Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-28
From the Baltimore American.

Enough has been gathered, however apd from
reliable sources TO render it certain that the battle
was most bloody, not in its general result, but in
the character of its individual conflicts. 10 some
instances the conflict is SAID to have been carried on
with hand tOhand desperation, Entertainments being
lost and won again at the point Of the bayOnet and
in instance at least, the point of the knife
Thus the Second Michigan are sad to have been
driven out of q small battery which they had en-
tered by a desperate bayOnet charge by regiment
of AssissippIans it is sUppcsed-armed with rifles
without bayOnets, and with bowie knives. one of
which, captured by member of the Second Michi-
gan. and trlumphantly exhibited by its captOF was
in size ard weight much unlike q sabre-bayOnet.
An officer of the Sixty ninth (Irish) Regiment
states illustration of the desperate character Of
the attack and Of the repulse that the third battery
attacked during the day by them, and defended as
was ascertalned from two youthful prisoners, by
regiment of South Carolinlans, was taken and re-
taken at the point Of the bayOnet eight times ia sue
csssion the Carolinians at last retaining possession
of the work by the aid Of a fourth battery which
was unmarked at the critical period Of the fight.
A Confederate soldier and member of a Wiscon-
sin regiment were found upon the field locked in a
deadly embrace, the former clutching the hair Of
his antagonist in whose breast a bOwie-knife was
found buried TO its hilt he himself having died ap-
parently from CHASTITY wound in his breast
The batteries Of the COnfederates, it is generally
conceded, were planned with consumate skill, and
closely concealed or masked that not until they
opened fire could their deadly neighbOrhOod be de-
mand each other, and the Federal troops found that
the deadiest portion Of their gallantry and enter
prise that which gained them entrance into
masked battery. They were also covered with ri
fs pits 50 cO0trived to afford swift retreat by
the rear, and from these deadly fire was poured
upon the advancing columns. IL was from these
shelters that the Confederate riiamen inflicted the
heaviest losses upon the Fire Z1uaves,
In the effort during the early part Of the day to
outfank the enemy the Federal officers found paths
leading they supposed to the desired position in
the rear of the batteries and these were followed
with zeal and daring, but in more than instance
they said to have proven mere traps, deliberate
ly devised for the destruction of those who should
attempt il, and from which once entered egress ]
prohibited by the splendid cavalry which form
ed conspicuous feature of the Southern force, and
the strength of which has been estimated in round
numbers at from 5000 to - 600.
The crisis of the day was reached about four /
O'Clock, when the COnfederstest suddenly emerging L
from the batteries behind which they had previously
sheltered, dashed upon the Federal lines, and the |
assault being followed by an irresistible shower Of
eaden bail two regiments, acting it is sail, under
q misunderstanding of general order, commenced
a retrogade movement which quickly followed
by the remainder Of those in action, until the
entire column was in retreat The movement at
first began with deliberstiOn, and might have been
continued in good order, but for unfortunate
alarm which, commencing on the left of the column
spread rapidly the field until the entire army
with few honorable exceptions, broke into a flight
WHICH Uccdllle general sLAulpeue HuSu AZ B pOE-
ton Of Bull Run, where small bridge was placed
they encountered the unexpected opposition Of
apparently newly erected battery, supported by
strong column Of infantry.
a brief but ineffective stand was eudeavOred to
be made at this point by the gallant Rhode Island
ers, together with a Michigan. and it ia said an !
Ohio regiment, but they were swept along with the
onward current Of the retreat and the Confederate
cavalry charging furiOusly a. that moment the re-
treat degeneFated into rOut. IL at this bridge
that Burnsides splendid battery Of six James rhsd
cannon, and Sherman's celebrated battery were
captured with the exception Of piece from each
battery, which were saved The COnfederates had
previously taken Ayres' battery and the rlhed 81
FOUNDER the later capture rendering total the loss
Of all the artillery and siege guns Of the army.
From Bull Run to CentrevIlle and even beyond,
It is said the cavalry Of the COnfederates harrassed
the rear Of the retreating army. These frequent
charges were, however, CALAMITY met, and their los
s stated to have been considerable; entire com
Dany of the Black Horse is said to have been de- ]
ltroyed before the free of the Fetrestng Zouaves.
The rear Of the army wss skillfully covered By
Gen. Mcdowell, who, aided by the reserve Of Col.