NEW-YORK "TIMES" NARRATIVE. Another serious reverse has overtaken the National arms. Harper's Ferry, the Union stronghold on the Upper Potomac, has been overwhelmed by the rebel hordes, and on Monday morning, September fifteenth, at eight o'clock, surrendered, after three days' fighting. he could hold it successfully. Being, however, overruled in his wish, he deployed on Friday afternoon portions of his own and the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New-York as pickets, under Major Hewitt, Thirty-second Ohio, along the mountain this side of the gap. Skirmishing commenced at about half-past three, continuing until sundown. Owing to the thick underbrush, the skirmish was of a bushwhacking character, as, indeed, was all the fighting on the Heights. The Garibaldi Guards, Thirty-ninth New-York, were in the mean time scouting still further to the left. Under cover of night Major Hewitt deployed his men as pickets from one side to the other of the mountain, and then went down to headquarters to ask for reënforcements, believing that the enemy would attack him in force on the ments as soon as they could come up in the mornHe was promised two or three regiing. morrow. About the commencement of the month, Col. Dixon H. Miles, of Bull Run memory, who succeeded General Sigel (Gen. Saxton's successor) to the command of the post, began to apprehend a forward movement by the enemy. On Monday, September first, the Eighty-seventh Ohio, Colonel Banning, was sent down with two howitzers to of battle was formed about three hundred yards Few slept that night. At daybreak the line the vicinity of Noland's Ferry, to prevent their in front of our barricade, as follows: Companies crossing. They took up a position on the Mary-K and B, First Maryland home brigade, held the land side of the canal; which runs parallel with the river. The enemy appeared and succeeded in crossing, when Colonel Banning destroyed the canal-bridge, killed five of the enemy, and withdrew before the large force with no loss. From extreme right, the One Hundred and Twentysixth New-York next in order, Thirty-second Ohio front and centre, Garibaldi Guard extreme left. The reenforcements were sent up late, eight companies of the Third Maryland home brigade not reaching the field until eight o'clock, and the One Hundred and Eleventh New-York not until near noon, too late to render any assistance to companies I and H of the First Maryland cavalry. 66 that time, it was known that the enemy had entered Maryland, and Colonel Miles began to strengthen his position at every point. His force consisted of the Twelfth New-York State militia, Col. Ward; Eighty-seventh Ohio, (three months' regiment,) Colonel Banning; One Hundred and volver and carbines in hand, in front of the line Russell's Roughs" advanced on foot with reTwenty-sixth New-York, Col. Sherrill; One Hun- of battle near to the clearing. The enemy apdred and Eleventh New-York, Col. Segoine; First pearing on the other side, they fell back. The Maryland home brigade, Colonel Halsby; Eighth rebels then, about seven o'clock, opened with New-York cavalry, Col. Davis; First Maryland musketry on the front and right, and made two cavalry, Colonel Russell; a detachment of First partial charges, in which they were handsomeMaryland cavalry, (home brigade;) two compa-ly repulsed. Fighting became general along the nies of Fifth New-York artillery, commanded by whole line, continuing one hour. At the end of Captains McGrath and Graham; Fifteenth Indi- this time the rebels received reënforcements and ana, and one or two more Western batteries. All advanced with terrific yells, at the same time of the infantry, with the exception of the three beating the long roll. The One Hundred and months' men, were raw troops. Gen. White re- Twenty-sixth New-York then became disorgantreated about this time to Martinsburgh, via Har-ized, and the whole line fell back to the barricade, per's Ferry, leaving a portion of his command fighting as they receded. Having reached the here. On Thursday evening, being obliged to barricade, a new stand was made, Col. Sherrill, evacuate Martinsburgh, owing to the approach of Stonewall Jackson, the remainder of General White's brigade fell back to the Ferry. of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth, gallantly dismounting from his horse, and, with revolver in each hand, rallying his wavering troops. The balls fell thick and fast around him, but he never THE FIGHT OF FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. flinched, calling upon his boys to stay by him, On the morning of this day, the enemy had until he was shot in the mouth by a musket-ball, begun to make their appearance, three miles and borne to the rear. Two thirds of the regiaway, on the Maryland Heights, near Solomon's ment rallied and fought well during the rest of Gap, having ascended from the rear. During the the engagement. We maintained our position for week we had advanced to the extreme top of the several hours, company K, of the First Maryland mountain, and constructed a barricade of trees home brigade, with its handful of men, preventfour hundred yards in front of what is known asing a flank movement on the right. But the enethe "look-out," and