July 23, 1861 — Two Days Fighting!

The Western Democrat, Charlotte, NC

Terrible Slaughter on both Sides

The Federals Defeated!!

Special Dispatch to the Western Democrat.

We are indebted to Mr J A Selby, of the Columbia Carolinian, for transmitting to us by telegraph the following:

Columbia, Monday, July 22.

Fighting has been going on near Manassas Junction for the last two days, (Saturday and Sunday).

Yesterday (Sunday) the battle raged from 4 in the morning till 7 o’clock in the evening.

The slaughter was terrible on both sides, but the Federals were compelled to retreat.

The celebrated federal Light Artillery Battery commanded by Sherman, was captured by the Confederates and turned against the enemy.

Confederate loss, killed 200, wounded COO. The Federal loss in killed and wounded is several thousand. The southerners fought with great determination and performed many gallant deeds. Lt. Col. Johnson, of Hampton’s Legion, was killed — the Legion suffered a good deal from Sherman’s Battery before it was captured, which was done at the point of the bayonet after a severe struggle.

This is a great and glorious victory for the South.

Second Dispatch.

Telegraphed to the Western Democrat.

Manassas Junction, Sunday night, July 21–7 p. m.

At the Stone Bridge, on Bull’s Run. near this place, the Southern troops are again victorious. The slaughter on both sides was terrible. Gen. Johnston, who had been summoned from Winchester to come to the aid of Gen. Beauregard, arrived here with his entire force in time to take part in the battle.

Gen. Beauregard had his horse shot under him while leading Hampton’s Legion into position.

Gen. Johnston, during the hottest of the fight, seized the colors of a wavering Regiment and rallied them in person to the charge.

It is impossible at this moment to estimate the number of dead and wounded. It is reported that the Federal Commander-in-Chief. Gen. McDowell, is mortally wounded. On our side Col. Francis S. Barton, of Georgia, who was acting as Brigadier-General, was mortally wounded, and is since reported dead.

The fighting began at 8 a. m., and lasted until 6 p. m. The enemy is now in full retreat and hotly pursued by our cavalry.

Manassas Junction, July 21 11.30 p. m.

Amid the battle and excitement here, it is exceedingly difficult to get correct particulars of the great battle of today. The enemy opened their batteries of heavy artillery and small field pieces at McLee’s Ford, about 8 o’clock in the morning. The engagement above the Stone Bridge on Bull’s Run began about 10 o’clock. The enemy’s force, as near as can be ascertained, was 50,000; our force was 20,000. Gen. N. G. Evans, of South Carolina, led a Brigade first into action.

Among the southern forces prominently engaged were Col Sloan’s and Col Kershaw’s SC Regiments, & Hampton’s S C Legion. Only 3 of Kershaw’s men were wounded. The loss of life was great in Sloan’s and Hampton’s forces. Adjt. Theo G Barker and Capt Conner of Hampton’s Legion, slightly wounded. Lt Col B J Johnson was killed; Captains Earle. and Echols wounded — all of S. C. Soldiers never fought more desperately than did the southerners to-day.

We have captured 18 pieces of Artillery and 400 prisoners. The number killed and wounded cannot be ascertained with any accuracy. Our loss is estimated at 200 killed and 20O wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than several thousand. It was dark when the enemy gave way. The Washington Artillery of New Orleans was again in the foremost place, and did most effective work. Their fire fell upon the ranks of the foe with murderous effect. The Oglethorpe Infantry of Savannah were cut to pieces. Col Barton’s fine Regiment of Georgians were nearly annihilated. Gen. Bernard of S C, was mortally wounded. Col Wade Hampton of S C. was slightly wounded. Gen. Johnston commanded the left wing and Gen. Beauregard the right wing.

Reports state that our force was not less than 75,000 and the enemy had over 100,000. It is evident that the leaders on both sides had concentrated their whole available force to take part in the battle.

At one time, during the battle, Sherman’s battery was on the point of destroying Hampton’s Legion, when Col. Garland of the 11th Va. Regiment was ordered to charge at the point of the bayonet, which they did and captured the battery after a fierce struggle.

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