Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-07-28
A Northern Account of the Battle.

From tn n. Y. Times, July %.
AS telegIaphed you yesterday, the attack
was made in three columns, two of which,
however, were mainly feints, intended to
amuse and occupy the enemy, while the SUBJ
stantial work was done by the third 1t has
been known for long time that the range of
hills which border the small swampy stream
known as Bulls Run, has been very thor
oughiy and extensively fortified by the reb-
els-that batteries had been planted at every
available point, usually concealed in the
woods and bushes which abound in that vi
cinity, aud covering every way of approach
to the region beyond. These are the advance
defenses Of Manassas Junction, which is some
three miles further off. Until these were car
ried, no approach could be made to that
place; and after they should be carried 9TH
ers Of a similar character would have to be
overcome at every point where they could be
erected. The utmost that military skill and
ingenuity could accomplish for the defence
of this point was done. Gen. Mcdowell was
unwilling to make an attack directly in face
of these batteries, as it would lie of doubtful
issue, and must inevitably result in a very
serious loss of life. After an attack had
been resolved upon, therefore, he underworld
to lind some way OF turning the position.
His first intention was to do this on the Son
thern side to throw a strong column into
ptdCc ltOm tudt QlTtctiIu, WHILE 1elQned
attack should be made in front. On Thnrs-
day, when the troops were advanced to Cen
treville, it was found that the roads on the
south side OF these positions were almost inn
practicable-that they were narrow crooked
and stony, and that it would be almost i'm
possible to bring up enough artillery to he
effective in the time required. This original
plan Was therefore, abandoned and Friday
was devoted to an examination by the topo-
r<kt Il 81 Al
the position.
Major Barnard and Captain Whipple recon-
noitred the place for miles around, and re-
ported that the position could be entered by
path coming from the north, though it was
somewhat long and circuitous. This was Sc
lected, therefore, as the mode and point of at
tack.
On Saturday the troops were all brought
closely up TO Centreville, and all needlul
preparations were made for the attack which
was intended for the next day. Yesterday
morning. therefore, the army marched by
two roads--Col. Richardson with his COM
mand taking the Southern, which leads to
Bulls Run, and Gen. Tyler the Northern
running parallel to it at q distance of about
q mile and half. The movement commenc-
ed a about 8 o'clock. got up little be-
fore 4, and found the long line of troops ex-
tended far out on either road. 1 took the
ROAD py winch Col. Hunter with bis COM
mand and Gen. Mcdowell and staff had gone
and pushed on directly for the front. After
going out about two miles Colonel Hunter
turned to the right, marching obliqueIy to-
wards the Run, which be was to cross some
four miles higher up and then come down
upon the intrenched position OF the enemy
on the other side. Col. Miles was left at Gen.
treville and on the read, with reserves which
he was to bring up whenever they might
be needed. Gen. Tyler went directly Tor
ward to engage the enemy in front and send
reinforcements to Col. Hunter whenever it
should be seen that be was engaged.
went out, ss have already stated. upon
the northern road. II Is billy, like all the
surface Of this section. After going out
about three miies, you come TO point down
which the rosd, Leading through forest, de-
scends-then Il proceeds BY succession Of