Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-08-26
FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC.

Operations of Gen. Sheridan-A Recon.
noissance-The Enemy at Charlestown-
emy-Movement Toward the Potomac
Skin rmIsh with the Enemy-Capture OF
Prisoners.
JCorrespondence Baltimore American
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPARTMENT., In
the Field, Aug. 25, 8 g. m.-The usual quiet OF
the past few days was disturbed yesterday by
movement on our part, which consisted in a
reconnaissance being made by a detachment
from Crooks command and the Nineteenth
Army Corps, to ascertain the strength and po.
sition OF the enemy on our front.
The force from Crooks command consisted
OF the eth and 14th Virginia, and the 3ith and
9lst Ohio infantry of Johnsons Brigade, Du-
vals Division, together with regiment of
cavalry, under Col. Lowell, which consisted
of two squadrons OF the 22d Pa, commanded
by Major Myers, and two squadrons Of the I'd
On the right flank Of the enemy's skirrnish line,
and if possible get in their rear, whilst another
force, consisting Of the 10th, 11th and 18th Vir-
ginia infantry, of Thoburn's division, moved
out to attract their attention in front
1t was intended that the force thus deployed
should capture the whole or q greater portion
OF the enemys sklrmish line.
Atprecisely twelve o'clock Duval moved his
force to the front, and advanced in TWO bat
talon lines, keeping his men as much as pos
slble under cover, to prevent the enemy from
tions.
He had not proceeded far when he encoun-
tered the advance OF the enemy's skirmish line,
who were under cover of frail pens'' hastily
thrown up, and affording shelter for five or six
men. These "rail pens'' were situated about
eight hundred yards in advance OF our skir-
mish line in an epen field, with belt of woods
on the right and left, and q large corn field in
rear.
AS soon as the enemy's advanced line discov-
cred the approach of our force they hastily re-
tired to the corn field in rear, where a portion
of their reserve was stationed, and who were
Immediately drawn up to resist our further
advance. Col Duval continued to move for
ward his force, portion Of which was COM
pletely hid from the enemy's obser vation, until
he got nearly feur hundred yards in their rear,
when suddenly discovering him they wheeled
into line and opened a heavy fire into his flank,
compelling him to change front and face one
line to the right. This move had the desired
effec', for they were shortly driven to retire,
when our cavalry were ordered to advance
and charge them, which they did in fine style,
killing and wounding quite a number and
capturing six prisoners In this charge
Major Myers, OF the 22d Pennsylvania Cav.
airy, was wounded by splinter of shell in
the leg.
As soon as the enemy became convinced we
meditated an attack on his skirmish line they
brought reinforcements rapidly orward from
the direction of Oharlestown, and moved one
battery of artillery to commanding position
in piece OF woods, the fire from which en-
filaded our advance. AS soon as the eaemy's
battery commenced firing, Battery B, 5th
United States Artillery, commanded by Oap-
Rosney opsnsa Ds
them with marked effect, and an artillery duel
was commenced which lasted tor about TWEEN.
Withdrawn. Our forces fell back, having ac-
complished all that was intended, with the
exception Of the capture of the enemy's
entire shirkmish line. We, however, took
1t was no part Of the Generals plan that they
sh ould bring on general engagement; on the
the contrary, they received strict orders to
avoid fighting as much as possible.
The result OF the reconnaissance established
the fact that the enemy We're still in our front
in considerable force.
and Ranseur's divisions are detailed for picket
duty in our immediate front, and the rest Of
the Confederate forces under Early are at
Charl estown. They differ in their statements
with respect to Longstreet. Some Of them pos
itiyely assert that he is here in person, whilst
others are equally confident that he is not here,
der command Of Gen. Pickets. Our total loss
in Crooks command Will not exceed 43 wound
ed and killed. ss...-.-r. ..---
After we fell back yesterday the enemy re-.
sumed his old position, and dpicket skirmishing
was Kept up until dark.
The American says, editorially :
The most important army news this morning
comes from the Shenandoah Valley. a strong
reconnaissance from our army was made on
Wednesday, developing the fact that the enc.
my were sun in force in our front, with the
main body encamped at CharlestoWn, The
movement was successful not only in develop
ing the position OF the enemy, but also In the
capture Of number Of prisoners. A second
reconnaissance made yesterday by large
fact that the enemy were moving. A conside.
rable portion OF their force broke camp at day.
light. and moved in the direction of Martins.
burg. . Ouf cavalry struck their skirmish line
near Kearneysville, and made a briIlianf
charge, capturing number Of prisoners,
while we lost but . tew killed and wounded.
Atfhe time our special dispatch was sent, late |