not far from an open clearing. Col. Ford, of the Thirty-second Ohio, appointed to guard the Heights, desired very much to make the fight at Solomon's Gap, through which they would have to enter, believing that my turning our left flank, we were obliged to fall back again for some distance. The Eighth company of the Maryland home brigade then coming to the support, we advanced, reoccupying the lookout. Again, however, the enemy succeeded in flanking us on the left, and we were obliged to fall back, first to the guns and afterward down the mountain. Our large guns on the Heights commenced shelling the woods in their rear at ten o'clock, and kept it up until half-past three o'clock P.M., (one hour and twenty minutes after the order to spike them had been given.) They were then dismounted, spiked, and otherwise rendered ineffective. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Capt. McGrath, when commanding the guns, for the skilful manner in which he manned them. A detachment of Fremont's, more familiarly known as "jackass" guns, were taken to the Heights during the day, and rendered valuable assistance. They were manned by company I, Twelfth regiment New-York State militia. Col. Ford, though seriously indisposed, left his couch repeatedly to go upon the field. carried away a portion of the gun-stock belonging to M. H. Bingham, of company C, Third Ohio, and glancing, struck W. Koff's gun, of the same company. At four o'clock the regiments retreated down the mountain in good order, and the Maryland Heights were thenceforward lost to us. Who gave the order for their evacuation, I am unable to say. Certain it is, that every soldier was ready to stigmatize its author, whoever he may have been, as a coward or traitor. And yet it may have been best under the circumstances. Had more troops been drawn from Bolivar Heights for the defence of the large guns, our position then might have been so weakened as to invite an easy and successful attack from the enemy, who had made their appearance in that direction in large numbers. our soldiers. A shell from one of our batteries posted near the bridge, however, caused them to skedaddle in quick time. Every body retired that night, feeling that all was lost unless reenforce ments arrived, and expected to be awoke on the morrow with the booming of artillery from the evacuated heights. No sooner had our troops retired to the valley Capt. Russell, of the Maryland home brigade, before the rebels occupied the heights above the who exchanged the pastorate of the Presbyterian guns and deliberately commenced a musketry-fire church at Williamsport for his captaincy, dis-upon the village below, which was returned by played much fearlessness and courage, at one time mounting the breastworks in full view of the rebels, who were close upon it. Lieut. St. Clair, company B, Thirty-second Ohio, also exhibited much heroism. First Lieut. Samuel A. Barnes, of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New-York, showed so much coolness while endeavoring to rally his wavering companions, as to attract the attention of Col. Miles. Lieut.-Col. Downy, of THE BATTLE OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. the Third Maryland home brigade, was also com- Morning came, but with it no signs of the eneplimented by the Colonel for his courage and skill my, (except in front.) Our guns and camps on in handling his troops. Corporal Chapman, of the mountains remained just as we had left them, the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New-York, and yet the silence was ominous of no good. One brought down a rebel colonel. During the en-rifled six-pounder and one twelve-pounder Napogagement, the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth leon remained posted at the bridge to guard it unfortunately fired upon one another, killing three. and prevent an approach from Sandy Hook By a premature explosion, two members of Capt. below. The First Maryland home brigade took McGrath's battery were blown to pieces. I was position near the pontoon-bridge, to destroy it standing close by at the time watching the splen- should the enemy attempt to make a crossing, did firing of the piece. God deliver me from ever while a portion of the Eighty-seventh Ohio were again witnessing such a painful sight as those so posted as to guard the approach from Winchesmangled and disfigured bodies presented. One ter. Four twenty-pound Parrotts, three twentylived for several moments, but died as we were four howitzers, and several twelve and six-poundlifting him into an ambulance. The men who ers were planted in the graveyard, half-way up were manning the gun at the time of the accident the hill, and behind the first line of intrenchwere as follows: Gough, first sponger and load-ments, to open on Loudon and Maryland Heights. er, killed; Flanagan, first sponger, killed; M. They continued shelling them for several hours. Kennedy, first shotman; Haney, first assistant sponger; Gorman, first train tackle-man; Cunningham, first train tackle-man; Acaney, second train tackle-man; Thomas Gallaway, first handspike man; John Farrell, second handspike man; McKenny, powder-man; Cook, First Captain; Griffin, Second Captain; Captain McGrath, who stood by