Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1864-07-22

buildings, which had been fred BY both parties
to get better Of each other, lighted up the fields
aud woods that skirt just outside the outer line of
Notifications
Great doubt had existed all along as to the
| strength OF the enemy in our front, and much
difficulty was experienced even to the end ofinvest-
meat in getting that information. Prisoners were
taken who stated that the troops Just in front of
our forts belonged TO General Gordon's division
Of Ewel' s old corps, formerly Stonewal jackson q
and now commanded by Major General John Ear
Is, and that Breckenridge, Ransom, Imboden, and
johnson were with the invading force 1t was
lccnfdenty thought that if the enemy intended any
| assault on our works it would be made on Mon
day night.
Accordingly, every preparation was made
| Veteran reinfofcements filed the streets lead
ing to the front and the entire city was out on q1-
riee Thousands, including many ladies' rode out
to see the expected demonstration, and remained
during most of Tuesday witnessing the skirmish-
ing, until ordered away Monday night passed
and no attack was made, and Tuesday was named
as the day which would decide that question
IF the enemy had fifty thousand men as alleged
in good quarters, the time of Tuesday was of vital
Importance to our strength, On Tuesday morn
ing just after daybreak, the boom of Forts De-
Russey, Slocum, and Stevens, four miles north of
city, came reverberating oyer Washington. That
city was all alive and astir for the great event an
lamation for every able-bodied man to turn out as
militia, and be mustered into service for sixty
days Citizens were seen ON every hand with guns
on their shoulders, while employees of depart
ments and government workshops, who had been
previously organized and drilled, turned out sew
eral thousand strong.
Three thousand convalesoent soldiers were also
obtained from the hospitals besides veteran forces
were increasing hourly by fresh arrivals
AT noon intelligence of the cuttInP of all fala-
graphic and railroad lines between Baltimore and
Washington came to hand, and added, it was
| thought then. something as to the enemys full
design Nashington became isolated and so re-
manned thirty-six hours-Tuesday afternoon Penn
syIYania avenue was crowded with troops marching
in all directions, while an ncessant food of extras
from newspaper Offices announcing that Fort Lin
coin, situated on the Baltimore turnpike ten miles
northeast Of the capital, had been attacked
wrought up the excitement to the highest pitch
yet reached during the invasion In the mean
while skirmishing continued ali Tuesday afternoon
all along the lines, without anything new being
developed in the enemy's lines and so Tuesday
wore into night, and, notwithstanding published
rumors of the advance Of the rebel force ON the
south side of the Potomac perfect feeling of Sc
| curity prevailed for it was then doubted if the
rebels intended an assault and if they did our for
ces would prove too much for them
| During the early part Of the night, their line
was strong as usual, stretching from the railroad
| this side of Bladensburg, to Fort Pennsylvania,
/ two miles from the Potomac The city now being
perfectly isolated many of the places Of business
wereclosed, and provision prices became panicy.
| Flour rose IN price ten dollars per barrel and
citizens found great difficulty in providing for their
families when suddenly ordered into the ranks
Tuesday afternoon no one was allowed to go to the
front without pass and rumor was gIt6 enough
There was but little excitement except among the
militia. 1t was well understood all was in readi-
ness by our forces to attack on Wednesday morn
! ing,
But day-break came, and behold the skirmish
line and pickets had vanished, and the enemy was
gone.
Ruined fields smouldering houses, and his dead
and wounded, were all he left behind a most sick
ening memento of his visit
| Cavalry followed in pursuit, and the enemy
were found to be retTeatng toward, Frederick. A
small battery had remained near Bladensburg, fir
ing at the railroad train long after the main hne
! had retreated. Thus commenced and thus ended
the rebel invasion of the District Of Columbia and
Investment Of Washington
/ heencnly troop nearerthe city than they
ever have before At several points in their lines
the city could be plainly seen, and objects Of spec
ial interests designated while from some of the
| public buildings skiYmishing could be seen with
the aid of commonopera glass The rebel head
quarters were at Silver Springs in the residence
Off. 7, Blair, Sr. This was about the only house
spared from the flames on the seyenth-street road
Postmaster General Blair's residence adjoining
it, was burned with all its contents. Early and
Breckinridge we're two days at Blair house, and
1t was Though the influence of Breckenridge that
it did not share the fate Of his sons.
The President and Secretary Stanton showed
their anxiety in the situation by being present at
thewharf were steamers were unloading troops, and
Fastening them to the front, while the former, in
company with General Halleck, was at the front
good deal of the time. All three were in Fort
Stevens, when several were killed near them.