Fourth Alabama regiment, and had been pick-1 trees, Capt. Allen clipping the branches, in ing blackberries and strayed away from our camp. He then said, "Are you the regiment that is waiting for artillery?" I replied, "The same." "Then, boys," said he, "you are stationed at Ball's Mill, three miles from here, [pointing in the direction of Leesburg,] halfway from here to Leesburg." He then said, "Were you in the fight Sunday?" "Yes." "I am glad, boys, you escaped from the slaughter. These d- -d Yankees, I would like to see every man of them strung up; I never could bear them. I will send Edward to show you the way to the main road." We thanked him and left.

something in this movement, and looking for | in motion since two hours before day, which shallow water, but finding none, we imme- settled the question as to their intention to diately plunged into the stream and swam the make the attack. Beauregard, who had studriver. When within twenty feet of the oppo-ied the whole ground around-knew every hill, site shore we heard firing and cries of "come back," and on turning round we saw ten or fifteen men, in their shirt sleeves, ordering us back, and firing several shots at us. Of course we did not obey this command, but started off at a good pace into what we supposed was Maryland. We had not gone far before we came to another stream, which we waded.

us.

ravine, and pathway-had made all the necessary arrangements and planned the battle. Not knowing at what point of a semicircle of ten miles around Manassas the enemy would attack, his forces had to be scattered in such a way as to guard all points, prevent a flank movement on either side, and guard his intrenchments and supplies in the centre.

We afterwards ascertained that we had crossed We got up in the morning at daylight, took a Edward's Island about 17 miles from Washing- cup of coffee and remained quietly laughing and ton. Before losing sight of our pursuers, talking at head-quarters, while the scouts were Capt. Allen showed his pistol, and shook it in passing in and out bringing news from the onedefiance of them. This was the only weapon, my. At a quarter past six in the still, bright with the exception of the knife, we had among morning, we heard the first deep-toned sound This was about half-past five Sunday of cannon on the centre of our line, about three morning. Finding ourselves among friends, miles off. We waited till nine for further inforwe walked five miles to Great Falls, where we mation, and at nine the generals ordered to horse, laid down and rested till noon. On waking and away we dashed to the hill overlooking the we resumed our march, and reached the arsenal point at which cannon, like minute guns, had at nine at night, where we found our picket-continued slowly to fire. The enemy could not guard of Second Vermont regiment. They see any of our troops, but were firing at the dust received us kindly, provided us with supper, kicked up along the road, which they saw above and furnished us with a bed. The next morn- the low trees. We were for some time at the ing we all hurried on to Washington, and tele-point they were firing at, and some twenty or graphed our safe arrival to our friends.

Doo. 7.

E. P. DOHERTY.

-N. Y. Times.

SECESSION LETTERS AND NARRATIVES.

DOCTOR J. C. NOTT'S ACCOUNT.

thirty balls of their rifled cannons whizzed through the air above us, and I felt very forcibly the remark of Cuddy to his mother Mause, that

a straggling bullet has nae discretion" and might take my head off as well as that of anybody else. The firing at this point kept up slowly from a quarter past six till eleven, when we heard a gun fire on the extreme left of the semicircle, and we were then satisfied that the firing in front was a mere feint. In a few RICHMOND, July 23, 1961. minutes the cannon firing came in rapid succesDEAR HARLESTON: I have seen the great and sion, as if one battery was answering another. glorious battle of Manassas, which brought a The generals then ordered "to horse" again, nation into existence, and the scene was grand and away we rode to the seat of battle, about and impressive beyond the power of language. three miles off. When we arrived on the top of We foresaw the action several days ahead-the a hill, in an old field, we could get glimpses of enemy were known to be advancing in immense the fight through the woods. The cannons masses from Arlington towards Fairfax, and the were roaring and the musketry sounded like a master stroke was at once made, to order John-large bundle of fire crackers, and the constant ston down from Winchester, by forced marches, before Patterson could get down on the other side. Johnston's troops marched all twentysix miles, then crowded into the railroad, came down in successive trains, without sleeping or eating, (15,000,) and arrived, many of them, while the battle was raging.

I got to Manassas the morning of the day previous to the fight; and knowing well both Generals Beauregard and Johnston, and their staff officers, I went immediately to headquarters. Zac. Doas, among the rest, was there in full feather, and I of course felt at home in his camp, where I spent the night. General Beauregard determined to attack them in sevoral columns at once the next morning, so as to cut them up before Patterson could arrive but our scouts came early in the morning, informing the generals that the enemy had been

roaring of the big guns, the sharp sound of rifled cannons, Minié rifles and muskets, with the bursting of shells, made one feel that death was doing his work with fearful rapidity.

