NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
September 1862
From The Missouri Democrat, Monday, September 1, 1862.
BULL RUN FOUGHT OVER AGAIN.
The Enemy Driven from the Field.
DISPATCHES FROM GEN. POPE.
RUMORS OF BUELL’S REMOVAL.
HEADQUARTERS FIELD OF BATTLE,
GROVETON, NEAR GAINESVILLE, Aug. 28.
To Major General Halleck, Commander-in-Chief:
We fought a terrific battle here yesterday, with the combined forces of the enemy, which lasted with continuous fury from daylight till after dark, by which time the enemy was driven from the field, which we now occupy. Our troops are too much exhausted to push matters, but I shall do so in the course of the morning, as soon as Fitz John Porter’s corps comes up from Manassas. The enemy is still in our front, but badly used up.
We have lost not less than 8,000 men killed and wounded; and from the appearance of the field, the enemy has lost at least two to our one. He stood strictly on the defense, and every assault was made by ourselves. Our troops have behaved splendidly.
The battle was fought on the identical battle field of Bull Run, which greatly increased the enthusiasm of or men.
The news just reaching me from the front that the enemy is retreating towards the mountain, I go forward at once to see.
We have made great captures, but I am not able yet to form an idea of their extent.
JOHN POPE
Major General Commanding.
WASHINGTON, August 30.—Information has reached Washington from private sources that Gen. Pope came up with and attacked the enemy again, shortly after 9 o’clock this morning. Gen. Fitz John Porter had probably arrived on the field by that time from Manassas, which is only seven miles distant. Cannonading was distinctly heard in Washington.
The railroad was regularly run this morning from the town of Warrenton to Bristow; so it is already clear. The only remaining damage to be repaired to the road is to build the Bull Run and Rappahannock bridges. The latter should be completed to-night, and the former may be in four or five days.
The news received from the army has occasioned the greatest excitement throughout the city. Orders were issued by heads of different Bureaus calling upon employees to repair to the battle field for the purpose of attending to the condition of our wounded. The order required each man to provide himself with two days’ rations. A prompt response was made to the call, and not only persons employed by the Government, but many others left the city for the purpose stated.
Although the engagement with the enemy was of a most appalling and sanguinary character, such is the confidence of Union men in the skill and strength of our army, that an abiding faith is everywhere discernable in our ultimate success.