The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-09-03
l. A TEST
By TELEGRAPH,
Portland Daily Press.
FLAG OF TRUCE TO LOOK AFTER
THE WOUNDED.
A TERRIBLE SCENE.
SUFFERINGS OF THE WOUNDED.
ANOTHER SEVERE BATTLE.
Jackson again attempts to cut off
Communication with Washington.
IS REFUSED WITH HEAVY LOSS.
Complaints ofinefficiency Ofcertain officers.
A CHANGE DEMANDED.
Jackson again attempts to cut off
Communication with Washington.
5 REFUSED WITH HEAVY LOSS.
ofinefficiency ofcertain officers.
A CHANGE DEMANDED.
FEDERAL FORCES HEAVILY
REINFORCED.
FAIRF CoIrpr HORSE Sen

FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, Sept. /.
Yesterday morning flag of truce was sent
i'm for permission to bring off the dead and
wounded of our army who had not been reach
ed during the day of the fighting, which was
granted to us, and from noon till sunset some
10 ambulances were sent with a number of
physicians and some citizens, and on their ar
rival at the field terrible scene presented it
self. The wounded with few exceptions, had
received 10 attention, our doctors all being
In company with the troops, and the enemy
having enough to do to attend to their own.-
The physicians Immediately commenced their
operations, but their means and help were
very inadequate. About one half the wound
ed were brought in, their wounds partially
dressed; some amputatons were performed
and the ambulances filed and brought away,
the number being about POO. About $50 or
POO still remained on the field, and now that
our army has retreated back no chance re-
mains of sending them succor. A terrible re-
sponsibity rests on those having charge of
this matter that the object of the flag of truce
was not more successful. Some were seen
whose limbs were commencing to mortify for
want of dressing. aud who were faint and al
most furnished from hunger and thirst Those
who visited the field of battle were not allow
ed to proceed beyond where the heaviest part
OF the lighting took place, and no troops or
guns could be seen except Il number of caval-
ry, who were scattered all over the hills and
who We're all willing TO converse freely with
our soldiers and citizens who accompanied the
ambulance train. They unanimously say that
they will soon drive us from Va, and even in
TO the free States, and will endeavor to let us
feel the war by making portion of our land
resemble that part of Va. over which the ar
mics have passed and re-passed the last six
months.
On returning TO Centreville, it was found
that a fight had taken place somewhere i'm our
rear, and everything was hustle and excite
ment, the troops getting under way for the
scene, trains moving of. &c, while many had
already gone. 1t seems that during the fore
noon report reached headquarters that a
movement was on foot to attack our trains,
and Kings division was ordered 10 proceed to
Fairfax and take position to the west of that
town TO prevent any demonstration of the
enemy. About noon the rebels were discoy-
cred approaching from that direction. when
diminishing commenced, and our troops were
formed in line of battle, word being sent to
headquarters, and additional forces sent to the
spot. The rebels attacked with large body
of infantry, but were repused in gallant style
by our forces, at present consisting of Kings
and Ricketts, division Pennsylvania reserves
and some others, The rebels had batteries
concealed in the woods. and when our forces
drove the rebels back to where they were
placed they opened with grape, which made
terrible destruction in our ranks for short
time, but our guns getting into position, the
rebels were compelled TO leave suffering heavy
losses. Ii is impossible 10 obtain the particu-
lars at present. but the lists of casualties will
be forwarded as soon as possible
The enemys force was very strong and
commanded by jackson in person; had the at
tack not been promptly met, our communica-
ton with Washington would again have been
cut off, and immense trains of wagons either
captured or destroyed. During last night all
of our train succeeded in making their way
back to the vicinity of Alexandria, and acres
of land there are now covered with them.
The troops along the whole lines were I'M
der arms all night, but nothing has occurred
up to this hour five A. NJ. to indicate the
presence of the enemy.
1t will seem strange to the public that so
many attempts to cut off our supplies and
communication with Washington should be so
nearly successful, especially when such large
army as that of Pope at the present time oc-
cupies the country in this vicinity. Loud
complaints are heard daily among both officers
and men at the inefiicieney of certain com
manders, and it is evident the men are becom-
ing dissatisfied and losing faith in those in
whom they should have the utmost confidence.
Large crowds of stragglers continually line
the roads in the rear of our army. The side
walks, stoops and yards of houses in Alexan-
dra and the neighborhood are being filed
with them every night, and unless some change
is made to insure better discipline. both among
officers and men, the worst consequences to
our army may be anticipated.
No anxiety need he felt for the safety Of our
forces in Virginia, as heavy endorsements airs
continually moving to the seat of war, and an
army will soon be in that field which will drive
the rebels back TO Richmond.