and baggage, and many stand of arms. This morning the command pushed rapidly to Manassas Junction, which Jackson had evacuated after three hours in advance. He retreated by Centreville and took the turnpike towards Warrenton. He was met six miles west of Centreville by McDowell and Sigel, late this afternoon. A severe fight took place, which has terminated by darkness. The enemy was driven back at all points, and thus the affair rests.

Heintzelman's corp will move on him at daylight from Centreville, and I do not see how the enemy is to escape without heavy loss. We have captured one thousand prisoners, many arms, and one piece of artillery. JOHN POPE,

Doc. 200.

Major-General.

BATTLE OF CHANTILLY, VA.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, Tuesday, September 2, 1862. A BATTLE last night, and a victory.

Gen. Reno, holding with his division a position three miles this side of Centreville, and a mile to the north of the road, was attacked by part of the forces under Jackson, Ewell, and Hill, about five o'clock in the afternoon. The enemy, attempting a flank movement to put themselves, probably at Fairfax, between General Pope and Washington again, had marched with the utmost celerity across the fields north and east of the Centreville position, which had been occupied in force by Gen. Pope after the reverse of Saturday. Their artillery, therefore, which was obliged to go about by the road, had not come up; but Reno found himself at the beginning of the battle in front of a heavy force of infantry. The engagement, which began with skirmishing at five o'clock, continued for an hour between the force of Reno and the enemy before our reënforcements came. During that time, the ammunition of our troops had been exhausted, and they were obliged to give ground. Gen. Reno occupied the right, General Stevens commanding the Second division on the left. The latter moved against the enemy with determination, heading his troops in person. What might have been the result it is impossible to say, but Gen. Stevens, while leading the attack, was shot dead by a bullet through the head. His troops became disheartened by the loss of their General, and retreated in disorder.

The movement of General Stevens had been intended to cover the right of Reno's other division, which was in danger of being flanked. When Stevens had been killed, and his troops driven back, there was imminent danger that the right wing would be turned, and the whole force destroyed. Unable to send forward reserves to reoccupy Stevens's position, Reno himself was falling back, and the whole line seemed likely to be lost. The enemy, fortunately, were without artillery, and unable, without a general advance, to inflict severe loss upon our troops.

At this juncture Gen. Kearny, who had been ordered at two o'clock to move to Reno's support,

arrived on the field with his division, and at once advanced to the relief of our exhausted troops. The retirement of Stevens's division had left an opening through which the rebels were advancing, unknown to our forces. General Kearny ordered General Birney to move his brigade still further to the left than the position which Stevens had held, and learning that the rebels were approaching on the centre, rode forward himself to make a reconnoissance of the ground and the enemy. Most unfortunately, the latter were already so far forward that Gen. Kearny suddenly found himself within their lines, and was captured before the action had fairly recommenced.

Gen. Birney took command at once of the division, and sent forward his own brigade to the left, to anticipate and repel the threatened flank movement of the rebels. Randolph's battery accompanied the brigade, and opened on the enemy with great vigor and effect. It soon appeared that nearly the whole force of the rebels had been massed on the left, and the engagement was recommenced by General Birney in that position.

The original line of General Reno on the right had extended to and partially held a piece of woods, against which his right wing rested. On the centre and left was a corn-field sloping down into a ravine, from which rose another hill beyond. On the crest of the latter the enemy were drawn up-at first nearly opposite our centre, afterward moving around to our left. Stevens was killed in attempting to advance through the corn-field, and his force driven back. When Birney took command, all the troops of Reno had been withdrawn from the fight, and the line was formed anew on the left.

The same formation of the ground extended to the left. Birney drew up his troops at an angle with the line first held by Stevens, so as to front the rebels on the left, and sending Robinson's brigade still further in the same direction, posted Berry's brigade as a reserve, and Graham's bat tery near it, and himself advanced to the attack with his whole brigade.

A heavy fire was kept up for half an hour. From the time when Kearny came on the field a fierce thunder-storm had been raging, and the rain fell incessantly and heavily. It was difficult to keep ammunition dry, but with the advantage of artillery, Birney continued his fire for a considerable time, and inflicted severe losses on the enemy. Finding their line at length somewhat shaken and their fire proving weaker, Gen. Birney ordered a bayonet-charge. The Mozart regiment, (Fortieth New-York,) Col. Egan; the Scott Life-Guard, (Thirty-eighth New-York,) Colonel Ward; and the First New-York, also included in Colonel Egan's command, were intrusted with this movement.