The enemy had concentrated all his forces on this one point, while ours were scattered around a half circle of ten miles, and the few regiments who received the first onset were most terribly cut up. It was far greater odds than human nature could stand, the regiments were torn to pieces, driven back, and so overwhelmed by numbers that I feared the day was lost. At this stage of the game the enemy was telegraphing to Washington that the battle had been won, and secession was about to be crushed. My heart failed me as I saw load after load of our poor wounded and dying soldiers brought and strewed on the ground, along the ravine where I was at work. Dr.

Fanthray, who belonged to General Johnston's staff, and myself were just getting fully to work, when an old surgeon, whom I do not know, came to us and said the enemy were carrying every thing before them, and ordered us to fall back to another point with the wounded, as they were turning our flank, and the battle would soon be upon us. Accordingly the wounded were taken up and we fell back, but after following the ambulances for a mile, we found that they were to be taken all the way to Manassas-about four miles-where there were hospitals and surgeons to receive them, and we returned to our position near the battle.

details which will reach you through print long before this.

The victory was dearly bought, but still blood is the price of freedom; and we can at least, while we drop a tear over the graves of our fallen friends, feel the proud consolation that they have died like heroes, and given liberty to unborn generations.

Our troops are pouring in every day from the South, and if Beauregard and Johnston choose to lead them, they can plant the hated Palmetto tree beside the Bunker Hill monument, which was erected to commemorate the same principles for which we are now fighting, and to which a degenerate race has proved recreant. They have forced this fight upon us, and after exhausting every thing but honor for peace, it is their turn to sue for terms.

I never had any idea of military science before. Beauregard and Johnston played it like a game of chess without seeing the boardwhen a messenger came and told the enemy's move, a move was immediately ordered to put him in check.*

The times are so exciting here that I cannot yet foresee my movements. I found that they had surgeons enough for the wounded in the hospitals at Manassas, and having no commission, I left and came up to Richmond to send down many things needed for the patients, thinking I could serve them better in this way than any other. -Mobile Evening News, July 80.

the

The position of the Confederate forces is thus given in paper:

At this juncture I saw our reinforcements pouring in with the rapidity and eagerness of a fox chase, and was satisfied that they would drive every thing before them. No one can imagine such a grand, glorious picture as these patriots presented, rushing to the field through the masses of wounded bodies which strewed the roadside as they passed along. For half a mile behind me the road passed down a gradual slope, and through an old field, as I looked back, I could see a regiment of infantry coming in a trot, with their bright muskets glittering in the sun; then would come a battery of artillery, each gun carriage crowded with men and drawn by four horses in full gallop. Next came troops of cavalry, dashing with the speed of Murat; after these followed, with almost equal speed, wagons loaded with ammunition, &c., screaming all the while, "push ahead boys," "pitch into the d-d Yankees," "drive them into the Potomac." This kept up from about mid-day till dark, and I felt as if the Alps themselves could not withstand such a rush. The cannon and small-arms were roaring like a thunder storm as they rushed to the battle-field. One regiment, which had been driven back by overwhelming numbers, was now supported, and I soon perceived that the firing was getting further off, as I had expected, and I knew that the "pet lambs" now could only be saved by their superior heels. About this time, too, the last of General Johnston's command arrived on the cars, opposite the battle-ground, to the number of some three or four thousand, and although they had been two nights without sleep, they jumped from the cars and cut across to the field. By this time we had collected about 15,000 against their 35,000, and, from all accounts, no red fox ever made tracks so fast as did these cowardly wretches. They were all fresh and better accoutred in every respect than our men, one half or more of whom had to make forced marches to get at them. They had selected their position coolly and deliberately in the morning, while ours were scattered over ten miles and had to run through the mid-day sun-left. shine. If our men had been equally fresh they would have gone straight into their intrenchments at Arlington. But I will not speculate on the future and weary you with

EXPLANATION OF SKETCH.

A. The columns of the enemy making the feint attack on the centre of the Confederate lines.

B, B. The columns of the enemy, 85,000 strong, making the real attack on the left of the Confederate lines.

