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  1862
[Johnney Reb]General Kearny[Billy Yank]
 

 1862 Calendar
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From the Editor:  From the editor: His army laying around him in ruins after the defeat at Manassas, John Pope is forced to place placards around the fortifications at Centreville in hopes that his scattered command can bring itself back into order. In his mind the blame for the failure to "bag the whole crowd" rests squarely upon George McClellan and the generals, especially Fitz-John Porter, in the Army of the Potomac that remain loyal to him. It is these men and their failure to obey orders that has caused this calamity. In truth however, John Pope can blame no one but himself. It is he who neglects to send orders to Fitz-John Porter to attack Jackson's flank on Friday, and it is he who must accept the responsibility for allowing Longstreet to attack his own unprotected flank on Saturday. These are the failures that bring about defeat, and they belong to John Pope alone. And it is these failures which allow Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. Jackson, and James Longstreet to achieve their "signal victory" on the plains of Manassas.

 THE MAP ROOM (CEDAR MOUNTAIN 363K)

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Aug 24 1862 (Sunday)

"Stonewall" Jackson swims his horse to one of the abutments of the Waterloo Bridge and watches as his engineers work frantically to reconstruct to span. Jubal Early, skillfully deploying his men to mask his weakness, holds off several attacks from the van of Pope's oncoming army led by Robert Milroy and John Buford. At 3:00 AM, Early is given permission to recross the river, his command is safe, "rescued from inevitable destruction."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Warrenton, August 24, 1862--9 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief: The enemy withdrew his force across the Rappahannock, over a bridge which he had built there...with only the loss of a few prisoners. The bridge was destroyed behind him and under the fire of his artillery and sharpshooters. There is no enemy on this side of the Rappahannock. I presume he is not yet ready to force the passage of that river for any forward movement. I think it likely that he is engaged in rebuilding the railroad bridge between the Rapidan and Rappahannock, so as to get up his supplies, though I do not think it at all possible....Please let me know to-night, if possible, whether my order fixing the disposition of the troops is approved. JNO. POPE, Major-General.

Robert E. Lee, knowing that his window of opportunity is fast closing reveals to Jefferson Davis his intentions of continuing to act aggressively in northern Virginia.

HEADQUARTERS. Jeffersonton, Va., August 24, 1862. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President Confederate States, Richmond, Va.: - Mr. PRESIDENT: The enemy is in force before us, occupying the left bank of the Rappahannock, and has greatly the advantage of us in artillery. I send you an autograph letter from General Pope to General McClellan. It is of old date...but interesting, as exhibiting his plans of campaign when you compare it with its failure....I think I can feed the whole army here....At first there will be difficulties, but they will be softened as we advance, and we shall relieve other parts of the country and employ what would be consumed and destroyed by the enemy. The theater of war will thus be changed, for a season at least, unless we are overpowered. This last letter of Pope, I think, makes it certain that McClellan's destination is to join Pope. The whole army, I think, should be united here as soon as possible....I advanced the troops here last night and this morning, in consequence of ascertaining that the enemy, feeling secure on their left from the high water of the Rappahannock, was concentrating his force upon General Jackson. I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

Braxton Bragg's advance into middle Tennessee is delayed yet again as he waits for his slow moving artillery train.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT NO. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 24, 1862. - Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Army of East Tennessee: - MY DEAR GENERAL: My movements are delayed beyond any calculation possible by inefficient officers in charge of the trains and artillery crossing the country....It will yet be four days before we can start; but the probability is I shall then advance rapidly in the direction desired by you. Buell has no doubt fallen back from Bridgeport. He is reported to be concentrating a force at McMinnville and fortifying, but I look for him to recede to Nashville before giving us battle....From the great number of deserters from Buell's army we are confident his troops are greatly disorganized, and the movement backward, which is being made in great haste, is not calculated to improve his condition. I am, general, very respectfully and truly, yours, BRAXTON BRAGG.

Kirby Smith, having advanced to Barboursville, sets his sites on his next target, Richmond, Kentucky.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF EAST TENNESSEE, Barboursville, Ky., August 24, 1862. - General BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding Department No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn.: - GENERAL: My advance under Colonel Scott, has engaged the enemy near Richmond....I shall advance my whole force as rapidly as possible. The head of my infantry column leaves here to-morrow; the rear brigade will probably leave this place on the 29th....I shall have with me about 12,000 effective men, and with this force I shall fight everything that presents itself, Lexington being the objective point of my operations. Should I succeed in reaching there I shall endeavor to maintain myself in that region at least....Thus far the people are universally hostile to our cause. This sentiment extends through the mountain region of Eastern Kentucky. In the blue-grass region I have better expectations and shall soon test their loyalty. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KIRBY SMITH, Major-General, Commanding.

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Aug 25 1862 (Monday)

John Pope, after failing to snap up Early's stranded brigade, reassures Henry Halleck that he is "ready to cross the Rappahannock River at a moment's notice....I don't like to be on the defensive if I can help it."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, August 25, 1862--9 p.m. (Received 11.10 p.m.) - Major-General HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief: McDowell's is the only corps that is at all reliable that I have. Sigel, as you know, is perfectly unreliable, and I suggest that some officer of superior rank be sent to command his army corps....I shall at all events push McDowell's corps and Kearny's division upon the enemy's rear if I find my suspicions confirmed in the morning....Sigel's corps, although composed of some of the best fighting material we have, will never do much service under that officer. I will communicate further with you in the morning. JNO. POPE, Major-General.

Lee realizes that his army is stalled and that he cannot afford to allow another stalemate to develop along the Rappahannock River. He calls "Stonewall" Jackson to his headquarters at Jefferston and unveils his bold plan to "leverage Pope away from the Rappahannock." The plan will separate the two wings of the Army of Northern Virginia by over fifty miles, with Pope's army, twice the size of either wing, in the middle.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. In pursuance of the plan of operations determined upon, Jackson was directed on the 25th to cross above Waterloo and move around the enemy's right, so as to strike the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in his rear. Longstreet in the mean time was to divert his attention by threatening him in front and to follow Jackson as soon as the latter should be sufficiently advanced....R. E. LEE, General.

