Weekly Trinity journal., 1864-08-27
Letter frosn the Potomac.
MuppY BRANCH Nd Inlr %

| some time before we had rumors that the rebels
were about invading my Maryland" and in
tended to capture Washington taking Baltimore
by the way. 1t seemed so foolish an idea that
the press generally laughed at it and proclaimed
it impossible. The command at this Post was
the first to realize that " some things could be
done as well as others" Major Thompson, with
a caution that was commendable, and of the
highest Importance, (as it was afterwards tound),
had stretched his pickets out on ell sides. His
lines penetrated into the country at all points
and one could not be broken without its being
known at Headquarters. On the 10th, then,
messenger from post at Rockville came riding
in and brought news of the enemy's immediate
approach in force. We could hardly credit the
information. 1t was almost impossible that
force of 20, 900 or 25, 900 could move without in
terruption and without knowledge of them on
our part, all the way from the main Confederate
army at and near Petersburg. Our pickets stop
ped long enough in Rockville to skirmish with
the enemy's advance guard and observe the
long line of dust which marked the progress of
their main column, while others in hidden places
ascertained, far as able, the number of the
enemy. During the afternoon we were forced
into hasty retreat Tents were struck, prop
erty packed up and conveyed to wagons and
canal boats, in such order that but little left
to aid the enemy. We moved away, train and
all, at double-quick, while occasionally the
sound of q carbine came with the wind from the
direction of Rockville. Don't ask if it hurried
US. That night, after IL o'clock, sometime, we
sank into refreshing slumber at Camp Relief,
Washington. Meantime, Major Thompson had
the honor of presenting to Maj. Gen. Angur the
first information as to the enemy's position.
President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton were
sent for and plans speedily devised for obstruct-
ing the approach, On the 18th details from our
command were exchanging shots with rebel
sharpshooters, near Fort Stevens, while at Fort
Slocum, Tannallytown and other points, Col.
Lowel's cavalry force were also dsmounted and
in skirmishing lines. This skirmshing was kept
up for several days, with no heavy loss on either
side. Finally, the enemy were pressed back
wards by impetuous assaults from our men, and
soon their whole force was in retreat. The I'd
Massachusetts cavalry did good service. 1t came
up with the enemy's artillery at Rockville and
drove them backwards from their position. The
rebels left many more dead and wounded on the
field than we. Col. Lowell is in the advance of
the 9th Army Corps now
The enemy find it harder now to get out than
it was to get into this country. Attacked at
Smokers Gap, they lost considerably in killed,
md with
plunder and 500 head of cattle. Hunter and
Averill are still waiting there, while Sheridan,
like grim old Cerberus, lies across their path,
hungry for blood and eager for battle. Truly,
their path is tortuous and weary, and much like
that which evil doers have to tread. These chiv-
alrous Johnnies condescended to take away with
them everything of value. Even ladies were
stripped of ear and finger rings, and all the val
liable ornamentation so much affected by coun-
try ladies. All the large pinchbeck brooches
and false Canoes brought hither by all the ped
dlers for the last twenty years are in the hands
the daring invaders. 90 My Maryland suffered
to the tune of about S4,O0O,000 or more. How
many Union people suffered, do you ask Not
many, for my opinion is that few of this kind
reside near the track of the late raid. The rebels
showed gold and silver in goodly amount
Doubtless our boys will come back with most of
this loose material, if they against the
Johnnies.
This astonishing march of the enemy is only
taken as an evidence Of the desperation and
weakness to which they have come. 1t did not
bring Grant from Petersburg, nor detach from
any important point any considerable force.
Rumor says large rebel horde is on its way
here. We dare not hope for such good news.
Petersburg and Richmond are sure to be in
Grants hands before long. In fact he could
have them now. Possibly, he don't take them
because he don't want the retreating army to in
terfere with Sherman in Georgia. Atlanta and
Richmond in our hands, what more can be hoped
for by the designing knaves at Richmond, or by
the deluded xictms-the soldiers of the rebel
army? The game is up, or nearly So
Major Thompson looks pleasantly back on the
past and thinks his men did good service. Our
losses are unknown as yet shall forward at
earliest opportunity list of killed, wounded
and captured Californians. The old California
Battalion sustained its wel-earned reputation
Its diminished numbers will attest to California
when it returns, how nobly it has done its work.
Some time since, Major Forbes, I'd Massachu-
setts cavalry, with detachment, was caught in
Moseby trap, similar to that of Drainsville.
Loss, 60 captured, besides the Major and Chap
lain Humphreys, the latter being quite favor
ite with the men. Companies A, Ii, and T, three
California companies, formed the first line OF
battle and wanted to draw and charge, but were
not permitted to do So The regiment has been
considerably strengthened by the loss o tna1
Major Mismanagement has almost ruined US.
The encouragement Trinity gives to the SAM
tary Commission will be well appreciated SOL
l-diers like to know that men, women and cniioren
at home are still caring for them
Yours, ESf'
A Youyo HERo.-Edward NJ. Schneider, OF the
57th Massachusetts, mere boy, says tne roy
who had volunteered from Andover, was NOR