The enemy advanced over the plain and up to the very bluff overlooking the stream, and a very short distance from where Longstreet’s force lay, but the Washington Artillery had been raking the field all the while, from an eminence in the rear, while the infantry now began to fire in earnest.  The elevated position gave the enemy great advantage, and at one time General Longstreet had to call up his reserves, but the advantageous assault was speedily repulsed as soon as the Southern troops became more calm and better accustomed to the fire and tension of the battlefield.  Several assaults were made, one immediately after the other, but each time Southern valor overcame Northern discipline.  From our position at Mitchell’s Ford, we could hear the fierce, continual roll of the infantry fire, mingled with the deafening thunder of the cannon.  Bonham was under a continual shelling from long range, by twenty pounders, some reaching as far in the rear as the wagon yard.  After the fourth repulse, and Longstreet had his reserves well in hand, he felt himself strong enough to take the initiative.  Plunging through the marshes and lagoons that bordered the stream, the troops crossed over and up the bluff, but when on the heights they met another advance of the enemy, who were soon sent scampering from the field.  Then was first heard the famous “Rebel yell.”  The Confederates finding themselves victorious in this their first engagement, gave vent to their feelings by uttering such a yell as suited each individual best, forming for all time the famous “Rebel Yell.”  Longstreet withdrew his forces to the east side, but a continual fusilade of artillery was kept up until night.  Some of our soldiers visited the battlefield that night and next day, and brought in many trophies and mementoes of the day’s fight, such as blankets, oilcloths, canteens, guns, etc.

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CHAPTER V

The Battle of Manassas—­Rout of the Enemy.  Visit to the Battlefield.

Of the battle of the 18th, the enemy seemed to make little, and called it a “demonstration” at which General Tyler exceeded his orders, and pushed his troops too far.  However, the Confederates were very well satisfied with the contest where the first blood was drawn.  General Johnston, who at this time was up in the Shenandoah Valley, near Winchester, was asked by General Beauregard to come to his relief.  He was confronted himself by General Patterson, an able Federal General, with a largely superior army.  This General Johnston had assurance to believe was preparing to advance, and his own danger great.  Still by a strategem, he succeeded in quietly withdrawing his troops, and began the hazardous undertaking of re-enforcing Beauregard.  Some of his troops he placed upon the cars at Piedmont, and sped along o’er mountains and glens with lightning speed, while the others on foot came over and through