directing the fire, was thrown to the ground, and at first supposed to be killed. He soon recovered. While several members of company K, First Maryland, were taking breakfast, after the first repulse of the enemy, five different balls struck the table. W. Henior, of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New-York, had his hat shot off; Gordon Williams, of the Thirty-second Ohio, had his right lock of hair shot away. A rebel ball The line of battle was formed on the breastworks behind the Bolivar Heights, nearly as it had been the day before, namely, Col. D'Utassy occupied the extreme right with his brigade, consisting of the Sixty-fifth Illinois, One Hundred and Eleventh, One Hundred and Fifteenth, and Thirtyninth New-York, Garibaldi Guard, Capt. Phelps's New-York and Fifteenth Indiana batteries, and two sections of the Fifth New-York artillery. Col. Trimble's brigade, consisting of the Thirtysecond and Sixtieth Ohio, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth and One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New-York, detachments of the Third Maryland home brigade, Ninth Vermont, (deployed as skir mishers,) and Rigby's battery, occupied the extreme left. The Twelfth New-York militia remained posted behind the first intrenchments, and a portion of Capt. Potts's battery were moved up to the Bolivar Heights and planted near the Charlestown road. Gen. White commanded the heights, Major McIlvaine all the artillery, and Gen. Miles held command over all the forces. Col. Baring, acting Brigadier-General, whose forces consisted of all the infantry and artillery (Fifth New-York and Potts's battery) behind the first line of intrenchments, continued to shell the neighboring heights. About twelve o'clock, two companies of the Garibaldi Guard and two of the Sixty-fifth Ohio bravely ascended the Maryland Heights, secured some of their camp equipage, and brought down four of the pieces of artillery, which had been left spiked. This was a daring deed. On the day before a portion of the Garibaldians, who were doing picket-duty, barely escaped capture, no word having been sent them to retreat. Hour after hour passed by, and no signs of the enemy appearing on the heights, we were beginning to think that they were foiled in their plans, and that the only force we should have to contend with was that in front. The hope, however, was dispelled when, at ten minutes to two o'clock, they opened a furious fire simultaneously from Maryland, Loudon Heights, and Sandy Hook, with howitzers. Our artillery replied with much spirit, Captains McElrath and Graham, of the Fifth artillery, silencing the Loudon batteries. Shot and shell flew in every direction, and the soldiers and citizens were compelled to seek refuge behind rocks, in houses, and elsewhere. The enemy opened two more guns on the Shepherdstown and a full battery on the Charlestown roads. Heavy cannonading was thus brought to bear upon us from five different points. Yet we held our own manfully until it closed, toward sunset. About dusk, the enemy in front opened a musketry-fire on our left, which was replied to by the Thirty-second Ohio, Ninth Vermont, and First Maryland. It continued some time, when our forces were obliged to contract their lines, the rebels having turned our left flank. Where is McClellan, that he does not send us reenforcements? Heavy firing is heard in the direction of Martinsburgh and Sandy Hook, indicating the presence of Sigel and Banks, but why are no reenforcements sent to us? Fully one week and a half has elapsed since the enemy crossed into Maryland, evidently with the design of capturing this place. Are we to be left to our fate? A few minutes after eight a council of war was held. The brave Col. D'Utassy, for one, voted never to surrender, and requested that he might have the privilege of cutting his way out. White flags were run up in every direction, and a flag of truce was sent to inquire on what conditions a surrender would be accepted. Gen. A. P. Hill sent back word that it must be unconditional. Further parleying resulted in our obtaining the following liberal conditions, which were accepted: The officers were to be allowed to go out with their side-arms and private effects; the rank and file with every thing save arms and equipments. A murmur of disapprobation ran along the whole line when it became known that we had surrendered. Capt. McGrath burst into tears, exclaiming: "Boys, we have got no country now. Other officers exhibited a corresponding degree of grief, while the soldiers were decidedly demonstrative in their manifestations of rage. Yet, what could be done? Rebel batteries were opened on us from seven different directions, and there was no hope of reënforcements reaching us. I afterwards ascertained from confederate officers that the forces which beleaguered us were not far short of one hundred thousand. Gen. D. H. Hill's army, consisting of several divisions, was posted on the Maryland Heights, and Gen. Walker, with several brigades, on Loudon. Those directly in front of us were commanded by Jackson and A. P. Hill, and consisted, among others, of Jackson's old division, now commanded by Gen. Stark, (at present under arrest,) Ewell's division, Gen. Gregg's