Year: 1862

BALTIMORE, Oct. 27.


The American has the following special dis
patch from Berlin The movement of Gen.
Burnside across the Potomac at Berlin, of
which you were informed yesterday, though il
has not been followed by an immediate gener-
al advance of our forces, is undoubtedly an
initial movement of that long promised activi
ty OF the past OF the army of the Potomac,
which we all hope is to deal against the rebel
lion most staggering blow. To-day there
has been no movement beyond gradual but
heavy reinforcement of Gen. Burnside in his
position. He has taken the Virginia side of
the Potomac, near Observation-Disclosures and
artillery. 1t will not do to say in what num-
Der they have been massing in that direction
until it is evident that the movement is no
mere reconnaissance, but in reality an advance
of the left wing of the army. This movement,
it will be observed, brings our left wing, which
was previously in the rear, on nearly straight
line with the centre, and all the distance from
Pleasant Valley to Lorettsville nearer the
army. In this respect it will be seen that the
movement was necessary one preliminary to
placing the army in position for an advance,
while it does not in the least betray the plan
on which that advance is to be finally made
from Lorettsville. Gen. Burnside threatens
equally the rebel flank at Winchester and their
line of communication via Front Royal. There
is but little news from the front to-day and as
there has been no firing it is presumed moth
ing OF Importance has occurred Gen. Burn
sides forces are massed in the vicinity of Lor-
ettsville. Our cavalry and light artillery, un-
der Gen. Pleasanton, are reported to have oC-
cupied Leesburg last night, the rebel cavalry
force there retreating before our advance, but
| cannot now verify the report from any one
acquainted with the facts. In relation to the
rebels, we have numerous reports, all tending
to one conclusion, that the main portion, if
not the entire army, has fallen back beyond
Winchester One fact may be said to be GER
tainly established. They have deserted the
line of the Potomac, and are neither to be
found in Charleston, ,Martinsburg or Sheppards-
town. During several days OF last week. as
has been their practice usually before a retreat,
they showed themselves in strong force at all
the various points of our lines, and their pick
cts were yiciously beligerent firing at any
aud everything. On Saturday all these de-
monstrations ceased. and their pickets disap-
peared entirely from our front. Refugees from
Winchester are also reported to have come
within our lines, who stated that their town
had been evacuated by the enemy, who were
retreating towards Stanton. ! give it only as
a report. The very general belief, however,
is that Gen. Lee is making fast time towards
Gordonsville, and that the main portion of his
army is already well advanced in that direc-
ton. Everything is quiet at Harper's Ferry,
except the hustle and stir incident to the pres
ence OF large force, Notwithstanding the
predictions almost daily for week past of an
advance.


z. The forces on Bolivar and Maryland Heights
are yet quiet in their tents, engaged with
nothing more important than the usual duties
OF camp life. The men, invigorated by
bracing northwester, appear in the finest
health and spirits. 1t is admitted that the
army is now fully prepared for offensive move
ments. and the present quiet therefore means
nothing. Our outposts in this direction have
been at Hallstown for several days. and ii is
reasonable TO conclude will hold Charlestown.


The rain of yesterday wound up last night
in furious storm of commingled rain and
wind, that was severely felt in the camps oceu-
pying exposed positions on the submits and
sides of mountains. On Bolivar and Maryland
Heights the storm ragged, with such fury that
tents were overturned and the men forced to
midnight battle with the elements.


Notwithstanding the considerable quantity
of rain that fell yesterday and last evening,
the river has been but little affected. The
water has not risen over foot, and wagons
cross the iords at the ferry to-day without diff
fculty. The rain will rather tend to facilitate
than to retard any movements that may be in
contemplation. Under the influence of the
bright sunshine and dry wind that has followed
it will harden them in first rate condition.
Judging of the condition Of the army by what
/ have seen of it here and at Sharpsburg. |
think our men were never in finer state of
health and spirits.