Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-08-29
FROM UP RIVER.

The Movements of the Rebel Raiders
Another Big Panic at Haserstown-The
Fighting at Shepherdstown-The Rebels
Shell Williamsporf.
Especial Correspondence of the Evening Star.]
HAeRRsTowN, Saturday morning, August
27.-Editor Star: The usual "weekly scare
took place here yesterday, which caused
general stampede Of those who feared another
visit from the dreaded rebels. -, .s
On Thursday evening, about dark, three
companies Of the LIST Virginia Union cavalry,
who were on duty at Failing Waters, were at
tackled by about an equal number Of rebel
cavalrymen. Our men held their ground for
some time, but the attacking party having re.
ceived reinforcements In the meantime, our
cayalrymen withdrew to Williamsport.
Darkness having set in by this time, the
rebels made no further demonstration during
the night, but early Friday morning they adj
vanced heavy skirmish line to the Virginia
shore of the Potomac river, Immediately oppo-
site WiIliamsport. The town at this time was
held by one regiment Of cavalry belonging to
General Averill's command. Skirmlshing
across the river Immediately ensued, which
was kept up with much vim, but "nobody
force of the rebels, consisting Of one brigade Of
cavalry, numbering perhaps four thousand
men, withdrew from opposite Williamsport
and moved up the river shore towards McUoy's
Ferry, some two miles above. Before doing
so, however, they planted battery on Lem
on's Hill near the toll gate on the Martins.
burg road, which completely commanded
Wiiliamsport. .sIy ea s.'
From this battery they threw a number Of
shells into the town Three houses were struck,
but no damage verify Of note was done. Mr..
Wilson, correspondent Of the New York Herald,
had his horse disabled by the explosion Of q
she'll. Fortunately most Of the shells fired
from this battery exploded in the air; other
wise the damage to property might have been
serioRs. aa.8 7ETr H. r-.sHr #1
After arriving at McOoy's Ferry the rebel
command halted, and some eight or ten Of
49, - 49,
without accomplishing any thing From
McCoy's they moved mp to Cherry Run, on the
Potomac, about Ethirteen miles from Hagers-
town, and short distance from Clearsprfng.
Here they made q feint as II TO cross the river,
which they did not do, however. After leav.
ing Cherry Run they again moved on mp the
river, but nothing has been heard Of them
since, and at the present time & o'clock a. MI
it is not known here whether they have crossed
the river or not. Military men here do not be.
invade Maryland at this point and 1t is thought
that this force is only making feint In this
direction to divert attention from other points.
could have done SO either at cCoy's Ferry or
Cherry Rum, without opposition, as the fords
are not guarded farther up than Williams.
while ths skirmishins was going on across
the river Gen. Averilps forces, which had
been encamped near iSharpsburg, reached the
rebel entrenehmentsg on Mohisr's farm, two
miles from Hagerstown, on the Wiiliamsport
turnpike, four miles from the latter place,
where they were drawn up In line OF battle,
and remained the greater portion OF the day
These entrenchments were efected last summer
by The rebels on their retreat after the battle Of
Gettysburg.s IL no .s4Iqm. 9dj Is,a1 .. y, -
About 10 O'Clock aftsr. the rebels had With;
trawn from opposite WIiiamp9Ts 6sne.ai
and established his headquarters at The Wasn:
ington House, where he remained unM
O'Clock In the afternoon, when be again re-
tional turnpike in the direction Of Cherry
Kun. ffECEi Zit = I1i1G rTA1h LL- -, =.
While GsnSAverfn fWasnn Hagefstown ne
was visited. by Gen. Custas, who Wasf sur
rounded on Thursday nsar Shepherstown ~
BreckinridgeS infAntry, but who Succeeded ia
cutting his way. ont, and reaching Maryiand
in safety with his command, havilR crossed.
the river at Shepherdstown. These two dis.
ttnxuhhed cavalry oMcers spent some time In
cons ultauon, after which Qsa. Custar returned