South-Carolina brigade, numbering six regiments, Gen. Branch's brigade of North-Carolinians, Generals Pindar's and Archy's brigades, Second Louisiana, and Second and Third Virginia brigades. An attempt to storm Rigby's battery, about eight o'clock, which did fearful execution, signally failed. During the afternoon the One Hun- As soon as the terms of surrender were comdred and Eleventh and One Hundred and Fif-pleted, Gens. A. P. Hill and Jackson rode into teenth and Thirty-ninth New-York moved down the hill to the outskirts of a piece of woods, where they took up position for the night. By some mistake the One Hundred and Eleventh fired into one another about nine o'clock, killing several. All became quiet, and the men slept on their arms. During the night the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New-York fell back to a ravine running at right angles with our line of defence, and the Ninth Vermont changed position, so as to support Rigby's battery. Under cover of the night the enemy planted new batteries in every direction. Monday morning the rebels opened fire on Bolivar Heights at five o'clock, which was replied to until eight, when our ammunition gave out. The rebel batteries were so arranged as to enfilade us completely. To hold out longer seemed madness. town, accompanied by their staff, and followed by a troop of Loudon soldiers, who straightway commenced looking for "those d Loudon guerrillas," referring to Capt. Means's Union company, who were fortunately not to be found. Gen. Hill immediately took up his headquarters in the tavern-stand, next to Col. Miles's. Old "Stonewall," after riding down to the river, returned to Bolivar Heights, the observed of all observers. He was dressed in the coarsest kind of homespun, seedy and dirty at that; wore an old hat which any Northern beggar would consider an insult to have offered him, and in his general appearance was in no respect to be distinguished from the mongrel, bare-footed crew who follow his fortunes. I had heard much of the decayed appearance of the rebel soldiers, but such a looking crowd! Ireland in her worst straits could pre sent no parallel, and yet they glory in their nearly all the Government property which was surrendered. shame. REBEL REPORTS AND NARRATIVES. GEN. JACKSON'S OFFICIAL DESPATCH. HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT, September 16, 1862. COLONEL Yesterday God crowned our arms with another brilliant success on the surrender, at Harper's Ferry, of Brig.-General White and eleven thousand troops, an equal number of small arms, seventy-three pieces of artillery, and about two hundred wagons. In addition to other stores, there is a large amount of camp and garrison equipage. Our loss was very small. The meritorious conduct of officers and men will be Assistant Adjutant General. Major-General RICHMOND "DISPATCH" ACCOUNT. Thirty-ninth New-York,. raw troops,. One Hundred and Fifteenth New-York raw troops,. One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New-York -raw troops,. One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New-York -raw troops,.. 1,000 Thirty-second Ohio, . 650 Col. R. H. CHILTON, Sixtieth Ohio,. 800 ment,.. 850 Ninth Vermont,. Sixty-fifth Illinois, 806 First Maryland Home Brigade,. 800 500 267 110 128 120 100 100 50 50 312 11,583 From a participant in the engagement, we have obtained some particulars with reference to the investment and subsequent surrender of Harper's Ferry. Our informant states that Gen. Jackson left Frederick on Thursday, taking the Hagerstown road, and at the same time the division of Generals McLaws and R. H. Anderson, moved from the vicinity of Frederick for the Maryland Heights, overlooking the town of Harper's Ferry. On Wednesday, the division of Gen. Walker was sent down to destroy the canal aqueduct at the mouth of the Monocacy, and arrived at that point during the night. The next morning early, before they had accomplished their purpose, an order was received from Gen. Lee directing Gen. Walker to proceed with his forces, by forced Rocks, to prevent the enemy at Harper's Ferry from escaping in that direction. All of the cavalry, numbering about two thou-marches, to the Loudon Heights, via Point of sand, under the command of Col. Davis, cut their way out Saturday evening, going by the road to Sharpsburgh, and capturing on its way, Long. street's train, and more than a hundred prisoners. They comprised the following: Eighth New-York, Twelfth Illinois, Rhode Island and Maryland. They left at nine o'clock, crossing to Maryland on the pontoon-bridge. Rebel pickets fired on them as they passed by. The artillery taken comprised the following: Six James's. Six 24-pound howitzers. Four 20-pound Parrott guns. Six 12-pound guns. Four 12-pound howitzers. and several pieces of "Fremont's Guns," of but The division crossed the river at Point of Rocks, nine miles below Harper's Ferry, and on Friday evening reached the position assigned to them. Gen. Jackson's force reached Williamsport, on the Potomac, on Friday morning, and immediately crossed and moved on Martinsburgh, twenty miles above Harper's Ferry, where there were some three or four thousand of the enemy's forces. On the approach of