From Gen. Lee's Army — the enemy also across the Potomac-fight near Charlestown.
From a gentleman who came down on the
Central train last night we gather the following particulars of affairs in the lower Valley:
On Monday evening it was ascertained that the enemy were crossing the
Potomac in heavy force, at a number of different fords between
Williamsport, where the right of our army rested, and Edwards's Ferry, near
Leesburg.
During the afternoon of Monday, a portion of their forces which had crossed at
Harper's Ferry, engaged the 12th Va. cavalry at
Halltown, four miles from the river.
In this engagement,
Col. A. W. Harman, who commanded the 12th, was severely wounded.
Finding themselves opposed by a vastly superior force, the regiment fell back, and the enemy advanced as far, and occupied
Charlestown that night.
At the same time a heavy column of the enemy crossed the river at
Shepherdstown, 12 miles above
Harper's Ferry, and another column at
Point of Rocks, 9 miles below.
It is also reported that a considerable force was thrown across the river at Edwards's Ferry.
On learning that the enemy were thus attempting to gain his rear,
Gen. Lee at once commenced the passage of the river at
Williamsport and
Falling Waters, and throughout the entire night of Monday, his army was engaged in crossing the
Potomac, still somewhat swollen by the recent rains.
Early the next morning the last of our troops reached the
Virginia shore, and moved on in the direction of
Winchester.
The last heard from our army it was in line of battle at Banker Hill, midway between
Winchester and
Martinsburg.