Jackson's wing crosses the river at Hinson's Mill ford and marches north through Farquier County. The "severe days march" under a blazing sun places "Stonewall" twelve miles north of John Pope's right flank at Waterloo Bridge. Despite all the precautions taken by "Old Jack," the march in not unobserved.

August 25, 1862---10.30 a.m. - Major-General Banks: - GENERAL: Have discovered their train passing north in vicinity of Flint Hill; infantry in rear. Their column is now in view at five different points between Flint Hill and Jefferson, a distance of 15 miles. Column been moving since daylight, composed principally of infantry and artillery. Comparatively few wagons or ambulances. Column appears well closed up and colors flying. Eleven a.m. counted thirty-five wagons, five batteries, a regiment of cavalry, and thirteen regiments of infantry pass one point within an hour and a half....Respectfully, JOHN S. CLARK, Colonel, Aide-de-Camp.

After issuing an inspiring order that will be read to all of his men, "It is our proud lot to be assigned the duty of punishing and driving forth these deluded men, led by desperate adventurers and goaded by Abolition demagogues and demons," Braxton Bragg begins his advance into middle Tennessee.

DECATUR, August 25, 1862. (Received August 25.) - General GRANT, Corinth: Bragg has crossed the river at Chattanooga and two other points above with a very heavy force. Can you do anything to help us? It should be done quickly. Can you not at least throw a division across into North Alabama? I have to beg also that our communications with each other are kept up; otherwise they cannot be....BUELL, Major-General.

"Cump" Sherman is again plagued by newspaper correspondents. The power of the press was a key element in Sherman's fall from power in late 1861 when it was reported in several newspapers that "Sherman is insane."

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, August 25, 1862. - Col. W. H. H. TAYLOR, Present : - DEAR SIR: The Cincinnati press has even taken pains to abuse me personally. I am not dependent on the press in any manner, never having sought popularity. In fact, I despise popularity obtained by the usual process of flattery and pusillanimity. I could easily win the applause of the masses by stooping to practices that would degrade me in my own estimation and that of posterity....In Kentucky I foresaw, or thought I foresaw, opposition that called for a force that, at the time, seemed ridiculous or absurd. Time has proved the truth of my representations....There are over 6,000,000 of people in the South, every one of whom is a keen, bitter enemy. The men are born and trained to arms. They have educated leaders, as good, if not better, than ours. On the whole, they are united, whilst our people and press appear more determined to ruin our army than that of the enemy. See the number of leaders already consigned to doom. As soon as any man rises above mediocrity he is made the butt for all the arrows of the envious or disappointed....Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.


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Aug 26 1862 (Tuesday)

"A women dressed in man's clothing" is returned to the lines of Rufus King by General Richard Anderson. The presence of Anderson's division in their front, known to be under Longstreet's command, is another indication that "Stonewall" Jackson and his wing of the army may have slipped away.

WARRENTON JUNCTION, August 26, 1862--5 a.m. - General McDOWELL: Please ascertain in some way whether the enemy be really in force at Waterloo Bridge. Sigel insists that he is, while Banks, who was there late yesterday afternoon, asserts positively that there was no enemy during the day there. You will easily see how important it is for us to know positively what has become of the enemy's force which was in front and where the column has gone which took yesterday the road toward Salem. Please use every means possible to ascertain this at once....I wish you would send me a regiment of cavalry; I have not a mounted man here; send one of Buford's or Bayard's. JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding.

Throughout the day reports are filtering in that a "continuous line of troops" is marching through Thoroughfare Gap. John Pope, fixated on Longstreet's actions along the Rappahannock line, ignores these warnings. It is not until evening that the destination of these marching troops is divined.

ALEXANDRIA DEPOT, Va., August 26, 1862. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The following telegram has just been received from Manassas: "No. 6 train, engine Secretary, was fired into at Bristoe by a party of cavalry--some say 500 strong. They had piled ties on the track, but engine threw them off. Secretary is completely riddled by bullets. Conductor says he thinks the enemy are coming this way McCRICKETT, Dispatcher." I am just informed that the four trains following the Secretary are captured and that the rebels are approaching Manassas with artillery. These may be exaggerations, but the operator and agent are leaving, and prompt action is required. It is unfortunate that a portion of our forces did not march. I await instructions. H. HAUPT.

Colonel Herman Haupt, the erstwhile Superintendent of Military Railroads, is the man of the hour. Unable to communicate with Pope, Halleck instructs Haupt to order "any...general officer you can find" to send men to Manassas Junction.

ALEXANDRIA, VA., August 26, 1862---11 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK: I have been in search of some general officers, but can find none....I have found Colonels Scammon and White, of Cox's command, who will be ready in an hour....The track is blocked. I will send out 3,000 or 4,000 troops, but they can do no more to-night than hold Bull Run Bridge. Damage at Manassas cannot now be helped, whatever it is. It has been already done. It is probable that when our troops get there no enemy will be found. I will forward wrecking and construction train to repair damages as rapidly as possible. H. HAUPT.

Jackson's column reaches Gainesville by 4 P.M., and advances to cut the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bristoe Station. When "Old Jack" learns that "stores of great value" are at Manassas Junction, seven miles up the railroad, he sends Isaac Trimble and his "two Twenty-ones," the 21st North Carolina and the 21st Georgia to capture the place. Trimble responds: "Give me my two Twenty-ones and I'll charge and capture hell itself!"