Gen. Jackson this force fell back and united with the force at Harper's Ferry, believed to number about five thousand. Gen. Jackson pursued, and on Saturday morning reached Halltown, four miles south-west of Harper's Ferry. From this point he despatched a courier to Gen. Walker, then in possession of the Heights south of the town, directing him not to open his guns on the enemy's fortifications until he (Gen. Jackson) got in position, of which he promised to notify Gen. Walker. Meanwhile the divisions of McLaws and Anderson, after but little resistance, had become masters of the Heights on the Maryland side, the enemy leaving them, and joined the forces in place with our troops, seemingly in the direction their intrenchments on the Virginia side of the The investment of Harper's Ferry was effected The enemy resisted with great spirit, and the on Saturday. Sunday morning there was some guns, of which they had a large number in posi- firing, and it was renewed yesterday morning, tion, were handled with great effect upon the col- and the result was the unconditional surrender umns of Gen. Jackson, which had to approach of the garrison—ten thousand men, with all the them through an open space, where their guns arms, fifty pieces of artillery, ammunition, one had unobstructed play. The shells from Walk- hundred wagons, quartermaster and commissary er's batteries and the impetuous attacks of Jack-stores, and many cars, some of which were son's men rendered their intrenchments on Boli- loaded, and nine hundred negroes. This importvar Heights too warm for the enemy, and late in ant conquest was effected without the loss of a the evening they fell back to Camp Hill, one mile man on our side. So much is official. It is rein the rear of the Bolivar fortifications. Here ported that the cavalry, one thousand in numthey had their heavy guns planted and strong in-ber, escaped by Shepherdstown. trenchments thrown up, but within easy range Another account, received late last night, says of the batteries of McLaws and Anderson on the opposite heights. Night coming on, the struggle ceased, Jackson's forces occupying the deserted intrenchments on the hills of Bolivar. That night old "Stonewall" sent a message to Gen. Walker that his forces were in possession of the enemy's first line of intrenchments, and that with God's blessing, he would have Harper's Ferry and the Federal forces early next morning. At daylight the next morning, (Monday,) the fight was renewed, the enemy still offering an obstinate resistance, until about seven o'clock A.M., when their colors were struck and a capitulation proposed. Of the terms of this capitulation we have learned no particulars, but conclude they involve the unconditional surrender of the whole force, negroes as well as Yankees. About nine o'clock our forces entered the second line of intrenchments, the enemy having surrendered every thing, guns, ordnance and commissary that the surrender took place on Monday morning last, at ten o'clock. The firing commenced as early as five o'clock in the morning. Shortly after the Yankees sent out a flag of truce, proposing a conditional surrender; but our firing did not cease, when another flag was sent proposing an unconditional surrender, when the firing ceased. General Miles, the Federal commander, is reported to be wounded. The results of the surrender, according to this last account, are as follows: Twelve thousand Yankees, thirteen thousand Enfield rifles, fifty cannon, one hundred four-horse teams, a number of fine artillery horses, a large quantity of ammunition, some quartermaster and commissary stores, and one thousand "contrabands." Doc. 121. stores, etc. The number of the enemy is vari- SURRENDER OF MUNFORDVILLE, KY. ously estimated at from seven to twelve thousand, and the negroes from fifteen hundred to two thousand. Of our losses we are not apprised, but judge from reports that Gen. Jackson's column suffered pretty heavily. In Walker's division we had five killed, three of these by the accidental explosion of a shell. Among the killed in this division, we have heard the name of Lieut. Robertson, of French's battery. LATER. Since the above was written we have received the following additional particulars, contained in a letter to Gov. Letcher from Col. Francis H. Smith: WINCHESTER, September 16. After the advance of our army to Frederick, and the issuing of the admirable proclamation to the people of Maryland by Lee, a movement took VOL. V.-Doc. 29 REPORT OF COLONEL WILDER. CAVE CITY, KY., Sept. 18, 1862. To J. E. Stacey, A. A. G. and Chief of Staff: SIR: I have the honor to report that on September eighth, 1862, according to a special order from General Boyle, I assumed command of the forces at Munfordville, Kentucky. I immediately set to work building fortifications for defence of the railroad bridge over Green River. On Sunday, September ninth, I was informed that the railroad bridge at Salt River was burned by the rebels. Our supplies being sufficient for one day only, I immediately began collecting flour and bacon in the country about us, and got some bread from Bowling Green, and managed to get rations for fifteen days. At the same time I ordered all the home guard companies and recruits |