The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-09-16
The Battle of Manassas.

u
FULL PARTICULARLY AND
PURSUIT OF THE YANKEES, &C
The following letter from Gen. Lee to President
Davis will be found to contain the particulars IN
few words of our great victory on the Plains OF
Manassas, on the memorable 30th of August:
Heado'rs Army Northwestern Virginia,
Chantily Sd September, 1862.
His E:rceUency, Jcfersom Davfs, President Con-
federate States of America:
Mr.. President: MY letter of the 30th ult, will
have informed your Excelency of the progress of
this army to that cate. General Longstreet's
division, having arrived the day previous, was
formed in order of battle on the right of General
Jackson, who had been engaged since morning,
resisting an attack commenced on the 28th. The
enemy, on the latter day was vigorously repulsed,
leaving his numerous dead and wounded on the
field. His attack on the morning of the 10Th was
feeble but became warmer in the afternoon, when
he was again repulsed by both wings of the army.
His loss on this day, as stated in his published
report, herewith enclosed, amounted to 5000 IN
killed and wounded
The enemy being reinforced, renewed the
attack on the afternoon Of the Both, when gen
eral advance of both wings Of the army was
ordered, and after fierce combat, which ragged
until after O'clock he was completely defeated
and driven beyond Bull Run. The darkness Of
the night, his destruction of the Stone Bridge
after crossing, and the uncertainty of the fords,
stopped the pursuit.
The next morning, the enemy was discovered
in the strong position at Centreyille, and the army
was put in motion towards the Little River turn
pike to turn his right. Upon reaching Ok Hill
on the 1st of September, he was again discovered
in our front on the heights of Germantown, and
about p. NJ, made spirited attack upon the
front and right of our columns, with view of
apparently covering the withdrawal of his trains
on the Centreville road, and masking his retreat.
Our position was maintained with but slight loss
on both sides Major General Kearney was left
by the enemy dead on the field. During the
night the enemy fell back to Fairfax G. H., and
abandoned his position at Certrevie. Yesterday
about noon he evacuated Fairfax G. II taking the
roads as reported to me, to Alexandra and Wash
ington.
| have as yet, been unable to get official re-
ports of our loss or captures in these various en-
gagements. Many gallant officers have been
killed or wounded OF the general officers, EweI
Trimbe, Taliaferro, Fields, Jenkins and Malone,
have been reported wounded. Coils. Means,
Marshall, Baylor, Nef, and Gadberry killed.
About 7 900 prisoners have already been paroled
about the same number of small arms collected
from the field, and thirty pieces of cannon cap
tured, besides number of wagons, ambulances,
&c. A large number of arms still remain on the
ground For want of transportation valuable
stores had &C be destroyed as captured, while the
enemy, at their various depots, are reported to
have burned many millions of property in their
retreat.
x Nothing could sur
pass the gallantry and endurance of the troops,
who have cheerfully borne every danger and
hardship, both the battlefield and march.
| have the honor to be, very respectfully, your
ob't servant r. E. LEE, Gen'l.
TChantilly is north of Centreville and north
west Of Fairfax Court House, about six or eight
miles from each. The letter of the 3Oth." re-
terred to in the above, was not received. The
Little River turnpike leads from Middleburg to
Alexandria about mile this side of Fairfax c. H
Germantown is the Little River turnpike,
about half mile west of the intersection with the
Centreville turnpike.
The following correspondence will illustrate the
thoroughness of the enemys defeat in the battle
of the 3Oth. 1t bears date, as will be seen, of
the next day:
Ccntreville August 81, 1862
Sir: Many of the wounded of this army have
been left on the field, for whom | desire to send
ambulances Will you please inform me whether
you consent to truce until they are cared for
am, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN Pore,
MaJ-heh T. .. IA, COm.
Commanding- Officer Confederate Forces, near
Grovetop.
Headq'rs Army of Northern Virginia, I
August 81, 1862. I
-N!j- Gen. John Pope, Z. 5. A, Comd g, &c:
Sir: Consideration for your wounded induces
me to consent to your sending ambulances to con-
vey them within your lines cannot consent to
a truce nor a suspension of military operations of
this army. If you desire to send for your wound
ed, should your ambulances report to DIR. Outlet,
Medical Director of this army, he will give direc-