Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-07-23


WAsHSGToN, July 22.-After the latest ip
formation was received from Centrevlle, at half-
past seven o'clock, series Of events took place
in the inlcnseat degree disastrous.
Many confused statements are prevalent but
enough is known to warrant the statement that
we have suffered in degree which has cast
gloom over the remnant of the army and excited
the deepest melancholy throughout Washington
The carnage has been tremendously heavy on
both sides aud on ours is represented as fightful
We wero advancing aud taking the masked
batteries gradually but surely, driving the enemy
toward Manassas Junction, when the enemy
seemed TO he reinforced by General johnson anl
Immediately commenced driving us back when
panic among our troops suddenly occurred
and u regular stampede took place.
1t is thought that Gen. Mcdowell undertook
to make u stand at or about Centreville but the
panic was so fearful that the whole army became
demorazed, and il was impossible to check them
either ut Centreyille or Fairfax Court House.
Gen. Mcdowell intended to mako another
stand at Fairfax Court House. bet our forces
being in full retreat, he could not accomplish
the object.
Beyond Fairfax c. Ii. the retreat was kent up
until the men reached the regular encampments,
portion Of whom returned to them, but sill
larger portion coming inside Of the line of en-
trenchments.
A large number of the troops in their retreat
Tell on the waysde from'exhauston, and scatter
cd along the entire route all the way from Fair-
lax Court House. The ruNd from Bull Run TO
Cenreyille was streweh whh knapsacks, arms.
etc. Some OF the troops deliberately threw away
their guns and appurtenanccs, the better to
facilitate their tIavel,
Ten Mcdowell was in the rear ut the retreat,
exerting himself to rally his men, hut with only
partial effect. The latter part of The army, il is
is said, madc their retreat in good order lie
vas completely exhausted, having slept but little
Tor three nights. His orders on the field did not
~ all times reach those for whom they were
intended.
1t is supposed that the forces sent against our
troops consisted, according to n prisoners state
ment, of about 10000 men, including large
number of cavalry. lie further snys, that owing
to the reintorcements from Richmond, Straw
burg, and other points, the enemys effective
force was 10000 men.
According to the statement of the Fire Zou.
aves, they have only about two hundred men
LETT from the slaughter, while the Sixty-ninth
New YORK and other Regiments have suffered
irighuully in killed and wounded.
Sherman's, Carlisle's and the West Point Bat
terios were taken by the enemy, and the eight
siege w pound rihed cannon, the latter being too
eumbrous TO move. They were left two miles
the other side of Centreylle
such OF the wounded as were brought to Cen
treyille Hospital were left there, after having
their wounds properly dressed.
The panic was so great TINT the attempt to
rally them to n stand at Centrevilie wns entirely
in vain. II firm stand had been made there.
our troops would have been reinforced and much
disaster prevented. Gen. Mcdowell was thus
foiled in his well arranged plans.
II is supposed that all the provision trains
belonging TO the United States Government were
saved. Some reeimental wagons were overturned
by accident or the wheels came off, and had
therefore to be abandoned. Large droyes of
cattle were saved by being driven back in the
ADVANCE Of the retreat. 1t is supposed here
mat Gen. Mansfield will take command Of the
orthcations on the other side of the river, which
are able, il is said by military engineers, 10 hold
them against any force the eaemy may bring.
Large ritled canncns and mortaIs are being rapid
y sent over and mounted. An officer just from
virginia at half past ten, reports that the rond
from Centreville to the Potomac is strewed with
slragglers. The troops are resuming the occu-
patton Of the Notifications and entertainments ON
the line of the Potomac.
Col Maiston, of New Hampshire regiment
reached here this morning. lie was wounded |
Jo. Heintzelman was also wounded in the wrist. |
In addition to those reported yesterday, it is |
aid that COL Wilcox, the commander of n brig
'de, was killed Also, Capt. McCook, brother
II Col hIcCook, of Ohio.
The city this morning is in the most intense
excitement. Groups are everywhere gathered,
nquiring the latest news. Wagons are contin-
ally arriving, bringing dead aud wounded
oldiers are relating TO greedy listeners the pro-
able events of last night aud early this morn
lg.
Both telegraphic and steamboat communism
M Alexandria are suspended to-day to the
ublic.
The greatest alarm exists throughout the city,
specially among the female portion of the
Opuation.
WASHINGTON, July 22-1 P. M-The report
the killing of Col. Cameron, of the New York
evenly ninth Regiment, is confirmed.
Our troops are scattered and in confusion.
hth damaged artillery, wounded men and
oldiers half dead with fatigue, from Centreyille
0 Alexandria.
brother of Col. McCook, Of the First Ohio
regiment, is among the killed, All our artillery
as been captured. Many of the dead and
i"unded are being brought here, while atill
lrger numbers are coming in to Alexandria.
llescribnble So