The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-07-20

troyed. When they found that Federal force
was gathering in the vicinity of Frederick, they
Immediately contracted their lines and by rapid
concentration succeeded in massng a sufficient
force to compel the evacuation of that city, and
afterwards disastrously defeat Gen. Wallace at
the Monocacy Encouraged by their success
they again scattered their forces somewhat, and
began cautious advance in the direction of
Baltimore and Washington stealing and des-
troying everything in their way. About this
time body of cavalry, estimated at eight hun
dred, was detached from the main body for the
purpose of destroying the railroad communica-
ton between Baltimore and the North. We care
not accurately informed to the amount of
damage done to the Western Maryland, which
was an unimportant road, but taking it in the
route they passed near or through Westminster
and on to Cockeysville and Texas, on the North
ern Central, fifteen miles north of Baltimore,
where they effectuaily destroyed communication
between that city and Harrisburg by tearing up
the track and destroying several bridges. At
Ashland, one mile north of Cockeysville, they
are reported to have destroyed the iron works,
the largest establishment, perhaps, in Maryland.
After completing the destruction of the road at
Cockeysville and Texas, the raiders took the
pike leading to Baltimore, and by rapid move
ment succeeded in reaching and severely Grip
more road, at Bush and Gunpowder rivers, cap
turing and partially destroying trains, etc., and
before any movement could be made on our part
to intercept them, succeeded in effecting an al
most complete circumvention of the city, des-
troying almost everything in their course, includ
ing the country-seat of Gov. Bradford.
While this predatory band was operating
the lines of communication and defencelss in
habitants west and north of Baltimore, the main
body moved in the direction of Washington (it
being pretty definitely ascertained that no con-
siderable force threatened Baltimore at any
time) and on the 18th inst, appeared in consider
cradle force in the vicinity of Tenallytown.-
Skrmishing between pickets and the rebel
advance began Immediately and continued with
varying degrees of success, but without doing
any considerable damage to our men, until We'd
nesday morning, when they retired. During
this time general engagement took place, ex-
cept vigorous charge which the enemy made
portion of the line occupied by the Sixth
Corps the fighting being done principally by the
skirmishers on both sides, with an occasional
shot from the forts. The casualties on our side
were insignificant, the number of killed, wound
ed and missing not being over four hundred and
fifty. The enemy must have suffered much more
severely, as persons who have passed over the
ground occupied by their lines report that the
number of graves shows that their loss in killed
considerable, while the severely wounded
that they We're unable to remove, found in houses
adjacent to the field, will swell the aggregate to
almost five hundred exclusive of some three
hundred prisoners
AS matter of course, the locality occupied by
the enemy during tn cir brief stay in front of the
city is completely despoiled Of everything move
able or destructible, and presents sorry aspect
compared with it's PROSPEROUS condition previous