Year: 1861

! 'sN- ''''S - mug tfAAN Ntt9 IAN9Ni's
at the battle on Sunday, gives the follow
ing account of the affair;


"The battle yesterday was one of the
most severe and sanguinary ever fought
on this continent, and it ended in the fail
ure of the Union troops to hold all the
positions which they sought to carry, and


which they did carry, and in their retreat
to Centreville, where they have made a


stand, and where Gen. Mcdowell be-


!ieves that they are able to maintain
themselves.


The attack was made in three columns,
two Of which, however, were mainly
feints, intended to amuse and occupy the
enemy, while the substantial work was
done by the third. 1t was known for a
long time that the range of hills which
border the small swampy stream known
as Bulls run, had been very thoroughly
and extensively fortified by the rebels
that batteries had been planted at every
available point, usually concealed in the


woods and bushes which abound in that
vicinity, and covering every way of ap-
proach to the region beyond. These are
the advanced defenses of Manassas juno
ton which is three miles further off. I'm
til these were carried, no approach could
be made to that place and after they


should be carried others of similar
character would have to be overcome at
every point where they could be erected.
The utmost that military skill and inge-
nuity could accomplish for the defense of
this point was done. Gen. Nc Dowell
was unwilling to make an attack directly
in face of the batteries, as it would be of
doubtful issuse, and must inevitably re-
suit in a very serious loss of life. After
an attack bad been resolved upon, there
fore, he endeavored to find some way Of
turning the position. His first intention
was to do this on the southern side--to
throw a strong column into the place from
that direction, while a feigned attack
should be made in front. On Thursday,


when the troops we're advanced to Cen
treville, it was found that the roads on
the south side of these positions were al
most impracticabIe-that they we're mar
row, crooked and stony, and thai it would
be almost impossible 10 bring up enough
artillery to be effective in the time re-
quired. This original plan was, therefore,
abandoned and Friday was devoted to
an examination, by the Typographical en-
gineers, of the northern side of the posi-
ton. Maj. Barnard and Capt. Whipple
reconnoitered the place for miles around,
and reported that the position could be
entered by path coming from the north
though it was somewhat long and cir
cuitous. This was selected, therefore, as
the mode and point Of attack.


On Saturday the troops were brought
closely up to Centreville-and all needful
preparations were made for the attack,
which was intended for the next day.
Yesterday morning, therefore, the army
marched-by two roads-Col. Richard
son with his command taking the south
ern, which lead to Bulls Run, and Gen.
Tyler the northern, running parallel to it
at distance of about a mile and half
Movement commenced at about three o.
clock. ! got up little before four and
found the long line of troops extended far
out on either road. / took the road by
which Col. Hunter, with his command,
and Gen. Mcdowell and staff, had gone,
and pushed on directly for the front.
After going out about two miles, Colonel
Hunter turned to the right, marching OBJ
liquely toward the Run, which he was to
cross some four miles higher up, and then
come down upon the intronched position
of the enemy on the other side. Colonel
Miles was left at Centrevile and on the
road, with reserves, which he was to bring
up whenever they might be needed. Gen.
Tyler went directly forward, to engage
the enemy in front, and send reinforce
ments to Col. Hunter whenever it should
be seen that he was engaged.


/ went out, as I have already stated, !
upon what is marked as the northern
road. 1t is hilly, like all the surface OF
this section. After going out about three
miles, you come to point down which |
the road, leading through a forest, de-
sends then it proceeds by a succession !
Of rising and falling knolls for quarter
of mile-when it crosses a stone bridge !
and then ascends by steady slope to the
nights beyond. At the top of that slope
The rebels had planted heavy batteries,
and the woods below were filed with
heir troops and with concealed cannon.
We proceeded down the road to the first
If the small knobs mentioned, when the