The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-15
VIEWS OF THE DESERTED BATTLE
FIELD.


The most interesting localities of the late battles
before Richmond are probably the twice fought
field of the "Sevcn Pines" and the ground near
Mechanicsville, upon which the Federals received
the coup de grace from the closing combinations
OF Jackson the Hills and Longstreet The de-
fences of the latter were rendered almost impreg-
nable by the advantages of natural position,
sistine Of hills, ravine and swamp, commanded by
ponderous batteries and breastworks, from which
an incessant, fire poured Out Upon our advancing
and victorious forces. At the "Seven Pines,
after the battle to which the name.i is gwen, tho
Federal army, having regained the field without
fight threw up series of Notifications within tho
space of ten days so excellent and extensive, thar,
if attacked in front, half million men would
have been insufficient for the task of reducing
them. 1t was only by the movement made by
Gen. Jackson in the rear, in concert with Magru-
der in front that made them valueess to tho
enemy.
Sfhe position of the enemy on this field was
wholly artificial. Their batteries extended from
the York River Railroad, six and half miles be-
low the city, In a south eastern direction across
the plain, for distance of some two miles. Upon
visiting the locality, one will be struck with the
admirable character Of the Notifications, Their
entire front is protected by moats twelve fec: in
width, and five feet deep, along the outer edges of
which is paced continuous abatis Of felled trees,
neatly trimmed, and every borgh and twig
sharpened at the end defying the passage of any
mortal force that might he sent against them, be-
fore the fire from their batteries and rifle pits.
1t was evident that these Notifications intend
cd as permanent base line, from which the enemy
never expected 10 be driven, but moving slowly
forward, to throw up similar works before them,
and, thus Systematically and literally TO ditch the
Confederate army out of Richmond The skill
displayed in their arrangement nnd style sur
PASSES those of any Notifications that the enemy
have yet thrown up during tho successive cam-
paIgns in Virginia
In the rear of ttia wonderful line of earthworks,
stands the shattered remains Of the Federal
campmcnt. Hundreds of tents of every descrip-
ton, with every width of canvas ripped, from two
to three feet ia length stand Tipping in the
breeze. Around unon the field and within the
works. thousands of blankets, overcoats. Jackets,
and other clothing (mnch of which, being rnin-
jurcd. has been gathered up by pillagers from the
city, lie strewed. Boxes Of meat ground coffee,
beans dried fruit, cases Of lemons and oranges.
lemon syrup, Edinhurg ale, porter, champagne,
pickles, chow chow, preserves. snrdlnns, prunes,
and many other ncetics, may be seen lying about
loose in every direction, all, however, or less
Knocked into smithercens and rendered valucess.
Every wagon left on the field by the frightened
tugitivcs either upset or broken. Some
and spendidly made ambulanccs reinqushed
with spoke or two knocked out and the shafts
hacked half off Sundry drum shells, in perfectly
good order, and of admirable style, are to be
perched up stumps, or lying in the trenches.
Here and there may be observed broken muskets
some driven into the earth up to the lock, bayo.
nets, broken swords, scabbards, epau!ettes, trap.
pings and harness, variously muilated. Heaps OF
mimic cartridges many of which made Of
peculiar paper requiring no "biting," but which
upon being rammed down, bursts, and being it.
self combustible, obviates any danger from choking
the tube. and saves many valuable moment in
battle-these. and any quantity of other deserted
military plunder, contribute to render the Geld
picturesque with the relics Of our invaders.
The burial grounds of the Yankees which lie
m the outskirts of the encampmeDts, in miscella-
neous spots, tell melancholy story for the NOR
tality in their army. The shells and bullets OF
our gallant troops and the unwholesome air of the
swamps, did fearful work amongst them They
lie buried in heaps of six and eight, some honored
with shingle monuments and eptaphs in pencil.
On the roadsides, where numbers fell before our
troops, they lie half buried in wagon ruts, and
swamp holes, with heaps of dirt piled upon their
bodies, from either end of which protrude their
lecaving heads and feet. These graves are all
Yankee made.
Some of the buildings in the vicinity are rid
lied with ball, she'll and bullet Beautiful
country seats located amidst the advanced lines Of
he Federals are utterly ruined, tho trees torn by
lrticry the fences burned, flower gardens
.rampIcd under foot, the houses themselves
sacked, and the walls mutiated with vile scrib.
Dlings and sketches. One handsome edi6ce,
ecated under the shadows of a grove of rnagnif-
cent oaks, was perforated six eight times By
Federal batteries, and in one instance shell
being thrown into it, and bursting in the passage.
ripped off the ceiling in fifty places, and scattered
the laths and plasteriDg of the adjoining parlor
about in medley Of trash and confusion
Among the many useful articles now lying
about the field are hundreds of unused sand bags,
while the Qualifications contain thousands of them,
which with some labor, could be emptied Of their
contents. and rendered equally servcable. There
arc quantities of other valuable things which the
pilagers have not yet collected, that would be
available to our army Many of the tents could
be repaired the wagons overhauled, the spades,
,xes and picks gathered up, and the camp uten-
Ills. such as are not badly injured, collected
Innumerable letters may yet be gathered
oeether from the scene For the most part,
hose that have been found were written by illit
rate and indecent persons. giving good idea of
he moral stamina of the Yankee army and those
Who are sustaining them at home.
All things here indicate that the fleeing army,
mpelled by commingled fright and chagriu. be-
ause foiIed while yet luxuriatiDg in, the
ciousness of invincibility III front, were mad.
Their insanity at the moment was doubtless mag
,ifed. too, by copious supplies of whiskey, the