Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-10-20
THE DEVASTATION IN THE VALLEY.
Correspondence Of the Nsw York Tribune.

Correspondence of the Ns,o York Tribune.
NEAR STRAsBURG, (VA.) OCTOBER 8, 1864.
At the close Of my hurried despatch of last evening the
advance train from Gen. Sheridans army passing this
point its way down the valley to Harpers Ferry The
fact that the army falling back and would be at Stras
burg during the day became known in the forenoon and
the large supply train in charge OF Col Curre, OF the
1881 New York, also commanding brigade an escort
had been ordered to halt here to await it's arrival and thus
save unnecessary marching Soon cattle and wagons be-
gan to arrive and pass The supply train mmed
atey parked Cedar Creek and the train, containing
the families of refugees of all ages and conditions
crossed the creek and took the pike towards Mar
tinsburg
From thsse, as we'll as officers having charge of the
tran it became generally known that Gen. Sheridan
was moving his whole army back this place; not be-
he compelled to retire, but for important rea
best known to himself and others controlling the
movements of the great army of the Union.
learned from the most unquestoned also, that
all the barns containing forage grain all wheat and hay
stacks all subsistence for future rebel army this val
ley, of whatever kind all grsnares and mills being
destroyed by orders from Gen Sheridan and that this
order had been rgdy enforced throughout the valley
along the whole route of march, from Staunton to Wood
stock. ,
The valley from mountain to mountain was consequently
ed during this rebellion 1t was not Of retaa-
ton for the wanton destruction of Northern towns and
property has been falsely supposed but stern
necessity Of war; the full bearings Of which will be better
and appreciated in the light of the great campaign
yet before us.
All families who desired to do provided with
transportation North with much of their household
effects and such quantity of provisions their necessities
required
The amount of subsistence and forage thus destroyed
of immense and, while falls heavily upon indi
vduas will be felt most severely by the rebel army now
awaiting in and around Richmond, the opportunity to
sweep these large stores Of grain and forage into their
lap. To them it is crushing blow and efectuay closes
the Valley of the Shenandoah-ths of the
two armies at least for year to the occupation of
the rebel army to Its for any purposes unless they
bring with them the necessary subsstences thing now
rendered impossible.
The nests of guerrllas which have here found such
pie scope and verge for the practice of their nefarous
pursuits will also be broken up they longer live
the fat Of the land while plying the vocation of robbery
and murder upon unsrmed and unsuspecng people, Upon
the secret allies Of this band this chastsement falls with
| just severity.
Those who cherish loyal sentiments will acquiesce in
any measure however seemingly harsh which may
tribute to bring to speedy termination this most
causeess bloody, and most nexcusabe conspiracy
and rebellion against good Government Had this and
kindred Of safety been adopted at the outset Of
the war-suppong the people to have been prepared for
1.-THE would have long since been brought to close,
least the officers of longest and largest experience
believe Many of individual suffering will undoubt.
eddy arise and the innocent will suffer with the guilty
but restored country will ultimately mete out full jus.
tice, and it is believed will vindicate the wisdom well
/ an the humanity Of the measures adoDted
Five thousand stacks of wheat and forage estimated
have been destroyed between Harsonburg and staun-
ton distance Of twenty-five miles, and also large num-
Der Of Touring mills and barns This the most fertile
portion of this most beautiful Valley Between Rocking
ham aud Martinsburg the same programme will be carried
out but the number Of mills and the richness and the
tent Of the produce will not compare with Rockingham
and Augusta counties ..
To-day heavy southwest gale has been blowing which
has given wings to ames and in instances houses
and other buildings not Intentionally doomed TO destruction
have fallen prey to the devourng element As the
airy came up the town Of Woodstock said to be noto-
secession place. large barn the outskirts Of the
town fred and in consequences Of the high wind the
flames communicated to the buildings and houses in the
compact part of the village Seeing the houses
posed TO destruction the soldiers united effort to stay
the progress of the flames Meantime the advance cavalry
Of the enemy which has been hanging 10 the of our
up and openedfre Of another kind upon them
which obliged the soldiers to desst their efforts and leave
the town to its fate Rumors not wholly credited are
circulating that considerable part Of it destroyed
1t was larger town than Sasburg which had before the
war about fifteen hundred inhabitants.
Later in the day yesterday and also throughout the early
part Of this morning the trains OF Gen Shedans army
continued arrive and push forward to Harper Ferry and
Martinsburg The larger part of the wagons filed
in some cases compacty with people of all Sizes
and colorsa continuation Of the sad procession of re
gees from land cursed by rebellion aud waste Early In
the morning rode out to and beyond strasburg, passing