From the Border.
fight near Harper's Ferry--the Yankees Repulsed — the Ferry evacuated &c., &c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co., Va., October 19th, 1861.
On last Wednesday, the 16th inst., the loud-mouthed cannon echoed and reverberated throughout this section of the Confederacy, plainly telling us that ‘"grim visaged war"’ had commenced hostile operations along the border.
Some 1,500 of the enemy had crossed the Potomac (in scows) at Harper's Ferry, marched out on the Charlestown turnpike, about three miles, and entrenched themselves on Allstadt's hill. Col. Ashby being apprized of the fact, marched with some 500 men, principally Virginia militia, and two pieces of artillery, and took a position on a hill, having full view of the enemy.
About sunrise on the 16th, the gallant Colonel opened the ball by letting loose his ‘"dogs of war"’--one a 24-pounder, which played havoc with Yankee fortifications.
The fight lasted about six hours. The militia charged the enemy's breast works and succeeded in driving him from his position, which was soon occupied by the Confederates.
The Federals retreated down into the ferry, our cavalry hotly pursuing them as far as Bolivar.
Meantime they were heavily reinforced.
Banks's column being near at hand, with every facility for bringing his ‘"pigs to market"’ they rallied, and renewed the attack, and succeeded in gaining their original position on Allstadt's hill.
This could have been prevented, but for an unfortunate and unexpected casualty happening to the 24-pound cannon, which was disabled and rendered useless by the breaking of an axletree of the carriage. --With the loss of the use of the 24-pounder, and the odds being too great to contend against, our men deemed it prudent to fall back to their original position.
The enemy threw shot and shell from the Maryland Heights with remarkable precision; but mistook the position of the Confederates and overshot them.
The loss is variously estimated; but from the best information I can gather, the Federal loss may be safely set down at fifty killed, eighty wounded, and two prisoners. Confederate loss trifling--one killed and ten wounded. A variety of rumors are flying about with regard to the mortuary results, and it is difficult to obtain the correct figures.
But the above is as near correct as any.
On the 17th the Yankees evacuated the Ferry; perhaps deeming ‘"discretion the better part of valor."’ However, before they left, it was necessary to ‘"show their hand"’--they set fire to a small foundry.
On the Loudoun Heights Gen. Evans was stationed with two regiments to assist Col. Ashby.
How much assistance was afforded from the Loudoun side cannot be ascertained, as it is thought his guns didn't reach far enough.
Of one thing we are certain, Gen. Evans's men fired into a train of cars alled with Federal reinforcements, and knocked it all to pieces; the result of which will perhaps never be made known.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Virginia militia for the bravery they displayed upon the battle field.
They actually fought like veterans; charged the enemy's fortifications, and drove him off. I am told, by an eye witness, that after all of our men had fallen back the militia still held the Yankee entrenchments; and as they advanced to retake it our militia slowly retired to the brow of the hill, taking the enemy's fire, and stood, defiantly flaunting the ‘"Stars and Bars"’ in his face.
At this point, on the other side of the river, the 1st Maryland regiment, of Plug Uglies has ‘"vamoosed the ranche,"’ but is replaced by the 12th Indiana regiment, Col. Link.
Before the Maryland scape gallowses left, they had to perform an act of daring as a remembrance.
So, on the morning of the 16th, they discharged their cannon some two or three times, and sent one ball into a private residence on this side.
Fortunately, the family escaped uninjured.
