Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-07-19
THE LATE INVASION.

correspondence OF the bdltlmOrc Sun.
ROCKVILLE, Md, July Is, 1s64.-After the
engagement at Monocacy Junction on Satur-
day last, it appears that the whole rebel force
turned aside from the Baltimore road and
marched into this county. Their skirmishers
advanced into this village on Sunday after
noon, about three O'Clock. They were driving
q body of Union cavalry of about five hundred
before them, and few shots were exchanged
in the streets. The advance was cavalry and
mounted infantry, and after scouting some
distance down the road TO Washington, re-
turned and biyouacked in the Fair grounds
for the night Although the cavalry and all
concurred in declaring that both Breckenridge
and Early were in the rear with large force,
and told Of wonderful exploits to be performed,
and wonderful things to be effected in captur-
ing Washington and carrying the war to the
North, 1t was not until Monday morning at
seven o'clock that the citizens could be made to
believe that the movement was anything more
than extensive cavalry raid.
From that time till a late hour in the day on
Monday the streets were blockaded with passing
infantry, artillery and wagon trains. Nearly
every regiment was headed by band OF mu-
sic, which, generally, as they marched through
the town, discoursed fine music. Gen. Early
arrived about o'clock. and occupied the
Clerks office Of the court house for few min
utes in consultation with his officers. He is q
stout man, of at least 60 years, with gray hair
and beard, red face and is very round shoul.
dered. His apparel, or rather his uniform, was
of the cOmmonest character, and had been
much soiled and wOrn-his hat, for instance,
being a high crowned drab SLOUGH, adorned
with single dusty black feather. The Gene
raj appeared to be all the time in deep, alb
stracted study. On his return on Wednesday
morning-not from Washington-but from his
position in front Of the Notifications, l saw
him sitting alone for an hour on the piazza OF
the Montgomery House of this place, with a
studying most intently. At breakfast he was
heard to say that his orders were to exercise
his own discretion about attacking Washing
ton, and to express the opinion that it might
- kolr1 81
life. At any rate. the gentleman to whom he
thus spoke, afterwards told me that Gen. Early
was evidently much depressed, and regarded
McCausland was the only ether prominent
officer saw. He sat opposite to me at tea IN
the Montgomery House on Saturday night. He
wore worsted shirt, and had nothing to dis.
tinguish him from the men he commanded
He, too, was stern and taciturn, and should
think about forty years Of age. Although he
asked me few questions about the size and
be but private, until afterwards heard him
called General McCausland, by q soldier who
invited him to take cigar.
Many OF the soldiers were bloated with ex.
travagant notions with regard TO the easy cap.
ture of the capital, and frequently could be
heard to indulge in little controversies as tc
what buildings should be allowed to stand
and what should be destroyed. Others, how
ever, were not SO sanguine, and said they
knew nothing Of the intentions OF their com
manders.
On Tuesday night about eleven O'Clock, the
advance Of the retiring army reached this vii
lage. From that time until eleven o'clock on
Wednesday morning there was the incessan,
sound Of hustle ana rattle, which need not be
particularly described TO those who have tried
| to sleep and dream while large armies were
passing. BY twelve O'clock Bradley T. John
son, with the rear guard OF the rebel army OF
| invasion, had evac uated the village, and there
! was profound quiet. Its reign, however was
brief. Your correspondent began TO wonder il
| 1t could be possible that after nearly two days
| skirmishing in front OF the Qualifications, and
1 the retreat Of the rebel army, there was nc
cavalry to harass its rear, and press 1t closely
! through the whole OF its march. After pause
of twenty minutes, Union cavalry, splendidiy
mounted and equipped, rode briskly into to wn
| ana advanced, numbering several hundred
men. And now 1 wondered again lift could
| be possible that only few hundred cavalry
had presumed to follow mp and fall upon the
rear guard OF the rebel army, numbering, as il
| did. at least three thousand men. Soon i,
/ proved to be too true. Sharp firing commenc ed
| about three quarters OF . mile in the distance
grew suddenly more rapid and distinct, and
| the Union cavalry was on the retreat CHI
sens fed from the streets aid son ght rein 2. la
| their houses and cellars. The Collision of til.
/ dismcunted men was no n In front OF their
I doors. ard in their yards and gardens rapid