umn of the enemy's infantry, which I observed | sition near the desired point, when I was met with my glass, of at least 2,500 men, and soon by Col. Davies, who informed me that he had after two other bodies of men, of at least a beaten the enemy handsomely in front. I told regiment each, who now occupied the lines on him that I had been ordered back to Centreville the other side of the run, which lines now ap- by Col. Miles; that the rest of my brigade had peared full to overflowing. Supposing now gone on, and that I had been directed to go to that they intended to make a push across our that point with my regiment for the purpose of front in column, or would endeavor to turn our facing the enemy there, which I had done, and left, about 11 A. M. I began to fortify my posi- Col. Davies went, as I supposed, to his brigade. tion by throwing up an earthen parapet for Soon after this I was met by a staff officer of three guns, with embrasures across the road, Gen. McDowell's, who told me to put my briand commenced an abatis of timber, by felling gade in position on the left of the road from trees, pointing outward, between this battery Centreville to Blackburn's Ford, and stretching and the log house to the left. About this time toward the Union and Centreville road, facing the enemy on the opposite side appeared to be the enemy. Other troops had also fallen back falling back in confusion from our right attack, to this point-distant about a mile from Cenwhich continued for some time, and then the treville-and about 6 o'clock P. M., Capt. Alextide changed, and they seemed to be returning ander, of the Corps of Engineers, directed me, in large masses. At the interval between these by order of Gen. McDowell, to take the general two extremes, I was ordered by Col. D. S. arrangement of the troops at that point in my Miles to throw forward my skirmishers and own hands, he suggesting, as a good line of defeel the enemy, and accordingly two companies fence, between a piece of woods on the right of the 3d Michigan regiment were sent for- and one on the left, the line facing equally towward and down the ravine, to cover our front ards the enemy, who were supposed to be comand advance. These were supported by ing either on the Union or the Blackburn road. Capt. Brutchslimeider's light infantry battalion, I immediately formed that line as best I could which also advanced down the ravine, accom- of the regiments nearest the position, placing panied by Lieut. Prime, corps of United States the men in the ravines, and the artillery, as far Engineers, who went for the purpose of ascer- as possible, on the hills in the rear of the infantaining the enemy's position-he volunteering try. Before Captain Alexander gave me this his services for that particular purpose. Col. last direction I learned that Col. Miles had Davies also threw forward a company of skir- altered the position of some regiments which I mishers on his right. The enemy's skirmishers had placed before, especially the 3d Michigan were in force in the woods in front, and cov-regiment, which I had ordered to form close ered themselves with trees and rifle-pits which had been thrown up before. Our two advance companies were driven back, the enemy pursued, and were in turn driven back by the spherical case-shot of Green's battery, and 1 ordered back the light infantry, and also the two companies, to the former position. The company in front of Col. Davies's command retired about the same time. By 5 P. M. I had the battery and the abatis nearly completed, making my defences as secure as the short time and few implements used would allow. No enemy appeared in force in my front with a disposition to assault, but about this time a heavy column of infantry appeared to the left of Colonel Davies, in a ravine, moving up to the attack. This brigade opened a heavy fire upon them and gallantly drove them back, as he informed me afterward. During this firing, which was shortly after 5 o'clock, I received orders from Col. Miles, through one of his staff, to retreat upon Centreville, and endeavor to hold that position. I immediately collected my brigade and put it in motion on the road towards Centreville, and was at the head of the 2d Michigan regiment in rear of the brigade, when a staff officer proposed to me to throw my regiment in line, face toward the enemy, between the house occupied the night before by Hunt's battery and the Union and Centreville road, upon which road the enemy was supposed to be advancing. I had gained a po column by division, to remain as a reserve, and await further orders from me. The officer in command of the regiment at that time, Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, (Colonel McConnel being unwell, but on the ground,) immediately executed that order, and put his regiment in close column. I went to some other part of the field, and on returning found this regiment deployed in line of battle, and in another position. I immediately inquired of Colonel Stevens the reason of their position being altered. He told me that Colonel Miles had directed this movement. I asked him why? Col. Stevens