Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-07-30
YANKEE LETTER BEFORE raE FIGHT.

was found On thS psrsan Of soldier killed the battle
Of Manassas. It gives the facts Of our retreat from
Germantown pretty fairly, and evidently Intended
TO BE- truthful Eadossd upon the latter was the fol-
lowing:
'If am slain, whoever fuds this will please To stat,
the fact In this and forward it, and confer favor on the
ashes Of. 80.
The letter will be sont to It's destination In Maine, a.
sson opportunity occurs to have Il mailed In te
U. 8. Z.
"Is CAMP, CHsrRsvnLs, Va,
July 20, 1851. G.
"Nr DEAR Biornrh: Since last wrote home 70 bsvs
advanced IL rseS into the enemies country. We struck
our tents 90 Tuesday the lon instant at Falls Church.
packing up everything bu. blankets and one pair Of
extra stockings, and leaving them with small guard TO
protect them We started with brigade Of four reg-
msnts AID one battery Of Flying Artiery-vsrisn's-
splendid banners and listening bayonets, presented
grand appearance, the line being mile In length. We
arrived at Vienna about rghtfa-wbere you remember
the battle occurred-which entered without oppoei
dou nearly al the houses being deserted and the rail-
road strswn with the ruins Of destroyed by the
enemy TO prevent their being used BY the Government
for conveying troops Sc. We b7ouscked here In q
large field tearing down tie fences for material to kndls
and feed ares. slept pretty well, and arose
early and found that we had been largely reinforced in
road aklDg two prisoners at this place belonging to
the Sscenion army aud having pass signed by Beau
regard. We found the road blocked by trees which
had been fecd TO hinder u.s. which they did but
for short time as we had two companies Of axsmsn
selecle led from the brigade, and It took them bu, few
minutes 10 clear the way that the artillery could
psss We arrived within half mile Of Germantown about
nson where halted and sent skfmshers forward to
rsconnoitrs, and they discovered battery ahead right
across the road. Immediately Shermans and Vsrian's
II. l.. H.. Iii
did BY firing few shells amongst them, when they fed
and We resumed march. They had Q breastwork
thrown up about 600 feet long, should judge but they
I'd without firing gun, losing three men and leaving
twosck With meass and lots Of Blankets which we took
We halted In this place short time to get water and
the boys commenced furious onslaught on poultry and
pigs, and took whatever they wanted aid when we
started again. here and there all along the line could DO
ssn hens and pigs slung OIL nuskeu The road from
Fairfax ntsrsecte here, and joined by auolher
large body Of troops who had come through that place.
routing tue enemy there without afght Our line row
extended some three or four miles, containing great
number Of men and presenting splendid appearance.
We bivouicksd that aght tive miles from this place. and
our whole Fouts strewn with Blankets jackets beds
chairs kettles quilts and clothing, which tie bsls had
thrown away 10 their rapid fight We did not take any
Of them for bad load enough having three days r-
TONS forty rounds Of ammunition, and blankets and
ems coat to carry, In the heat.
Day before yesterday we moved up hero ard halted,
- the SeeeSsionle0 bsfougy entrtIcneu Two miles
from here. shermsns battery and three regiments of
infantry we're out to attack them, which they 6d
he battle continuing four hours beirg within plsn
hearing of their guns all the ms and expecting every
moment 70 be called upon to advance to their aid but
We we're not aud the Sight discontinued our men be.
sr badly uscd up there berg near as We can gather
Is killed and 30 or 20 wounded some of whom we're
brought back past u.s. Our eide took IL psisoners one
Of whom was hung, he bad been taken once before
and sWsrs allegiance to the United States Gov, meut
There wsrs not men heavy guns enough sent out 10
dsodgs them, but there here from 600 10 OOC0
men, apd We are 10 move on and stack them tomor.
row SUNDAY Morningi at IL o'clock, when there will be
bloody bat,ls and doubt rot We shall cor qusr them
though 1t will be hard struggle.
They have great number Of heavy ri ID euns and
are eat Of sight behind the brsastworks and trees and
they have sarge number Of men, bus we are deter.
mined 70 conquer or die. We we're to-day presented
With splendid banner, the bare stat and mountnN
cost bave just seen Secession asg captured by
the Ellsworth Zousses Fairfax. We have three days
shall move 10 . fsw hours. Many viii be slain the
morrow, and sm a. likely 10 fall any one bat We
triumph and DO anything TO help content to
take Whatever Is to come. Should be slain, you will
then DO the eldest ls and doubt not viii gil my place
On you will fall the delightful task Of sustaining fahers
and aunt Charlotei declining years. You win be kind
10 Walter and Abby and give nv love 10 them and
aunty Be kind to them, and oh, Roscoe though have
eel you poor example, forget my faults and forgive,
and seek interest in that e. vorr to whom mother
ottsl prayed and yos VII b happy mere and hsss.
afisr. Good bye. God blessy jon. Tox.
Te yeeLR4 MAuU1ACYURKRs.-w ere ~
Sss prepared 10 eonss any qusnstr "a BE- dhv