The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-07-23

VIEWS OF THE DESERTED BATTLE FIELD.
The most Interesting localities of the late
battles before Bichmond are probably the
twice-fought field Of the Seven Pines"
and the ground near MechanicsyiIle, upon
which the Federals received the eoup de
grace from the closing combinations of Jack
son, the Hills and LOngstreet. The defen-
ces Of the latter were rendered almost inn
pregnable by the advantages Of natural posi-
ton, consisting Of hills, rayine and swamp,
commanded by ponderous batteries and
breastworks, from which an incessant FIRE
poured out upon our advancing and victori-
GUS forces. At the "Seven Pines" after
the battle to which the name is given, the
Federal army, having regained the Geld
without fight, threw up a series of fortif-
cations within the space Of ten days so ex-
cellent and extensive, that, il attacked in
front, half a million men would have been
insufficient fer the task Of reducing them.
II was only " the movement made by Gen.
Jackson il the rear, in concert with Magruder
IN front, that made them valueless to the enc
my.
The position Of the enemy on this field
was wholly artificial. Their batteries ex-
tended from the York River Railroad, six
and half miles below the city, in south
eastern-direction, across the plain, for
distance Of some two miles. Upon visiting the
locality, one will be struck with the admi-
rable character Of the Notifications. Their
entire front is protected by meats twelve
feet deep, along the outer edges Of which is
placed continuous sbattis Of felled trees,
neatly trimmed, and every bough and twig
sharpened at the end, defying the passage Of
any mortal force that might be sent sgai INST
them, before the FIRE from their batteries and
rifle pits. IL was evident that these fortih-
cations were intended as permanent base
line, from which the enemy never expected
70 be driven, but moving slowly forward, to
throw up similar works before them, and
thus systematically and Literally to ditch the
Confederate army out Ct Richmond. The
skill displayed 10 their arrangement and
style surpasses those Of any Notifications
that the enemy have yet thrown up during
the successive campaigns 10 Virginia.
In the rear Of this wonderful line OF earth
works, stands the shattered remains of the
Federal encampment. Hundreds Of tents,
Of every description, with every width Of
canvas ripped. from two to three feet In
length, stand Tipping in the breeze. A.
round upon the 6cld and within the works,
thousands Of blankets. overcOats, jackets,
and other clothing. (much Of which being
uninjured, has been gathered up BY piIIsgsrs
from The city, lie strewed. Boxes Of meat,
ground coffee, beans. dried fruit, cases Of
lemons aud oranges, lemon syrup. Edinburg
ale, porter, champagne, pickles, chow. chow,
preserves, sardines, prunes. and many other
nicetIes, may be seen lying about loose 10
every direction, al, however, more or less
Knocked into smithereens and rendered val
ueless.
Every wagon left on the field By the fright
sned iugitiyet was either upset or broken.
some new and splendidly made ambulaaces
were. relinquIshed With a spoke o. two
knocksd out aud The shafts hacked half Of |