33. XXXIII.
THE LINES.
On the next morning I had just risen from my straw pallet
when General Beauregard entered and saluted me with grave
courtesy.
“I will be glad if you will ride with me this morning, Captain,”
he said, “and I will explain the position of affairs here.”
I bowed, and informed the General that I was at his orders.
After a plain breakfast, we mounted and set out for a ride along
the entire lines.
General Beauregard had taken up a strong position along Bull
Run, a small watercourse, with thickly wooded banks, running
around Manassas, and emptying into the Occoquan. Three miles
in front was Centreville; three miles in rear, Manassas. From
Union Mills, the extreme right of the line, to Stonebridge, the
extreme left, was about seven or eight miles. Mitchell's Ford,
on the main road from Manassas to Centreville, was the Confederate
centre.
“The enemy will attack here first,” said General Beauregard;
“but I have the advantage of position. If they strike with their
main body at either flank, it will lay them open to an attack in
return.”
We passed on, following the earthworks along the high banks
of the stream. The position appeared impregnable—the troops
defending it, in excellent spirits. In front of Stonebridge a
heavy abatis of felled trees, commanded by artillery, defended
the approach by the Warrenton road.
Passing near the afterward celebrated Henry House, General
Beauregard said that, if the enemy succeeded in crossing on the
left, the battle would be there.
“The battle of Bull Run,” he said in a low tone, as if to himself.
“That is rather an unclassic name, General.”
“It is as good as `The Cowpens,' Captain.”[1]
And the white teeth shone under the black mustache.
After a long ride, in which General Beauregard pointed out
every detail of the ground, we rode back to head-quarters, where
a good supper awaited us. On the next morning the ride was
repeated, and this time we visited Fairfax Court-House, where
General Bonham was in command of the advance force.
“The enemy are about to move,” said General Beauregard on
the way back. “Now is the time for General Johnston to put
himself in motion.”
“At your orders, General.”
“Do not go until the morning. I wish to send the last news
from the front.”
I was aroused at three in the morning by an orderly, who said:
“Captain, General Beauregard would like to see you.”
In a moment I had buckled on my sword and was in the presence
of the General.
