The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-30 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Battlefields of the South from Bull Run to
Fredericksburg. With Sketches of Confederate
Commanders, and Gossip of the Camps. By an
English Combatant (Lieut. of Artillery on the
field). With Two Maps. Two Vols. smith and
Elder.

Beginning with the very first threatenings of the
Disruption of the United States, the author of these
volumes, himself an eye-witness of the scenes
which he describes, has given a very comprehensive
and animated account of the American war, as
regarded, of course, from the Confederate point of
view. As an evidence at once of his lively style
and decided sentiments, we may cite his very
graphic portrait of the Yankee, whom he describes
as "a volatile, imaginative, superficial, theatrically
inclined individual, possessing uncommon self-
confidence, very self-willed, arrogant, and boastful.
His self-conceit is boundless ; any one who disputes
his ideas is a fool !" At the first threatening of
aostilities this eye-witness describes the unanimous
enthusiasm of the Confederates as something mar-
vellous. There was no lack of volunteers for arms.
All were anxious to go forth and fight the Yankees,
" not that the Northerners were deemed worthy of
that honour," but there was a strong desire " to
,;,,et to close quarters with, the enemy, and
settle the question without further delay."
From morning till night the surrounding woods re-
echoed with the report of firearms. " Our men,"
says the author, " did not really need such practice,
for every youth was accustomed to the woods and
to hunting; each had killed his dozens of panthers,
&c.—in fact nine-tenths of our company seemed
born to arms, and were never so happy as when
shooting." In another place he observes—" Sach
patriotism as the women displayed is certainly be-
yond description—they seemed to give all heart
and soul to the cause." " The negroes, too, at the
plough, in the cotton•field, or beside their cabin-
doors, rushed out, hat in hand, mounted the fence,
and rolling their eyes in wonder and delight, would
shout success to us on our journey." Amid such
universal encouragement and acclamation, the gal-
lant army of the South set forth upon their march.
" But who are our generals," asked the author at
the outset of the campaign ; " oar men are as brave
as steel, but who are to lead them." This question
was shortly to receive a full and satisfactory reply.
The writer soon afterwards obtained his first
glimpse of General Bettaregard

Of Beauregard I knew little, but had heard much. He
was continually moving about from place to place, his ap-
pearance and escort being so unostentatious that many met
and passed without knowing him It was his custom to
walk in the garden of the cottage where his head-quarters
were established after meals, smoking ; and it was there I
first saw him. He is a small man, with a sallow com-
plexion, a heavy black moustache, and closely cut
hair. With the left hand in his trousers pocket, a
cigar in his mouth, a buttoned-up coat, and
small cap, he is the exact type of a French engineer, and
could not anywhere be mistaken for a civilian. He is
g
jaunty in hie gait, dashing
in his manner, and evidently
hikes delight in the circumstances of war. It must be
confessed his modeity is equal to his merit—he is not im-
perious or bearing, bears great respect for his brother offi-
cers of the old service, and is never seen to such advantage
as when standing on an earthwork, and giving orders, or
conversing with animated gesture.
Hostilities now began in earnest. Here is the first
commencement

AT BULL RUN.
From our position to Blackburn's Ford was half a mile,
and there Longstreet was posted with a strong brigade.
Ewell was to our right, lower down, and across the Run
at Union Mills. While we stood in line of battle, scouts
came in, reporting the enemy's approach en Inane. In the
afternoon an Alab 'ma regiment came in, in good order,
bringing all its baggage. They had skirmished with the
enemy for several miles, taking advantage of every turn
in the road, and firing from the woods with good effect.
From their reports we learned that all the outposts had
made good their retreat, and our skirmishers had done so
much damage, that the enemy wera extremely slow and
cautious in their movements.

Towards nightfall four companies of our right wing
crossed the ford and occupied a small valley which led to
Centreville. Our pickets had not long been posted in the
timber, when a cavalry scout came across the open, and
reported the approach of a strong force. The men were all
quietly placed and ready for business, when we distinctly
saw several hundred Federals placed ire the edge of the
wood opposite, and could hear their conversation occasion•
ally. One of our negroes, taking advantage of the dark-
ness, went over to the enemy.
During the night, the lieutenant-colonel, anxious for
our safety, attempted to reach us. Thanks to the run-
away, the enemy had enclosed us on three sides, the fourth
being a range of hills, beyond which was the river- De-
termined to extricate us, the colonel swam the
river, and before the morning dawned we had safely
forded it, recrossed again lower down, and flanked the
eueroy. The sequel was exciting, J3elieving us to In our.