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - No. 165.--Report of Lieut. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Corps, of operations August 15-September 3. Brig. Gen. R. H. CHILTON, A. A. and I. G., Hdqrs. Dept. Northern Virginia. - SIR: Learning that the enemy had collected at Manassas Junction, a station about 7 miles distant, stores of great value, I deemed it important that no time should be lost in securing them. Notwithstanding the darkness of the night and the fatiguing march, which would since dawn be over 30 miles before reaching the Junction, Brigadier-General Trimble volunteered to proceed there forthwith with the Twenty first North Carolina...and capture the place....In order to increase the prospect of success Major-General Stuart, with a portion of his cavalry, was subsequently directed to move forward, and, as the ranking officer, to take command of the expedition....Notwithstanding the Federal fire of musketry and artillery our infantry dispersed the troops placed there for the defense of the place, and captured 8 guns, with 72 horses, equipments, and ammunition complete, immense supplies of commissary and quartermaster's stores....I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant-General.

*William C. Falkner, leading eight-hundred Confederate irregulars, raids Phil Sheridan's camp at Rienzi, Mississippi. "Little Phil," after counting his losses, sends out his troopers with orders "to take no prisoners!" Falkner's untrained "raw levies" race off in "the most disgraceful rout and scatteration...I ever heard of." In commemoration of the victory, Captain Campbell gives Sheridan a high spirited, three year old black gelding. Sheridan renames the horse Rienzi in honor of the skirmish.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA CAVALRY, Camp near Rienzi, Miss. - First Lieut. GEORGE LEE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Cavalry Division. - SIR: Complying with order from General Sheridan to move forward and attack and drive the enemy as far as Hatchie River, I moved forward rapidly...[and] drove in his rear guard, and at Harris', 5 miles from camp, found the enemy drawn up in battle line, about 250 to 300 cavalry; charged them immediately, breaking their line and routing them. Kept up a running fire upon their retreating columns as far as B., about 8 miles from camp, where the enemy again formed, and were again charged and broken. The enemy then fled by three routes in great disorder....The enemy being utterly routed, our horses breaking down from a run from 12 to 20 miles and excessive heat, night coming on, I was obliged to sound the recall....I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HATCH, Colonel, Commanding.

* Colonel William Falkner is the grandfather of Nobel Prize winning novelist William C. Faulkner and is the inspiration for several of his most notable characters.

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Aug 27 1862 (Wednesday)

At daylight, a brigade of New Jersey troops commanded by General George Taylor and two Ohio regiments, fruits of Herman Haupt's previous night's labor, climb aboard a train and head to Manassas Junction to protect the Bull Run Bridge. When they appear...it falls to A.P. Hill to order his men away from the feast of captured food they are enjoying and turn to face these unexpected visitors. The green Union troops stand the Confederate fire for only fifteen minutes before they wheel about and hastily retreat.

FAIRFAX STATION, VA., August 27, 1862. - Col. E. P. SCAMMON, Comdg. First Provisional Brigade, Kanawha Division. - SIR: The Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry left Alexandria this morning at 4 a.m. by rail for Bull Run Bridge, where it arrived about 8 o'clock, disembarked, and formed on the railroad track on the left bank of the stream, fronting two rifle pits on the opposite side....These positions were taken while the enemy were pressing the First New Jersey Brigade, which had preceded us in the advance across the bridge...Scarcely had we taken position when I received your order to advance and take position to save the bridge, if possible....The galling fire poured into their advance soon hurled them back, but in a short time a regiment was sent to outflank our right, and another our left, while a charge was made down the hill on our front....The enemy advanced his forces...making a desperate effort to cut us off....We were finally compelled to fall back to the next ridge in the rear, where a stand was made...which...enabled us to get off our wounded and retire in good order, they covering the retreat....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. B. WHITE, Colonel, Commanding Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

The pressure has finally gotten to Henry Halleck. Learning that Taylor's brigade "is either cut to pieces or captured," he complains to George McClellan that he "can get no satisfactory information from the front....There seems to have been great neglect or carelessness about Manassas." Crestfallen, exhausted, and wracked with diarrhea, "Old Brains" tells McClellan to direct his men has he deems best.

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 27, 1862. - Major General MCCLELLAN, Alexandria, Va.: As you must be aware, more than three-quarters of my time is taken up with the raising of new troops and matters in the West. I have no time for details. You will therefore, as ranking general in the field, direct as you deem best; but at present orders for Pope's army should go through me. H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief.

When it is becoming clear that Jackson has passed his right flank and is separated from the rest of the Confederate army, John Pope sees an opportunity to "bag the whole crowd." Pope sends out orders to abandon the Rappahannock line and march east towards Manassas Junction.

HEADQUARTERS, Bristoe, August 27, 1862 - Major-General KEARNY: At the very earliest blush of dawn push forward with your command with all speed to this place. You cannot be more than 3 or 4 miles distant. Jackson, A. P. Hill, and Ewell are in front of us....McDowell marches upon Manassas Junction from Gainesville to-morrow at daybreak; Reno upon the same place at the same hour. I want you here at day-dawn, if possible, and we shall bag the whole crowd. Be prompt and expeditious, and never mind wagon trains or roads till this affair is over.... JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding.

The first Federal unit to arrive on the scene from Pope's army belong to Joe Hooker. Fighting a delaying action, General Ewell halts the Union advance long enough to burn the bridge over Broad Run and gives "Stonewall" Jackson enough time to organize a stealthy withdrawal. The supplies that cannot be eaten or carried away are burned and the bright flames, clearly visible to John Pope at his headquarters five miles away, attracts Pope like a moth to a flame. As "Old Jack" starts his men on a night march, Pope gets ready to pounce on Manassas Junction.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - No. 165.--Report of Lieut. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Corps, of operations August 15-September 3. - HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VA. - Brig. Gen. R. H. CHILTON, A. A. and I. G., Hdqrs. Dept. Northern Virginia. - GENERAL The destruction of the railroad bridge across Broad Run was intrusted to Lieutenant Boswell, of the Engineer Corps....Orders were given to supply the troops with rations and other articles which they could properly make subservient to their use from the captured property. It was vast in quantity and of great value, comprising 50,000 pounds of bacon, 1,000 barrels of corned beef, 2,000 barrels of salt pork, 2,000 barrels of flour, quartermaster's, ordnance, and sutler's stores deposited in buildings and filling two trains of cars. Having appropriated all that we could use, and unwilling that the residue should again fall into the hands of the enemy...orders were given to destroy all that remained after supplying the immediate wants of the army. This was done during the night. General Taliaferro moved his division that night across to the Warrenton and Alexandria turnpike, pursuing the road to Sudley's Mill, and crossing the turnpike in the vicinity of Groveton, halted near the battle-field of July 21, 1861. T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant-General.