The three regiments advanced with gallantry and determination, and moving down the ravine and up the opposite slope in the face of a heavy fire, almost instantly decided the contest.

The rebels broke and ran, abandoned the field, and made no effort to renew the contest. The field was held by Gen. Birney all night, our dead

of the cavalry horses. The rebels lost thirty killed, with the ordinary proportion wounded. When the enemy broke and fled, the loyal NorthCarolinians were fast and fierce in the pursuit of their rebel neighbors. The chase was given up only when the enemy was completely put to flight. The civilians fought splendidly. Mr. Phelps, a carpenter, whose hospitality I have enjoyed, was the first to fire his favorite rifle, taking down the first rebel that fell. In this conflict we lost three men killed-one a Sergeant of company F, of the Zouaves, whose name is Miner; the other a member of the North-Carolina company; and the third, one of Captain Flusser's brave tars, some of whom were engaged. Let officers of higher rank look at the conduct of Sergeant Green, and learn wisdom-the kind of wisdom we now need; and let soldiers learn from the result of the affair what even small numbers will accomplish when they have the right sort of fire in them. The bravery of our little army in Plymouth deserves, and will undoubtedly receive, the highest honor of the nation.

Doc. 202.

THE REBEL ARMY IN FREDERICK.

ACCOUNTS BY AN ARMY SURGEON.

FREDERICK, MD., September 21, 1862. On Friday night, September fifth, I received a despatch from Col. Miles at Harper's Ferry, that the enemy would shortly be in Frederick, and advising me to burn my stores. I had every thing prepared, with plenty of turpentine and acids, also, in case of fire failing.

There was great commotion in the city at the time, the secessionists being very unruly, and in firing my sheets, etc., my hospital steward had to threaten with his pistol several of the crowd who attempted to interfere. We were up that night until three o'clock, when we concluded to retire. Nothing happened until about nine o'clock next morning, when it was announced that the enemy was coming. Presently a refugee reported that it was Banks's force that was approaching, and the Unionists were again jubilant; but about half an hour after, a troop of gray-coated cavalry came riding over the hill beyond the hospital, just as I cut the halliards of my flag-pole to prevent the raising of a rebel flag over us.

While I was in a distant portion of the hospital concealing some articles, a man rode in, and pointing a carbine at the officer of the day, demanded the surrender of the place in the name of the confederate States of America. Not being able to withstand the argument of powder and ball, he concluded to surrender, and the troop of cavalry passed in and took possession of the town.

About ten o'clock the advance-guard, under Jackson, passed by with numerous pieces of artillery captured from us. The rebels jeered as they saw our sick soldiers, crying out, "Look at that cannon, that belongs to us now," etc. I had been able, the night previous, to send off all my sick

except one hundred and twenty-six, who were paroled. Even several men who were dying protested against it; but it was done. They detained us in the grounds for twenty-four hours, in the interim marching in a brigade and camping in the grounds.

Colonel Brad. Johnson ordered me to clear out of my barracks, and he quartered his troops in them, in my beds and the bedding, and moreover declared his intention to burn all the buildings before he left. However, in regard to this I wrote to General Lee, and he prevented it.

Their reception in Frederick was decidedly cool; all the stores shut, no flags flying, and every thing partook of a churchyard appearance. The troops had marched from Leesburgh, twentythree miles distant, since two A.M., crossing at Hauling Ford-a swift march, and more than our men could do. They were the filthiest set of men and officers I ever saw; with clothing that was ragged, and had not been cleaned for weeks. They could be smelt all over the entire inclosure. Jackson I did not get a look at to recognize him, though I must have seen him, as I witnessed the passage of all the troops through the town.

The brigade in the grounds obtained some flour speedily, and commenced cooking rations for immediate use, and to be ready for a march. Their brigades were small, and horses and men all but starved. Every man seemed to have plenty of money, which they stated had been furnished to them freely to purchase whatever they wanted when they got to Philadelphia! The stores were entered, and the proprietors were either compel led to give their goods away or else take confede rate scrip.

Their behavior towards every one was very carefully managed-no bad treatment of any one was permitted. They broke into the Examiner office, but their Provost-Marshal caused every thing to be replaced and the offenders to be placed in the guard-house. No straggling was allowed, and although no discipline was observed, implicit obedience was maintained; for if a man declined or moved tardily, a blow from sabre or butt of a pistol enforced the order. It was stated by the men that four of the army had been shot for straggling since leaving Leesburgh. They were entirely in the dark as to their future movements, expecting, however, to go either to Baltimore or to Pennsylvania.

