Attempt the Rebels to Cross the River at Falling Waters—Probable Engagement.
Frederick, Dec 18—A gentleman who arrived from Williamsport late last night reports that Gen. Jackson’s rebel brigade has been largely reinforced, and is supposed to amount to 9,000 men, now at Falling Waters. At 9o’clock p m. 51 wagons belonging to the rebels were backed down to the shore, and a boat from each quietly launched into the river. Two of the boats were of large size, for the transportation of artillery. At this juncture our informant left for General Banks’ headquarters. He thinks the object of Jackson is to cross the river, make a dash on Williamsport, and secure the stores and arms there. He informed Col. Leonard of all that was transpiring, and thinks the latter has taken full precautions to prevent it by removing the stores, etc., to a more secure place, and that he also took steps to concentrate all his available force to prevent the passage of the river.
Our informant passed the Fifth Connecticut Regiment, en route for Williamsport, two miles northwest of Boonsboro and sixteen miles from Williamsport, and Best’s battery three-quarters of a mile in the rear of the Connecticut Fifth Regiment. Later Intelligence states that the battery reached Williamsport at six o’clock this morning. having passed the Connecticut regiment on the route.
A deserter—a resident of Hancock county,Va.,—reached dam No. 4 yesterday from Jackson’s brigade, who said that Jackson had 15,000 men, but this is considered an exaggeration by our informant, who had for one hour a good view of Jackson’s whole command. The deserter stated that Jackson’s regulars (including a Georgia regiment, which had just joined him,) were determined “to go to the devil with their commander,” but the militia were equally obstinate In refusing to cross the river. Jackson, he said, was determined to cross the river this morning.
On receipt of this intelligence by Gen Banks, orders were issued to the 3d Brigade (Gen Williams commanding) to be prepared to perform a forced march to Williamsport at a moment’s notice, but up to 10 o’clock this morning the brigade had not moved, but was in readiness to leave at any time.
LATER.
It is reported on the street that one regiment only is about to move, which indicates that Jackson has not sufficient strength to execute his threat, but has probably tried the experiment and met with a check. Firing was heard at 6 o’clock, the hour at which Best’s battery had probably reached the river opposite Falling Waters.
Passengers by the Hagerstown stage report rumors of firing at Falling Waters this morning, and numerous other reports are in circulation, but nothing authentic. There was considerable excitement there as the stage left, at 6 o’clock a. m.
Reliable reports say that Leesburg has been of late reinforced by from four to five thousand men, the rebels fearing an attack by Gen. Stone. It is thought that Jackson’s force could be easily strengthened on short notice.
There is no truth In the statement that the Strausburg and Winchester railroad has been completed. Not many days ago, several loads of railroad iron were sent to Strausburg from Winchester, which probably gave rise to the report. The bulk of the rails are still piled up near Winchester.
Evening Star, Washington, DC