Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-07-23
LATEST FROM THE BATTLE.

only 2O,OUO federal troops were eugageu IN tue
battle yesterday, aud only 5000 at any one
time, including 600 or 200 of the Rhode Island
first and second regiments All communica'
ton with Alexandria is stopped to prevent
soldiers from crossing over. The returned
soldiers are perfectly worn out Many OF them
stste they went to the battle field after break
fasting. They were all engaged at the same
time, while the rebel strength was supplied
with fresh forces. The whole battle on the
centre column was within a radius of NILE
1t is believed that the rebels abandoned some
of their batteries for the purpose of decoyng
the attacking force to advance to position
where. the double fire could be directed at
them and sweep their lines.
The following interesting statement has
been received from a gentleman who accom-
panied the eighth New York regiment The
men marched on to the battle field after IA
tiguing march of nine hours, and Immediately
moved on the enemy. The enemy's batteries
and infantry were all concealed, which made
it exceedingly difficult for our men, as they
were moving steadily forward. They could
not see the enemy, and consequently could
not direct their fire with as telling result as
they could have done had they been in field.
\ one Of the field or staff officers were injured.
Lieutenant Wall of company b receievd
slight wound from an exploded shell. Capt.
Griffin OF company E, is supposed to be taken
prisoner Surgeon Limpty, assistant surgeon
Winstead, and assistant surgeon Degraw OF
the eighth New York regiment nobly surren-
dered themselves sooner than leave their
wounded comrades without aid. In the grand
retreat many of the Garibaldians acted like
savages, firing in every direction on their run
to Fairfax Court House. Along the read in-
nocent persons were maltreated. They seem
to have lost all presence of mind in their rage
over their defeat.
An agent of the Associated Press who left
Centervil e this morning. brings interesting in
formation in relation to the condition OF affairs
at that time, and subsequent TO the retreat.
The following were left OH the field and in the
hospital close by -
DEAD-Colonel Socumb, Colonel Wood of
the 18th New York, Henry A Luther of the
LIST Rhode Island, Captain Towers and George
Z Goulding of the ID Rhode Island, Lieuten-
ant PRESCOTT of the LIST Rhode Island, John b
Nicholson of the I'd Rhode Island, Samuel
Bost of the list New York, Sergeant Charles
Bargeley OF the d Rhode Island, Charles
Brant of the list New York, private c Lewen
of the 9Th New York, L Damper 9Th New
York, Homer Thacxer, 1st Rhode Island, ST.
mond Green, Co. II % Rhode Island, Collins
Geo w Flagg LIST R l, Reuben Bartlett ID Il.
WoUNDED-W IL Green of the list New
York, dangerously; Maj Blue, I'd Rhode
Island dangerously ; Lieut. Dickinson, regu-
bury, list New York, in the thigh John w
r Moulding, ditto; Capt Hart, list New York,
Andrew j Straw, I'd New Hampshire, legs
taken off by cannon ball; Edward Day,
9th New York.
The retreat of the troops to Centervle was
successfully accomplished by the right wing
last evening, the regiment regaining the posi-
tons vacated in the morning.
Large numbers had been scattered in the
woods in various direction. They succeeded
in reaching Centerville and had an hours
sleep. The reserve force under colonel Miles
was posted beyond Centerville. AT one this
morning the retreat from CentervIle COM
menced and was maintained in good order to
Arlington Heights. All the army in retreat
was compelled to leave behind large amount
of provision and ammunition.
About forty army wagons fell into the hands
of the rebels. AS fast as the federal forces re
tired their positions were Immediately occu-
pied by the rebels until Fairfax Court House
was passed, after which the pursuit was not
continued. In many cases the teamsters I'M
hitched their horses, and abandoned their
teams, when there was not the slightest ne
cessity for it. The rebel cavalry was terrsr
of the volunteers, who were obliged to keep in
the woods to avoid being charged upon by
them.
Sherman's battery, or great part of it, has
returned to the city. The reason the other
batteries were taken is the horses attached, as
well as the reserve horses, were shot down,
and consequently the cannon could not be re-
moved.
The soldiers stationed at Balls cross roads
report that 500 of the enemy's cavalry, since
yesterday evening, have been seen within two
miles of that place. The stragglers in this
oit,, ln va baan ratl,ara1 I'm and roStoraJ IN
their respective companies.