow sup.
ply trains will run to or beyond that point.
The trustle bridge at Bristow was burned by
the rebels, and the track between Manassas
and Catlett's Station has been almost wholly
torn up by them.
In the Field, Virginia, Oct. 19.-Yesterday
reconnaissance was made by Col Chapman
and portion of the LIST Brigade of Buiord's
Cavalry division, composed of the 9Th New
York and Sth Illinois. 1t was discovered that
Stuart with his cavalry had passed the day be-
fore in the direction of Aldie, and yesterday
toward Leesburg. 1t is believed that they are
en- route for Maryland. 4pg
1t has been ascertained this morning that
the rebels are building fires along the railroad
track from Manassas toward the Rapahannock,
thus destroying the rails and rendering the
road unfit for use, aud are also destroying all
the bridges along the route.
The Times Washington dispatch says a
gentleman from the front this afternoon states
that Lee was in line of battle on the old Bull
Kun field on. Saturday, and that on Sunday he
had gone. Gen. Sickles, who has also arrived
this afternoon, confirms this intelligence.
There are kilograms in town also to the same
effect
The Tribune's army correspondent of the
18th says we had another sharp artillery duel
yesterday between heavy body of rebel cav
airy and Gen. Merritt's brigade OF Buford's
cavalry. fs-t sslas. esffF
Gen. Meade ordered reconnaissance for
the purpose of discovering the whereabouts of
the rebel infantry lines, and as our forces were
advancing on the road toward Warrenton.
about three miles beyond Manassas Junction,
they suddenly came upon line Of mounted
rebel pickets, who retreated before our col
umn until concealed battery opened heavy
nre o. grape and canister upon them, which
compelled a retreat.
Indications this morning more than ever
confirm the belief that Gen. Meade, after hay-
ing awaited Lees attack, will now pursue and
endeavor to force him to general engage
ment.
Gen. Sickles bid adieu to his old corps to-
day and returned to Washington. Gen. Meade
does not consider him well enough to resume
command. .
The Times Washington dispatch says, be-
tween the rebels and our forces the bridges
on the Orange Alexandria railroad, includ-
ing the Important bridge over Cedar river,
which have thus far escaped, have been DESTROY
ed. The advance of any force will thus be
transformed into bridge building enterprise.
The Worlds Washington dispatch says there
Is but one item of real fact to-day from the
front, and that is, that Lees army has entirely
fallen back from Bull Run, not even picket
being seen. There are no rebels in General
Meades front to nshe- Where they have gone
is matter of speculation.
Our cavalry have discovered tnaA one col
umn OF the rebels moved northwest as Is 20.
ing to Thoroughfare or Aide Gaps into Lou
don Valley, but whether their final destina-
ton is the Shenandoah Valley, or simple
march round back to Culpcpper again, is yet
TO be determined. 7EFF
y Ff WASHINGTON, Oct. 10.
The military authorities here have not yet
reached any positive conclusion as to either
the strength or position of Lees army. Our
cavalry finds that Of the enemy in every direc-
ton, but their maiu body has been effectively
concealed. One opinion entertained is that
Lee has retired behind the Bull Run Noun
tains toward his intrenched position on the
Rapidan, but by some of the most experienced
officers here 1t is believed that the principal
part Of his infantry has been sent in the drec-
ton of Harpers Ferry and Winchester, with
a view of crossing and supporting another
extensive cavalry raid into Maryland and
Pennsylvania.