The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-07-31
Connected Account OF the En-
gagenlent at Bulls Run.

connected narration Of the battle that has yet
appeared.
WAsHIyGroy, Monday Horning, July22.
| came in from Centrevile last evening
for the express purpose Of sending you
the latest intelligence of the great battle
of Yesterday. | left Centreville at half
past five, and reached here at midnight.
| sent dispatch to the Office, but, as 1t
is TO be subjected TO the censorship of the
Government, which gives 10 hint OF what
it refuses permission to pass, l have no
means Of knowing whether its contents
reached you or not. | must, therefore,
repeat its contents.
The battle yesterday was one OF the
most severe and sanguinary ever fought
on this continent, and it ended in the fall
ure of the Union troops to hold all the
positions which they sought to carry, and
which they actually did carry, and in
their retreat to CentrevilIe, where they
have made a stand, and where Gen. Me
Dowell believes that they are able to
maintain themselves.
As | telegraphed you yesterday, the
attack was made in three columns, two
of which, however, were merely telnts,
intended to amuse and occupy the enemy,
while the substantial work was done by
the third 1t has been known for long
time that the range of hills which border
the small, swampy stream known as Bull
Run had been thoroughly and extensively
fortified by the rebols-that batteries had
been planted at every available point,
usually concealed in the woods and bushes
which abound in that vicinity, and COW
ering every way Of approach to the region
beyond. These are the advanced defenc-
es to Manassas junction, which IS some
three miles further off. Until these We're
carried, no approach could be made to that
place, and after they should be carried,
others Of similar character would have
to be overcome at every point where they
could be erected.
The utmost that military skill and in
genuity could accomplish for the defence
of this point was done. General Mellow
ell was unwilling to make an attack dl-
rectly ih the face of these batteries, as
they would be of doubtful issue, and must
inevitably result in veg serious loss OF
life. After an attack bad been resolved
upon, therefore, he endeaYored to find
some way of turning the position. His
first intention was to do this on the south
ern side, to throw strong column Into
the place from that direction, while a
feignrd attack should be made in front.
On Thursday, when the troops were ad-
vanccd to Centreville, it was found that
the roads on the south side Of these po-
sitions were almost impracticable, that
they were narrow, crooked, and stony,
and that it would be almost impossible
to bring up enough artillery to be elective
in the time required. This original plan
was, therefore, abandoned; i; and Friday
was devoted TO an examination by the
Typographical engineers of the northern
side of the position. Major Barnard and
Captain Whipple reconnoitered the place
for miles around, and reported that the
position could be entered by path com
ing from the north, though it was some
what long and circuitous. This was Sc
lectcd, therefore, as the mode and point
of attack.
On Saturday the troops were all brought
closely up to Centreyille, and all needful
preparations were made for the attack,
which was intended for the next day
Yesterday morning, therefore, the army
marched by two roads, Col. Richardson,
with his command, taking the Southern,
which leads to Bull Run, and Gen. Tyler
the Southern, running parallel to 1t at a
distance Of about mile and half. The
movement commenced at about 8 O'Clock
| got up at a little before four, and found
the fong line Of troops extended far out
on either road. | took the road by which
Col. Hunter, with his command, aud Gen
Mcdowell and staff, had gone, and pushed
on directly for the front. After going
out about two miles, Col. Hunter turned
TO the right, marching obliquely towards
the Run, which he was to cross some four
miles higher up, and then come down
upon the entrenched positions of the en-
envy on the other side. Col, Miles was
left at Centreville and on the road with
reserves, which he was to bring up when
ever they might be needed. Gen. Tyler
went directly forward to engage the enc
my in front, and send reinforcements to
Col. Hunter whenever it should be seen
that he was engaged.
went out, as [ have already stated,
upon the Northern road. It is hilly, like
all the surface of this section. After 90.
ing out about three miles, you come to a
point down which the road, leading thro'
the forest. descends then it proceeds, by
a succession Of rising and falling knolls,
for quarter of mile, when it crosses a