The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-23

The success of the Union army at Bulls ~ On
enemy's batteries was subsequently converted
into repuse on the afternoon Of the same day,
owing to an almost unaccountable panic among
the troops, which appears to have originated with
the teamsters and civilians, who were spectators
of the action The Union army, after fighting gal
lanty and with surprising endurance for over eleven
hours, under scorching sun, and having accom-
plished the capture of the rebel batteries, were
suddenly attacked by the fresh troops of General
Johnston, 10000 strong, who had just affected
junction with General Beauregard Unfortunately
sters, who drove their horses back upon the lines
The panic was Immediately communicated to
the volunteer troops, and disorderly re-
leat commenced. An effort to rally them
~ Centreyille and at Fairfax Court House
gJoved unavailing. and they finally retired
: pom their original quarters on the Potomac. The
lrces of the enemy is reported to have been i'm.
rAensely superior-amountng to about ninety thou.
sand MEANWHILE the Union army in action did not
number more than twenty-five thousand. The loss
OF life both sides is represented to be frghtlu
thousand killed ON the side Of the Union army.
But intelligence from the War Department, re-
ccived last night stssss hat this report is greatly
exaggerated, and that the troops that reached
there have retained IN much better condition
than could be expected unAer the circum-
stances, considering the overwhelming force op-
posed to them. In the retreat some of the Union
batteries verc compelled to be deserted including
eight siege guns (riAed cannop), which were found
impossible to remove and they therefore fell into
the hands Of the rebels; but the greatest part of
6herman's battery came safely into camp. The War
Department is making vigorous exeriions to con-
centrate an immense force at Washington. Several
regiments have already arrived there. One reg-
ment Of the sickles brigade left this city yesterday
and Massachusetts regiment, under Colonel
Fletcher Webster, leaves to-day for the seat OF
war. The government entertains no fear for the
ssfety OF the capital.
Tho attack on Bnll's run is said to have been
premature, and contrary to the programme laid
down by General Scott. II was not intended thai
any engagement should take place until Genera
Patterson had come up with his forces, but IT was
10 doubt supposed BY General Mcdowell that
PATTERSON would make his junction at the time
Expected, and he having failed to do so, the plans
I f General Scott and General Mcdowell were thus
frustrated. and the column Of General Mcdowell
being unsupported by body of men which he had
right to expect would have been present TO sus-
tain it. was outnumberea by an overwhelming
force.
Gen. Mcclellan, whose able mana cement OF the
campaign in Western Virginia is worthy of al,
praise, has been called to Washington TO take com.
rnand Of the Army Of the Potomac. His presence
there will, no doubt, inspire confidence in tn,
men. Gen. Mcdowell viii probably resume hi
former posision as general OF brigade. Brga
dicr General Rosencranz, who SO galan,l
wca the battle Of Rich Mountain, is 4
suoosed General Mcclellan 10 command GU the up
Dor Potomac. General VIM. s. Rosencranz is
native of Ohio and West Point officer, having en-
tered the Military Academy in 1888. lie was bre
vsted Second Lieutenant OF Engineers in Jul,
asa, and was subsequently Assistant Prc'esso
OF Engineering, and Of Natural and Exper
mental Philosophy in lsa7. A few ycoi
after this he resigned bis commission
aAe army, and in the year 1854 settled
Cincinnati as an architect and civil engineer
JON which position he was called az the openin
n the present war TO take command Of reg
Lent of Ohio Volunteers. He was soon after ~
Aointed 70 the command Of brigade, In whicl