Capt. Wm. R Vaughan, the gallant commander of the “Old Dominion Dragoons,” of Hampton, has obtained permission from the War Department to raise a battalion of cavalry for “independent service in the Peninsula.” We are gratified to hear that nearly three companies have been mustered, with some prospects of a fourth.

Winchester, March 13.—This afternoon, while twenty-six of our cavalry were foraging on the Strasburg road, three miles distant, they came upon a large barn bearing evidence of having recently been occupied by Ashby’s men. While our teams were loading with hay, about two hundred of the rebels came near and threw out two companies as skirmishers. Our men covered the departure of their teams and prepared to resist an attack, which was finally commenced. At length six Wisconsin pickets came up with rifles, and killed two of the enemy. One of our cavalry dashed upon the enemy amid a shower of bullets, and killed one of the rebels with his pistol. The enemy made no effort at a charge, but gradually advanced as our men fell back to the town in good order and unharmed.

The news from the Lower Potomac is also important. At 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon the rebels at Cockpit Point commenced burning their tents and other things difficult to remove, together…