Editorial Correspondence.
Camp Near Winchester,
Wednesday, July 17, 10 o’clock P. M.
Dear Courier: To-day has been quiet in this camp. This evening news came that some six thousand of the enemy were in Smithville, a town 6 miles East of Bunker Hill, while the balance of the force, now believed to be about 30,000, remain at the latter place. The presumption is, that they intend to attempt to flank us here, by coming up to the East of the direct road with one column of their army. They will find Gen Johnston ready for them, whatev- manoeuvring may be, unless I greatly misjudge.
Since five o’clock we have thrown down probably six miles of fence, for the purpose of opening a battle-field, and I never imagined men, on the eve of an expected fight, could be in such excellent spirits, and so enthusiastic.
It may be that this movement of Patterson is only a sham, but it really looks like there would a fight here before long.
Most of the sick are doing well, though one of the Chattooga county boys died to-day, of Pneumonia, his name was Allen. Of the Light Guards all but four were on duty to-day.
7 o’clock this morning. – Orders have just been issued to pack up baggage, strike tents, cook two days rations and be ready to march immediately, we know not where, but expect only two or three miles towards Smithville. No news from the enemy this morning. The 11th Georgia Regiment arrived yesterday.
Manassas Junction, Saturday.
July 20th, 7 ½ 0’clock A. M.
Dear Courier: About one half of the force that left Winchester on Thursday, and arrived at Piedmont yesterday morning, came to this place on the cars yesterday and last night, our Regiment left Piedmont Station at 7 P. M., yesterday, and did not arrive here until 2 o’clock this morning. We were very much crowded on the cars, and of course the chance to sleep was a slim one. The reason of so much delay I do not know. The distance is only 35 miles. We had some coffee this morning, and are now scattered round on the ground, trying to get what rest we can, before marching to Bull’s Run – some four miles from here.
The particulars of the fight there on Thursday, you have probably received before this. The belief prevails here that the enemy lost in killed about 900. We had ten killed and some 30 or 40 wounded. This statement is as I receive it, and I cannot vouch for its accuracy. We expect to remain here until the balance of Johnston’s force, that we left behind at Piedmont Station, to come up, probably this evening, and then go to Bull’s Run. The expectation yesterday was, that there would be a big battle to-day. Yesterday the enemy under a flag of truce, were allowed to collect their dead and bury them. Beauregard, as reported has possession of the battle-ground.
Our men stand up wonderfully well, under the fatigue of the past tow days and nights. Most of our baggage and all the tents, were left at Winchester. I hear it said that these will be sent to us in a day or two.
The entire force that was here previous to yesterday morning, has gone to Bull’s Run.
Rome (GA) Tri-Weekly Courier, 7/27/1861
Contributed by John Hennessy
Melvin Dwinnell was the editor of the Rome Tri-Weekly Courier
Melvin Dwinell at Ancestry.com
Harry Smeltzer
Bull Runnings 
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