Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
MONOCACY JUNCTION, 2 P. M.—While there is no doubt that the major force of the rebels which had besieged Winchester are still in Virginia, it is generally believed that the cavalry and artillery, under Jenkins, who had the fight with Gen. Tyler at Martinsburg, have crossed into Maryland, either above or at Williamsport. It is asserted here quite confidently that rebel cavalry were in Hagerstown at 8 o’clock this morning, but the only positive fact I have been able to learn is that the telegraph line between Frederick and Hagerstown has ceased entirely to work. As there was no storm to damage the line, the inference is that it has been cut, and of course that the rebels have done it. It was a so reported at Harper’s Ferry that a small force of rebel cavalry had been in Sharpsburg. The stage which left Hagerstown early this morning, passing through Middletown, arrived at the usual time, having met with no interruption; nothing having been seen or heard of the rebels along the turnpike.
Lusty cheers greeted the men of a native Porto Rican battalion as they marched along with swinging gait in the parade that supplied the most picturesque feature of the second inauguration of President McKinley. Americans greeted as fellow Americans these men who, three years ago, were subjects of the King of Spain, but now belong to Uncle Sam. Certainly the Porto Ricans have well deserved the reputation of being ardent believers in American imperialism. After the fall of Spanish power in Porto Rico, General Miles reported that on his march to San Juan the people had literally overwhelmed him with their offers of service under the American flag. Had he possessed the arms, and had there been the necessity, General Miles is reported to have said he could have secured fifty thousand natives as volunteers against the Spaniards.