Sterling Price, commanding the Army of the West, tries to persuade Earl Van Dorn to join him in an attack on Corinth, Mississippi.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE TENNESSEE, Tupelo, Miss., August 27, 1862. - Maj. Gen. EARL VAN DORN, Comdg. District of the Mississippi, Jackson, Miss.: - GENERAL: I...am glad that you agree to my proposition to unite our forces for an aggressive campaign....I...think that...we should concentrate our forces at or near this point for the purpose of attacking the enemy at Corinth. This ought to be done straightway, so as to hinder and delay the re-enforcements of Buell as much as possible, and also to anticipate any re-enforcements which may be on their way to Corinth. In both of these views speedy action is very important. Having driven the enemy from Corinth we may then decide upon the future conduct of the campaign....An advance on our part would put the whole line in movement from the Atlantic to the Territories, for we alone are stationary. The dispatches this afternoon announce that the enemy are falling back from the line of the Tennessee. Let us keep them moving. I am, general, with the greatest respect, your friend and servant, STERLING PRICE, Major-general.

Benjamin Butler reports on his evacuation of Baton Rouge.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 27, 1862. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief U.S.A. - GENERAL: I ordered the State library to be brought away, and Powers' statue of Washington from the State-house. This has been safely accomplished. The library is stored with the city library here. I have sent the statute of Washington to the mayor of New York, to be held in trust for the people of Louisiana until they shall have returned to their senses....I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major General, Commanding.

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Aug 28 1862 (Thursday)

When Pope finally gets to Manassas Junction, the railroad junction is deserted. As he orders his army to continue on towards Centreville to find the wily Jackson, he can expect no help from "Little Mac." Given authorization to send up reinforcements as he sees fit, McClellan decides that William Franklin and "Bull" Sumner's corps are not "in condition to move and fight a battle."

HEADQUARTERS CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, August 28, 1862--4.10 p.m. - We are not yet in condition to move; may be by to-morrow morning. Pope must cut through to-day or adopt the plan I suggested....GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-general.

With his force settled in at Groveton, "Stonewall" Jackson believes that must bring on a battle before Pope can take up position in the strong fortifications around Centreville if his fifty-four mile flank march is to be deemed a success. After capturing a Yankee courier, "Old Jack" is relieved to learn that Pope is on the march to Manassas. A march that will bring Pope's men along the Warrenton Turnpike and within the range of his guns.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - No. 165.--Report of Lieut. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Corps, of operations August 15-September 3. - HDQRS. SECOND CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VA. - Brig. Gen. R. H. CHILTON, A. A. and I. G., Hdqrs. Dept. Northern Virginia. - GENERAL: My command had hardly concentrated north of the turnpike before the enemy's advance reached the vicinity of Groveton from the direction of Warrenton....My command was advanced through the woods, leaving Groveton on the left, until it reached a commanding position near Brawner's house. By this time it was sunset; but as his column appeared to be moving by, with its flank exposed, I determined to attack at once....The conflict here was fierce and sanguinary....T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant-General.

Jackson's attack is "ill-managed and indecisive." It is also his misfortune to run up against John Gibbon's Black Hat Brigade. Unlike the men of "Commissary" Banks, or John C. Fremont, "these men maintained their ground with obstinate determination." Indeed, it is only due to the confusion brought about by Rufus King's epileptic seizure, which incapacitates the corps commander and prevents much needed reinforcements from reaching the battlefield, that the Union side is unable to break "Stonewall's" lines.

HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE, Camp near Upton's Hill, Va. - Capt. R. CHANDLER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Kings Division. - SIR: The left wing was thrown forward to bring the regiment facing the enemy, and the musket firing became very warm. The Nineteenth Indiana was now ordered up in support and formed on the left of the Second Wisconsin....As the enemy appeared to be now heavily re-enforced, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin were both ordered into line, and I sent repeated and earnest requests to division headquarters for assistance. Two of General Doubleday's regiments finally got into line and the fight was kept up vigorously until after dark, when finding that we were far outnumbered and outflanked on the left...I ordered the line to fall back, which was done in good order. We, however, occupied the ground with our pickets and collected the wounded....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GIBBON, Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.

Pope, his attention fixated upon Jackson, leaves it up to James Ricketts and his 5,000 man brigade to "march to resist" any Confederate advance through Thoroughfare Gap. Unfortunately for Ricketts, James Longstreet has 25,000 battle-hardened soldiers at his disposal and is on the march to reunite with "Stonewall" Jackson.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - No. 130.--Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding First Corps, of operations August 16-September 2, including battles of Groveton and Manassas &c. - HEADQUARTERS, NEAR WINCHESTER, VA. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. - GENERAL: The head of my column reached Thoroughfare Gap about 3 p.m....Passing through the Gap...[they] met the enemy....The enemy held a strong position on the opposite gorge and succeeded in getting his sharpshooters in position on the mountain. Brig. Gen. D. R. Jones advanced two of his brigades rapidly and soon drove the enemy from his position on the mountain. Brigadier-General Hood, with his own and General Whiting's brigade, was ordered by a foot-path over the mountain to turn the enemy's right, and Brigadier-General Wilcox...was ordered through Hopewell Gap, 3 miles to our left, to turn the right and attack the enemy in rear. ...I remain, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

