Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-08-27
FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC.

The Enemy in Force-No Enemy In Lon.
doun-Potomac Fords strongly Guarded
tempt to Cross the Petomac-The Rebels
Repulsed with Heavy Loss-Gen. Averill
at the Fords-Another Successful Recon.
n0issance.
Correspondence Baltimore American
HARPBR's FERRY, August 26, IL ma re-
connoissance was made early yesterday morn
ing by a large force Of cavalry, under the
command of Gen. Torbet A portion of our
cavalry under Gen. Wilson, who were sta
toned at Halltown, moved out to Kearneys-
willie, and there met, by arrangement, General
Merritt's division, which had been stationed
near Shepherdstown. The two forces COM
bined, under command Of Gen. Torbet, moved
ont in the direction Of Leetown. The column
had not proceeded more than a mile when they
met the enemy's skirmish line, which was
composed Of infantry belonging to Early's
corps. Gen. Torbet dismounted a brigade of
with the enemy's advance line, whilst another
portion of his command was sent around by a
circuitous route to strike them on the flank and
rear.
The effect of this move was to completely
double up their skirmish line and cause them
to flee in wild confusion, while portion OF
our men, mounted and held in reserve charged
upon them with the sabre, killing, woundng
and capturing quite number. The charge
was only desisted from when our men came
upon the enemy's reserve, all infantry, drawn
up In line and presenting front nearly two
miles in length
On examining the prisoners captured in the
skirmish and charge, it was ascertained that
the whole OF Early's old corps, now COM
manded by Breckenridge, had broken camp, In
the vicinity of Charlestown, at daylight that
morning, and marched in the direction Of Lee.
town. This was the force which now con-
fronted General Torbert, and having ascer.
tanned these facts, he commenced withdrawing
his command.
& In the meantime the enemy had thrown
which prevented General Custer from retiring
in the direction originally intended.
The column under Gen. Wilson had reached
its destination IN safety at o'clock p m and
rived with the information that Custer was cut
of, and ordering him out to make demonstra-
tion on the enemy, and picket the road from
Halltown to Dufiield Station.
Heavy cannonading was heard in the direc-
ton OF Shepardstown, which continued until
dark, and some tear was entertained that Gus.
those who knew him better, and were ac-
quainted with his dashing qualities and fer
tility OF resources as a cavaly leader, made up
their minds he would cut his way out some
way, and time has proved they were correct,
for early this morning his courier arrived with
dispatches informing Gen. Sheridan of his
arrival at point OF safety, and from whence
he can watch the further movements of the
enemy.
A charge was made at four O'Clock yesterday
afternoon by Col Lowell, with small detach-
ment OF cavalry, on the enemy's skrmish line
to the left of Halltown, which resulted In the
capture OF some prisoners, from whom we re-
ceived some important information which
leaves no doubt but that the enemy are In force
and on the qui vire, prepared to take advantage
OF any weakness in our lines.
Z In the charge we lost Capt. Idenhoch, OF the
I'd Massachusetts, killed, and some three or
four men wounded.
Gen. Dufie reports there is no force of the
enemy anywhere in Loudon.,
The fords from Williamsport to Point of
Rocks are well guarded, and the enemy would
find it a difficult operation II they should at
tempt to cross into Maryland. R.L.S.
THE LATEST.
The Enemy Attempt to Cross at Williams.
port-They are Repulsed with Heavy
Loss-Anether Successful Reconnois.
sance. fEua q t2
Especial Despatch to the Baltimore Americana
HARPER's FERRY, August %, 9P.M.-The
enemy made an attempt to cross into Mary.
land tel day at WlIliamsport, with two regi.
ments Of cavalry and some infantry. After
spirited fight OF some hours duration they were
handsomely repulsed by Gen. AveriIi, with
heavy loss. A reconnaissance was made by
General Crook TO. day, which resulted In the
capture OF six commissioned officers, aud
amongst them one Lieutenant Colonel, with
sixty. three privates. The enemy still show
force in our 'front.' r. LIS.