Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-09-19
From the Richmond Despatch.
Another AfSllleTy Duel

FAIRFAX q. H., Sept II.
An hour ago. as | came up on the Centrevle road,
called on Major Walton, of the Washington Artillery
from whom learned thst battle took place yesterday
ia the vicinity of Munsons hill. Eary in the morning
information brought IN that the Federas strong
crossing by the Chain Bridge Tor the purpose
of attacking advance and Of driving from the
present conmaI ding position Captain r sser of the
second company OF the Washington Artillery, having
tour guns, rIied cannon. and two howHz rs,
sent engage them. Their battery was supported
by three companies OF Infantry, Of Colonel Ktmptrs
regiment, consisting of three hundred and eight men,
and a small body OF cavalry.
The Federas were met at LouvansVile, five miles
from Falls Church, and about the same distance from
the bridge, where sharp aod decisive battle commenced
which, from the plumber OF men engaged, may be ranked
little above the usual skrmshes The distance of the
enemy and the careful manner ID which they concealed
all their nov ments prevents from ascertanng ac
curaeIy the number Of the Yankees, but it is certain
they had two batteries, containing eight guns, some
twenty eight hundred three thousand men, aud con-
side able cavalry.
The fight commenced with the artillery a, long range
the shots from The Washington artillery falling with
great accuracy INFO the ranks of the enemy What the
effects of these shots is not known, and
OF the skill Of tie Yankees, in concealing dsagreeabe
facts, probably never will be but during the engage
ment Capt R0sSer and his fred sixtysx rife shots
-fortyfve spherical Case shell and three canister
Considering the precision with which this company have
heretofore sent their missiles the enemy and the num-
Der OF shots fired 1t may be safely supposed that the
Federal loss was by slight, and that the battle
Was q some duration.
The enemy also used their guns and fred shot after
shot ID quick succession, but fred badly 1t was an
other artillery duel That our fire having lis effect
became apparent, Tor they gradually fed from er
guus the infantry falling back until panic was created
and there need another similar to the last
act of the drama the Plains OF Mauassa There was
a complete r0ut. The 7 ankets fd in terror throwing
away their canteens and haversacks which were dead
weights in the race aud oke like quarter-horses Tor
the Potomac AID spot OF safety beyond it.
They crossed by the Chain Bridge bearing away
seen by tire roadside, which they una BILE
carry. AS have previously i'd, the number Of men ut
horS dn combat viii not be known probably None of tn
aru side injured, but lhe1e rumOrs that
TWO hre OF infantry wounded How true this
may be tO-Dght but further particu-
lars in the morning. The facts have given them are
from the official port Capt. ROEser which aor Wal
| ton received h morning.
learn since arriving In this village that some prison
ers captured just before the fight commenced who
were endeav0rlrg make their way TO the advancing
enemy. Lieutenant with a squad Of men had been
out scouting and had obtained information which
would have been valuable had they escaped with it
These from OF the IudiaDa regiments auC
it Is SAID that they apxious awaiting the term
nation OF the fight feeling entire confidence in the abi
y OF their Yankee friends TO release them These ner
are now in Fairfax, aud viii be seut TO Richmond to-
morrow
At this time unable TO learn what part the infantry
or he cavalry took i'll the fight As the facts are given
will be that this little victory the bril-
Liant have this Campaign. Hardly four humid &c
Ike whipped ft,m then kennels. This the thi
tins ieian has ordered upon lines and th
me he has been repused and ANONYMOUSLY hppt
His success thus lar has not been very alarming
cause. g. NJ.