Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-07-26
THE GREAT BATTLE.

Editorial Correspondence Of the ". Y. Times
The attack was made in three columns. two
Of which we're mainly feints, intended to amuse
and occupy the enemy, while the substantial work
was done by the third. II has been known for a
long time that the range Of hills which border the
small, Swampy stream known as Bulls Run, had
been very thoroughly and extensively fortified by
the rebels, that batteries had been planted at every
available point, usually concealed in the woods
and bushes WHICH abound in that vicinity, and
fsoverlng every way of approach 10 the region be-
yond. These are the advanced defences Of Manas-
sas Junction, which Is some 3 miles further off.
Until these wero carried, no approach could be-
made 10 that place; and after they should
be carried, others Of Il similar character
would have 10 be overcome at every point
where they could be erected. The utmost
that military skill and ingenuity could accom-
plish for the defence of this point was done. Gen.
Mcdowell was unwilling to make ad attack direct
y IN face Of these batteries, as it would be of
doubtful Issue, and must inevitably result in a
very serious loss Of life. After an attack had been
resolved upon therefore, he endeavored TO find
some way OF turning the position.
On Thursday, when the troops were advanced
to tcntrcvillc, 1t was found that the roads on the
south side Of these positions were almost imprac-
tlcaole,-that they were narrow, crooked and
stony, and that it would be almost impossible To
bring up enough artillery to be effective. in the
time required.
friday was devoted to an examination bv the
typographical Engineers of the northern side of
the position. Mai. Barnard and Capt. Whipple
reconEoiterod the place for miles around. and re-
ported that the position could be entered by a
pain coming from the north thong Oh it was some
what long and circuitous. This was SOLICITED,
therefore, as the mode and point of attack.
Tn Saturday the troops were all brought close
ly up to Centreville,- and all neodful preparations
were made for the attack which was intended for
the next day. Sunday morning. therefore, the
army marched-by two roads-CoI Richardson
with his command taking the Southern, which
leads to Bulls Run, and Gen Tyler the Northern
parallel 10 il at a distance of about a
mile and a hale. The movement commenced AZ
about 3 o'clock. | took the road by which Col.
Hunter with his command, and Gen. Mcdowell
and stat, had gone, and pushed on directly for
the front. After going out about two niles Col.
Hunter turned TO the matchmaking obliauelT
towards the Run, which he was to cross some four
miles higher up and then como down upon the en-
positions Of the enemy on the other side.
Miles was left az Contreville and on the road.
reserves which he was to bring up whenever
they might he needed. Gen. Tyler went directly
Onward, to engage the enemy in front, and
endorsements to Col. Hunter whenever il
should be seen that he was engaged. The north
m road is hiiIy, life all the surface Of this Sec
jOn. After going out about three miles, you
ONE to a point down which the road, leading
through a tor st, descends then it proceeds by
succession of rising and falling knobs for a
of a mile,-when it crosses a stone bridge
md then ascends by a steady slope to the heights
eyond- At the top of that slope, the rebels had
heavy batteries, and the woods below we're
illed with their troops aud with concealed cannon.
We proceeded down the road to the first of the
mall knobs mentioned, when the whole column
alted. The 30-pounder PARROT gun, which has
longer range than any other in the army, was
directly in the road. Capt. Ayers bat
cry was stationed in the woods a little to tho
light. The first Ohio and Second New York regi- Q
lents were thrown into the woods in advance on =,
he left. The Sixty-ninth New York, the First, !
econd and Third Connecticut regiments, we're .
anged behind them, and the Second Wisconsin |
-as thrown into woods on the right. At about Z
alf past six o'clock the S0-pounder threw two 6