Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-15

as that afforded by the one especially defended
by Mcdowell. And the truth is, that instead
of forcing their way through Thoroughfare Gap,
whence Lee and Longstreet divided their forces,
sent forward a small couml TO employ the Fed
erals, and then pushing through the other passes,
they massed tLeir forces at point few miles
northwest of Mcdowell, and swept down upon
him with irresistible fury and overwhelming num-
bers. These the facts in the case. but are
carefully concealed, either through ignorance or
design. from the public.
Stories of the most absurd and ridiculous char
acter are everywhere current relative to the same
commander. One Is, that he wears peculiar
kind of hat, which he has been seen to wave
toward the enemy during the progress of battle,
and which is said to embody system of precon-
certed signals with the enemy to preserve him
from their fire Mcdowell NAV be unfortunate;
he is certainly unpopular with his men to an ex
tent that renders his removal a matter of expe-
diency; but that he is traitor | do not for
single moment admit Treason doesn't run in
the Mcdowell blood; for his brother, now ia
command of troops at the West, is as gallant
soldier and as true patriot as ever drew sword
in defense of his country.
Saturday was the grand struggle of the week
Each previous day had been marked by some
conflict, which grew fercer and heavier the
week rolled on, until Saturday, when the CON-
bned forces of both the immense armies hurled
Whether we were outnumbered or us-generaled
may, perhaps never be told; suffice it that, after
one of the blooGiest battles in the history of the
war, the result conceded to be adverse to the
side of loyalty Both sides were too exhausted
to renew the conflict on Sunday,-the rebels to
pursue or we to retreat Monday came and,
rising from their rest of twenty four hours, the
rebels were again in motion, moving around our
right flank. They eSsayed again movement
that they have so often repeated during the war,
but this time unsuccessfuly. Our wearied troops
gathered their energies for another effort, swept
the attacking column from the field, and then the
whole army fell back under the secure protection
of the guns of the Notifications.
do not write these things to create alarm or
CONSERVATION, but rather that our northern people
may understand our true position, and be prepared
to act accordingly. We have always hitherto
moderated the task before US we have never
been sufficiently in earnest; we have never yet
put in operation but fraction of the tremendous
energies in our possession.
Perhaps it will awake the masses when they
learn that to day armies are precisely where
they were one year ago; that are just
Richmond, but not step nearer and that now
as then the rebel columns menace the National
Capital, at distance short that can hear the
sound of their bugles. There is not one moment
for delay or hesitation. Washington is invested
Cincinnati Louisville. and Philadelphia are
Threatened by no weak or undecided foe. If we
do not gird OH our armOr to roll back this tide of
invasion. the hordes of the south will sweep over
our fair and prosperous north leaving every ywhere
in their footsteps desert.
What will be done next by the rebel army be
fore Washington is matter of much speculation.
Whether they will push northward through Mary
land, snbsisting upon the country, or whether
they will make dash upon the city itself, is dis
cussed on all sides being, in the or
the other, a matter of likelihOOde 1t is not like
ly that shall be long in doubt.
The wounded mostly in. and are located
either at Alexandra or here. One OF the most
painful facts connected with the operations of
last week is, that we have been unable to bring
off all our wounded, and Sunday, under flag Of
truce. our men succeeded in getting few; but
perhaps five hundred of our gallant fellows have
been left where they fell, unattended by either
friend or foe. Friends at home will not feel COM
Portable they reflect that relatives have been
left on the battlefield to die by slow inches, ex-
posed to thirst, the hot sun, storms and starva-
ton. Such iahumanitv is intolerable, and those
through whose nefficiency it should be
held to strict account
Ii will not be an Overestimate to place our
losses last week from 20 900 to 10000, many of
whom are prisoners. 1t is very difficult to get at
the facts Many of the wounded are at Alexan-
dra, point which no correspondent can reach.
The city is full of them; churches, public build
ings and private houses have been freely opened
for their occupation. 1t will to some extent off
set their own misfortunes and the anxietes of
their friends to know that at least here they are
the recipients of only the kindest and most ten
der care. GALWAY