replied, "I do not know, but he had no confidence in Col. Miles." I inquired the reason why? Col. Stevens answered, "Because Col. Miles is drunk." That closed the conversation. I sent Col. Stevens back with his regiment, to form close column by division, as at first. I then reported to Capt. Alexander that I had been interfered with in my disposition of the troops during the day, and I could not carry out Gen. McDowell's orders as long as I was interfered with by a drunken man. Capt. Alexander then answered that Gen.McDowell now vested the whole disposition of the troops with me, and that I must use my own judgment. I went to place another battalion in line, and I was met by Col. Miles, who ordered me to form that regiment in another direction. I replied that "I should obey no more orders that he might see fit to give me." Colonel Miles then said, "Colonel Richardson I shall put you in arrest." I told him "I never should obey his arrest, and that he never could put me in that position.' Col. Miles answered that he did not understand this. I said nothing, and went on with further disposition of the troops, which was done according to the diagram. As soon as the line of battle was well formed, the enemy's cavalry made its appearance on the Centreville and Manassas road, and I ordered Lieut. Benjamin to open his rifled cannon upon them, which he did, and the cavalry disappeared after a few shots. It was now nearly dark, and the troops encamped in their present position. About ten o'clock P. M. General McDowell informed me that retreat was resolved upon; that the troops must be started on the road to Fairfax as soon as possible, and ordered me to move last and cover the retreat of the army with my brigade. I told the General I would do so, and would stand by him as long as any man would. I left with my brigade at 2 o'clock A M., after all the other regiments and batteries had retired. On reaching Fairfax, found it abandoned by our troops, and I covered the rear, bringing up my brigade in good order, the New York regiment in front, then the Massachusetts regiment, and the two Michigan regiments in rear of the whole. Arrived at Arlington at 2 o'clock P. M., on Monday after the action. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. B. RICHARDSON, COLONEL CHATFIELD'S REPORT. To Col. E. D. Keyes, Commanding First Bri- whole action, in assisting to keep the men in COLONEL SHERMAN'S REPORT. To Capt. A. Baird, Assist. Adj.-Gen. First Div.: I marched with my command from Centreville, Va., on Sunday, at 2 o'clock A. M., and proceeded along the Warrington turnpike to Bull Run; after being on the road several hours, formed on the cast side of the run, and marched against a body of the enemy and routed them; then changed position to the left, formed, and charged upon the enemy's battery, which was supported by a large body of infantry. The regiment made a fine charge, but was obliged to fall back, (the enemy being in very much larger force of infantry, beside their Here you sent me the order to cross over battery,) which we did in good order. After with the whole brigade to the assistance of engaging the enemy some three hours at differ- Col. Hunter. Early in the day, when reconent points, we were ordered off the field, which noitring the ground, I had seen a horseman we did in good order, and, on our route, cov- descend from a bluff to a point, cross the stream, ered the retreating forces, and brought in two and show himself in the open field. And, inpieces of artillery, one caisson, and several bag-ferring we should cross over at the same point, gage wagons, and the wagon of the sappers and miners, together with all their tools and twenty horses. During the whole engagement both officers and men behaved well and stood up to the work. I would here mention more particularly, Major Warner and Adjutant Redfield Duryee, for their coolness during the I sent forward a company as skirmishers, and followed with the whole brigade, the New York Sixty-ninth leading. We found no difficulty in crossing over, and met no opposition in ascending the steep bluff opposite with our infantry, but it was impassable to the artillery; and I sent word back to Capt. Ayres to follow if pos sible, otherwise to use his discretion. Capt. Ayres did not cross Bull Run, but remained with the remainder of your Division. His report herewith describes his operations during the remainder of the day. Advancing slowly and continuously with the head of the column, to give time for the regiments in succession to close up their ranks, we first encountered a party of the enemy retreating along a cluster of pines. Lieut.