The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-08-27
BY 'TELEGRAPn
roTHE
Portland Daily Press.
Federal Reconnaissance.
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 70.

PHILADELPHIA, aug. Zp
The Bulletin has the following special dis
patch:
In the Field, dug. 25h.-Y esterday re-
connoissance was made by detachment from
Gen, Crooks command to ascertain the
strength and position of the enemy. The
force was instructed to move quickly on the
right of the enemys skirmish line, and, if
possible, get in the rear, while another force
moved out TO attract the attention in front
Duval moved his force to the front and adj
vanced in two battalion lines keeping his lear
as much as possible under cover to prevent
the enemy ascertaning our strength o. proba-
bic Intentions. He had not proceeded far
when he encountered the advance of the enc
my's skirnsh line, who were under the cover
Oh ran piers hastily thrown up, each atiordiBg
shelter Tor five or six men. As soon as the
enemY's advanced line discovered the ap-
proach OF our forces they hastily retired to
cornileld in the rear, where portion of their
reserve was stationed, and who were immedi-
ately drawn up to resist our further advance.
Col. DuVal continued TO move forward and
had got nearly 400 yards in their rear, when
suddenly discovering him, the enemy wheeled
into line and opened heavy fire on his flank.
compelling him 10 change trout and face our
line to the right. As soon as the enemy be-
came convinced that we meditated an attack
ON their skirmish line they brought reinforce
ments rapidly forward from the direction of
Charleston, and an artillery duel commenced,
which lasted about twenty minutes. when the
enemy's battery was Withdrawn. Oar forces
then fell back, having accomplished all they
intended. We took about thirty prisoners,
who state that Rhodes and Remseur's divis-
ions are detailed for picket duty in our imme-
date front, and that the rest of the rebel
forces under Early are in Charestown. The
total loss of Crooks command did not exceed
torty-three wounded and six killed. After we
fell back yesterday the enemy resumed bis Old
position, and picket firing was kept until after
dark.
BALTIMORE, Aug. 20.
The Americans special dispatch has the fol-
lowing:
A reconnaissance was made early yesterday
morning by large force Of cavalry under
Gen. Torbet. A portion of our cavalry under
Gen. Wilson, who were stationed at Halliown,
moved out to kearneysyille, and there met by
arrangement Gen. Merritts division, which
had been stationed near Shepardstown. The
two forces combined under command of Gen.
Torbet, moved out in the direction Of Lees
town. The columns had Lot proceeded more
than mile when they met the enemyis Skin
mish line, which was composed of infantry be-
longing TO Eirly's corps. Gen. Torbet dis
mounted brigade of his command and sent
them into skirmish with the enemy's advance
line of skirmishcrs, while another portion of
his command was sent round by cireuitous
route to strike them on the flank and rear.
The effects of this move was TO completely
double up their skirmish line and cause them
to flee in the widest confusion, while por-
ton of our men, mounted and held In reserve.
charged upon them with the sabre, killing,
woundng and capturing quite number TIE
charge was only deslsted from when our men
came upon the enemys reserve, all infantry,
drawn up 10 line, aud presenting front near
ly two miles in length.
On examining the prisoners captured it was
ascertained that the whole of Early's old
corps, now commanded by Breckenridge, had
broken camp in the vicinity of Charlestown
at daylight that morning, and marched in the
direction OF Leestown. This was the force
that now confronted Gen. Tor6et. and having
ascertained these facts he commenced with
drawing bis forces. In the mean time the en-
envy had thrown a force around on the Shep-
ardstown road, which prevented Gen. Gustav
from retiring in the direction originally in
tended. The column under Gen. Wilson had
reached its destination In safety, and was
about going into camp when courier arrived
with informrtion that Castar was cut of, and
ordering him to make demonstration on the
enemy aSd picket the road from Halltown TO
Duflield station.
Heavy cannonaaing was heard in the drec-
ton OF Shepardst0wn, which continued uatil
dark, and some fears were entertained that
Custar might find the enemy too strong for
him, but those who knew him better aud were
acquainted with his dashing qualities aud fer
tliity OF resources as cavalry leader, made
up their minds that he would cut his way out
somehow aud time proved that they were
correct, for early this morning bis courier ar
rived with dispatches, informing Gen. SheIi.
dan of his arrival at a point OF safety, and
from wheneh he can watch the further move
ments OF tie enemy. Our losses had been
comparatively small, and will not exceed $50
in killed and wounded, all OF whom were
brought from the field.
A charge was made at four O'Clock yester-
day afternoon by Col Lowell with small de-
tachment OF cavalry on the enemy's skirmish
line to the left of Halltown, which resulted in
the capture OF some prisoners from whom we
received some important information, which
leaves no doubt that the enemy are ia force
and prepared to take advantage of any weak
ness in our lines. In the charge we lost Capt.
Idenhock, OF the I'd Massachusetts. killed, and
some three or four were wounded.
Gen. Duflie reports that there is no force of
the enemy anywhere in Loudon County. The
fords from Williamsport to Point OF Rocks are
well guarded, and the enemy would find il
difficult operation il they should attempt to
cross into Maryland.
LATER.
The Americans Harper's Ferry dispatch,
received tonight, snys;
"The enemy made attempts to cross into
Maryland to-day, at Williamsport, with two
regiments of cavalry and some Infantry. At
ter spirited fight Of some hours duration,
tn y were handsomely repulsed by Gen. Aver
i'll with heavy loss.
a reconnaissance was made by Gen. Crooks
to-day, which resulted in the capture of six
commissioned officers, one of whom is a colo
mel. and sixty-three privates.
The enemy still show strong force on our
front"