1. Manassas Junction, with Confederate troops holding the fortified camp.

2. Tho 15.000 Confederate troops who fought the battle and defeated the 35,000 Federals who attacked them.

3. The centro of tho Confederate lines; a battery in position.

4. 4, 4, 4. Positions of troops forming the Confederate lines, where they were kept in line to meet an advance from any quarter. It is understood that some reinforcements were sent down from these positions to join in the fight on the 5. 5. Railroads which make the junction at Manassas, NOTE-From the extreme left to the extremo right of our lines, which formed nearly a truo semicircle, the distance was ten miles; but whether this distance was meas ured by the arc or directly across from right to left, is not clear.

NOTES TAKEN ON THE BATTLE-FIELD.

BULL. RUN, Sunday Morning, July 21-10 o'clock. It seemed to be conceded that this was to be the day of trial for which we have been working for many months past, and, in common with the immense mass of men assembled here, I have taken my position upon Bull Run, to share the fortunes of the contest.

regard, Johnston, and Bonham have just come to the hill where I have been standing. The whole scene is before us—a grand moving diorama. The enemy have sent a ball from their rifled cannon at us. Another. They pass over us with a sound that makes our flesh crawl. All have left the spot but Gens. Beauregard, Bonham, and Johnston, and their aids. The firing has ceased at the head of our flanking column. It is renewed again, nearer, I think, to the enemy. Another ball exactly over our heads. A very sustaining force follows our flanking column. The enemy, firing at our generals, has dropped a shot among the wagons in the edge of the woods below, and they dash off. Another shot follows them as they fly, and plunges in the ground but a few feet behind one of them.

11 o'clock.

them, and they stand stationary for a long time; but at last the enemy's column goes back-a column of dust arises in their rear-a shout rises that roars loud as the artillery from our men-the enemy's fire slackens-our reserves advance-the dust rises on to the position lately occupied by the enemy-we triumph, we triumph, thank God! The dust still rises in the rear of the enemy, as though they were retreating rapidly.

The scene a moment since, and yet, is unutterably sublime. Upon the hill, just one and a third mile off, the enemy are placing their artillery. We see them plunging down the Centreville road to the apex of the eminence above Mitchell's ford, and deploying to the right and left. Dark masses are drifting on with the power of fate in the road. We see the columns moving, and, as they deploy through the forests, we see the cloud of dust floating over them, to mark their course. When the dust ceases we are sure that they The firing has been awful. The heads of have taken their position. The firing now the flanking and resisting columns are distinctcommences from two batteries to the rightly visible from the smoke that rises above and left of the road. It is constant, and another has been opened about a mile lower down. That, however, has been firing for an hour past. The guns are served with great rapidity and precision, and, as we are within range, and uncertain, therefore, when they will favor us, there is quite an interest in the position. Our own troops are in the dense forest that lies below us on Bull Run. They are still, not a gun has yet been fired, and there would seem to be nothing to indicate their presence. Of their presence and their readiness the enemy is advised, however, and is making all the headway he can. Of the precise position, however, they are still unadvised; and in every clump of trees, and all along the line, they are plunging shots. So far, however, none have told. Our own batteries are in reserve, ready for a spring to any point that may come to be available. Tho hospital is again the object for their fire; and the battery I mentioned as a mile below the ford, having heavier guns than mere fieldpieces, and one at least rifled, is now playing upon it. The object, however, of the most intense interest is a line of dust that begins to rise above the mass of forest lying for miles away to the right of the enemy. That it is a moving column is evident, but whether of our own or the enemy is the principal question. If ours, we are taking the enemy in flank; if theirs, they outflank us. It moves towards the enemy, and a courier that joins us reports that it is the brigade of General Cocke. On it goes. There is no corresponding column of the enemy. The movement promises success. The enemy may have stationed a force in anticipation, but if not we fall upon their flank.

Quarter before twelve o'clock. The enemy make another stand. Again, there is the roar of musketry, long like the roar of distant and protracted thunder. Again the roar, but always at the head of the enemy's column. A column of dust rises to the left of our forces and passes to the enemy's right. It must be intended to flank them. It is fearful to think how many heart strings are wrung by the work that now goes on-how many brave men must be mangled and in anguish.

Again the enemy has fallen back to another point, half a mile in the rear; and the spirals in the background. The whole scene is in the of the smoke curl up the side of the mountain Piedmont valley, which I have often noticed to have slept so sweetly to the west of Centreville, and sweeping on down to the south. It is nearly level, or seems so, and the Blue Ridge rises to form the dark background of a most magnificent picture.

