The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-07-31

Not crediting the story, which was ut
terly inconsistent with what had seen
but little while before, continued 70
push on. soon met Quartermaster Stc,-
son, of the Fire Zouaves, who told me,
bursting into tears, that his regiment had
been utterly cut to pieces, that the Co
and Lieutenant Colonel were both killed,
and that our troops had actually been re-
pulsed. | still tried to proceed, but the
advancing columns rendered it impossible,
ald | turned about Leaving my carriage,
/ went to a high point Of ground, and saw
by the dense cloud Of dust which rose over
each of the three roads, by which the
three columns of the army had advanced,
that they were all on the retreat. Sharp
discharges Of cannon in their rear indi-
eating that they were being pursued. [
waited half an hour or SO, to observe the
troops and batteries as they arrived, and
then started for Washington, to send my
dispatch and write this letter. As I came
past the hill on which the secessionists
/ had their entrenchments, less than week
ago, I saw our forces taking up positions
for a defence, if they should be assailed
Such is very rapid and general his
tory of yesterdays engagement. [ am
unable to be precise or profuse in matters
of detail, and must leave these to future
letter.
I hear nothing, on every side, but the
Warrhest and heartiest commentator Of
our troops. They fought like veterans.
The rebels did not, in single instance,
stand before them in charge, and were
shaken by every golley Of their musketry.
DO not mean to praise any one at the
expense Of another. The sixty-ninth
fought with splendid and tenacious cour-
age. They charged batteries two or three
times, and would have taken and held
them but for the reinforcements which
were constantly and steadily poured in.
! Indeed, 1t aCaS to this fact alone that the
comparative success of the rebels is due.
We had not over twenty-six thousand
men in action, the rest being held behind
as reserves, at Centregille, while the enc
my must have numbered at least sixty
thousand.
The Fire Z0uaves, before they had
fairly got into action, were terribly cut
up by battery and by musketry, which
opened on their flank. They lost great
many Of their officers and men.
Death OF Col Janles Cameron.
The death of this gentleman, native
of Lancaster county, has caused a gloom
in this community. For many years he
was a resident Of this city, where he has
very large number Of relatives and ac-
quaintances. He fell in defence Of his
country, at the head of his command, the
New York Seyenty-ninth (Hishland)
Regiment, while making a charge on
rebel battery at Bulls Run, Virginia, on
Sunday last. All honor to his memory
Col. Cameron was native Of Pennsyl-
vania, the next oldest brother Of the Sec.
retary of War He was born, we believe,
in Naytown, in this county learned the
printing business, and studied law with
Ex President Buchanan in this city.
Having bat little taste or inclination for
the dull routine of the profession Of the
law, he commenced the publication of a
paper in Lancaster city, in the times of
the Jackson political campaigns, and was
for some time engaged in that business
as the advocate and friend Of Old Hick-
ory." During Governor Porter's admin
istration, Col. Cameron was appointed su
perintendent Of motive power on the
Philadelphia and Columbia railroad, and
after serving in that position for several
years, he retired to farm in Northum-
berland county. There he lived and en-
joyod the confidence aud respect of his
nelghbors, both for the integrity of his
purpose and the hospitality and generosity
of his character. When the war of re.
bellion was inaugurated, he left the re-
treat Of his nome, to serve his country.
and was chosen almost unanimously as the
Colonel of the New York Seventy-ninth
regiment.
Col. Cameron was an American in all
his impulses---frank, brave and independ-
ent. Those who knew him best, will net
refuse to yield to his memory this just
need of praise; aud even those who were
the least acquainted with the man, will
admit that in James Cameron there were
mingled those qualifications of head and
heart which are essential in the character
of gentleman and soldier.-Laacaster
Union.