Early yesterday morning a report obtained currency that the War Department was in possession of important and encouraging dispatches from the army of
Gen. Lee, which would be given to the public during the day. These reports were retailed by sensation mongers through the streets until the public appetite was whetted to an extent that led it to expect the announcement of a triumph little short of the total annihilation of
Meade's grand Army of the Potomac.
When the dispatch was made public it was found that it had reference to an unimportant cavalry fight which occurred at
Shepherdstown, on the
Potomac, on the 16th inst, an account of which was posted on the
Dispatch bulletin early on Saturday.
The Central train which arrived yesterday afternoon, brought down the body of
Major-General Pender, who was wounded in the battles at
Gettysburg, which was placed in the
Capitol.
At the time his wound was received it was not regarded as mortal, but when he reached
Staunton it was found necessary to amputate his leg, under the effects of which he died.