Despite the uneven numbers available in the contest and knowing the importance of preventing Longstreet's junction with Jackson, Ricketts puts up a stubborn defense. It is only after Cadmus Wilcox marches north to Hopewell Gap and outflanks his position that Ricketts is forced to withdraw.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - No. 36.--Report of Col. Thomas -F. McCoy, One hundred and seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, First Brigade, of operations August 17-31, including engagement at Thoroughfare Gap and battle of Bull Run. - HDQRS. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGT. PA. VOLS.- Brigadier-General DURYEA, Commanding Brigade. - GENERAL: The division, having performed the duty assigned it-- darkness approaching, and being in danger of large forces of the enemy flanking our small force...withdrew, via. Hay Market, in the direction of Manassas, to Gainesville, where we bivouacked for the night, the troops being greatly wearied by the long march and operations of the day. T. F. McCOY, Colonel, Comdg. One hundred and seventh Regt. Pa. Vols.

A distraught Pope believes that it is only due to the negligence of Fitz-John Porter that he was unsuccessful in trapping Jackson at Manassas Junction. When Pope learns of the battle at Groveton he is exultant. He is sure that Jackson is desperately attempting to withdraw into the Shenandoah Valley and he issues orders to mass his army in the vicinity of Groveton to destroy the wayward Confederate chieftan.

No. 2.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, of the operations of the Army of Virginia June 26-September 2, with orders and correspondence. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA. - Brig· Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff and of Eng'rs, Hdqrs· of Army, Washington, D.C. - GENERAL: General Porter failed utterly to obey the orders that were sent him, giving as an excuse that his men were tired, that they would straggle....There were but two courses left open to Jackson in consequence of this sudden and unexpected movement of the army: He could not retrace his steps through Gainesville, as it was occupied by McDowell, having at command a force equal, if not superior, to his own, and was either obliged, therefore, to retreat through Centreville, which would carry him still farther from the main body of Lee's army, or to mass his force, assault us at Bristoe Station, and turn our right. He pursued the former course, and retired through Centreville. This mistake of Jackson's alone saved us from the consequences which would have followed this flagrant and inexcusable disobedience of orders on the part of General Porter....General Porter's corps did not arrive at Bristoe until 10.30 o'clock in the morning, and the moment he found that Jackson had evacuated Manassas Junction he requested permission to halt at Bristoe and rest his men....Porter's corps was by far the freshest in the whole army, and should have been, and I believe was, in better condition for service than any troops we had. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major-General, U. S· Volunteers.

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Aug 29 1862 (Friday)

Braxton Bragg is finally on the move. Don Carlos Buell, his army caught strung out on the march, has to scramble to find an adequate defensive position.

DECHERD, TENN., August 29, 1862--2 p.m. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Every day renders it the more evident that we must abandon our extensive lines and concentrate at some point nearer our base of supplies, perhaps Murfreesborough. Our communications are interrupted almost daily and our detachments captured by superior numbers....I yield to this conviction with painful reluctance. I cannot collect at any point this side of Murfreesborough more than 30,000 men....I am therefore preparing to concentrate at Murfreesborough. D. C. BUELL, Major-General.

Throughout the night John Pope toils to concentrate his army. He believes that he finally has Jackson on the run and tells his staff: "The game [is] in our hands, I [do] not see how it [is] possible for Jackson to escape without very heavy loss, if at all."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Near Bull Run, August 29, 1862-- -3 a.m. Major-General PORTER: - GENERAL: McDowell has intercepted the retreat of Jackson. Sigel is immediately on the right of McDowell. Kearny and Hooker march to attack the enemy's rear at early dawn. Major-General Pope directs you to move upon Centreville at the first dawn of day with your whole command, leaving your trains to follow. It is very important that you should be here at a very early hour in the morning. A severe engagement is likely to take place, and your presence is necessary. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. D. RUGGLES, Colonel and Chief of Staff.

It falls to Franz Sigel to launch the first assault on Jackson's fortified position along an unfinished railroad cut.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. - NO. 2.--Report of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, U.S. Army, commanding First Corps, Army of Virginia, of operations along the Rappahannock and the battles of Groveton and Bull Run. - HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Near Fort De Kalb, Va. - Lieut. Col. CHAUNCEY MCKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Defenses South of the Potomac. BATTLE OF GROVETON, NEAR BULL RUN, ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 1862. I received orders to "attack the enemy vigorously"....I accordingly made the necessary preparations...and formed in order of battle at daybreak....In the course of about four hours, from 6.30 to 10.30 o'clock in the morning, our whole infantry force and nearly all our batteries were engaged with the enemy, Generals Milroy and Schurz advancing 1 mile and General Schenck 2 miles from their original positions....I had previously received a letter from Major-General Pope, saying that Fitz John Porter's...would come in on our left. I did, therefore, not think it prudent to give the enemy time to make new arrangements, and ordered all the batteries to continue their fire, and to direct it principally against the enemy's position in the woods before our front....F. SIGEL, Major-General, Commanding Corps.

Pope is expecting Fitz John Porter to march towards Gainesville and attack Jackson's right flank while he keeps "Old Jack" busy in his front. Unfortunately for Porter and Pope, the orders issued are unclear at best and the disgruntled general decides to take up a defensive position near Dawkin's Branch and await developments. Porter vents his frustration in a telegram to his good friend George McClellan.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Alexandria: The following just received from Porter, 4 miles from Manassas, the 28th, 2 p.m.: All that talk of bagging Jackson, &c., was bosh. That enormous Gap (Manassas) was left open and the enemy jumped through, and the story of McDowell having cut off Longstreet had no good foundation. The enemy have destroyed all our bridges, burned trains &c., and made this army rush back to look after its line of communications-tion and find our base of subsistence. We are far from Alexandria, considering this moving of transportation. Your supply train of 40 wagons is here, but I can't find them. There is a report that Jackson is at Centreville, which you can believe or not. The enemy destroyed an immense amount of property at Manassas---cars and supplies. I expect the next thing will be a raid on our rear by way of Warrenton by Longstreet, who was cut off. F. J. PORTER, Major General.

