Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-05
Outpost Skirmi.hes--The Enemy PuzzI
cOrTe.P0n &c d DE oharIs..0n Msrcary.

MANASSAS, August 29s--In company with G eneral
Walker. of Georgia. who has been ordered on here
from Pensacola, and Capt HsristeIn, now one of
his volunteer aids made pleasant visit to some
Of eighboripg camps and 10 Generals John
ston and Beauregard this morning. Gen. johnston
has headquarters near the junction, about mile
beyond Beauregard in comfortable and prettily sit
uaed farm house He is about 6fy, years Of age. His
hair, originally very dark, is becoming streaked
with silver and the lines of his face are deeply
marked. Of tall and commanding appearance, with
a finely cut and expressive face, 'sfrm mouth and
cha ad1TBea WITH a-stif closely cut bSistache aud
imperial easy and cordial in his msnners, he Is one
of5the most attractive leaders have met, and Is
calculated, l should think, to make an acceptable
and popular as well as able commander for cur
volunteers. Major Rhett, of our city, is acting on
his staff 1900 49,.
sGs4eral Beaureeari brought out his maps for us,
and went over the general plan and details Of the
battle of the DIST Z II his original intention had
sbeenSearried outzOf advancing his right Wlsg
Ceutrevile from Union Mills, there be no doubt
that the enemy would either have been annihieted
or compelled to surrender. When the official re-
port is published, much that IS at present i'll under
stood msinterpreted will be cleared up, and do
not think the record will prove any more fattering
to the Yankees than RusselIs letter. 1t IS almost
Inconceivable how they could have blundereds as
they did, and the cowardice of their troops
fairly matched by the incompetence of their eff
GERS. | am afraid, though, that the lesson has
been thrown way, and that under the sESEful
leadership-of Mcclellan, twill require larger
forces and harder fighting to whip them next
time.
The reports brought to the turn out to be
correct For several days past there has been ac-
tive skirIDshingtup by Falls Church where our
advanced picket guard is stationed; and to day the
enemy made a reconnaissance in force They were
repelled however by Col. Stewart of the Virginia
Cavalry, supported by regiment and some guns
from General DOBgstreets Brigade. The ensmy's
loss is said to be severe; consisted of only one
lieutenant and four privetes wounded. 1t is also
expected that General Jones will make diyertise-
ment to day, by way of keeping Uncle Sans army
stirred up; and if things out they ought to-
it is likely to give the Federal troops anentertain
ment that they little expect land wifi not care TO
partake of again in a hurry.
The Yankee army keeps moving about from point
to point like herd of frightened deer There can
be no doubt that they are very much exercised by
our movements. They cannot find out exactly what
we mean, and are afraid 10 make any extended re-
connoisance. Whenever they attempt this they are
checked and the annoyance TO whiehtheir picket is
Continually bJeeted makes Them careful not to
thrust it out too far. You may expect to hear daily
fighting up here now and it ould not surprise me
if an attack of some strength was made by them
the Acquis Greek and Matthias Point batteries Our
men, in turn, are becoming impatient the winter
is approaching and we might well take up cur
winter Quarters in Washington anywhere else.
So you need not feel too much surprised if dash
access the RstonEc fine morning and drive the
enemy out Of his comfortable entertainments on the
other side r...-s E-..