Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-07-22
BY TELEGRAPH.
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Preparations for a Fight.
GEN. JOHNSON AT MANASSAS.

CENTERvILLE, July 20-l o'clock p. M
The affair at Bulls Run, which has been mag
nifed into Il terrible battle, has not resulted so
disasrousy as was in some quarters repre-
scented. A list of the killed and wounded can
not be accurately ascertained as yet The in
mates OF the hospital at Centervle are in
creased by those who suffered from exhaustion
and not by wounds This account gives rise
to exaggerated stories as to larger number
of wounded.
a flag of truce which was sent by Mellow
ell to the enemy'S lines in order to recover our
dead and wounded was refused admission by
them for the reason possibly, that they wished
to conceal the position of their batteries.
1t may be well to state that Gen. Mcdowell
at the commencement of the action was at
Sangster's station, on a visit to HeintZlemans
command, and willie on his way to Centerville
was informed OF the battle, fundamentally
proceeded to the scene, but did not arrive there
until the firing la ceased. The movement
toward Manassas from Centerville, was unau-
thorized The order OF march to Tyler's di-
vision being limited to the latter point, in or
Ger to await the flank movement OF Col. Heint-
zleman's DIVISION which was at that time at
Sangsters Point on the line of the Manassas
railroad.
Gen. Tyler having ascertained that masked
batteries were in the vicinity, he ordered a
reconnaissance on Ills own responsibility. The
result of this reconnaissance was discovery
of the batteries, which, although acquired
with loss of life, will probably be an adequate
compensation. Besides, large body of our
troops have been tried, and by no means found
wanting. The order for retiring was given in
consequence of the federal battery exhaustng
its shot and canister, and the exhaustion of
the cavalry, which, under the command Of
Capt. Bracket, performed tile most efficient
service in the action. The gallant captain was
at all times in advance Of his command, his
men following him with a fierce and deter.
mined spirit, but the want Of water for his
horses, a difficulty which it is feared will be
encountered all along from Centeryille to Ma
nassas, prevented him from continuing his eft
forts to unmask the enemy. 1t is regretted by
some military authorities, that the infantry
was not called into more active service during
the engagement, the best part of the fight de-
voIving on the artillery and cavalry.
The entire position OF Col. Heintzleman's
command, which it is understood was to flank
the enemy on the south of Manassas, at Brenls-
vile, has been removed to the vicinity OF Cen.
terville, and that region is now crowded with
our troops. The publication of more d, finite
information regarding their strength and num-
bers would be injurious to the service.
Last night was passed quietly, with the ex-
ception of a few instances OF picket firing.
The changes in the position OF troops has led
many TO suppose an advance was intended i'm
mediatey, but it rather indicated preparatory
and defensive arrangement. The report that
the enemy's batteries were assaiIed last night,
are without foundation, but it is supposed that
breastworks will be erected tonight on the
hill, within range Of the masked batteries
this, however, is mere conjecture, and il is
probable that Gen. Mcdowell is still awaiting
instructions from Washington.
A deserter from the rebels, who arrived here
this morning, states that ouEe1ire created great
havoc among their troops, and but for the fact
that they were rallied continually by General
Lee, they would have retired. 1t is under
stood here that heavy guns have been brought
from Manassas to the scene of action by the
rebels.
There is some good reason to suppose from
the large number of baggage wagons on the
road leading from Strasburg 10 Manassas juno
ton, as observed through good glasses, and by
reconnaissance made by Lieut.. Tompkins,
that Gen. johnson has succeeded i'll making
his retreat good to Manassas junction. Such
is the opinion in military circles. Although
this has largely increased the confederate
forces at Manassas junction, it does not in the
least deter, but only change our military oper-
atoms in that direction, as it removes the main
FORCES OF tne enemy between the advances OF
Gen. McDowe's and Gen. Patterson's COM
mand.
Secretary Cameron, to day, in company
with Col. Scott, of the military railway, paid
visit to Centerville, and reviewed several
brigades. He returned to Washington this
evening. AT the hour of writing, Griffiths
battery is moving up the Manassas road, prob.
ably to take position on the hill
LATER.-CENTERvILLE, July 20-6 PM
The whole division has just commenced to
advance, leaving Bulls Creek fertilization to
the left. Their destination is supposed to be
Manassas Gap railroad, to cut off all commu-
nication and supplies from Johnson's division.
Nothing else has TRANSFERRED