Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-08-08

battle, viewed from I0elr position, would con-
sist merely of "a record of sensations At
o'clock p. m, however, the n Y. 10th and
3lSt being well in advance toward Blackburn's
Ford, were called upon to stem the tide of
the Virginia cavalry, who were swooping at
our retreating forces. An order from Miles,
consequently sent the lSt California Regiment
under Col MatheSOn { n. Y 23d), forward to
their support but though the cavalry was
thus turned to the right about, it was found to
be impossible to stem the mad career of the ex-
traordinary mass that came pouring back up
on Centerville.
The best that c0nld be done, therefore, was
for the California Regiment to stay jaSt where
it was, aud in absence OF further orders. lend
what aid it could to the protection of Green's
Battery, which was buSily plying its fire upon
the harrasSng approaches of the Virginia
horse While the 32d was in this positioH, the
10th aud 3lst having passed within its range,
youthful Orderly rode up TO Colonel Math-
eson to inform him that the Black Cavalry
sheltered from his observation by a piece of
woods, were coming upon the right, and if he
would take cut with his regiment across the
fields they would DO turned back upon their
errand.
was desired and the Black Horse gave up its purpose in
that quarter While the regiment however was adhear-
ing this position, the youth who had mpart ed
the previous suggestion rode up to the regiment again.
and told Maheson he had better fall back on Centrevile
his duty that spot had been thoroughly performed
As this about the first sign of orders with one sin.
gle excepton) he had received during the day. Maheson
felt some curiosity learn who the Young Lieutenant
was and whence these orders came he therefore turn
ed sharply the youth, who he now perceived could
not be more than % %, and said, 1" Young man.
would like to know your name ?" The youth replied that
he a of QuarermasterGeneral Meigs. By whose
authority then, do You deliver these orders ~ was the
Cafornian's next inquiry. The young man smiled and
remarked, Well Sir the truth is, that for the last few
hours have been giving all the orders for this division
and acting General too for there is General on the
field" This incident is worthy of our notice among the
! lessons Of the day.
treve, and watched the terrorstrcken it pas
sed by repeing with the aid of Green's battery several
charges of the hostile cavalry While thus posted 63
o'clock p. m. the encmys cavalry again showed itself
in superior force and making threatening dem
onstraton the S2ds left when seeing the lst Massa-
chusctts coming up from the direction Of Bull Run Ma
theson went to its Colonel (Cowdn) pointed the en-
emy and asked him if he would stand by him hold
him it possible in check. Cowdin quickly seized the
Caornians hand, and. and he grasped it hard re-
piled, with muh emotion, that his regiment could he
depended ontor they had home but mother earth -
The De hab OF Newly ork which had Just come in
fresh from Alexandria, ais yielded to Mathesons com
mand and thus the danger being well provided against
passed of. The three regiments remained in this firm
position till the dishearened trail Of fugitives from the
battle field had all passed, and then accompanied by
COwdn's and the De Kalb it fell back with the rest
Leaving his regiment Centrevle in the hands OF his
Lieutenant Colonel Matheson, who still without or
ders went in search of General, not caring any
longer to perform General himself.
He found Miles and Richardson dSputng for command
but learning that the former had been superseded by the
latter through McDowe order during the progress of
the battle, he took his orders from Richardson during
the remainder OF the day That duty however was smp
ly to follow the broken and dheartened columns which
poured so grandy forth that morning back to Fairfax
and thence also to their camps near Washington.
OF most pXDpdtOn
which followed the fortunes of Our flag The only
consideration which find in the result lies in the fact
that the enemy have proved themselves brave a
selves. Had they altered, showed the least lack
Of courage, they would not he worthy Of union The
great hope OF every soldier in ranks is that we
shall he able TO reconquer under one banner the loyalty
and affection Of entire people of old. And that
patriotism TOuld truly he shabby and shorts one
which, when the task Is DONE would he content, and
with such admiration the world is willing to bestow
upon country portion of whose citizens are craven
As for the rout hich endure, it the result
Of any lack Of manly fortitudc part With equal
vaor we had shown superior prowes till despair mott
fed to retire The list OF dead and wounded on both
Sides will establish balance Of exploit and effectiveness
in our favor Ours, in fact will prove to be less than l.
600 men in all, not than 800 Of whom were killed
The loss Of the enemy in slain is said to be 200 while
the wounded and the missing will probably amount to
go The loss guns our part amounts to nine
teen and some four five thousand stand of arms But
these weary fugves had discarded in their path as
pure measure of relief from atigUes with which their
generals had ovartaSked them. inadequate com.
parison of those taken prisoners shows.
But we need not reason any further this great dis
aser. 1t garing blunder, and though the penal
ties exceed the value of the lesson let hope the caam
ty will not be without its profit havesno suggestions
to put forward. The public who cannot fail under
stand the whole matter, will make them for themselves
There is but thing desire to add and that is had
our columns but marched back to Centrevie from the
batteries they had so stubbornly engaged in common
time, the days work would have been called Federal
victory and the assault by meager divisions, re-
connoiSsancr in force"
II was most providentia matter that we ID no more
troops than barely sufficient such recOnnois
Sancc against such position and such numbers for had
gone upon the ground with 900 soldiers more we
would merely have penetrated little deeper into the
Confederate trap and the result woud have been the
same GEORGE WILKES.
Ratscellantous.