Mobile Advertiser & Register

June 15, 1861

Page 1

                                    CAMP PICKENS, MANASSAS JUNCTION

                                     Home Guard Quarters, June 6, 1861

            I was told yesterday, coming from one of the parties engaged, (the Captain), that a party of scouts, seven in number, under Capt. McKay, commanding an independent company, late of the United States service, met with four federal cavalry, also scouts, at Falls Church, Wednesday night, and taking deliberate aim at the Federalists, fired, killing three instantly and wounding the fourth so badly that he had to cling to the back of his horse as he ran.  This happened in distant view of the enemy’s camp, supposed to be Dragoons, about six miles from Alexandria.  The Rangers made good their escape, having only one musket fired at them.  This came from the captain himself, and was told to Lieutenant K. of the _____, from whom I got the information.

            A fateful accident happened in one of the South Carolina regiments two nights since, which resulted in the immediate death of a young South Carolinian quarter-master sergeant.  A Virginia volunteer was in camp with him, and in handling a musket it was by some means discharged, nearly blowing the South Carolinian’s head off.  I did not learn his name.

            Some seventy-five negroes from Fauquier county arrived here this evening, and were immediately put at the fortifications, for which purpose they came.  Others are said to be coming.

            I took a good look at Gen. Beauregard to-day, and though his face shows the highest order of intellect, yet he has the most unfathomable eye I have ever looked into.  Every one feels the greatest confidence in him.