Daily Democrat And News

200 Rebel Prisoners Taken; Federal Loss of 1,300.

A Decisive Battle Soon to be Fought.

New York, Nov. 30.

Detailed accounts of the movements of the Army of the Potomac, published in the Herald, Times and Tribune, but fully covered by the Associated Press, were transmitted last night.

The Tribune's correspondent reports that when he left the army at noon on Saturday it was advancing. He heard heavy cannonading till nightfall from the direction of our left and center.

Nine of Mosby's pirates were captured on Saturday at Catlett's Station, including a lieutenant.

The guerrillas captured one of our officers and four privates on Sunday near Bristoeville.

The Tribune's accounts say that on Friday a deserter who came in asserts that Lee held the line of the Rapidan last night, but fell back on Friday into his present position in our front advance of 16 miles.

He also asserts that the enemy had not used any artillery in response to our assaults, but were moving it to the rear for the purpose, as he supposed, of getting a better position. Gen. Meade deceived the enemy as to his point of crossing.

It is reported that Lee had his entire army in line of battle all day Thursday fronting Morton's Ford, supposing we were to cross there. He thus abandoned the long line of most formidable earth works on the south and southwest bank of the river.

Saturday at daybreak Meade advanced to the front. Picket firing soon commenced, and continued at intervals up to noon, at which time the enemy had fallen back 2 miles; and the impression prevails that he is retreating.

Our line of battle now must extend about 9 miles, in the form of a triangle. The whole army is ready and impatient.

Large numbers of prisoners continue to come in.

The World's correspondent under date of Nov. 27th, says:

Late in the afternoon it was evident from what could be observed at the front, that the enemy were making demonstrations on our right. Heavy firing was heard, but as we had no communication, it was not possible to get any particulars.

It has been ascertained, however, that the enemy made a most determined effort to turn our right wing, and Gen. French repulsed them and had taken 900 prisoners. Gen. French is reported to have lost heavily; it is said from 1,000 to 1,500 in killed and wounded.

A thick fog and rain has set in. We have advanced our picket line at the front, but up to noon nothing more than skirmishing had been done.

Washington, Nov. 29.

A refugee from Richmond recently arrived within our lines, and now confined in the Capitol prison, furnishes the following estimate of Lee's army:

Ewell's corps, now commanded by Early, 22,000 infantry and 6 batteries of artillery; A. P. Hill's corps, 20,000 infantry and 6 batteries of artillery; Stuart, 8,000 and two batteries of flying artillery, making in all 41,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 78 cannon, provided the batteries are all complete.

He also confirms the death of the rebel General Posey, and the statement that Ewell had retired to Charlottesville on account of ill health.

[Times' Special.]

The railroad between the Rapidan and Rappahannock has been destroyed by our forces, and the iron sent to Alexandria.

A messenger from the army thinks an engagement between Lee and Meade could not have been delayed much beyond yesterday P. M. while he is quite confident that the rapid and heavy firing which he heard till nightfall on his way up, was the result of a general engagement, it was too heavy and continuous for skirmishing. The rebels lines was stretched just in front of Orange C. H.

But the position of our corps is spoken of as excellent and calculated to make the enemy fight yesterday or retire beyond Orange C. H.

The Herald's dispatch from the Rappahannock Station dated the 29th, 9:15 P. M.

It is understood that Meade in his movement, is left to his own discretion, and has declared it to be his purpose to strike at a most vital point in the Southern Confederacy. His supply of rations and forage will not be exhausted until after the 10th of December, and before that period he can make heavy reconnaissance, most damaging in its consequences upon the enemy.

Since Meade has coupled one of his corps with his command, no apprehension of danger from a flank movement to cut off the usual base of supplies.

Nothing has been received up to noon from Meade later than that sent last night and this morning.

The President's health is improved, and will soon be able to attend to official duties.

Business at the Chattanooga Post Office will soon be resumed under its old Post master, J. R. Hood.

Headquarters Army Potomac,

Nov. 28-10 P. M.

The enemy has apparently fallen back. There was some skirmishing but no cannonading this morning.

The following are the casualties:

J. Bruce, Co. B, 7th Mich, leg;

Co. K, 7th Ky., ankle;

correspondent.
The country hereabouts is one of the worst conceivable for field operations. It is a wilderness of small growth. There is wood over nine-tenths of the whole surface of the country, so dense that it is impossible to penetrate it, except where paths have been cut through.

By some mistake the 3d corps did not get into position as soon as was expected, which gave the enemy the advantage.

The 3d, however, promptly met the emergency, and captured between 700 and 900 of the enemy. Some 300 prisoners were taken at other parts of the line.

Philadelphia, Nov. 30.

Dispatch just received by the board of brokers that Meade has captured two corps of Lee's army. This needs confirmation.