The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1861-08-02
dependence Of the Charleston Mercury
The Great Battle.
BULL Run, SUNDAY MORNING,
July 81, 10 o'clock.

On the Field Of Batle-A Sublime Sceae-
Tile Dark Columns Of the Enemy AdUanc-
ng-Hs Batteries Open Fue--OU Men al
First Lie PendU-Ow Flank Nooemsnt-
Terrible Ftriag-The Enemy Driven Back
Scene Of tie Conflict Changed to Stone
Bridge-GaHanty Of Gen, Epaps' Small
Force-Otr Losses President Denis on tie
Fed-How he was received, etc., etc.
1t seemed to be conceded that this was
to be the day of trial for which we have
been working for many months past, and,
in common with the immense mass OF
men assembled here, | have taken my
position upon Bull Run to share the for
tunes of the contest.
The scene, moment since, and yet, IS
unuterably sublime. Upon the hill, just
one and third miles Off the enemy are
placing their artillery. We see them
plunging down the Centreyilleroad to the
apex Of the eminence above MitchelPs
Ford, and deploying to the right and left.
Dark masses are drifting on with the pow
er of fate in the road. We see the col
umns moving, and they deploy through
the forests we see the cloud Of dust float
ing over them, to mark their COURSE
When the dust ceases, we are sure that
they have taken their position. The fir
ing now commences from two batteries to
the right, and left Of the road. 1t is con-
slant, and another has been opened about
mile lower down. That, however, has
been firing for an hour past The guns
are served with great rapidity and preci-
sion. and as we are within range, and un-
certain therefore, when they will favor us,
there is quite an interest in the position.
Our own troops are in the dense forest
that lies below us on Bull Run. They are
still not gun has vet been fired, and
there would seem to be nothing to indi-
cate their presence and their readiness.
The enemy is advised, however, and is
making all the Roadway he can. OF the
precise position, however, they are still
unadvised and in every clump of trees,
and all along the line, they are plunging
shots. So far, however, none have told.
Our own batteries are in reserve, ready for
a spring to any point that may come to
be available. The hospital is again the
object for their. fire and the battery, !
mentioned as a mile below the ford, hay
ing heavier guns than mere field pieces,
and one at least riAed, is now playing
upon it.
The object, however, of the most in
tense interest is a line Of dust that begins
to rise.above the mass of forest lying for
miles away to the right Of the enemy
That it is a moving column is evident but
whether Of our own or the enemy is the
principal question. If ours, we are tax
ing the enemy in flank. If theirs, they
out1ank us. 1t moves towards the enemy,
and courier that joins US reports that il
is the brigade of Gen. Cooke. On it goes.
There is no corresponding column Of the
enemy. The movement promises success.
The enemy may have stationed force in
anticipation, but ofnot, we fall upon then
flank.
HqlEpaa Ten O'clock A. M.-There is
firing on our thanking column. The enemy
has opened their battery upon it halt
way. The column responds. The firing
becomes rapid-musketry rapid. Gene
rails Beauregard, Johnston and Bonham
have Just come to the hill where have
been standing. The whole scene is be
fore us-a grand moving diorama. The
enemy have sent ball from their rihed
cannon at US. Another. They pass over
US with a sound that makes our flesh
crawl. All have left the spot but Gene
rails Beauregard, Bonham and Johnston
and their aids. The firing has ceased at
the head of our fanking column. 1t is
renewed again, nearer, ] think, to the
enemy. Another ball exactly over our
heads. A very sustaining force follows
our fanking column. The enemy, Bring
at our generals, has dropped a shot among
the wagons in the edge Of the woods be.
low, and they dash off. Another shot
follows them as they fly, and plunges in
the ground but few feet behind one OF
them.
Elsven O'Clock. The firing has been
awful. The heads of the fanking and
raising columns are distinctly visible from
the smoke that rises above them and
they stand stationary for long time, buI
at last the enemy's column goes back-a
column Of dust rises in their rear--a shout
rises that roars loud as the artillery from