The strength of the Union attack wears away at the Confederate defenses. With their ammunition almost spent, some of A.P. Hill's men resort to throwing rocks at the advancing Federals.

No. 176.--Report of Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill, C. S. Army, commanding Second or Light Division, of operations August 20-September 2. - HEADQUARTERS LIGHT DIVISION, Camp Gregg, Va. - Lieut. Col. C. J. FAULKNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps. - COLONEL: I occupied the line of the unfinished railroad....The evident intention of the enemy this day was to turn our left and overwhelm Jackson's corps before Longstreet come up, and to accomplish this the most persistent and furious onsets were made by column after column of infantry, accompanied by numerous batteries of artillery. Soon my reserves were all in, and...with a heroic courage and obstinacy almost beyond parallel, had met and repulsed six distinct and separate assaults, a portion of the time the majority of the men being without a cartridge. The reply of the gallant Gregg to a message of mine is worthy of note: "Tell General Hill that my ammunition is exhausted, but that I will hold my position with the bayonet." The enemy prepared for a last and determined attempt. Their serried masses, overwhelming superiority of numbers, and bold bearing made the chances of victory to tremble in the balance; my own division exhausted by seven hours' unremitted fighting, hardly one round per man remaining, and weakened in all things save its unconquerable spirit. Casting about for help, fortunately it was here reported to me that the brigades of Generals Lawton and Early were near by, and sending to them they promptly moved to my front at the most opportune moment....Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. HILL, Major-General, Commanding Light Division.

Phil Kearny leads the next charge into the weakened Confederate line. After experiencing initial success, the assault bogs down. Much needed reinforcements are not sent as Pope is still awaiting Porter's flank attack, and the attack ends in failure.

No. 53.--Report of Brig. Gen. Philip Kearny, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of the battles of Groveton and Bull Run. - HDQRS. 1ST DIV., 3D CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Centreville, Va. - Col. GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Chief of Staff to Major-General John Pope. - COLONEL: In early after noon General Pope's order...was to send a pretty strong force diagonally to the front to relieve the center in the woods from pressure. Accordingly I detached for that purpose General Robinson...and, additionally, the Third Michigan Marksmen....General Robinson drove forward for several hundred yards, but the center of the main battle being shortly after driven back and out of the woods, my detachment, thus exposed, so considerably in front of all others, both flanks in air, was obliged to cease to advance, and confine themselves to holding their own. At 5 o'clock, thinking--though at the risk of exposing my fighting line to being enfiladed--that I might drive the enemy by an unexpected attack through the woods, I brought up additionally the most of Birney's regiments...and changed front to the left, to sweep with a rush the first line of the enemy. This was most successful. The enemy rolled up on his own right. It presaged a victory for us all. Still our force was too light. The enemy brought up rapidly heavy reserves, so that our farther progress was impeded. General Stevens came up gallantly in action to support us, but did not have the numbers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ------- ------, Commanding First Division.

As he had done on Wednesday, John Pope lays the blame for today's failure squarely on the shoulders of Fitz-John Porter.

March 17-September 2, 1862. No. 2.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, of the operations of the Army of Virginia June 26-September 2, with orders and correspondence. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA. - Brig· Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff and of Eng'rs, Hdqrs· of Army, Washington, D.C. - GENERAL: Nothing was heard of General Porter...and his forces took no part whatever in the action, but were suffered by him to lie idle on their arms, within sight and sound of the battle, during the whole day. So far as I know, he made no effort whatever to comply with my orders or to take any part in the action. I do not hesitate to say that if he had discharged his duty as became a soldier under the circumstances, and had made a vigorous attack on the enemy, as he was expected and directed to do, at any time up to 8 o'clock that night, we should have utterly crushed or captured the larger portion of Jackson's force before he could have been by any possibility sufficiently re-enforced to have made any effective resistance. I did not myself feel for a moment that it was necessary for me, having given General Porter an order to march toward the enemy in a particular direction, to send him in addition specific orders to attack, it being his clear duty, and in accordance with every military precept, to have brought his forces into action wherever he encountered the enemy when a furious battle with that enemy was raging during the whole day in his immediate presence. I believe--in fact, I am positive-that at 5 o'clock in the afternoon of the 29th General Porter had in his front no considerable body of the enemy....I am very sure...that it was easily practicable for him to have turned the right flank of Jackson and to have fallen upon his rear; that if he had done so we should have gained a decisive victory over the army under Jackson before he could have been joined by any of the forces of Longstreet; and that the army of General Lee would have been so crippled and checked by the destruction of this large force as to have been no longer in condition to prosecute further operations of an aggressive character. ...I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major-General, U. S· Volunteers.

As Pope is squaring off against the forces of "Stonewall" Jackson at Groveton, he is unaware of the presence of James Longstreet, who has positioned himself on Pope's left flank. Only the unplanned presence of Fitz-John Porter corps causes "Old Pete" to delay his assault.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. No. 130.--Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding First Corps, of operations August 16-September 2, including battles of Groveton and Manassas &c. - HEADQUARTERS, NEAR WINCHESTER, VA. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. - GENERAL: Early on the 29th the...advance to join General Jackson was resumed. The noise of battle was heard before we reached Gainesville. The march was quickened to the extent of our capacity....At a late hour in the day Major-General Stuart reported the approach of the enemy in heavy columns against my extreme right. I withdrew...in case of an attack against my right....Hood, supported by Evans, made a gallant attack, driving the enemy back until 9 o'clock at night. One piece of artillery, several regimental standards, and a number of prisoners were taken. The enemy's entire force was found to be massed directly in my front, and in so strong a position that it was not deemed advisable to move on against his immediate front....JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

Aug 30 1862 (Saturday)

Kirby Smith's quick advance into Kentucky catches the green Union forces garrisoning Richmond by surprise.

