The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1861-07-31

TION-TAKES COMMAND OF THE
CENTRE-HIS OFFICIAL REPORT
TO CONGRESS-, &c. &c.
MANASSAS JUNCTION, July 22-9, n. m.-
AS yet very little more II known concern.
ng the great battle of yesterday than I tel.
g graphed you in my dispatches Of last
Il light.
As soon as it became pretty evident that
the enemy meant to give US battle, Presi-
dent Davis hastcnrd from Richmond to the
scene of action, arriving here about noon,
In time to take part in the battle.
lie Immediately assumed command of
the centre. Gen. Beauregard commanded
the right wing and Gen. Johnston the left
wing. 1t WINS against Gen. Johnston's com
mnnd that the enemy concentrated his best
troops, and fought most obstinatcly.
At one time our left was pressed so Sc.
,erely that the issue Of the conflict in that
direction seemed doubtful. tt was here that
General Bnrtow's Georgia Regiment Was
posted, which was so terribly cut up. A
large body of our troops from the centre
were sent at the critical moment to the as.
sIstance Of Johnson, and this turned tho
tide Of battle. The enemy broke, and fled
before the impetuous charges OF the South.
erners, and the battle soon became rout
The Victory Announced in Congress.
RICHMOND, July 32.-Congress met at
noon today. After prayer had been offer
ed up. the following despatch was read oe.
fore the body:
MANASSAS JUNCTION, Sunday Night.
To Gen. s. Cooper, Adjmtant General:
ho,
field. Gu: forces have won q glorious VIC
tory. The enemy was routed, and fled pre-.
cipltately ly-abandonin large amount Of
arms, ammunition, knapsacks, and baggage
The ground was strcwn for miles With
hose killed, and the fnrm houses and the
grounds around were filled with his woun-
ded The pursuit Was continued along sew.
oral routes towards Lee.burg and Centr.
vile, unlil darkness covered the fugitives
We have captured several field batteries
and regimental stand OF arms and one Uni-
ted States flag. Many prisoners have been
taken.
Too high praise cannot be bestowed.
whether for the skill Of the principal officers
or for the gnllantry Of all Of the troops
The battle was mainly fought on our left.
Our force was fifteen thousand that Of the
enemy is estimated nj thirty five thousand.
(Sighed) JEFF. DAVIS.
The following Resolutions were offered
by MIR. Memminger, and unanimously adop-
ted
Resolved. That We recognize the haud of
the Most High God, the King Of Kings
and Lord of I.ords, in the glorious victory
with which He hath crowned our army ut
Manassas, and that the people Of these
Confederate States are invited, by nppro
pirate services on the ensuing Sabbath, TO
offer up their united Thanksgiving and
prnise for this mighty dcliverance
Resoired, That deeply deplorng the 9.
cessiiy which has washed the soil of our
country with the blood Of so many of her
noblest, we offer to their respective fnmi.
lies and friends our wnrmest and most cor.
dial sympathy, assuring them that the sac
OF our people, md will there ensl'rine the
names of the gallant dead as the cham pions
OF free and constitutional liberty.
ResOlred, That we approve the prompt
md patriotic efforts Of the Mayor of the
city Of Richmond to make provision for The
wounded, and that n committee of one mem
ber from each State be appointed to co op-
ernte in the plan.
RICHMOND, July 23.-At u large public
meeting held this afternoon, a committee
wns appointed 10 60 TO Manassas to receive
nll the wounded who are iD n condition to
bear the Journey TO Richmond. Another
committee was appointed to ascertain the
number Of families in Richmond who will
receive and attend TO .he wounded. Also
COMMITTEES TO solicit subscriptions, and
obtain comforts, to alleviate the suiferngs
and supply the wnnts Of the sick and
wounded.
The battle ground extend over space
Of about ten miles. No detailed reports 0
the action have been received.