The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-07-13
Fight at Martinsburg-Gen.
Sigel oEnpelied to Eavaeu-
ate.

BALTIMORE, July S.-humorS have
been circulating here all day that large
rebel force under Gen. Ewell, attacked
the Federal troops at Martinsburg and
compelled the evacuation Of the place
The following infurniatioh in regard to
the matter has been received at headquar-
ters, principally Upon dispatches from
Harper's Ferry:
About day break this morning intelli-
gence reached headquarters at Martins
burg to the effect that the rebels were APP
preaching in three separate columns, one
by way of the turnpike towards Shepards-
town; another towards Martinsburg, not
far from the line Of the railroad, and the
third west of it. 1t will be remem bered
the Department of Railroads is that of
Gen. Hunter, assisted by Gen Sigel, with
Gems. Kelly and Max Webber Gen
Kelly force is at Cumberland, where no
alarm or excitement exists.
Gen. Sigel, on receiving this informa-
ton, at once prepared to check the ap-
proach Of the enemy, in order that no
movable property should be destroyed.
Troops were drawn up ats clock; fight
ing commenced and continued for four or
five hours, during which his cavalry Tell
slowly back to his infantry supports
Ascertaining that the force of the enemy
was largely superior to his own, Gen
Sigel determined to evacuate Martins
burg, which was accomplished in good
order
He telegraphed the railroad company
here as to the state Of affairs, and all their
trains and other movable property was
securely moved away. Some heavy trains
filed With supplies for Gem Hunter were
also taken away in safety. A force of the
enemy also came by way of North Noun
tain with a view, no doubt, OF fanking
our forces, but in this they were disap-
pointed.
A dispatch received at FIVE o'clock this
evening, states that fighting has been
going on all day near LeetoNn about ten
miles from Harpers Ferry, between a
/ force of the enemy that were moving in
! the direction of Sheperdtown pike, aud
command which Sige had left there to
occupy the place. Both forces engaged
were small, and it is officially reported our
troops had repelled successfully all at
tacks.
All freight and passenger trains from
the west were worked successfully through
last night, but no express trains left Balti-
more for the west this evening. AT last
accounts NO injury was done the road or
bridges. 1t is supposed the invading
force is the same which was sent against
/ Hunter, who is understood to have retired
into West Virginia toward Ganley, to
await the arrival of supplies, Finding
| Hunter had eluded them it is thought .he
rebels are BOW attempting raid into Mary
| land.
i It is thought their strength has been
greatly exaggerated, and it will dwindfe
down to small raiding party, which will
scarcely venture far beyond the Potomac
Sigel has fallen back to Harper's Ferry,
and holds strong position on the Mary
land nights.
/ There was great excitement at Hagers-
town and Frederick to day, owing to ex-
aggerated reports brought down by fugi-
tives from Martinsburg.
New YeKk, July 3.-The Herald
Washington special says:
| The President will call for half a MILL
Ou VI ICn NfeOl thS
ment of Congress.
headquarters special to the Tribune
records the return Of General Kautz with
loss Of men, horees, II guns and a wagon
train, bat the expedition was most sue
ccssful in destroying the Danville and
Weldon R. r. Mills and an immense
amount Of rebel property. On returning
was overw helmingly attacked by Fitz-
hugh Lee and Hampson's cavalry and
infan try. kaatz repulsed them several
times, but was finally surrounded; lost
wagon trains and artillery, was unavoid-
ably ordered to retreat which was effect
ed through dense wood and marsh; left
artillery spiked and wagons burned.
1t is reported that the 9th corps had
vigorously attacked the rebels and reta-
ken several guns. Eight guns were re-
takeE by the 9Th corpsf and a diversion,
accompanied by movement the I'd aud
9th corps, enabled Wilson to defeat the
rebel cavalry and reach our army with
considsrable loss.
SpecuIafors Come 50 Grief.