The shells of our rifle and parrot guns accelerated their speed, and added to their demoralization by hissing and shrieking above their heads and bursting in the tree tops.  Orders were sent to Generals Bonham, Longstreet, and Jones, who were holding the lower fords, to cross over and strike the flying fugitives in the rear near Centerville.  Colonels Williams and Bacon, with their regiments, led by General Bonham, in person, crossed the stream at a double quick, and began the pursuit of the stampeded troops.  When we reached the camps of the enemy, where they had bivouaced the night before, the scene beggared description.  On either side of the road were piled as high as one could reach baggages of every description, which the men had discarded before going into action.  Blankets rolled up, oilcloths, overcoats, tents, all of the very best material, piled up by the hundreds and thousands.  Pots and camp kettles hung over fires, and from within came the savory smell of “rich viands with rare condiments,” being prepared to appease the keen appetite of the battle-worn veterans after the day’s victory.  Great quarters of fresh beef hung temptingly from the limbs of the trees, wagons filled with arms and accoutrements, provisions, and army supplies, with not a few well-laden with all the delicacies, tid-bits, and rarest old wines that Washington could afford, to assuage the thirst of officers and the men of note.  Many of the high dignitaries and officials from the Capitol had come out to witness the fight from afar, and enjoy the exciting scene of battle.  They were now fleeing through the woods like men demented, or crouched behind trees, perfectly paralyzed with uncertainty and fright.  One old citizen of the North, captured by the boys, gave much merriment by the antics he cut, being frightened out of his wits with the thought of being summarily dealt with by the soldiers.  Some would punch him in the back with their bayonets, then another would give him a thrust as he turned to ask quarters of the first tormentor.  The crisis was reached, however, when one of the soldiers, in a spirit of mischief, called for a rope to hang him; he thought himself lost, and through his tears he begged for mercy, pleaded for compassion, and promised atonement.  General Bonham riding up at this juncture of the soldiers’ sport, and seeing the abject fear of the old Northern Abolitionist, took pity and showed his sympathy by telling the men to turn him loose, and not to interfere with non-combatants.  He was told to run now, and if he kept the gait he started with through the woods, not many hours elapsed before he placed the placid waters of the Potomac between him and the blood-thirsty Rebels.  Strict orders were given to “stay in ranks,” but the sight of so much valuable plunder, and actual necessaries to the soldiers, was too much for the poorly provided Confederates; and not a few plucked from the pile a blanket, overcoat, canteen, or other article that his wants dictated.  A joke the boys had on a major