Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-08-02
Ths Retreat--PArti Gathered
from the Mails.

From the New 4ork papers we give the
following particulars of the great retreat from
Bull Run:
The retreat of the Federal troops was one
of those extraordinary events which can no
more be explained than it can be justified or
palliated. The day was ours. The enemy
had been driven, step by step, from every posi-
tion, and the field was occupied by our troops.
Our columns had united in the very heart Of
the rebels stronghold, when the order to retire
was issued. From victory to defeat was only
the work of an instant. At the moment of
our greatest hope all changed, and the spirit
and valor OF the army were gone.
l will briefly review the events of the day.
Our forces started on their march at halfpast
two in the morning, taking the road toward
Bull Run, about half mile to the right of
that upon which the First Division advanced
Oh Thursday. When near the enemy, a column
shot off by the side road to the right, with the
purpose Of fanking the position and attacking
in the rear. This column comprised the Divi-
sions of Gen. Hunter and Col. Heintzleman
The division under Gen. Tyler advanced di-
rect, and by six o'clock reached the neghbor-
hood of Bull Run, beyond which the enemy
was seen drawn up in line, and apparently
awaiting the battle.
The first demonstration from our side was
made by Capt. Carlile's battery of artillery.
with thirty-two pound Parrot rfed cannon,
two shells from which were fired without any
response. AT about the same time the Second
Brigade, under Gen. Shenck, was formed at
the left and the Third, under Col. Sherman,
at the right of the road.
| Light skirmishing soon after began. in which
our men were wounded by discharges from a
masked battery which they encountered, and
before which they slowly retreated Between
I and o'clock cannonading was heard from
! Col Richardson's position, he having been di-
rected to open diversion to conceal our real
purpose. For an hour after, the howitzprs of
Capt. Garlic kept the enemy active, and it
was not until near noon that other butteries
were drawn in, and the infantry engagement
prepared for.
The Sd Brigade, including the Goth, 10Th
and 18th New York, and ID Wisconsin regi-
ments, moved forward to the right, and advan-
ced regularly up the hill slope beyond Bull
Run, upon which the enemy were stationed in
force. The thick woods on either side OBJ.
structed the view, but presently volIeys of
muskctry were heard, both to the right and
left, and in the distance, as if Hunters Di
vision were approaching and getting at work.
Immediately after, this belief was confirmed
by the thick cloud Of smoke which arose from
afar, and presently the troops themselves were
/ seen moving rapidly forward, and driving the
enemy before them at distance of about two
I miles.
The Sd Brigade was by this time menancing
one of the enemy's earthworks, and appeared
to be hotly engaged Col. Keyes' division,
the 4th, was accordingly ordered down to re
inforce, and at once pushed forward in support.
The I'd Brigade remained firm at the right.
but not yet actively engaged. From Colonel
Richardson's post, mile or two to the left
around to Col. Hunters, two miles to the right
and front, the battle thus spread over some
five miles of space.
Their artillery was finely worked, and was
quick TO discover the places wherever our men
gathered; but up TO this time, the injury done
by them was slight. In infantry contests they
were perpetually beaten, but when they re
treated, it was to take new and more strong.
ly fortified position. At times they ranged
themselves upon the open field, or road, but
were invariably driven back by Hunters or
Sherman's men.
i Their force was very large, and l should
judge from the bodies which came pouring
! down from Manassas, greatly superior to ours.
| They fought WE'LL and even in their retreats