Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-10-20
THE REBEL ATTACK AT CHARLES.
TOWN, VA.

The Baltimore american of to-day has the
following in relation to this affair:
1t Is stated that about daylight Rebel cav
airy force, estimated at eighteen hundred men.
and supposed to be under the command Ut
General lmbOden, made an attack upon the
Federal forces stationed at Charlestown.
Inc engagement, which Is repoI ted to have
been OF spirited character, lasted but q short
Une, as II soon became evident that the 10 n
~as con- psetsIy iD vested by a superior for ce,
sra that surrender was una yoidable. Major
Cole, however, determined to escape if pJSsi.
ore. and by desperate charge succeeded in
getting through the line of investment and
made hie way TO Harper's Ferry. with a small
loss. TIE infantry was less fortunate, aud
about six companies are reported to have sur
rendered. w hat the loss in killed and wounded
WIS could not be learned.
As soon as Major Cole arrived at Harpar's
Ferry. with what VI as left of his command, he
connuni. at-d to Gen. J. G. Sullivan, of Indi.
ara, commanding that district, the intelli-
geLce OF the disaster. A force of infantry aud
der Gen Sullivan, promptly repaired TO
shot ea p axns sh out IT ha
town small rebel force, supposed to have
been the rear guard. Gen. Sullivan then dis
pstched the artillery and cavalry in rapid pur.
suit, and about noon pretty brisk artillery
hring-from both sides, although the rebels
used NO artillery in the morning fRh-was
heard between Charlestown and Berryville,
which points are ten miles distant. Later in the
day 1t was reported that the Rebels had be,n
driven back some two and half miles, but
from what point was not indicated. Neither
was II stated whether any OF the prisoners re-
had been reaken, though hopes were enter
tanned that such would be the case.
Inc I'D Maryland regiment was principally
recruited in this city for six months service,
md is principally composed Of Young men.
The appearance Of this force of rebels at
Charlesrown gave rise to reports that they
Were threatening various points between w ash
ington and Hancock, but scouts sent out from
Cumberland, Sir Johns Run, Martinsburg,
Monocacy and Point OF Rocks report no eaemy
IN sight Scouts also report no sign OF them in
me vicinity OF Edwards Ferry or Conrad's
Ferry.
In addition to this, it has been ascertained
that since Saturday evening the Potomac river
has risen two feet, and is not, consequently,
forbade at any point between Washington and
Hancock, thus rendering improbable an at
tempt of the rebels to cross at this time with a
view OF making raid, or any other purpose.
Taking this view of the case, the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company have not allowed the
operations Of the road to be interrupted, and
last evening the trains were despatched as
bodies OF troops, which are deemed sufficient
20 repel any attempt that may be made by the
rebels upsn 1t. .
The keeping of this small infantry force at
Charlestnwn, surrounded, as it has been known
70 be for week. by the enemy's cavalry, is one
OF The mysteries of warfare in Shenandoah
valley The friends of the members of the 9Th
In THIS city have been daily anticipating for a
week past 10 hear OF the capture OF the repi
mint. Letters had also been received from
mem bers OF the 9th, stating that the were hour
iy expecting an attack from Imboden's c:.yal.
~. They are reported to have fought brayeIy
nnni oyerpowered by superior numbers
THE LATEST PROM HARPHR's PERRY
Topographic dispatches received by the Off.
GERS OF the Baltimore and Onio Railroad Com.
Fany as late as halt past eleven o'clock yester-
cay morning, assure that perfect quietness
prevails throughout the entire line These
were dated HarpeT's Ferry. All the trains Of
the Rain stem haye been and now ara running
regularly, and large supplies for the use OF
FEDERAL troops are leaving Camden Station as
u nal. Gen. Sullivan had no. only reoccupied
ths ground which the rebels had gained, but
mad extended his line to a considerable distance
around.
Colonel Coles Maryland cavalry pallantlv
succeed in cutting their way through thu
superior force OF the enemy, whilst the 9tn
maryland is supposed not to have lost over
" hundred, and OF this number small son,ds
Rave been coming in since the estimate was
Ei;de, especially as the retreat or the epemv
was very closely pursued. Company A Is "a.
pcrted entirely safe, having been on duty at
Dufield u. pot whilst tw other compa MES
absent at distant point, are also reported
safe. he latest dispatches state that the At
lacking force Of the enemy, under I'm bodsn.
esunated at 3,uO TO $500, did not exceed one
half tie low est number.