HEADQUARTERS, Lexington,, Ky. - GENERAL: I have to report that...I, much to my surprise, received a dispatch from General Manson, stating that the enemy was in force in his front and that he anticipated an engagement. I immediately sent couriers, with orders for him not to fight the enemy, but to retreat by way of the Lancaster road....My anxiety was such that I started myself to see that the troops at Richmond moved in the proper direction and in order....W. NELSON, Major-General.

Mahlon Manson, unable to retreat, advances to the outskirts of town and attempts to preempt the Confederate attacking force.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. - Maj. Gen. WILLIAM NELSON, Commanding Army of Kentucky. - SIR: At 6 o'clock I ascertained that the enemy was advancing upon me....I met the enemy's advance half a mile beyond Rogersville and drove them back....The rebels seemed determined to turn my left flank, and I was compelled to transfer seven companies of the Sixty-ninth Regiment from the right to the left, where, together with the Seventy-first, they faced the enemy and fought bravely.....At the same time we were entirely outflanked upon the left, and the enemy, having gained the cover of a large corn field and the woods, made a descent upon the left wing, which gave way and retreated in great disorder....The three remaining regiments of General Cruft's brigade arrived just at the time when our troops were on full retreat and the rout had become general....I rallied the remainder of the division, but saw at once that it would not do to fight upon that ground.....I then gave orders to the infantry to face by the rear rank and move to the rear in line of battle. They moved in this manner about three-quarters of a mile, halted, and about-faced....The enemy now began advancing in great force through the open fields in line of battle, and while they were thus advancing a courier rode upon the field and delivered to me your written order, dated at Lexington, August 30, directing me to retire by the Lancaster road if the enemy should advance in force....I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, MAHLON D. MANSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding at Richmond.

Irishman Pat Cleburne leads the successful Confederate assault that routs the Union defenders.

RICHMOND, KY. - Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Commanding Army of Kentucky. - GENERAL: The enemy, showing only one regiment, kept up a ridiculous fire on us from a little mountain howitzer....A very heavy musketry fight ensued, and learning that the enemy were still concentrating against my right...I ordered Acting Brig. Gen. Preston Smith to immediately move forward the remaining three regiments of his brigade...and if his line overlapped that of the enemy to lap around their left flank....I galloped to the right to satisfy myself that Smith's brigade was getting into position....Before I got far, however, I was addressed by Colonel Polk....I stopped an instant to reply and while doing so received a very painful wound in the mouth, which in a few minutes deprived me of the powers of speech and rendered my further presence on the field worse than useless....I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, P. R. CLEBURNE, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Fourth Division, Army of Kentucky.

Cleburne's advance is sustained by the men of T.J. Churchill's division and the Federals are sent reeling back through town. The victory is complete.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. - Maj. Gen. WILLIAM NELSON, Commanding Army of Kentucky. - SIR: After passing through Richmond...I organized a rear guard of the scattered men....After passing a little over 4 miles from Richmond we discovered the enemy in heavy force concealed in a corn field on the left side of the road. In attempting to drive them my little band was completely cut to pieces....It being now about 7 o'clock in the evening, and having no men to make any further resistance with, I attempted to make my escape....We rode through the enemy's lines and proceeded in a westerly direction for half a mile, when we came upon a squadron of the enemy's cavalry, who commanded us to halt, and at the same time fired upon us. My horse was killed and fell upon me, injuring me severely in the breast, and a short time afterward I was arrested by the enemy's cavalry and made a prisoner.....I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, MAHLON D. MANSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding at Richmond.

Casualties for the day at Richmond, Kentucky: Federals 5,353 Confederates 451.

Still operating under the belief that "Stonewall" Jackson is retreating, John Pope, after being severely disappointed by Fitz-John Porter the day before, personally orders Porter to spearhead the advance against Jackson 'retreating' army.

HEADQUARTERS NEAR GROVETON, August 30, 1862--12 m. - The following forces will be immediately thrown forward and in pursuit of the enemy, and press him vigorously during the whole day. Major-General McDowell is assigned to the command of the pursuit. Major-General Porter's corps will push forward on the Warrenton turnpike, followed by the divisions of Brigadier-Generals King and Reynolds. The division of Brigadier-General Ricketts will pursue the Hay Market road, followed by the corps of Major-General Heintzelman....By command of Major-General Pope: GEO. D. RUGGLES, Colonel and Chief of Staff.

When it becomes clear the Jackson isn't retreating anywhere, Porter launches a vicious attack over open ground against the defenders in the unfinished railroad cut.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. No.28.--Report of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of the battles of Groveton and Bull Run. - CAMP NEAR FREDERICK, MD. - Capt. R. CHANDLER, Assistant Adjutant-General. - CAPTAIN: At the word given by General Porter the division advanced, with an interval of 50 yards between the lines. The enemy were very strongly posted behind an old disused railroad embankment, where, according to their own statement, they had been awaiting us for two days. This railroad embankment, which runs parallel to the edge of the woods where we entered in front of our right wing, bears more to the rear on reaching a piece of open ground in front of our left wing....After passing through the woods and reaching the open space the left wing of the first line was obliged to make a partial wheel to the right to enable them to approach the enemy. This movement was executed under a heavy fire of artillery on the left and of musketry from the woods directly in our front....The troops on both sides fought with the most determined courage, and I doubt not the conflict at this point was one of the most bloody of the whole war. Having myself received a wound which disabled me I was forced to leave the field before the struggle terminated....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General Volunteers

. As Porter's attack reaches its climax, Jackson requests reinforcements from James Longstreet. "Old Pete," sensing that the time is right, launches a devastating attack on the unguarded left flank of the Union army.

