Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Your correspondent heard Gen. Johnston exclaim to Gen. Cocke just at the critical moment, “Oh, for four regiments!” His wish was answered, for in the distance our reinforcements appeared. The tide of battle was turned in our favor by the arrival of General Kirby Smith, from Winchester, with 4,000 men of Gen. Johnston's division. Gen. Smith heard while on the Manassas railroad cars the roar of battle. He stopped the train, and hurried his troops across the field to the point just where he was most needed. They were at first supposed to be the enemy, their arrival at that point of the field being entirely unexpected. The enemy fell back, and a panic seized them. Cheer after cheer from our men went up, and we knew the battle had been won.

Thus was the best-appointed army that had ever taken the field on this continent beaten, and compelled to retreat in hot haste, leaving behind them every thing that impeded their escape. Guns, knapsacks, hats, caps, shoes, canteens, and blankets, covered the ground for miles and miles. At about 5 o'clock we heard cheer upon cheer, and the word “Davis” ran along the ranks, and we saw in the distance the tall, slender form of our gallant President, who had arrived upon the field in time to see the total rout of the army which threatened his capture, and the subjugation of the South.

The President left Richmond at 6 o'clock in the morning, and reached Manassas Junction at 4, where, mounting a horse, accompanied by Col. Joseph R. Davis and numerous attendants, he galloped to the battle-field, just in time to join in the pursuit by a magnificent body of cavalry, consisting of 1,500 men, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Stewart.¹ This sight, of itself, was worth the fatigue of the day's journey. We saw the poor wounded soldiers on the roadside and in the fields, when they observed the President's manly form pass by, raise their heads, and heard them give shout upon shout and cheer upon cheer. It has been stated the President commanded the centre and joined in the charge; but this is a mistake. The train had been delayed, and arrived at the Junction two hours behind its time, which must have been a grievous disappointment. The Washington Artillery, who had drawn their guns up the hill and in front of the house known as Mr. Lewis's--Gen. Cocke's and Gen. Johnston's Headquarters, and which was riddled with shot — commanded by Major J. B. Walton in person, gave the enemy about this time a parting salute.

With the aid of our glass, which was more powerful than his own, he observed the carriage of a gun some two miles off. He gave the order for another fire, and Lieut. Dearing pointed the piece. Before the ball had well reached the point aimed at, a whole regiment of the enemy appeared in sight, going at “double-quick” down the Centreville road. Major Walton immediately ordered another shot “to help them along,” as he said, and two were sent without delay right at them. There was no obstruction, and the whole front of the regiment was exposed. One-half were seen to fall, and if Gen. Johnston had not at that moment sent an order to Major Walton to cease firing, nearly the whole regiment would have been killed. Of the Washington Artillery, only one member of the detachment was killed, viz., Sergeant Joshua Reynolds, of New Orleans, who was struck in the forehead while giving the word of command. Privates Payne and Crutcher were slightly wounded. Thus did 15,000 men, with 18 pieces of artillery, drive back ingloriously a force exceeding 35,000, supported by nearly 100 pieces of cannon. I believe the official report will sustain me in the assertion that Gen. Beauregard did not bring more than 15,000 men into the action. The total force under Gen. McDowell was over 50,000, but 35,000 will probably cover the entire force in action at the Stone Bridge.

Of the pursuit, already the particulars are known. Suffice it to say, we followed them on the Leesburg road and on the Centreville road as far as Centreville and Fairfax. The poor wretches dropped their guns, their knapsacks, their blankets, and every thing they had — they fell on their knees and prayed for mercy. They received it — Southerners have no animosity against a defeated enemy. We have captured 900 prisoners, and they will be treated with kindness. We have also captured 67 pieces of cannon, among them numerous fine pieces, Armstrong guns, and rifled cannon, hundreds of wagons, loads of provisions, and ammunition. The credit is accorded them: they fought well and long, but their cause was bad — they were on soil not their own, and they met their equals, who were fighting in defence of their homes, their liberty, and their honor.--Richmond Dispatch, and Baltimore Sun, August 1.