The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-12-03
JOSEPH D. BARNES,
Released Prisoner.
AN INCIDENT OF THE BATTLE OF
MANASSAS ---.-

At camp dinner recently, Gen Beauregard re-
lated the following incident concerning the battle
of Manassas:
'On the 21st of July, at about hafpast three
O'Clock, perhaps 4 it seemed to me that victory
already within grasp In fact, up to that
moment, had never wavered in the conviction
that triumph must crown our arms. Nor was my
confidence shaken until, at that time have men
toned, [ observed on the extreme left, at the dis
tance Of something more than mile, column of
men approaching. At their head waved flag
which [ could not distinguish. Even by the aid
of strong glass was unable to determine wheth-
er it the United States flag or the Confederate
flag. At this moment [ received dispatch from
Capt Alexander in charge Of the signal station,
warning me to look out for the left; that a large
column was approaching in that direction, and
that it was supposed to be Gen. PattersOns com
mand coming to reinforce Mcdowell. At this
moment, must confess, my heart failed me. [
came, reluctantly, to the conclusion that, after all
our efforts, we should at last be compelled to WELD
to the enemy the hard fought and bloody field.
| again took the glass to examine the flag of the
approaching column; but my anxious inquiry was
unproductive of result could not tell to which
army the waving banner belonged. At this time
all the members Of my staff were absent, having
been Dispatched, with orders, to various points
The only person with was the gallant officer
Who has recently AGAIN distinguished himself by
brilliant feat OF arms--Genera, then Col. Evans
10 him | communicated my doubts aud my fears
| told him L feared that the approaching force
i'll reality Pattersons division; that if such
was the case, [ should be compelled to fall back
upon our own reserves and postpone, till the next
day, continuation of the engagement. After
further reflection directed Col. Evan. to pro-
ceed to Gen. job aston, who had assumed the task
OF collecting a reserve to inform him Of the cir
cumstances OF the case and to request him to
have the reserve collected with all dispatch, and
hold them IN readiness to support our retrogade
m0Vement-COl. Evans started the mission
thus entrusted to him. He had proceeded but a
short distance, when it occurred to me to make
another examination of the still approaching flag
| called him back "Let u.s." said l. wait
few moments TO confirm our suspicious, before
finally resolving to yield the field [ took the
glass and examined the flag. 1t had now come
within full view. A sudden gust Of wind shook
out its folds, and recognized the stars and bars
Of the Confederate banner 1t was the fag borne
by your regiment here the General turned to
Col. Hays, who sat beside him the gallant 7th
LOuisara; an t the column Of which your regiment
constituted the advance, was the brigade Of Gen
Chen Col Early As as you we're recog-
nlzed by our soldiers, your coming was greeted
with enthusiastic cheers regiment after regiment
responded to the cry; the enemy heard the trium-
phant huzZa; their attack slackened; they were in
turn assailcd by cur forces, and within half an
hour from that moment commenced the retreat
which afterwards became confused and total
rout. [ am glad to see that war-stained banner
cleaning upon at this festive board; hut hope
never again to see it upon the field of battle