-Col. Haggerty of the Sixtyninth regiment, without orders, rode over and endeavored to intercept their retreat. One of the enemy, in full view and short range, shot Haggerty, and he fell dead from his horse. The Sixty-ninth opened fire on this party, which was returned; but, determined to effect our junction with Hunter's Division, I ordered this fire to cease, and we proceeded with caution toward the field, when we then plainly saw our forces engaged. Displaying our colors conspicuously at the head of our column, we succeeded in attracting the attention of our friends, and soon formed the brigade in rear of Col. Porter's. Here I learned that Col. Hunter was disabled by a severe wound, and that Gen. McDowell was on the field. I sought him out and received his orders to join in the pursuit of the enemy, who were falling back to the left of the road by which the army had approached from Sudley Springs. Placing Col. Quimby's Regiment of Rifles in front, in column by division, I directed the other regiments to follow in line of battle, in the order of the Wisconsin Second, New York Seventy-ninth, and New York Sixty-ninth. most identical with that of the great bulk of the secession army, and when the regiment fled in confusion and retreated toward the road there was a universal cry that they were being fired upon by our own men. The regiment rallied again, passed the brow of the hill a second time, and was again repulsed in disorder. By this time the New York Seventy-ninth had closed up, and in like manner it was ordered to cross the brow of the hill and drive the enemy from cover. It was impossible to get a good view of the ground. In it there was one battery of artillery, which poured an incessant fire upon our advancing column, and the ground was irregular, with small clusters of pines, affording shelter, of which the enemy took good advantage. The fire of rifles and musketry was very severe. The Seventy-ninth, headed by its colonel, (Cameron,) charged across the hill, and for a short time the contest was severe. They rallied several times under fire, but finally broke and gained the cover of the hill. This left the field open to the New York Sixty-ninth, Col. Corcoran, who, in his turn, led his regiment over the crest, and had in full open view the ground so severely contested. The firing was very severe, and the roar of cannon, musketry, and rifles, incessant. It was manifest the enemy was here in great force, far superior to us at that point. The Sixty-ninth held the ground for some time, but finally fell back in disorder. but there found a detachment of rebel cavalry; then made a circuit, avoiding Cub Run bridge into Centreville, where I found Gen. McDowell. From him I understood that it was his purpose to rally the forces and make a stand at Centreville. At this time Quimby's regiment occupied another ridge to our left, overlooking the same field of action, and similarly engaged. Here Quimby's regiment advanced steadily down (about 3 P. M.) began the scene of disorder the hill and up the ridge, from which he open- and confusion that characterized the remainder ed fire upon the enemy, who had made another of the day. Up to that time all had kept their stand on ground very favorable to him, and the places, and seemed perfectly cool and used regiment continued advancing as the enemy to the shell and shot that fell comparatively gave way till the head of the column reached harmless. Crossing Bull Run, I sought it at the point near which Rickett's battery was so its last position before the Brigadier crossed, severely cut up. The other regiments de- but it was not there; then passing through the scended the hill in line of battle, under a severe wood where in the morning we had first formcannonading, and the ground affording compared line, we approached the blacksmith's shop, ative shelter against the enemy's artillery, they changed directions by the right flank and followed the road before mentioned. At the point where this road crossed the bridge to our left the ground was swept by a most severe fire by artillery, rifle, and musketry, and we saw in succession several regiments driven from it, among them the Zouaves and battalion of marines. Before reaching the crest of the hill the roadway was worn deep enough to afford shelter, and I kept the several regiments in it as long as possible; but when the Wisconsin Second was abreast of the enemy, by order of Maj. Wadsworth, of Gen. McDowell's staff, I ordered it to leave the roadway by the left flank and to attack the enemy. This regiment ascended to the brow of the hill steadily, received the severe fire of the enemy, returned it with spirit, and advanced delivering its fire. This regiment is uniformed in gray cloth, al But about 9 o'clock at night I received from Gen. Tyler in person, the order to continue the retreat to the Potomac. This retreat was by night, and disorderly in the extreme. The men of different regiments mingled together, and some reached the river at Arlington, some at Long Bridge, and the greater part returned to their former camps at or near Fort Corcoran. I reached this point at noon next day, and found a miscellaneous crowd crossing over the aqueduct and ferries. Conceiving this to be demoralizing, I at once commanded the guard to be increased, and all persons attempting to pass over to be stopped. This soon produced its effect. Men sought their proper companies | vice during the day. I have the honor to be W. T. SHERMAN, Colonel Commanding Brigade. COL. KEYES'S REPORT. HEAD-QUARTERS, FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Capt. A. Baird, Ass't