The War news.
Yesterday morning no little excitement was created by a rumor, which rapidly found circulation, that the enemy had intercepted communication on the Central Railroad, about ten miles north of the city.
This report was credited the more readily on account of the fact that it was generally known that small parties of Federal troops had visited the neighborhood several days previously.
A considerable sense of relief was experienced, however, when about 9 o'clock it was ascertained that the report was without foundation, and the mill train, which had been detained till that h t, left for
Staunton.
We are assured by those who have favorable opportunities of obtaining information, that such is the disposition of our troops along the line of this road that he tears are felt for its safety.
The train passed through safely and we learn was heard from in good time at
Hanover junction.
In the afternoon, a brisk engagement occurred about seven miles from
Richmond, and about three miles from what is known as the head of Mechanicville turnpike. The forces engaged on our side were one regiment of infantry and two pieces of artillery, against three regiments of the enemy.
The fight lasted about one hour, when the forces of the enemy were withdrawn.
We heard of the casualties resulting from the engagements and the above is all that we were able to learn with reference to it at the office of the
Adjutant General.
Late last evening we had an interview with
Dr. Lumpkin, who witnessed the engagement, which was confined entirely to artillery.
We sustained no loss, but several of the enemy are known to have been killed.
Another fight is anticipated this morning.
The news of the enemy's repulse at Drury's Bluff is represented to have had a most depressing effect at the
North, and the injuries sustained by their gunboats, by their own confession, is much more serious than we had any idea of. The success of our battery on that occasion will probably prevent another attempt to reach
Richmond by the river route, and if
McClellan penetrates the country much further by , he will perhaps flad that there are obstructions no less formidable than those which turned the course of the
Federal gunboats.
