Still later.
The Central train arrived late last nigh, and we gathered from the passengers some particulars of the battle.
As already stated, the left wing of our army sustained the heaviest part of the fight, and suffered severely.
The loss on our side in killed and wounded is variously estimated at from 1,500 to 2,500, though in the confusion succeeding the battle it was utterly impossible to ascertain the number accurately.
The enemy is believed to have lost from 12,000 to 15,000, besides a large number taken prisoners.
About 500 of the latter were brought in at
Manassas yesterday morning.
Gen. Patterson, of the
Federal Army, is taken prisoner, also, another high officer whose name we understood to be
Wilcox.
The body of
Col. Fisher, of the North Carolina Sixth Regiment, who passed through here a few days ago at the head of a splendid command, was brought down on the train last night, also, three others, whose names we did not learn.
A considerable number of wounded soldiers also came down.
The train started, we were informed, with some three hundred, but left many on the way — some of whom took different routes for the interior, and others were too feeble to travel.
Capt. Shields' Howitzer Battery was in the action at a late hour, and behaved gallantly.
We could not learn that this command suffered any serious loss.
The Washington Artillery, of New Orleans, sustained a handsome part in the fight.
Only one was killed.
His body came down last night in charge of his father.
A few were wounded — the exact number we could not ascertain.
We have reason to believe that
Col. Moore's First Virginia Regiment suffered little loss.
Much anxiety was manifested at the depot to learn the loss sustained by the cavalry companies, and a gentleman who was near the scene of action thought it was not heavy, since they commenced their attack and pursuit at a late hour.
Sherman's Battery, considered the finest in the
Federal service, was unquestionably captured.
This was the firm opinion of all with whom we conversed.
The number of muskets and equipments generally, secured by the
Confederate troops, is very large.
The wounded men who came down last night excited the commiseration and sympathy of the vast crowd assembled.
They will have every necessary attention bestowed upon them.
Some of them were suffering severely, others slightly hurt.
A gentleman who witnessed the battle says the balls flew incessantly, like hail in a tempestuous day. It was a terrific scene from first to last.
Such a battle was never before fought on this continent.
When the Federalists gave way they scattered like sheep, and their slaughter was awful.
We could learn no names of the killed on our side, other than those mentioned yesterday, except
Col. Fisher, and
Mr. Fontaine, of the
Louisa Grays.
The latter was a son of
Col. F. Fontaine,
President of the Central Railroad Company.
It was stated by a passenger that the scene attending the arrival of the
Federal prisoners was quite ludicrous.
They threw themselves down upon the wet ground, while the militia of the neighborhood stood around in double rank and with guns erect, protecting them in their repose.
The reports so freely circulated yesterday of the occupation of
Alexandria by our troops, were unfounded.
The pursuit of the fugitives was kept up for a few miles only.
The victory was complete, and our Congress yesterday properly acknowledged their gratitude to Almighty God, who has so signally blessed our cause.
Resolutions were passed recommending public thanksgivings in all our churches on Sunday next.
