Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-12-05
A Narrative by Gen. Beaaregard.

A NdTIStlv0 Uy Ocu. OcduICSdlu
 The Virginia correspondent of the N. O.
 Delta gives an account of the late seec!
 dinner party to Gen. Beauregard, from
 which we extract the following, stating that this report of the remarks of Gen. B.
 is undoubtedly correct, as we know him to be one of the best shorthand reporters in the Conieleracy, as well as one of its most finished scholars and talentel writers: Another incident of this entertainment
 was likewise peculiarly interesting. When the newly devised battle flag was brought
 n, c neral Bnanrrgarl related 10 the com
 rany the motives which led to its adoption; and as the recital en nbraces thrilling DOT tion of the eventfn battle of Manassas, l shall enleavor to repro luce 1t, a. nearly as possible in tn, General $ own words:
 C. On the 2lst July, at about half past o'clock, perhaps 4 it seemed to me that victory was already within our grasp. In f.ct, up to that moment, had never Wa
 vered in the conviction that triumph must crown our arm Nor was my confidence shaken until, at the time have mentioned, I observed on the extreme left, at the dis tance of something more than mile, a columM of men approaching. At their
 head waved Q flag which l could not dis
 in.Hlish. Even by the aid of a strong g ass I was unable to determine whether it was the United States flag or the Confed
 crate flag.
 At this momentI received a dispatch from Capt. Alexander, in charge of the signal station. warning me to look ont for the left; that a large column vas approach ! ing in that direction, and that 1t was sup posed to be Gen. Patterson's command, coming to reinforce Mcdowell. At this moment, 1 must confess my heart failed me. Icome. reluctantly, to the conclusion that, after all our efforts, we should at last 1 be compelled to yield to the enemy the hard fought and bloody field l again took the glass to examine the flag of the ap- | preaching column; but my anxious inquiry was unproductive of resut-I could not tell to which army the waving banner be- 1 longed. At this time all the members of my staff were absent, having been dispatch | ed with orders to various points. The only person with me was the gallant officer who has recently again distinguished himself by brilliant feat of arms-General, then Col. Evans. To him I communicated my doubts and my fears. told him fea ed that the approaching force was in reality | Patter,on's division; that if such was the case, should be compelled 10 fall back | upon our own reserves, and postpone, till | the next day, a continuation ot the engage ment After further reflection l directed ! Col. Evans to proceed to Gena Johnston, l who had assumed the task of collecting reserve; to inform him of the circumstances /, of the case, and to request him to have the reserves collerted with all dispatch, and | hold them in readiness to support oar ret 10 grade movement.
 "Col. Evans started on the mis ion thn~ entru~t, to him. H. h. pro :ee te l but a short distance. when 1t o:cnrre to III to make another examination oi the still ap proa.hng flag. 1 called him ba k. L"' | us,' said wait a few moments, to confirm opr suspicious, before finally resolving to yield the held' took the glass and again examined the flag. It had now come with ! in full view A sudden gust of wind shook out its folds, anl recognize the stars an 1 bars of the Confederate banner. It was the Aag bolne by yonr regiment here the ! General turned to Col. Hay, who sat beside ! himl ,h" gallant 1th Llui>iana; ant the column of which your regiment constituted ' tnr advance. was the brigade of Gen (then | CMonel) Early. As soon as you w're re- o.niz d by our soldiers. your coming wa> yreetel with enthusiastic cheers: regImen ai,er regiment r'sp nled to rhe cry; th'' enemy head the triumphant hnzz,; their attack sackened; these were in turn aSsal- | el by our forces. ant within half an hou | from that moment commence the retreat, \ which afterwards became confused and ' total rout am glai to see that war stain \ ai banner gleaming over Us at this festive \ board; but hope never again to see 1t upon | the field of battle"
 ' Gen. Baanregarl then explained how the new battle flag was devsel-the reason for | it's adoption being ma (e sulfi ;iendy clear by his lucid and thrilling narrative. The ! flag itself Is a beautiful banner, which. am sure, before this campaign is over, will be consecrated forever in the affections of the people of the Confederate States.