The Placer herald., 1864-07-16
EASTERN NEWS,

news from the East, consequent upon the
invasion Of Maryland by rebel force varil
ously estimated at from 5000 to $4,000
strong. They first made their appearance
near Martinsburg, in the valley Of Virginia,
and drew Sigsl's troops across the Potomac.
Following up this advantage, they again
drew him from the old battle-ground of
Antietam, where be took refuge on Maryland
lights Sigel was then succeeded in COM
mand by Gen. Howe, but whether he with
drew bis troops toward Baltimore, in view
of the subsequent operations, the telegraph
does not say.
After the fight at Antietam, the rebels
moved eastwardly, occupying Hagers,own
and Frederick, while another part Of their
forces crossed the Potomac at Edwards
Ferry, moving toward Baltimore.
General Lew. Wallace, commanding the
Federal troops of the Department Of Balti
more, essayed to check the rebel advance by
making a stand at Monocacy creek, at a
point where it is spanned by bridge Of the
Baltimore anil Ohio railroad, a few miles
east OF Frederick city, but was defeated with
a loss of 1000 men and several pieces of
artillery, and was compelled to retreat to,
ward Baltimore.
In the meanwhile the rebel cavalry and
mounted infantry were sweeping the whole
country along the northern line of Mary and
Of horses, cattle, sheep, wagons and other
supplies, and cutting the lines of railroad
and telegraph in every direction. Moving
north and east Of Baltimore, they cut The
Northern Central Railroad, and the Baltt
more and Philadel pbia Railroad capturing
two passenger trains on the latter, and maxi
ing prisoner Major Gen Franklin, who was
on one of the cars. He was recently from
Louisiana, where be held an important COM
mand in General Banks Inflated Red River
expedition.
The defeat of General Wallace and the
Wholesale depredatons of the rebel raiders,
created the most intense excitement at RaIti
more, where a general arming Of the citizens
took place, and every preparation made to
defend the city. But it seems Baltimore
was not the objective point Of the rebels;
As they soon fell back from that city toward
Washington, and intercepted the comnuni
cations between the capital and Baltimore
and Annapolis. Some of their troops ap
peared at Bladensburg, six miles north Of
Washington, and more at Rockville and
neigbboring villages.
Breckenridge is said 10 be the commander
Of the rebels-having bis own as we'll as
troops from the corps of Ewell and Hill.
aA Il aDa
bis headquarters at the residence of the
venerable F p. Blair, near Rockville, where
there was considerable fighting, without de-
cisive results The residence of Montgomery
Blair, Postmaster General, was burned.
The latest information from Washington,
is a dispatch to the Philadelphia Inquirer,
under date Of the 14th, which says the rebels
commenced retreaing across the Potomac
at midnight on the 18th, carrying their
plumber and impressed citizens along with
them.
This rebel demonstration has caused in
tense excitement at the East-bu. the most
general opinion considered it a formidable
raid for supplies instead Of demonstration
in force against Washington.
Gen. Grant is reported to consider the
movement as unimportant.
From Petersburg there is nothing except
that the siege is progressing No news from
Sberman's army.
The rebel privateer Florida is reported on
the Atlantic coast, and has captured the
steamer Electric Spark and several sailing
vessels.
The Democratic State Convention of In
diana met on the 12th-nominated S. E.
Mcdonald, for Governor, passed resolutions
denouncing arbitrary arrests, the suspension
Of the habeas corpus, the suppression of
newspapers, the general policy of the State
and National Governments, and favoring a
speedy peace.
The STEAMER WAsHoE has been fully re.