Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-07-25
ANOTHER MASKED REBEL BATTERY.

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ANOTHER MASKED REBEL BATTERY
The first engagement of any character in east
ern Virginia occurred at Bulls Rum four miles
south of Centerville, Thursday afternoon.
/ Gen. Tyer's division encamped on Wetnes-
day night few miles east of CenterviTe, and
on Thursday morning moved towards that
po Mt. CeNervile was passed in safety and
the troops turned from Little River turnpike
road to the Manassas road On the road infor-
nation was received that Il masked battery was
on the left Of the road, ahead and Col Rich
ardson in command of the 4th Brigade was
ordered to reconnciter while the remainder of
the division remained in the vicinity of Center
vile.
Col. Richardson proceeded with three com
panies of the Massachusetts lst, being the
Chelsea company of fusilecrs and the rational
guards. They passed across ali open ravine
and again entered tn road, which was lensely
surrounded sg woods, when they we're received
by raking fire from the left, killing a number
of the advance guard. They gallanty sustain
ed their position and covered the retreat of the
brass cannon of Sherman's battery, the horses
having been completely disabled by the fire,
until relieved by the Michigan I'd and New
18th, when they fell back.
The federal forces then took position on the
top of hill, and two rilled guns were pushed
in front, supported by Capt. Brackets compa-
ny b Of the second cavalry, with a line of in
fantry composed of the Michigan I'd and New
York l2th some distance in the rear A stea-
dy fire was kept up on both sides in this posi-
ton. The rebels had two batteries of eight
pieces in position commanding our line, and
q,
too high, but were gallanly faced by our troops.
They did not reply TO our regular fire for half
an hour, during which time they were receiving
large reinforcements. In the meantime Col.
Richardson reconnoitered the woods While
we were met with raking fire, our guns were
again put in position and poured grape and
canister among the enemy till the supply was
exhausted. These guns were commanded by
Capt Ayros Of the artillery Gen. Tyler COM
manded in person, and acted gailantly. Capt
Ayres lost one man killed, three wounded, and
several of his pieces were disabled. The New
York 18th sufiere next to the Massachusetts
lst. Among the killed were Lieut.. Smith of
company q Mas 5Ochusctts LIST; Edwin Field
and Sergeant Forrest Of the Boston fusileers (;
also two priyates of the Boston 69th. Lieut.
Lorin OF Brackets cavalry, was among the
wounded; also Oliver T.. Simpson of the Mas
sachusetts LIST, and chaplain Lancey of Come cti-
cut. The total loss on our side is estimated at
80 killed and 40 wounded.
At half past Gen. Tyler ordered the troops
to retire. it being necessary to relieve Capt.
Brackets cavalry, which had done the most eff
fectiye service. The day was exceedingly hot,
the horses thirsting for water, which could on
ly he obtained at Centeryille. Only about 1000
of our force was at any one time engaged. The
rebel force was estimated 1000.
Col WilpoX's liviSnn incluIinr the Fire
Zouaves, moved from Fairfax station Thursday
night, to flank the enemy. This battery is
thought to be one Of line of batteries from
Acotink creek to Manassas.
The platoon firing of the rebels at Bulls run
was remarkably regular and effective, and their
guns were served with great precision. They
were twice reinforced, and occupying q very
strong position behind entertainments i'll awood-
ed slope, covered by the creek, were too much
for the small force opposed to them. Our men,
who were drawn in line along the creek, with
the horses of the dismounted cavalry behind
) them fell back somewhat, but in good order and
fighting bravey.
The rebels whose flag Aoated from mill cheer
ed Justify At this moment shell from a new
battery on the left hitherto silent and unknown
burst on the top of the hill, where our first
battery had been stationed, and where a num-
ber of civilians, among them Henry j. Ray
mond and Mr. Hoard of New York. X. {. McCor-
mick of the Evening Post, DIR Puleston of Penn.
the special reporter of the Tribune, who describe
S the scene, and few Others were stationed.
S Their eminence was near to and commanding,
Il view of the scene and action. The shell from
the battery whizzed between DIR Puleson and
Mr. McCormick, who stood close together
I bursting yard or two behind them, after stri-
" king an old building then temporarily occupied
p oS "a nr ~ Wnun1nl. SpVprnl a. 81
: ties occurred, but no one was mortally wounded
:, Two gentlemen were thrown off their horses
one only slightly injured and Rev Mr. May
" chaplain of the Michigan regiment, who was
' also on the spot, fell to the ground, but wa'
found to be unhurt. Gen Tyler occupied posi-
! ton on the left.
7 This shell was followed by several others
4 varying the monotony of whistling MIME balls
u by which several Of our men had been woun
> ded All on the hill, both civilians and sol
diers, deemed it prudent to withdraw.
+ All was quiet during Thursday uight NJ
immediate movement was anticipated and The
v only alarm during Friday was by the firing o
Z pickets. The rebels were still in possession o
u the batteries. 1t is reported they will make
Il stand there.
The official dispatch to the war department
? states our loss in the engagement of Thursda.
at - men killed and 40 pounded. 1t is though
: more of our men were killed and wounded il
c the woods near the creek. The rebel loss i
l. supposed to be heavy, and includes one Soutl
Is Carolina colonel killed.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
Col McClernand of the House of Represen
l. tatiyes left the federal head quarters at Center
l. vile at o o'clock Friday morning, bringing al
h official report of the battle at Bulls run, II
5, arrived at Washington Friday afternoon.
d On Thms lay night after the firing ceased
Gen Sehenck's brigade proceeded up the Gaines
{, vile road with view to flank the positions o
y the three more prominent batteries, which ha'
: opened on our troops,
A negro came in, representing himself as
> servant to Col Foutaine, who he says was killed
1t together with a large number of the enemy
J. Ihe rebes%ho fought the federal troops at tn
iun are said to be those who were driven bacl