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[408] Just as the train was about to stop, the artillery fired a well-directed shot from one of their guns, which raked the Hessians fore and aft. Consternation and dismay were distinctly visible, and, after another fire, the enemy were seen hastily leaving the cars and taking to the woods. The engineer of the train was smart enough to uncouple the locomotive and take the back track for Alexandria, leaving the entire train to be captured by our troops. Col. Gregg's infantry and the cavalry pursued the fugitives a short distance through the woods, but were unable to overtake them. A few of the party exhibited some bravery, and endeavored by shouts to rally their flying comrades, but it was impossible. They then turned and discharged their pieces at our men without effect. Six of the enemy were left dead upon the ground. It is believed that this invading party consisted of regulars and Michigan volunteers. Col. Gregg has received information that a detachment of Federalists came to Vienna on Sunday evening, and brought timber to repair the bridge; and that they stated, while there, that they would come on Monday with men enough to whip and hang every d — d secessionist in the neighborhood. They made a slight mistake in their calculations. About twelve rounds were fired by our artillery, but the enemy scattered after the second. Neither the infantry nor cavalry fired a shot. Our troops burnt the cars and captured a considerable quantity of carpenters' tools, blankets, and other baggage, together with about twenty muskets and a number of pistols. Mr. Hancock brings with him as trophies a U. S. soldier's cap, a havelock thoroughly saturated with blood, and a bayonet. The fire of our artillerists was most effective. One man was found with his hand shot completely off, another with his arm shot off at the shoulder, and other ghastly objects proved the destructive effect of the shots. It is thought by some that one of the balls broke the couplings of the locomotive; at all events, the engine was taken away from the scene of action with all possible speed. After the engagement, Colonel Gregg retired with his command to Fairfax Court House.--Louisville Courier, June 29.
Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.
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