Yesterday morning five companies of the 15th Massachusetts regiment crossed the river at Edwards’ Ferry, and had advanced to within one mile and a half of Leesburg, when they were met by the 14th Mississippi regiment, and compelled to retreat to the Ferry. At the same lime, another portion of Gen. Stone’s command crossed at Harrison’s Island. During the day, much skirmishing took place, and it is said that the Federal troops advanced to within a mile and a half of Leesburg. At 5 o’clock last evening, however, the Confederates, in large force, attacked the right of the column, which numbered eighteen hundred men, and was commanded by Col. Baker, U. S. Senator from California. Col. Baker fell, and his command sustained a, repulse, and fell back with considerable loss.
The left wing then retired in good order, and Gen. Stone held possession of Harrison’s Island, in the Potomac, three miles from Leesburg, and was not further attacked by the Confederates.
The remains of Col. Baker were removed to Poolesville, and will be taken to Washington on Wednesday.
The Local News, Alexandria, VA