During the day several medical officers called, among others a Dr. Coleman, Medical Director of Jackson. He was an Oily Gammon sort of an individual; very anxious about my instruments, quinine, etc.; but as we had either sent away or hidden these things, he got none.

In the afternoon I saw brought in, a prisoner, one of the men of Best's battery-Sergeant Driscoll. Although no communication took place between us, I felt very certain that Banks's force was near at hand. From this circumstance all our hopes were much raised, but doomed to disappointment; for, as I afterward learned, he had been sent up here by the captain to purchase a wagon, not anticipating a rebel invasion.

Brad. Johnson during the day became drunk, and ordered Brigadier-General Cooper's (United States army) house to be taken for officers' quarters. This, however, was not carried out. Never before were we so anxious to get into town-not wishing to see any thing, but from the natural desire to feel myself free to move about. Such was my position for the first day, with one hundred and twenty-six sick, little provisions, and medicines and supplies not coming in.

Evening-Secesh belonging to the city were disgusted with their friends, and the Unionists unterrified and talking loudly. No rebel flags had yet been displayed. All the doctors slept at the hospital, as the streets were filled with soldiers who had been drinking freely, though, to their credit, when they commenced drinking they speedily became dead drunk and were then harmless. Did any one of them attempt to create a disturbance, a guard would slip up to him and say something to him, and the songster would immediately cease his brawling and go quietly to the guard-house. The next morning who should pass in but They respectively belonged to the Eighth and Twelfth Virginia regiinents, and Tenth Alabama. I asked them to dine with me, as they presented a rather more respectable appearance than the rest. So I gave them a good dinner, which they said they duly appreciated, on account of its rarity. To keep on good terms with the rebel doctors who kept coming in to see us during the day, I opened some bottles of brandy, and how they did seem to enjoy it and the iced water! They asked to look at a piece of ice, as a curiosity. Constant movements of the troops were all the time taking place, and we could not then at all estimate their number-afterwards we had a better chance.

On Sunday the churches were opened as usual, and Jackson attended the Presbyterian and German Reformed Church. At the latter place the minister, Dr. Zacharias, prayed for the President of the United States in a firm voice.

double price for every thing. A Union man from whom they wished to purchase forage, told them that their scrip depreciated the paper on which it was printed.

All the while the enemy staid here we were continually excited by rumors of the approach of the Federal forces. At one time they were reported at Hanover; at another, to be within fifteen miles, etc. I took pains to learn the Star Spangled Banner on the piano, and played it with vim often during their stay here, greatly to the disgust of the passing soldiers.

On Wednesday, the tenth, the army commenced moving at two A.M., Jackson leading off with about three thousand men, and the rest of the army, which had been camped near the Junction, followed, after having blown up the iron bridge of the railroad. A continuous stream of lousy, dirty men, with arms of all kinds, but good fighting material, was passing rapidly all day. Ι watched it all from the corner, and estimated their force, comparing my estimate with that of others, at seventy thousand men.

Their supply-wagons were few in number and mostly empty. The men carried no knapsacks, merely a blanket, and many of them my hospital blankets, stolen from the beds, and ordinary accoutrements of cup, canteen, etc.

During their passage I saw Lee riding in an ambulance, he having been recently injured by a fall from his horse; Longstreet, Anderson, Kemper, Evans, (of Ball's Bluff fame,) Cobb, (drunk,) Hill, and a number of others, whose names I've forgotten. Their army was divided into three corps - Jackson, Longstreet, and A. P. Hill (General D. H. Hill commands a division.) During all day Thursday Stuart's cavalry held the town, Stuart and Lee dining in town.

While the troops were passing, three small rebel flags were seen, and in one the Union or blue part was down, denoting distress. We enjoyed the mistake, and have since taken the hotel where it was displayed for a hospital.

As the various divisions passed the hospital, they coolly dumped their sick at the hospital gate, and very soon I had nearly five hundred rebel sick with two rebel doctors with me. Gen. Lee sent word to me to retain charge of the hospital, and I did so, as I could thus better take care of my own sick and those left with me by them. The doctors who were with the regiments marching past rushed in, and helped themselves to liquors and medicines, but principally the spirits, as one of them said he used very little medicine with his men, it cost so much, and he, for his part, preferred whisky or brandy.

