Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-07-26

WASHINGTON, July p. Ireturned to
this city from Centrevlle last night
The battle of yesterday was fought on
Warrington turnpike which crosses Bulls
Pun. Thrty-fve thousand Federal and
eighty thousand rebel troops were en-
gagged.
The rebels were commanded by JEFF
Davis in person, assisted by Generals
Beauregard and Johnston. The latter
made junction with the main Southern
army on Saturday.
Col. Richardson's brigade took posi-
ton on the field last Thursday, and kept
up vigorous cannonade from o'clock
in the morning till o'clock in the after
noon. No reply was made by the enc
my till late in the afternoon.
Gen. Tyler's division moved directly
along the turnpike, while Hunter, Heintz-
Gilman, and Burnside moved further up
in order to gain the rear of the rebels.
Col Miles was kept in reserve at Cen
trevile.
Col Hunter, acting Major General,
commenced the cannonade early. The
infantry first engaged at l1.30 A. NJ.
Their fire, which was very heavy, was
returned with terrible effect from the en-
emy's batteries in the woods. Large
masses of men were continually march
ing down from Manassas. Dense clouds
of dust filled the air. 1t is thought the
Federal troops were outnumbered two TO
one.
Our troops gained ground inch by inch,
made several charges, captured prisoners,
and compelled the enemy to retire to their
positions; but not being supported, were
obliged to fall back. A hot fire was con-
tinued almost uninterruptedly.
At $50 P. NJ. Capt. Alexander in
formed me that we were gaining, butthat
the result of the contest was doubtful.
Immediately afterward Colonies Burn
sides and Towards commands made a
charge and drove the rebels, but were
terribly cut up. No description can give
an idea of the fire that belched from the
enemy's lines, as well as our own, and
large bodies of rebels were seen flying
in all directions.
\ little later a strong reinforcement
was seen 70 hasten up, and the fire was
renewed with great energy on both sides
but gradually our forces worked their
way in crossing the Run and occupying
position.
The pontoon train was then ordered
up, and everybody felt the day was ours.
The fire slackened, and was kept up only
by cannon at intervals. Schenck's brig
ade with Sherman's and Carlisle's bate
ries were on the left wing nearest TO Cen
treville.
At APO p. NJ. | saw a body of rebel
troops in position across the Run, on our
extreme left flank. Carlisle opened on
them with bis batteries. They returned
the fire at intervals. I also observed a
cloud of dust far in our rear, and was told
Gen. Banks had made forced marches,
and was close at hand. We bad no pick e.
cts in our rear.
Suddenly at five o'clock about 1000
cavalry burst upon Schenk's command
from the woods,
The first intimation our troops had of
the approach of the rebels was by being
shot in the back. One of our hospitals
was there and hundreds of citizens were
congregated there.
Instantly, while men were exuldng
that the day was ours, there followed a
complete stampede. Carlisle's and por-
ton of Sherman's batteries were taken,
also Burnside's and Grifin's, together
with heavy 80 pound rihed gun, which
had done such terrible execution against
the enemy.
Gov. Spraguc, who, during the day had
Exhibited the utmost GOODNESS and brave
ny spiked the Rhode Island pieces with
his own hands.
1t is reported that Gen. Schenk gave
the order for every man to look out for
himself There was a terrible commo-
ton, artillery, infantry, baggage, and pri-
vate vehicles and thousands of men fee
ing toward our bridge across Cub Run, a
small stream west of Centreville. Every
thing was abandoned. The reserve,
meanwhile was driven up on the hill to
cover the retreat.
Skirmishers were thrown out, theI Hines
were formed and batteries put in position.
Behind it the fugitives were gathered.
Some were rallied while others took the
road to Fairfax. Richardson's Brigade
also retreated to Centreville.