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[776] looks for while extending his right. However, they have a rather lively fight with Hays' division, which costs them about fifty men killed or wounded: among the latter is General Posey. Gradually the firing ceases. Warren has no interest in taking the offensive; he has only to keep his position until night to be able afterward to join the army at Centreville. Hill has as many combatants as Warren, but the defeat which he has just experienced deceives him as to the enemy's forces. He in vain awaits Ewell, who, it appears, has lost his way: Fitzhugh Lee's division of cavalry alone is seen arriving, then that of Hampton, led by Stuart. At night Warren orders his troops to resume the march. They have suffered but little: Webb, who alone has sustained a serious struggle, has all the advantage of the position. The losses of the Second corps amount to two hundred men. However, the day's work has been rough: at the outset the surprise at Auburn; then a long march; five hours fighting, during which the remainder of the army seems to have forgotten the rear-guard; finally, after the victory, the necessity of undertaking a night-march. On the whole, the affair has been brilliant both for themselves and their young commander: Warren has again shown the coup d'oeil, the coolness, and the activity which mark him as a distinguished commander. The Confederates have had more than five hundred men killed and wounded, among whom are three general officers. Besides, they have left about five hundred prisoners, five guns, and two flags in the hands of their adversaries. They had hoped to be able to bar the way against the Army of the Potomac, but have been outstripped; they were manoeuvring to secure the advantage of the defensive, and they have been compelled to give an offensive battle, the result of which has been adverse to them. The Sixth corps has been ordered on the same evening toward Chantilly by Meade, who still fears to be cut off. The main body of the army has reached Centreville before night, except the Fifth corps, which the commander-in-chief at the news of the battle at Bristoe has sent to the help of the Second. Sykes, having retraced his steps, has halted on learning of the success of his comrades-in-arms. On the morning of the 15th all the
Philadelphia, Jos. H. Coates and co., 1883.
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