During the rebels' stay here, provisions became very scarce. All the stores were bought out. Coffee rose to one dollar per pound, and storekeepers increased their prices to a par with those of Richmond. The confederates offered to pay

ty-five miles in the opposite direction, he was told. "The devil! Do you hear that, Bill? We are marching from instead of to Baltimore," and they then had an excited conversation, and passed on.

Twelfth September. About ten o'clock our

pickets were announced approaching, and how every one brightened up is difficult to tell on paper. About six hundred cavalry were concealed in a bend in Patrick street awaiting their arrival. On our advance cavalry guard came. Charge! was the order on both sides, and a short skirmish took place in the streets opposite McPherson's house. I was within fifty yards of it and saw it. What an exciting time there was then! Pistols firing-men shouting and brandishing swordshorses plunging and tearing along as if mad, and cannon roaring, with shells exploding.

fact, a North-Carolinian, from whom correct information had been received several times before, stated that he had seen the order addressed to a rebel officer in the neighborhood, to take Washington at all hazards. This order emanated from Gov. Clark, possibly from a desire to signalize the close of his administration with some brilliant military exploit. Whether the report of the existence of such order was ever credited, and extra means adopted to prevent a surprise, does not appear. Yesterday morning the correctness of the story was fully demonstrated.

From the top of a house the sight was magnificent, nothing but moving masses of men and gleaming bayonets visible-surging along like the flood-tide on a sandy beach-forty thousand men must have been in Burnside's corps. What a change then appeared in our truly rescued city! Flags of all size, and from every conceivable place, were displayed; stores were opened, and the houses were opened unanimously, and our tired soldiers fed in truly hotel style. When Burnside rode through, the acclamations were universal, but nothing to the reception given McClellan when he entered some time after. Bouquets were thrown; men, women and children rushed to him, he bowing and speaking to all; girls embracing his horse's neck, and kissing the animal, only because they could not reach the General.

The reception given to the troops was most inspiring to them, as it had been believed by them that Maryland was not truly loyal.

Doc. 203.

BATTLE AT WASHINGTON, N. C.

BOSTON "TRAVELLER" ACCOUNT.

NEWBERN, N. C., September 7, 1862.

THE usual Sunday morning quiet of our camp was somewhat disturbed to-day by exciting news from Washington. It was announced that the town had been attacked, and all were eager for correct intelligence of the facts. After considerable inquiry of persons who were in Washington at the time of the assault, and a comparison of the several relations, we think the facts are substantially as follows:

There were stationed at Washington one company of the New-York Third artillery, having six pieces, five companies of cavalry, two companies of the First North-Carolina Union regiment, and two companies, B and D, of the Massachusetts Twenty-fourth. Off the town were lying the gunboats Picket and Louisiana.

About a week ago there were very credible rumors of an intended attack upon the place. In

the rebel cavalry at the top of their speed, chas ing our retreating pickets, some of whom they probably captured, as some horses came in riderless.

They were followed as closely as possible by a body of infantry numbering, it is supposed, between three hundred and four hundred. This occurred a little before five o'clock in the morn ing, before it was fairly light, and while so foggy that objects were discernible at only a few yards' distance. So complete was the surprise that the pickets had little opportunity to give the alarm. Certainly it was not given in time to get our men under arms - hardly in time for the officers to hurry on their clothes and rush to the barracks

before the rebel cavalry came clattering, yelling, and firing promiscuously down the street. Unobstructed they swept full two thirds of the way through the town, when word having been despatched to the expedition which had just left, indications were given of its return. As the rebel cavalry passed down, their infantry made a dash at the barracks of the detachment of the Twenty-fourth, surrounding and firing upon them. A like demonstration was made against the quarters of the Union Carolinians. But their cavalry being driven back, the infantry felt it expedient to retire also. This gave our men, now thoroughly aroused, an opportunity to fall in and sally forth to the contest.

And now ensued a street-fight of nearly three hours. The fog still continued, so that in firing our troops were compelled to rely rather upon the sense of hearing than sight. It was found that the rebels had made a stand two or three blocks back from the river, and near where four pieces of artillery had been left with little or no guard.

Guns were planted in the most convenient positions in the streets, while the infantry were some of them supporting the guns, and some of them endeavoring to smoke out the rebels from their coverts. The gunboat Louisiana, Captain Renshaw, commenced throwing shell over the town where it was supposed the rebels were; while about this time, as if to add terror to the scene, the gunboat Picket blew up with a most fearful explosion, killing and wounding from fifteen to eighteen men.