From Manassas Junction.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
I received on our way, from the hands of a lady, a bouquet, with the following words written on a slip of paper: ‘"If God be for us, who can be against us?"’ That this should have fallen into the hands of the Chaplain, surely was a strange coincidence, and one which, I trust, betokens success to our cause.
There are a large number of troops encamped here at present, embracing the two South Carolina regiments; another regiment, under Col. Preston, arrived this evening.
The whole camp was thrown into great excitement this morning by the report that the advance guard of the Federal forces were at Fairfax Court House, about fifteen miles distant. The wild shouts of success to their arms which went up to the heavens, as regiment after regiment formed its solid columns into the line, surpassed any thing I ever heard in my whole life.
The deportment of the Howitzers in this their first appearance on the anticipated battle-field is thus spoken of by Captain Shields in a letter to Major Randolph: ‘"The men were prompt, cool and cheerful, without any undue exhibition of bluster or noise"’
General Bonham also complimented them for the readiness with which they prepared for the field of action. The alarm, however, proved false, and all returned to the encampment about night.
All our men are well.
As I have been quite unwell for the last day or two, and expect to be in Richmond tomorrow, must close.
