The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-08
SUNDAYS OPERATIONS.

At a. m. Sunday morning our pickets down
the Nine Mile Road were fercely attacked by the
enemy, and severe and lively fight ensued The
enemy were easily driven back with loss, many
prisoners falling into our hands. Many Of the
federals threw down their arms and surrendered
voluntarily. About o'clock another picket fight
occurred. The enemy were pursued past their
fortifcatons which were found for the most part
deserted 1t thus became evident that the enemy
we're retreating, and pursuit was instantly made
and several fights ensue1 All their camps we're
totally destroyed. Immense piles Of stores were
blazing at the moment Of our visit, and the pursuit
was continued over the red hot ashes of the camps
and stores and many prisoners captured Loud
explosions were heard during the day, caused by
the destruction of vast quantities of ammunition.
Dense columns of smoke darkened the sky. The
railroad Merrimac "a battery carr was far in
advance of our men vigorously sheiling the enemy
az every turn.
1t is almost impossible to afford in detail
descriptions of the several engagements which
have shed such imperishable lustre upon the arms
of the Confederacy and which have finally re-
suited in the overthrow, complete and disgracefu,
of the hosts marshaled under the banner of sub
jugation.
OF the important results which must inevitably
flow from successes, and the discontinue OF
the Northern army under Mcclellan, it is needless
from the opening of the grand ball on Thursday
afternoon down to the hour which witnessed the
enemy in full retreat, the efforts Of our forces
were attended with unbroken success and at no
time did the brave upon whom hung the
hopes and the confidence of the country, talter or
waver in their determination to make the victory
decisive. Battery after battery. was stormed with
the most daring disregard Of human life, aud the
apparently mprcgnable positions of the enemy
we're carried at the point of the oayonet with the
most impetuous ardor. Never did men fight more
bravely, and never was valor more surely aud
signally rewarded.
Our loss is heavy both in officers and men.
The soil of Virginia. the grand old mother of
States, is enriched with the best blood of her
suffering Southern sisters ard from every State et
the Confederacy the martyrs of liberty have
united in pouring out the crimson tide rich
and imper!shablc libation upon the altar OF the
one great common cause. There is no discrimina-
tiou to be made between the gallant men who con-
stitute the most magnificent army that was ever
arrayed in combat. As sous of the Confederacy
they fought, and as Sons of the Confederacy they
conquered. IF one corps distinguished itself more
than another in this, the greatest battle ever
fought on this continent, it was on account OF Its
position on the field.
Skirmishng began at an early hour and con-
tinued through the day at different points along
the line. The great battle of the day, however,
took place in the evening near the York River
railroad, some three miles from the battlefield Of
the Seven Piues" Gen. Magruder commenced
the attack shout four o'clock, by advancing upon