The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-06-01

Us ~ c'ose, however, Mcdowell completed
n III reconnaissance OF the COME dcrate po-
sn'on, ana then concentrated his forces at
Nen'reVllle, position few miles north
eis. oi Manassas. For the next two days
oo'n armies remained inactive.
At THE spoTswooD.
During this interval Of repose the excite
ment In the city abate6, and took this
occasion TO report my arrival to the War
department and offer my services TO the
Confederacy. Having found that number
OF old acquaintance, both Of my wife and
myself. were at the Spotswood, we made
that hotel our place Of abode while waiting
TO learn what disposition would be made OF
me. At that time President Davis and
many members OF Congress and other dis.
tinguished characters, with their families,
were occupants OF this hotel. Mr.. Davis
was then at the height OF his fame. His
great talents and his exalted political posi-
ton made him the idol OF the populace.
Whenever he appeared the eye was raised
in admiration and the voice proclaimed re-
spect in shouts Of applause.
MR.. DAvIs's RECEPTIONS.
II was in the social circle, however, that
his polished intellect and courteous mein
all that came within his magical influence.
At his official receptions Mrs. Davis, his
accomplished consort, presided with ele-
CANT ease and graceful courtesy. These re-
ceptions were not characterized by that
brilliant display Of costume that Is observ-
able at regal courts. but they were distin-
guished by wit, good humor, and agreeable
sociability OF the distinguished personages
who attended them. In the midst, how
ever. OF the apparent Observation-Disclosures and
gayety view OF anxiety would invounta-
rily crop out. The tender hearts OF mo-
theirs, sweethearts, and wives we're in the
camp, whose sons, fathers, and lovers
were in constant expectation OF deadly
conflict. Very naturally on that account
the gayety and pleasure Of the presiden.
tial receptions were not unalIoyed by pain
full anxiety.
GENERAL LEE.
| was not kept long in suspense in re-
gard 10 the result OF my offer OF service
to the Coniederacy. After lapse OF a
few hours / received message calling
me to the Office OF General Lee. Several
who had reported at the same time were
included in the message. Colonies Loring
and Stevenson, Lieutenants Deshler and
myself, waited upon General Lee together.
LOring and Stevenson, being old acquaint-
ances OF the General, and Of superior
rank to Deshler and myself, received bis
attention first. While waiting l had an
opportunity OF observing the General and
his surroundings. AT that time General
Lee was about fity-fve years Of age, but
his erect and muscular Frame firm step,
and energetic expression OF his eyeimade
him appear much younger. He exhibited
no external signs Of his rank, his dress be-
ing plain suit Of gray.
GENERAL LEES SURROUNDINGS.
His Office was scantly furnished, only
supplied with plain desks and chairs.
There were no handsomely dressed aides
de-camp or staff officers filling the ante
room; there was not even sentiment to
mark the military headquarters. His only
attendants were Captain Walter Taylor,
afterwards Colonel Taylor, Adiutant- Gen
eral OF the Army OF Northern Virginia,
and two or three clerks. He was remarks
bic for the dispatch OF business and the
facility with which be selected the right
man for the right place. Having been ap-
pointed Maior-General and COMMANDMENTS
Chief Of the Virginia forces q few days
after secession OF that State, he entered
with alacrity upon the arduous duty OF
forming an army OF new levies. Such was
his wonderful talent for organization that
in the space OF two months he was able 10
equip for the field sixty regiments OF in
fantry and cavalry, besides numerous bat
terles Of artillery, making an aggregate OF
nearly $4,000 men.
ASSIGNED TO DUTY.
Having ended his interview with Loripg
and Stevenson, the General addressed him
self to Deshler and myself. His words
were few but directly to the point. He
informed me that had been appointed
major and chief Of artillery Of the Army
Of Northwestern Virginia; that Colonel
Loring hsd been created brigadier-general
and assigned TO its command, and that /
should report TO him for further orders.
Stevenson received the appointment OF
colonel and assistant Acknowledgement for
the Army OF Northwestern Virginia.
Deshler was made captain Of artillery and
assigned to the same army. When we
were about to retire General Lee remarked
that it was necessary to strike the enemy
i'm Northwestern Virginia without delay,
and asked Loring when he would be ready
to set out for his command. Loring re-
piled that two or three days were necessary
for his preparations.
In this my first interview with General
Lee was particularly struck with the ease
and grace Of his bearing, his courteous and
mild but decided manner OF expression,
and the high opinion | had formed OF him
was fully sustained by personal acquaint-
ancc.
MANASSAS.
On the 10Th and 10th, though externally
quiet, feverish state Of anxiety pervaded
the whole city. Notwithstanding the fire.
ouent kilograms from the front announcing
quiet along the lines it was felt that this
was only the lull before the storm, and
tidings OF battle might be hourly expected.
Men in groups on the streets were discuss
ing the rumOrs afloat, and the ladies, old
and Young, were eagerly inquirlng the
news. Early on the morning OF the 2lSt
OF July the rumOr spread swiftly through
the city that the Federal army was in
motion, and little later it was announced
that the battle had begun. 1t was on sun
day that the first grand battle OF the war
was fought, and while the church-bells
called the peaceful people before the holy
altar Of God to offer up earnest prayers Tor
the safety OF those who were exposed 10
the danger OF battle the thunder OF cannon
and the roar OF musketry proclaimed the
deadly strife that was raging over the
plains OF Manassas.
THE FIRST FIGHTING.
Early in the morning Mcdowell, con-
trary TO the expectations OF the Confede-
rates, had crossed Bull Run and nearly
gained their left before he was discovered.
At this critical moment he was CALAMITY
attacked by Colonel Evans with small
brigade and held in check until Bee, Bar
tow and Hampton could put their troops