June 18, 1863, The New York Herald
The Main Body of the Enemy in the Shenandoah Valley.
PHILADELPHIA, June 17, 1863.
A special despatch from Washington, dated last night contains the following intelligence:–
The latest advices from the army show that General Lee has pushed a very large force up the Shenandoah valley.
General Ewell’s corps is in the advance, accompanied by General Stuart’s cavalry.
General Hill’s corps is close behind, and General Longstreet is bringing up the rear.
There no longer seems to be any doubt that General Lee is throwing the whole of his forces up towards Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Our cavalry have been skirmishing with Lee’s rear guard for two days, and all information now tends to show that the rebels are not moving to give us battle on the old field of Bull run, or in that vicinity.
Our forces evacuated Frederick, Maryland, and that vicinity, and fell back to the Relay House this morning. No enemy pursuing them, they returned to Frederick this morning with strong reinforcements.
Soon after the train passed the Point of Rocks some of General Hill’s corps came in on a tour of observation.
It is said by some who watch military matters closely that the next battle will be fought in Maryland, and, perhaps, on the old field of Antietam again.
Some rebels appeared to Poolesville last evening, but withdrew without doing any damage.
An extra train went to Harper’s Ferry last night and returned this morning.
General Lee is moving on a longer line than General Hooker; but he has not succeeded in outmarching him very far.
General Hooker was at Fairfax Court House this morning; but it cannot be said where he will be tonight.
It is not believed that the rebels have got into Pennsylvania in any great numbers. What they may do in twenty-four hours more is hard to tell.
It is believed that Harper’s Ferry can be held against any force the rebels may bring against it.