Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-07-25

"hu SoihipS great VlcCOrV. were eventually
} repulsed and commenced retreat on Wash.
ington. The retreat is in. good order. with
the rear well covered by a good column
Our loss is from two thousand five hundred
} to three thousand. The foriifycations around
Washington are strongly reinforced by fresh
troops.
Further Details of the Battle.
Alter the latest information was received
8 from Centrevlle, at half past seven O'Clock
last ulght, series of events took place in
the intensest degree disastrous. Many con-
fused statements are prevalent, but enough
is kuewn to warrant the statement that we
r have suffered in a degree which has cast a
gloom over ibe remnant of the army, and
excited the deepest melancholy throughout
Washington. The carnage has been tremen-
dously heavyon both sides, and on ours is
represented as frightful.
We were advancing and taking the mask
ed batteries gradually but shurely, ana dri-
wing US back, when a panic among our troops
suddenly occurred and regular stampede
took place.
1t is thought that General Mcdowell un-
dertook to make stand at or about Centre
vile, but the panic was so fearful that the
whole army became demoraized and it was
impossible to check them either at Centre
vile OF Fairfax Court House.
Gen. Mcdowell intended to make another
stand at Fairfax Court House but our forces
being in full retreat he could not accomplish
the object. BEYOND Fairfax Court house the
retreat was kspt up until the men reached
their regular eneampments portion of
whom returned to them but a still larger
portion coming inside of the line Of entrench>
ments
A large number of the troops in their re-
treat fell on the wayside from exhaustion
and scattered along the entire route all the
way from Fairfax Court House. The road
from Bulbs Ruu to Centreville was stewed
with knapsacks, arms, &c. Some of the
troops deliberately threw away their guns
and opportenances the better to facilitate
their travel.
Gen. Mcdowell was in the rear at the re.
treat exerting himself to rally his men, but
with only partial effect. The latter part of
the army, it is said, made their retreat in
good order. He was completely exhausted.
having slept but little for three nights. His
orders on the field did not at all times reach
those for whom they were intended.
1t is supposed that the force sent against
our troops consisted, according TO prisoners
statement, of about, 10000 men including
large number of cavalry, He futher says
that owing to the reinforcements from Rich
mond, Strawsburg and other points. The
enemy's effective force was 10000 men.
| According to the statement of the Fire
Zouaves they have only about two hundred
men left from the slaughter, while the Sixty,
fully in killed and wounded.
| Sherman's Carlisle's and the West Point
batteries were taken by the enemy, and the
eight seige thirty-two pound rife cannon
The latter being too cumbrous to remove
they were left two miles the other side of
Centreville. Such of the wounded as were
brought to the Centrevilie hospital were left
there after having their wounds properly
dressed. The surgeon in attendance there
was Frank FL. Hamilton,
The panic was so great that the attempt
to rally them to stand at Centrevills was
entirely in vain. If firm stand had been
made there, our troops could have been rein-
forced and much disaster prevented.
General Mcdowell was thus folled in his
well arranged plans. IL is sufficient that all
the provision trains belonging to the United
States Government are saved. Some regi-
mental wagons were overturned By accident,
or the wheels came off, and had therefore t.
be abandoned. Large droves CT cattle were
saved by being driven back i'll the advance
of the retreat.
1t is supposed that Gen. Mansfield will
take command of the Notifications on the
other side of the river, which are able, it is
said by military engineers, to hold them
against any force the enemy may bring
Large raed eannons and mortars are being
rapidly sent over and noun ed
An officer just from Virginia at half pas:
ten reports that the road from Centrevele to
the Potomac is strewed with stragglers. The
troops are resuming the occupation of the
fol tifcations and entrenchments on the liue
of the Potomac.
Col. Marston, of New Hamshire regi-
ment, reached here this morning. He was
wounded. Col. Heintzleman was also wound
ed in the wrist. In addition to those repor-
ted yesterday it is said that Col Wilcox the
commander of a brigade. was killed. Also,
Capt. cCook, brother of Capt. McCook of
Ohio.
The city this morning is in the most in
tense excitement. Groups are everywhere
gathered, inquiring the latest news. Wag-
ons are continually arriving bringing dead
and wounded. Soldiers are relating to greedy
listeners the probable events of last night
and early this morning.
Both telegraph and steamboat communica-
tion with Alexandria are suspended to-day
to the public. The greatest alarm exists
throughout the city, especially among the