From Harper's Ferry.
The correspondent of the Alexandria Gazette writes (May 15) as follows:‘ Yesterday morning eighteen or twenty young ladies reached here on their way South from Ellicott's Mills. They had been going to school there, and were returning home, in the charge of several fine looking old gentlemen. A large crowd gathered around to feast their eyes upon the rare banquet of Southern beauty. After gazing to their heart's delight, they were regaled with a speech from one of the venerable papas. When he concluded, others spoke. Among the orators was the youth who had, it was said, captured the sword of an of fleer in a Massachusetts company on the memorable 19th of April. Such was the morning of a day that was not to have so pleasant an evening.
About 5 o'clock the drums of the different regiments sounded an alarm. Immediately, from every direction, were seen soldiers hurrying to and fro. In a few minutes more the different regiments might be seen marching in different directions. The news was, that the enemy had beaten the Virginians at Shepherdstown, and were crossing the bridge there in large numbers. To that point three regiments were ordered, the 1st, 2d, and 3d. The first regiment, under the command of Col. Allan, arrived there first, accomplishing the distance, (eleven miles,) in two hours and a half. The other regiments stationed here were ordered to different points in the neighborhood. The battery at the bridge was manned, and several companies of sharp-shooters drawn up by its side to assist in its defence. In addition to this, measures were also adopted by means of which the bridge was to be blown up, should the enemy appear in over-whelming numbers.
About an hour after the sounding of the alarm, a most terrific hail storm, accompanied with thunder and lightning, burst forth with tremendous fury. The stones were as large as bullets, and came down in such numbers that the troops on the march were much bruised and beaten by them. Had an engagement been going on near, the noise of the muskets and cannon could scarcely have been heard, so loud and deafening was the roar of the storm. The troops never heeded once; but springing through apparently impassable marshes, kept up a rapid march in defiance of the elements that were warring around them. Upon reaching Shepherdstown it was discovered that no enemy had been heard of, and that there was not the slightest prospect of a fight. After enjoying the hospitality of the citizens of Shepherdstown, the 1st Regiment returned on the cars to the Ferry.
Reliable information has just been received, that last night one thousand men, with forty-eight hours provisions and ten cannon, had left the Relay at twelve o'clock, for some point in Virginia. All telegraphic communications eastward of this place ceased last night about two o'clock.
Five hundred Mississippians reached here last night. Six hundred more will be here this morning. They are, from all appearances, excellent troops. They are well armed and well officered.
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