New-York daily tribune., 1861-07-21

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The most less injurious to MS from the loss OF HE 1t
occasiontd than from the unfortunate necessity OF our
acknowledging repnlse at the very outset OF our
operatiops. Amid the confusion which succeeds the
conflict it is somewhat difficult to extricate all facts
bearing upon it; but those which herewith send are
given upon the most assured authority, and with tie
sincer.st desire to afford the most accurate public
information that can be now secured.
Our column moved forward toward Centreville early
this morning and passed through that village without
molettaon. Earthworbs were there bat were aban-
doned as were also some camping grounds bard by.
The works of the simplest and most modest con-
struction, but commanded position of enormous
stIength-stoneer for an open battle than that at
which the Rebels subsequently, made their stand.
Their departure hence usthave been hurried, for they
left behind them clothes equipments and even trnkes
of considerable vaue. For distance Of two miles be-
yond Centreville the pickets pushed forward with
rapdity but at this point called more closely to-
getber to assist in rapid reconnaissance which
undertaken by General Tyler and staff, and Captain
Brackets squadron of cavalry. Two miles beyond,
from the summit of considerable elevation troOps in
motion were detected beyond the valley in 'front.' and
extending in lines the topmost opposite nights This
we bnew was the famous position at Bulls Run" Of
which much has been heard since the commencement
cf the Southern line Of intrenchments. The bill they
occupied was thckly shaded with trees, that the
number OF the enemy could not be estimated and their
moyemens only detected at occasional intervals
of open space. II was. however evident that
tLeir guards were nearer to us than they
had ever permitted themselves TO be before. IL was
aso plain that they were regularly encamped since
pkered cavalry and long of tents discerned
at various points. No earhworks were in open view,
but tb, re were clear indications Of masked batteries
along the road and elsewhere After clo.e 0bserva
ton by Gen. Tyler, and still closer by Capt.
Biaokett who rode alone beyond the rebel outposts,
orders were sent back for the immediate approach Of
our artillery and tie leading brigade the cavalry mean
while retiring out Of sight, and leaving only few
guards 70 watch the movements of the enemy, who
gave 10 sign of any knowledge ofour proximity. Two
Of PaJro,ts ricd cannon-s section of Shermans bat
tery-fist arrived and was planted the right Of
road from which it threw shells and grape-shot vgo
rousy about the rebel camp. The effects Of the first
discharge were at apparent. The cavalry start
ed from their positions, and columns of infantry began
to glide down The hill to the vine below where they
wele lost to sight among the dozen successive
shots allowed pass without response but al last
when we bad ceased to expect it, sudden volley Of
four guns burst from battery completely masked, and
sent grape and round shot whirring amongthe comman
ders ,ta so closely put the dexterty OF their aim
beyond question. Two OF our men, dragons in Lieut..
DrummOnd's company, were slightly wounded, but no
other injury was caused. At this tine, well after
ward no she'll were used BY the rebels.
Captain Ayers battery now arrived, and, taking
position upon the left of the road poured in repeated
yOleys Of shot and shell. The rebels had, however,
established themselves in their pits and intrenchmens
and offered farther demonstration. The leading
brigade Of infantry wac accordingly brought forward
and was ordered to advance in detail part skir-
misbers and par! in line OF battle The regular skir
msbers Of the day-selected from the lrt Massaehu
and I'd and Sd Michigan regiments first descended
the hillside the left OF the road and crossing valley,
penetrated the woods covering Bulls Run" Sharp |
firing Immediately began, upon which two additional
companies Of the Massachusetts Ist, under command of
Colonel Wells, semitic advance.
They also were met with irregular firing but drove
the assalants before them hundred yards until
the interrupted them, and the high bank beyond
hid the retreat Of the enemy. As the Massachusetts,
men approached the stream, three volleys smul
taneou.y discharged at them from different positions
sweeping away tenth part Of their men. While this |
wus going on the remainder Of the Massachusetts LIST,
Tie I'd and I'd Michigan regiments were formed TO ad-
along the road and the New.York 18th 10 enter
he woods extreme left while two guns of Ayers
battery pushed in at the center. Tho right wing
marched slowly but regularly bat had not reached
the lines OF the enemy's eaithworks when the re.
reat was ordered. The Eew-York 10Th, on the
contrary, lad no sooner disappeared behind the
rees than they met with similar voleys to those
which fell uron the Massachusetts, men. They could
stand sganst il, and, breaking into disorder rnu
,aek to the open fejs in spite Of the dissuason OF
heir oficer and ran irrtgulary away TO the rear OF
,ur position. TIE battery penetrated as FAR as the
nemy's eaIthworks, and showered shsll among them
lnul their ammunition was exhausted when they re-
rea;ed, leaving for minute one OF their guns which
Immediately afterward rescued with the aid of the
Massachusetts, men, who met The gunnors at that spot.
jo Wells then left alono with his little command
n face Of the enemy. He made last endeavor
to rescue his wounded and dead bu. received
With renewed discharges 30 nurderOus that il was ina
ossible to stand against them. lie then Withdrew iu
erfeo order, and iejoned bis regiment the summit
the hill.
The contest was then continued with artillery from
Rch side. Our I'd Brigade tarsGy drew up, bat re-
ained behind in grove, partly sheltered FROM the
Dund and grape shot, which, admirably directed came
imbliDg among them. Many trees were cut and torn,
M houses at hand were broken in and theie walls
battered. After nearly an hour OF cannonading, the
rder came for our column to fan back upon Centre
ile, which was accordingly done, without bringing
rward the receives in any manner whatever.
The mere fragment Of time which is allowed me
axes il impossible to add details which seem almost
'soluely necessary to explain the movements of the
~. II should be understood that We blundered and
at the enemy did not 0nr error was the omission