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.
The good people of Frederick have been in a state of great excitement to-day and yesterday. Hundreds of the citizens have made preparations to leave the town, and beside a considerable number went to Baltimore in trains to-day, other having gone in various directions in private vehicles toward the Pennsylvania line. The free colored population are in great perturbation, fearing that they will be carried into Dixie, and sold as slaves, by the rebels. They crowded two or three burthen cars that went down to-day, and it is probable there will be a general flight of them from this section of the country. The Government has removed its surplus commissary stores from Frederick, and cleared the hospitals of all patients who could be moved.
The Baltimore Sun of this morning says:
The following is the substance of on official dispatch received from Gen. Milroy by Major Gen. Schenck last night:
“The fortifications were invested by about 15,000 Confederates, with twenty pieces of artillery. This force, after a desperate conflict, carried the outer works by storm about 6 o’clock on Sunday evening. Gen. Milroy spiked his heavy guns and withdrew after night in the direction of Martinsburg. He marched about four miles unmolested, when he was attacked by an overwhelming force. A desperate fight of two hours followed, when Gen. Milroy cut his way through, and arrived at Harper’s Ferry with a supposed loss of not over 2,000 killed, wounded and missing.”
The road is now open through Martinsburg to Maryland and Pennsylvania. While cavalry raids may be executed in those States, it is thought impossible for the main body of the Confederates to pass over and leave the heavy force under Gen. Tyler at Harper’s Ferry in their rear. The belief last night, however, among the military men was that Gen. Ewell’s force has crossed at Williamsport and proceeded to invest Harper’s Ferry. This, however, was only surmise, as no official information of such a movement had been received.
The latest advices last night were that the railroad and telegraph lines between this, city and Harper’s Ferry were still uninterrupted.
Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelly passed through this city last night, en route for Grafton, by the war of Pittsburg, &c. He will assume command of the forces in that section of Virginia.
Governor Bradford arrived here from Annapolis at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon. He had a lengthy private interview with Major Gen. Schenek, the nature of which did not transpire, It i thought his proclamation calling for ten thousand volunteers, pursuant to the call of the President, will be issued to-day.
His Honor Mayor Chapman, with a committee of the city council, also had an interview with General Scheck last evening, looking to the protection of the city, &c.
The Evening Star, Washington, DC