National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-07-12

trail in order TO give the gun the proper
elevation, and IL was carefully levolod.
The first and second shots did not seem
TO discompose tho balloonists, but tho
third shot caused q commotion, for tho
balloon was hastily drawn down. II was
afterward learned that the aeronaut,
whose name was Lowe, declared that tho
last shot passed 80 near the basket sus-
pended from tho airship, that he folt the
windage of the ball. At any rate no
moro balloon ascents were made in front
OF our picket line, and the monotony of
the picket watch was no longer relieved
by the lively aerial visitor.
Some two OF three days before the time
determined upon by Con. Johnston for
the withdrawal of his troops into winter
quarters at Contreville, Gen. Longstreet
brought down his entire force to Falls
Church, and prepared to mako q diver
sion to cover tho withdrawal. Then
occurred what is known in tho war his
tories as "The affair at Townsville"
which was o trap set by Iiongstreet in
which the mice, SO to speak, did not
enter as no expected them to do. Tho
best laid schemes, &c., was fully exom-
plifed on this occasion.
A federal force, comprising infantry,
artillery, and squadron of cavalry, had,
about this time, advanced from tho lines
in front Of the Chain bridge up the turn
pike toward Lewinsville, partly, perhaps,
on foraging and accommodating expe-
dition and partly to threaten the confed-
crate communications near that village.
They began to throw up earthworks,
which seemed to indicate that they had
come to stay. Now, this forco was thrust
forward from the established federal line,
and thus somewhat isolated.
Longstreet learned the situation from
his scouts, aud decided to mako an at
tempt to bag them. His plan was this /:
The 18th aud 9TH regiments, with squad
of cavalry and section of artillery, wero
to march up the pike until they struck
the country road leading to Townsville,
whom they were to turn to the right and
attack the federal position in front with
vehemence, but on being stoutly resisted,
as they undoubtedly would BIO on account
of inferior force to the enemy, they were
to fall back at If in confusion and try to
induce the enemy to pursue.
Meantime Longstreet, with the bulk
OF his forces, under cover OF wood, would
take such q position as would cut the pur-
suing force OFF from their army. Well,
the 18th and the 18th made the attack Just
beyond Lewinsville as directed, and on
being resisted, broke and ran like quarter
horses. but the enemy must have seen
through the 'little game" for instead
of pursuing they poured their shell from
o six-gun battery into the confused mass
with good effect, and would not stir from
their entertainments, until Longstreet
advanced on their flank, when they
retired in steady order to their main
body.
There was good deal Of chagrin in
official quarters" that night in having
such nice little game blocked, the more
sd as the loss in men suffered was by nc
means insignificant. The following night
all the pickets were withdrawn, and the
confederates took up tho line of march
for winter quarters at Centreville and
Falls Church, and its environs remained
in federal hands until tho end Of the war
MURRAY.