Twelve o'clock, Noon. The batteries first opening have been silent for half an hour, and the whole extended valley is now the thick of the fight. Where the enemy last took his stand retreating, the fight is fearful; the dust is denser than the smoke. It is awful. They have been repulsed three timesso it is reported by a courier-and now they

have taken their bloodiest and final stand. Half-past 10 o'clock, A.M. Half-past twelve o'clock. There is firing on our flanking column. The The firing now is at its height. Never, until enemy have opened their battery upon it half-now, have I dreamed of such a spectacle; for way. The column responds. The firing be- one long mile the whole valley is a boiling comes rapid-musketry-rapid. Gens. Beau- crater of dust and smoke.

One o'clock.

upon

the left

engage

Column after column is thrown in from all along the line of Bull Run to fall flank of the enemy, and the firing is again renewed, as though nothing had been done. An effort would seem to have been made to outflank us, and it has brought on another ment further off, but on a line with the first. The cannon established on the hill was a feint at Mitchell's Ford, while of both armies the effort was to outflank. These guns now but play at the columns of dust as they rise from the infantry and cavalry as they tramp past; and as those columns are near the point where I stand, they have brought a dozen balls at least within 100 yards.

off far to the north. As they retreated on the Braddock road to Centreville a charge was made upon them by a portion of our cavalry, and I think of the Radford Rangers. They dashed upon them about a mile away, and dust above them for ten minutes rose up as from the crater of a volcano. The punishment was severe and rapid.

It came last night, and marched directly into Colonel Hampton's Legion suffered greatly. battle. When I went upon the ground I heard that Colonel Hampton and Johnson were both killed, but afterwards I met Colonel Hampton riding from the field, wounded badly, but exhilarated at the thought that his men had exhibited surpassing intrepidity, and that General Beauregard himself had relieved him and led his legion into battle.

Colonel Sloan's Fourth regiment South Carolina Volunteers suffered as much. They stood decimated at every fire until reinforcements came, and they exhibit a sad remnant of the noble body of men that entered into battle.

The Second regiment, Colonel Kershaw, did fearful execution at the crisis of the contest, but suffered less.

The Fourth Alabama regiment, Col. Jones, and the Eighth Georgia regiment, Col. Gardner, suffered greatly.

Wearied and worn, and sick at heart, I retired from the field whose glory is scarce equal to its gloom, and I have not the strength now to write more. I send my field notes as they are.

President Davis came upon the ground just as the battle ended, and the wildest cheering greeted him. He rode along the lines of warworn men who had been drawn off from action, and he seemed proud of them, and of his right to command such noble men, but it was tempered with a feeling of regret that their right to his respect had been vindicated at so dreadful a sacrifice. Many wounded still stood in the ranks, and exhibited the unalterable purpose to stand there while they had strength to do so.

How many of the enemy were killed we have no means of knowing, but it must have been much greater than our own.

It will be evident to any one who becomes familiar with the events of the day that I mis apprehend many of the occurrences. The attack was made at a point above the Stone Bridge, on Bull Run, by the whole disposable force of the enemy, led by General McDowell. The importance of the movement was not at first estimated, and it was met by Gen. Evans, with only the Fourth South Carolina regiment, Colonel Sloan, the Independent Louisiana battalion, Major Wheat, and two guns of the Washington Artillery. The charge of the ene-shot with the utmost possible coolness and my was met with an intrepidity that was be- precision, and they must have claimed this yond all praise, and the whole column of the compliment. enemy was held at bay until reinforcements came. These were led on by Colonel Jackson, Colonel Bartow, General Bee, and General Jones. The conflict went on in a fierce and terrible struggle of the Confederate troops against great odds and amidst terrible slaughter.

At the crisis of the engagement two regiments of South Carolinians-Kershaw's and Cocke'swere ordered to advance. Kemper's battery was attached to Kershaw's. As these troops advanced, they were joined by Preston's regiment of Cocke's brigade. A tremendous charge was made, which decided the fate of the day. After acts of incredible valor, the enemy was driven

Our men

We took Sherman's battery, sixteen guns, and three guns from those batteries that opened upon us first above Mitchell's Ford.

These are facts reported to me on the ground at sundown, but they are not necessarily correct. I have hesitated to state any thing, but upon the whole have thought it best. I will send a corrected list of our casualties to-morrow.

There was an engagement at the batteries above Mitchell's Ford, in which the Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth South Carolina regiments were engaged, but the facts have not transpired beyond the taking of guns.

-Charleston Mercury.