Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-10-30
The Battle at Leesburg.

This is undoubtedly the great battle of the cam.
paign. Great Bethel, Manassas, Springfield, Lex
ington and Gen. Foyd's defence and retreat on the
Gauley, were all great but in some particulars, the
recent battle at Leesburg outstrips them. The &C
ton was holly contested for whole day, against
large odds IN favor of the enemy. 1t was fought on
our side without the aid of artillery and without
Entertainments. Much is due no doubt, to the
skill of Gen. Evans in managing volunteers, but we
indebted for the result mainly and Enthusiastically
to their consummate bravery and daring. All honor
to them.
Perhaps educated military men will find out
after while, the true character of citizen SOL
dery. This will furnish the test of their char
acter and of their nvincbility and will teach our
stiff West Pointers and our military men in buck
RAM that drill and strategy overmatched by the
indomitable will and unconquerabe courage of our
volunteers. Their spontaneous, high-mettled fight
ing spirit must not be improperly depressed. Let
them have fair chance We have already given
the particulars but the following account from an
intelligent eyewitness, furnished to the Richmond
Wing, is thrilling, and will be read with interest:
yesterday (Monday) was the most exhlarating
day ever spent an the flesh. From day-dawn TO
tue ueau uOuT OF through every sec
ond Of it as if had throUn off forty years. | saw
all that could be of successive fghts-nev-
er farther off than mile and quarter, and some
times within gunshot, and even stones throw, and
always from an eminence perfectly commanding the
ground where the engagements took place. Two Of
the fights had most perfect and captivating view
of-the residue took place in the woods, where the
incessant sound OF the musketry sometimes grad
ually declining and then rapidly repeating some
times betokening the retreat of the enemy in its ill.,
creasing feeblenesS, and then his advance by the
growing loudness Of the report-all contributing to
deepen suspense to almost an agonizng, but always
triumphant conclusion. You cannot conceive the
souls inspiration with all-thrilling emotions, when
ever our charge upon the enemy was cried out by.
that fierce shrek, that triumphant yell that strikes
such terror into the heart of the enemy and braces
the of the aSsailant with such wild courage
it shouts out to heaven and earth the war cry
Victory or death ~ At such moments-and they
were many felt my heart jump into my mouth
and choke all utterance save in tears and PRAISES
God be thanked for the courage of our people, as
much for their glorious victories reioiced, to
the bottom ofmy heart all the day, that was born
a S0utherner spent twelve hours IN the bosom
of a Southern brigade in the day of batte-nany
Of whom had tasted nothing but earths water for
As hours and it not tame reason that SdU, but
mperious instinct that felt all day long. What kind
and grateful attentions what patient and generous
allowances, noble sodiery entitled to at
the hands of a vigorous Government and an appre
eating country.
"Ofour trophies, arms great and small, prisoners
high and low, Of all the details of day of victories
others will doubtless inform the public"