Army of the Potomac.
[from our own correspondent.]
another Artillery duel.
Fairfax C. H., Sept. 12.
An hour ago, as I came upon the Centreville road, I called on Major Walton, of the Washington Artillery, from whom I learned that a battle took place yesterday in the vicinity of Munson's hill.
Early in the morning, information was brought in that the Federals in strong force were crossing by the Cham Bridge for the purpose of attacking our advance, and of driving us from the present commanding position.
Captain Rosser, of the second company of the Washington Artillery, having four guns, two rifled cannon, and two howitzers, were sent out to engage them.
Their battery was supported by three companies of infantry, of Colonel Kemper's regiment, consisting of three hundred and eight men, and a small body of cavalry.
The Federals were met at Louvansville, five miles from Falls Church, and about the same distance from the bridge, where a sharp and decisive battle commenced, which, from the number of men engaged, may be ranked a little above the usual skirmishes.
The distance of the enemy, and the careful manner in which they concealed all their movements, prevents us from ascertaining accurately the number of the Yankees, but it is certain they had two batteries, containing eight guns, some twenty-eight hundred or three thousand men, and considerable cavalry.
The fight commenced with the artillery at long range, the shots from the Washington artillery falling with great accuracy into the ranks of the enemy.
What the effect of these shots were is not known, and, on account of the skill of the Yankees in concealing disagreeable facts, probably never will be; but during the engagement Capt. Rosser and his men fired sixty-six rifle shots--forty-five spherical case, seventeen shell and three canister.
Considering the precision with which this company have heretofore sent their missiles at the enemy, and the number of shots fired, it may be safely supposed that the Federal loss was by no means slight, and that the battle was of some duration.
The enemy also used their guns and fired shot after shot in quick succession, but fired badly.
It was another artillery duel.
That our fire was having its effect soon became apparent, for they gradually fled from their guns, the infantry falling back, until a panic was created and there commenced another scene similar to the last act of drama on the Plains of Manassas.
There was a complete rout.
The Yankees fled in terror, throwing away their canteens and haversacks, which were dead weights in the race, and broke like quarter-horses for the Potomac and a spot of safety beyond it.
They crossed again by the Chain Bridge, bearing away their dead and wounded, but in the pursuit five or six bodies were seen by the roadside, which they were unable to carry.
As I have previously said, the number of men put hors du combat will not be known probably.
None of the artillery on our side were injured, but there are rumors that two or three of our infantry were wounded.
How true this may be, I cannot say to-night; but can get farther particulars in the morning.
The facts as I have given them are from the official report of Capt. Rosser, which Major Walton received this morning.
I learn since arriving in this village that some prisoners were captured just before the fight commenced, who were endeavoring to make their way to the advancing enemy.
A Lieutenant with a squad of men had been out scouting, and had obtained some information which would have been valuable had they escaped with it. These men are from one of the Indiana regiments, and it is said that they were anxiously awaiting the termination of the fight, feeling entire confidence in the ability of their Yankee friends to release them.--These men are now in Fairfax, and will be sent on to Richmond to-morrow.
At this time I am unable to learn what part the infantry or the cavalry took in the fight, but shall get more particulars to-morrow, when I can add additional facts and correct any misstatement that may have been made this evening.
As the facts are given, it will be seen that this little victory is one of the most brilliant we have won in this campaign.
Hardly four hundred men engage a force of ten to one, rout them, and drive them like whipped curs from their kennels.
This is the third time McClellan has ordered a sortie upon our lines, and the third time he has been repulsed and ignominiously whipped.
His success thus far has not been very alarming to our cause. G. M. 