Year: 1862

VOL. XVI.


force was composed Of new recruits, and it
could be hardl y expected they should show
front to an enemy that were unknown in
force. Our people fell back some seven
miles, where another guard was stationed
who succeeded in stopping the retreat until
the enemy's force was known.


II was afterwards discovered that the
force which attacked US was q regiment Of
cavalry, under Fitzhugh Lee, about 800
strong. After they had driven us from our
position, they proceeded to destroy three or
four trains OF empty cars which were at
the junction, and they succeeded in ac-
eomplishing their object besides which
they destroyed everything of value they
could find in the neighborhood.


As soon as their work was completed
they proceeded to enjoy themselves, the
secession females of the neighborhood hav-
| ing provided an entertainment for them
While they were discussing the good things
many Of our men who had been taken
prisoners managed to escape, and from
them we learned the force and character of
| the enemy. --...
Now that the horse is out Of the stable,
Gen Halleck proceeds 10 lock the door, by
ordering force to Manassas that will be
able to protect the point and prevent in
future any more visits Of a similar nature.
The rebel cavalry are smart fellows
great on the dash-here to-day and there
tomorrow. One never knows where to
expect them next. They are teqching us
Z -I,H L..
plished by rapid movements Being apt
scholars, we shall soon learn, and their
lessons viii not be thrown away; for we
shall play the same game ere long, when
they least expect it.


Il is impossible to describe all the par
ticulars Of this affair. That it was dis
graceful no one can gainsay. Further in
formation from the field by those who have
seen more of it may better the affair; but
we think not.


Our men who retreated say that there
we're fully 5000 rabeIs making the attack,
but this is all say-nothing more. Those
who we're in the enemy's hands, and after
wards escaped, are the best able to Judge,
and they declare that the force was ali
cavalry, and did not exceed 800 or 900
men.


The only mystery is how they got there
No one appears 10 be able to solve the
question. With our armyin advance, how
did this band Of marauders manage to get
between it and Washington2 If affairs of
this kind can be managed by the rebels
two or three times week, we may indeed
feel Hshaky" as to the final result. We
cannot afford, as Yankees, 10 be outwitted
in this manner more than two or three
times


It can hardly be possible that the rebels
are In force beyond Warrenton. They
may be, however, for they possess the
means to move large masses Of men, and
subsist them quicker ard better than we
do. Can this cavalry attack be the fore
runner Of an attack in force from that di-
rection2 We hardly know what to think,
much less say, and must quietly wait for
something else to turn up before we can
form an opinion.


We had news from the front prior to
this raid up to last evening, and some very
interesting intelligence. On the night Of
the 25th Col. Rosse, of California, not yet
assigned ascommand. but who led the 28th
regiment after the death of Col. Donnelly,
swan the Rappahannock with a small par
ty of men, and penetrated the eneny's
lines to within hundred yards Of Gen.
Lees headquarters. He was compelled to
cut his way back, without any killed, but
had several wounded, himself among the
number. He reports several batteries Of
light artillery in position, having passed
them as he forced his way to the river. At
the point at which he crossed the enemy
were in force, say from 5000 to 10000.


The reports from the main body of our
army are very satisfactory. Officers di-
rect from headquarters say that it is all
safe in point of numbers and position, and
can defy any attack. The health Of the
men they report excellent, and every one
Of them anxious for a forward movement.
A very large number have rejoined their
regiments, having entirely recovered their
health.


We occupy the north bank of the Rap
pahannOck and the enemy may attempt to
cross it, if he chooses; but we doubt, from
all that we learn, if he will make the at
tempt. It is said that he does not appear
in any great force on the south side, and
that the opinion prevails he has retreated
on Gordonsville. Does this report sound
we'll Is it good omen that no enemy is
to be seen in front? Is it possible that he
| has retrested when we have a strong caval-
~ attack in the rear2 Does 1t not seem
more probable that we may hear of him
next on our flank or in our rear2
After the affair Of this morning we may
expect visit from the devils in any di-
rection. If they were to drop from the
skies it would not surprise US, even if they
came without wings.
1t is hoped among US that some move
ment will be made before long whereby
the current can be turned that is now run
ming agains US. We must have q victory
soon, and without the aid Of gunboats,
that will have a telling effect, or European
opinion will be stronger than ever
against Us, and the rebels viii have it all
their own way with foreign governments.
/ had almost forgotten to mention the
dashing affair Of General Sigel the other
day, whereby he bagged eight hundred
rebels. Two hundred escaped, however,
on account Of heavy reinforcements COM
ing up to the rebels, preventing sufficient
guard being placed over them. The Gen.
waited very quietly until they ran into the
trap, when he sprang it, securing the lot.


It cannot be many days before news Of
the most important character will be for
warded from about this point A tremen-
dous battle is about to be fought, exactly


where no one can tell; but it cannot be


many miles distant from the point at


which am penning this letter. Il will be


battle that all others fought on this con-