The Placer herald., 1861-10-05
From the Richmond Enquirer,
The Battle Field near Manasses-The
Graves of the Slain.

The writer of this. on Monday last, pass
ed over The scene Of the battle Of the 2ls
near Bulls Run. 1t was gratifying to find
contrary to rumors which have gained some
circulation, that the dead, not only of our
own army, but also of the enemy, had been
decentIy buried. In the whole area of
that terrible onset no human corpse, and
not even a manole led limb, WAS to be seen.
The earth had received them all, and, so far
as the human combatants were concerned,
nothing remained to tell Of those who had
fallen victims to the shock of battle save
the mounds Of fresh earth which showed
where they had been laid away in their last
sleep. Many of these mounds gave evidence
of the pious care of surviving comrades.
Enclosures were built around the graves,
and branches of evergreens cover the spot.
Sometimes boards marked the head and
foot, on which we're carved the name and
fellowship Of the deceased. Sometimes
boards nailed to neighboring tree showed
that the ground adjacent contained the fal
len Of certain regiment or company.
Numerous dead horses, scattered over the
area, show where the batteries of flying ar.
tillery were captured or disable, or where
some officer was dismounted. The PROSTATE
fences, too served to mark the track of tho
battle. Where the infantry crossed they
step over, ard wide gaps showed where the
artillery carriages had thundered along
The ground too, trampled by the feet Of
rushing men and horses, evidenced where
the struggle had been fercest
OF relics Of the battle, already but
few remain. The field has been searched
and CLEANED by daily crowds of visitors
seeking for molnentoes. A few bullets that
had run their errand, some fragments Of ex
ploded bombs, a haversack, and few other
things, were all that an extensive rambe
brought under our view. Canes cut from
the battle field are also considerably in de
mand.
The enemy's column of advance, as shown
by the battle ground, presented front Of
about one mile Their onward march from
the poiut where they encountered our ad
vance bodies to the limits where they me.
our full line, and the full battle was joined
and the fate of the day decided, was about
mile and half. A paralleIIogran of
about mile by mile and half, therefore,
covers the scene of the great conflict.
In this area included five dwelling houses;
all of which we visited, bore evidence Of
the storm which ragged around them. Many
were killed in the yard of the house of Mr..
J. De Dogan bullet hole in chamber
door remains momento of the battle. His
family escaped just as the battle joined.
Bat it was on the hill south Of the turn.
pike road, where the enemys farthest ad
vance was checked, and where the final is
sue was fought, that the inwrapped dwell
ngs showed most plainly the fury Of the
fight.
A ouse here, late the abode of widow
lady, Mrs. Judith Henry, was riddled with
cannon and musket shot. Kissing projec.
tiles from the cannon of our enemies had
passed through walls and roof, until the
dwelling was wreck 1t is sad story
that we tell This estimabe lady, who had
spent here long life, illustrated by the
oraces that adorn the meek Christian, was
now bed,ridden. There she lay amid the
horrid din, and no less than three of the
missiles OF death that secured throug her
chamber inflicted their wounds upon her.
It seems strange dispensation OF Prov
deuce that the one whose life had been so
oentle and secluded should have found her
end amid such storm of human passions,
and that the humble abode which had wit
messed her quiet pilgrimage should have
been shattered over her dying bed! Yet
even amid such terrors Heaven v'ndlcated