No. 130.--Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding First Corps, of operations August 16-September 2, including battles of Groveton and Manassas &c. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. - HEADQUARTERS, NEAR WINCHESTER, VA. - GENERAL: At 3.30 o'clock in the afternoon I rode to the front....Just after reaching my front line I received a message for re-enforcements for General Jackson, who was said to be severely pressed.....A fair opportunity was offered me, and the intended diversion was changed into an attack. My whole line was rushed forward at a charge. The troops sprang to their work, and moved forward with all the steadiness and firmness that characterizes war-worn veterans....JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

John Bell Hood, as he did at Gaines Mills two months ago, spearheads the attack. The first Union unit in his path is the unfortunate Duryee's Zouaves. The Zouaves, dressed in "white leggings, baggy red pants, blue jackets, and tasseled red fezes," have spent a quiet day guarding the guns in Hazlett's battery. Facing the furious charge of the Texas Brigade, the Zouaves are not just wounded or killed, "they are riddled." In the ten minute fight, the five hundred man regiment loses all but sixty of its members. It is the largest loss of life for a regiment in a single battle during the war.

No. 148.--Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Hood, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations August 22-31, including Freeman's Ford, Groveton, and Manassas. - DIVISION HEADQUARTERS - SIR: By direction of the general commanding I moved forward this division, with the Texas brigade on the right of the pike and Colonel Law's advancing on the left and passing over to the right. Within 150 yards after leaving their position the Texas brigade became engaged with a heavy force of the enemy, but with their usual daring and enthusiasm they charged gallantly on, driving a largely superior force a distance of 1½ miles, causing terrible slaughter in their ranks, capturing a battery of four guns crowning the heights near the Chinn house. Colonel Law's brigade having moved forward on the left, driving the enemy and accomplishing most noble work in their immediate front; the Texas brigade having gained the heights, and being a long distance in advance of the remainder of our troops and very much exhausted, I ordered them to halt and hold their ground....The noble troops of this division captured four pieces of artillery and eight stand of colors, and as to their gallantry and unflinching courage they stand unsurpassed within the history of the world....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. HOOD, Brigadier-General.

With the army falling back in headlong retreat, the necessity of holding Henry House Hill becomes readily apparent. The nearby stone bridge over Bull Run is the only available escape route for the defeated men in John Pope's army.

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia. No. 27.--Reports of Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U.S. Army, commanding Third Corps, Army of Virginia, of operations August 7-September 2. - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Commander of the late Army of Virginia. - GENERAL: We saw the effects of the attack which had been made by Major-General Porter in front with his own troops and King's division of my corps. Seeing that it was resulting disastrously for us, and that our troops were falling back, I returned immediately to the Henry House....The line had not been formed any too soon, for the enemy, after our troops in front had retreated, made the expected attack....Soon after opened a severe fire from the southwest of the Henry House Hill on the Bald Ridge, and at the same time prepared to move down to take the woods on the Henry House Hill itself....It was a question with me whether we could hold the Henry House Hill--whether to break the line of reserve at this time or hold the position they then occupied....I received a clear message from that intelligent as well as gallant officer Brigadier-General Meade...to the effect that if he could have some re-enforcements sent to him in the woods on the Henry House Hill he could not only hold them, but drive out the enemy, who were not then there in great force....I exclaimed, "Meade shall have re-enforcements," and immediately gave...orders to send them forward....The re-enforcements taken forward by Colonel Buchanan and the troops...held the position on the Henry House Hill until they were withdrawn long after dark. It was about 7 o'clock when I received your order to take such portions of my corps as I might find intact and proceed with them to take a position covering the bridges over Bull Run and Cub Run.....I told General Gibbon to take post there and hold it till everything should have passed him. He remained there...till some two hours after dark, when he withdrew....This brave little battalion remained there until everybody had passed, when they destroyed the bridge and brought up the rear....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, IRVIN McDOWELL, Maj. Gen., Comdg. Third Corps, Army of Virginia.

Pope's shattered army retreats to Centreville, four miles past Bull Run. Despite his terrible defeat, Pope sends a telegram to Henry Halleck reporting that he has crippled the Confederate army.

CENTREVILLE, August 30, 1862-- 9.45 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: We have had a terrific battle again to-day....We held our ground firmly until 6 p.m., when the enemy, massing very heavy forces on our left, forced back that wing about half a mile. At dark we held that position. Underall the circumstances, both horses and men having been two days without food; and the enemy greatly outnumbering us, I thought it best to draw back to this place at dark. The movement has been made, in perfect order and without loss. The troops are in good heart, and marched off' the field without the least hurry or confusion. Their conduct was very fine. The battle was most furious for hours without cessation, and the losses on both sides very heavy. The enemy is badly crippled, and we shall do well enough. Do not be uneasy. We will hold our own here....Be easy; everything will go well. JNO. POPE, Major-General. P. S.-- We have lost nothing; neither guns nor wagons.

Fitz-John Porter, in a late night telegram to George McClellan, is more forthcoming about the defeat at Manassas than his commanding general. The army, he tell "Little Mac," was badly whipped and "driven from the field."

CENTREVILLE , August 30, 1862. (Received September 1, a.m.) - [Major-general MCCLELLAN] - MY DEAR GENERAL: I advanced in pursuit of the enemy and struck the center of his line...and was whipped, as was the whole army, badly— that is, I was overpowered....We were driven from the field, and here we are, after marching all last night, strongly located in a position which, if the enemy shells, will cause slaughter....The men are without heart, but will fight when cornered....We are bivouacking, and, as I have had no dinner or supper to-day and no chance of any to-morrow, I will bid you goodby, in the hope of soon seeing you (without being whipped), and that you have plenty to eat....Lee is here; Jackson is not now here....The enemy are massing to turn us. I expect to hear hourly of our rear being cut and our supplies and trains (scarcely guarded) at Fairfax Station being destroyed, as we are required to stay here and fight.....Good night.... F. J. PORTER, Major-general.

Casualties during the Second Bull Run Campaign: Federals 16,054 Confederates 9,197.


Author: Rienzi99@civilweek.com
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