National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-05-23

again. Tho officer commanding the line
then brought up an English Blakeley
rifled field piece to Munson's Hill to take
n shot at the balloon, which was not more
than two and q half miles of.
A hole was dug in tho ground
to sink the trail, that the gun might BIO
given proper elevation, and 1t was care
fully sighted. The first and second shots
did not seem to discomposo the balloon
lists, but the third shot told, for the air
ship was hastily drawn down. 1t was
afterward learned that the aeronaut,
whose name, believe, was Lowe, de-
clared that the last shot passed so noar
the basket that he felt the windage Of
the ball. No more balloon asoents were
made in front OF US, and the monotony
Of the picket vigil was no longer relieved
by the lively aerial visitor.
Shortly after this detachment Of fifty
OF our men, under charge Of a lieutenant,
made dash at the rifle pits on Mason's
hill in the gruy Of the morning, but were
repulsed with loss, the federals being we'll
upon the alert.
JoHHsToN's WINTER QUARTERS.
Gen. Johnston having determined to
withdraw his forces to winter quarters at
Centerville, ordered Longstreet to march
his ontire brigade to Falls Church, and
in connection with the cavalry to make
diversion to mask tho withdrawal A
federal force, comprising infantry, artil-
lery, and cavalry, had about this time
advanced from tho lines at Chain bridge
up the turnpike to Lewinsville, partly
perhaps on foraging aud reconnoitering
expedition, and partly to threaten the
confederate communications in that quar-
ter. They began to throw up carthworks
which seemed TO indicate they intended
| to make o permanent post of IL, although
the force being thrust forward from the
main line was somewhat isolated. The
scouts soon brought in information of
this advance, aud Lougstreet laid trap
to capture the whole lot. He ordered
tho 18th and 9TH regiments with squad
ron of cavalry and q section Of ar.
tillery to march up the pike until
they struck the country road leading to
Townsville, when they wero to turn to
the right and attack the federal position
in front with seeming vehemenco, but on
being stoutly resisted. MS they undoubt'
eddy would DO on account OF inferior
numbers to the enemy known to be there
they were to fall back rapidly, as il in
confusion, so as to induce the enemy tc
pursue If possible.
Meanwhile the general with the bulk
of his forces under cover of the woods
was to cut of the pursuing force from
their army. The 18th and 9TH regiments
made tho attack as directed beyond Lew
insville, and on being resisted broke and
ran in confusion; but the federal com
mander evidently "smolled MICE" fol
instead Of pursuing the enemy poureC
their shrapnel from q six.gun battery
into tho flying mass, and would not stii
from their intrenchments until Long
street assailed their flank, whereupoI
they retreated in good order.
Longstreet was much discomposed b,
this blocking of what promised to BIO 70
that period of the war a brilliant exploit
The night following the pickets. save
few cavalry, were quietly withdrawn AM
tho confederatos took up the line of marcl
for winter quarters at Centerville with
out having struck a blow since the Bul
Run battle. THOMAS J. MURRAY.