THE SEAT OF WAR.
______

    HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 13--8.30 A. M.--A messenger from Governor Curtin, arrived this morning, states that General Couch has formed a junction with our right, which rests northeast of Hagerstown, and that point is secure against an attack by General Lee. He also reports that General Lee has a bridge composed of thirteen boats across the centre of the river, continued thence to both shores by a trestlework supporting long timbers.
    Our siege and other heavy guns have been sent to the front, and planted in the best possible positions commanding the bridges.
    CARRTOWN, Md., July 12, via Hagerstown, July 13.--Hagerstown was occupied at about 9 o'clock this morning by General Kilpatrick's cavalry, after a slight resistance. The object of the enemy in reoccupying the town for so short a space of time, is partially explained from the fact that they removed from that vicinity a large amount of rails, which it is supposed are to be used for erecting fortifications between that place and Williamsport. The rebels are in large force near the town on the Williamsport and Clear Spring roads. Reconnoissances made to-day by our cavalry forces under Colonel Wynkoop and Captain Boyd, show that the rebels have strong picket guards north and west of the town.
    The armies of Meade and Couch are within a few hours' march of Lee's army. Lee's intention will probably be more fully developed to-morrow.

    NEAR HAGERSTOWN, July 12.--[Special despatch to the Baltimore American.]--Early this morning it was discovered that the rebels had fallen back from Fankstown. A reconnoissance from our right wing was thrown out, and discovered the rebels had withdrawn their left wing toward the river, and had formed a line of battle in a semi-circle covering Williamsport.
    Kilpatrick's cavalry then pushed forward and occupied Hagerstown. Our whole right wing was immediately put in motion, and swept around in the line of the rebel retreat. We entered Funkstown one hour after the rebels left. They had fortified the bridge over Antietam, at Funkstown, but abandoned it without contest. Strong rifle-pits enfiladed the bridge, and embrasures for cannon had been knocked in the stone wall above and on the hills. The rebel line of battle covers the Williamsport pike. Longstreet holds the centre, Ewell the right, and Hill the left. The country people were not allowed to pass through the rebel lines, and knew little of their strength or movements.
    When falling back the rebels reported that they were falling back behind entrenchments. A rebel captain and lieutenant, who were captured with forty men, also report that Lee has entrenched. The growing belief is that the mass of the rebel army has crossed the river, and that we are now pressing back the rear guard. Beyond slight skirmishing, there has been no fighting to-day. The rebels have swept everything from the country around Hagerstown.
    Scarcely a serviceable horse is left in ten miles. The grain crops are trampled down, and flour, corn, and hay carried off. To-morrow will probably determine whether there is to be another battle in Maryland. The people of Hagerstown received the Union troops with great joy, and a display of flags. A large number of refugees followed the army into Hagerstown.

Source:

Unknown, "The Seat of War, The River Bridged by the Rebels," The Philadelphia Press, Philadelphia, Pa., Tuesday, 14 July, 1863, p. 2.