| From the Winchester (Va.) Republican |
| |
| October 11, 1861 |
| |
| [From the Baltimore American of Saturday] |
| Balt. & Ohio R. R. {Baltimore
& Ohio RR} |
| ***** We believe it is a
well-ascertained fact that since Johnston's army left the Valley of
Virginia, on the 18th and 19th of July last, to join the army at
Manassas, there has not been, at any time, a considerable or even
respectable force of the enemy at any point between Harper's Ferry and
Cumberland, (a distance of ninety-eight miles by the railroad line,)
and the points between which the road has been inoperative since May
last -- a period of more than four months. We are informed that at
this time and for several weeks past, the only Confederate forces near
the road, besides from two to four thousand very imperfect militia at
Winchester, were roving bands of from one to six hundred men each,
numbering in all perhaps not over fifteen hundred to two thousand.
That such a meager force as this should be allowed, almost within
sight of the Government lines, with the armies of General Banks and
the forces at Williamsport, Cumberland, &c., be used, not only to
keep this important railroad effectually closed from the use of the
Government and the public for military, commercial, or other purposes;
but that they should be allowed at the same time to further despoil
the road of its property by carrying off its locomotives, tearing up
and removing its rails, telegraph wires, shop machinery, &c. --
thus supplying much needed material for offensive use against the
Government itself -- is something that our people are beginning to
feel at a loss to understand. |
| ***** |
|