Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-09
THEIR MOVEMENTS AND PLANS.


THEIR MOVEMENTS AND PLANS.
BALTIMORE, July S.-The Americans spe-
cial, dated Frederick, Wednesday noon, Sth,
says 1.-The position of the rebels and their
condition have been definitely ascertained
Their infantry line is drawn across from
Funkstown, Md, to Falling Waters, and be-
hind this line they are using almost superhu-
man eXertions to get their trains such as they
have saved and their artillery and ammun-
ton across the river. The best military au.
thority have dOubts-I might almost say is
convinced-that they have no pontoon train
besides that destroyed at Falling Waters, and
that with such canal boats as they had not pre-
viously burned, and with timber felled in the
vicinity of and at Martinsburg, they are en-
deavoring to supply the deficiencies of their
engineer corps.
1t is known that two days ago they had
troops telling timber They also attempted
to cross some wagons ON flat boats, but the
impetuous current of the river rendered the
attempt futile. They are now crossing their
horses on boats, and leaving their wagons on
this side, probably intending to take them to
pieces, and thus transport them on the canal
boats. l have heard the opinion expressed in
a very high military quarter, that the rebels
will probably secure the most defensible line
in front of Williamsport, entrench them
selves, and endeavor to hold our army at bay.
while they secure the means of crossing. The
position of the rebels is much more desperate
than had allowed myself to think heretofore.
Of course they may get away, but it looks
much less probable now than it did twenty.
four hours ago. Lees headquarters are def.
initely asccrtained to be at Hagerstown to-
day, and his troops are mainly on the road
between there and Wllliamsport, which is
only seven miles distant
Gen. Early's rebel command is to-day re-
ported to be cut off in the mountains nea,
Greencastle by our cavalry. This il 81 course
at present only rumor, but IL is credited to
some extent, inSiew OF the knowledge of the
purposes lef Gen. Pleasanton's present move
ment%
The cavalry of Gen. Pleasanton have been
operating with magnificent success during the
last three days. 1t is a positive fact that
while the rebels were retreating we had cav
airy in their front and rear, and on both
TANKS. Its presence and bold daShes greatly
aided in increasing the decentralization of the
rebels, and their discipline has been greatly
relaxed. 1t is the opinion at headquarters
that our cavalry have taken not less than 6000
prisoners, including wounded rebels who have
been picked up everywhere along the road and
in farm houses where they have been abandoned
by their friends Among the captures is Brig.
Gen. Robinson. He had torn off the insignia
of his rank, and was dressed in citizens cloth
ing. Brig. Gen. Trimble, of the 18th of April
and Philadelphia Railroad fame, is also IA pris-
oner. He was found in the farm house of
Mr.. David Wister, near Gettysburg, with his
left foot blown off by a shell. The damage
done the rebel trains by the dashes of our
cavalry, is almost incredible. Everywhere
they were captured cut off and burned. Gen.
Fitzpatrick dashed into the middle of Gen.
Ewell's train, and burnt between two hundred
and three hundred wagons, and run Oft the
horses. To-day he captured GO more wagons
and 800 horses and mules.
Our cavalry, l think Kilpatrick's division,
had fight yesterday at Hagerstown with a
rebel infantry division. Their position was
at one time dangerous, but they got out finally
without serious loss.
Our army is moving steadily. OF its di-
rection and disposition shall say little, though
the former may be readily guessed at, from
what is said Of the position of the enemy. If
Lee remains this side of the river, there is a
probability of another battle within the next
IS hours. As close, the heavy rain storm is
over, the sun breaking through the clouds.
Forloard is the aeord along the wltole Line.
WASHINGTON, July 8.-Messages for the as
ISOLATED press, received from Frederick, Md,
tonight say, information which can be relied
upon comes from the front this morning of the
following purport. The rise in the Potomac
has checked the passage of the rebel army A
small portion of Lees transportation has been
crossed on RATS at WilIiamsport and Shep-
ardstown, and his stock swan over His am
bulance trains with wounded have also cross
ed, but his supply trains, artillery, infantry
and cavalry are reported to be nearly all on
this side. His first line of battle has been
formed on the Anteitam fields. Should
this prove true, and it is certain that
he cannot receive renforcementS. he
will be compelled to trust the fate of his
army to the arbtrament OF bloody field.
Our forces are gradually concentrating in that
direction. The hopes and prospects of ami
hilating the entire army Of Virginia are
bright. The best possible spirits animate the
officers and men, AT the last advices Lee
was concentrating his forces by every availa-
BILE route. Fearing an attack, he yesterday
morning planted his batteries on every road
by which we ere likely to approach. Blu
ford and Fitzpatrick, with their cavalry divis-
ions, made demonstration in the direction of
Williamsport, but were unable to penetrate
Lees lines. Many citizens of Uagerstown,
Funktown, Williamsport, and Clear Spring,
have left their homes, believing a battle inn
minent. Some Of them have arrived in
Frederick, and think that Lee only placed
his guns in position to keep us in check
while his forces were crossing. The reports
as to the existence of rebel bridges at Will
Transport are contradictory, but the general
impression at Frederick is that none have been
built. A scout who was there on Sunday says
preparations were in progress to build one.
This may have been frustrated by the sudden
and heavy rise in the Potomac.
Gen. Meade and staff have arrived at their
headquarters, having ridden thirty miles
from Gettysburg. Several corps are under
stood to be nearer the point desired. a con-
siderable force has probably reached the vi
cinity Of Williamsport to night. In the
meantime our cavalry are on the enemy's
left flank and make frequent attacks. Our
scouts are frequently heard from, and their
reports add confirmation of Lees endeavors
to recross the Potomac.
War Matters.
New YORK, July S.-The Evening Post
has the following Capt. Ryerson, of the
18th New Jersey regiment, who reached home
at Newark this morning, says, before he left
his regiment, Gen. Meade made an address
to his army, in which he stated that the rebel