Adj't-Gen., Head-quar- I herewith enclose the official report of Capt. Kelly, the commanding officer of the New York Sixty-ninth; also full lists of the killed and wounded and missing. Our loss was heavy, all around us; but the short exposure to an intense fire of small-arms, at close range, had killed many, wounded more, and had produced disorder in all the battalions that had attempted to destroy it. Men fell away talking and in great confusion. Col. Cameron had been mortally wounded, carried to an ambulance, and reported dying. Many other officers were reported dead or missing, and many Leaving my camp near Centreville at 2 of the wounded were making their way, with o'clock A. M., I took my place in the First Divimore or less assistance, to the buildings or hos- sion as a reserve. At 9 o'clock A. M., at the pitals. On the ridge to the west we succeeded distance of half a mile from Bull Run, I was in partially re-forming the regiments, but it was ordered by Gen. Tyler to incline the head of my manifest they would not stand, and I directed column to the right, and direct it through an Col. Corcoran to move along the ridge to the open field to a ford about 800 yards above the rear, near the position where we had first stone bridge. Before the whole brigade had formed the brigade. Gen. McDowell was there entered upon the new direction, the enemy in person, and used all possible efforts to reas- opened fire from a battery across the run, and sure the men. By the active exertions of Col. threw upon the First and Second regiments, Corcoran we formed an irregular square against Connecticut Volunteers, some 25 or 30 rounds the cavalry, which was then seen to issue from of shot and shell, which caused a temporary the position from which we had been driven, confusion and wounded several men. Order and we began our retreat towards that ford of was shortly restored, and the brigade closed up Bull Run by which we had approached the on Sherman's column before passing the fords. field of battle. There was no possible order After crossing I marched at once to the high to retreat, although for an hour it had been ground, and, by order of Gen. Tyler, came into going on by the operations of the men them-line on Sherman's left. The order to advance selves. The ranks were thin and irregular, and we found a stream of people stirring from the hospital across Bull Run, and far toward Centreville. After putting in motion the irregular square, Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. Ayros's Battery,. 3 | នគ 115 63 293 192 in line of battle was given at about 10 o'clock A. M., and from that hour until 4 P. M., my brigade was in constant activity on the field of battle. The First regiment Connecticut Volunteers was met by a body of cavalry and infantry, which it repelled, and at several other encounters of different parts of the line the enemy constantly retired before us. At about 2 o'clock P. M. Gen. Tyler ordered me to take a battery on a height in front. The battery was strongly posted, and supported by infantry and riflemen, sheltered by a building, a fence, and a hedge. My order to charge was obeyed with the utmost promptness. Col. Jameson of the Second Maine, and Col. Chat9 field of the Third Connecticut Volunteers, 58 pressed forward their regiments up the baso 198 slope about 100 yards, when I ordered them to 152 lie down at a point offering a small protection, and load. I then ordered them to advanco again, which they did in the face of a movable battery of eight pieces and a large body of infantry, toward the top of the hill. As wo moved forward we came under the fire of other large bodies of the enemy posted behind breastworks, and on reaching the summit of the hill the firing became so hot that an exposure to it of five minutes would have annihilated my whole line. 609 For names of rank, &c., of the above I refer to the lists herewith. Lieuts. Piper and McQuesten of my personal staff were under fire all day, and carried orders to and fro with as much coolness as on parade. Lieut. Bagley of the New York 69th, a volunteer aid, asked leave to serve with his company during the action, and is among those reported missing. I have intelligence that he is a prisoner, and As the enemy had withdrawn to a height be slightly wounded. Colonel McCoon, of Wis- yond, and to the support of additional troops, I consin, a volunteer aid, also rendered good ser-ordered the Maine regiment to face by the left flank and move to a woodslope, across an open | treat this side of Bull Run against a charge of field, to which point I followed them. The balance of the brigade soon rejoined me, and after a few moments' rest I again put it in motion, and moved forward to find another opportunity to charge. The enemy had a light battery, which he manoeuvred with extraordinary skill, and his shot fell often among and near us. I advanced generally just under the brow of the hill, by a flank movement, until I found myself about half a mile below the stone bridge. Our advance caused the rebels to retire from the abatis, and enabled Capt. Alexander of the Engineers to clear it away. In a short time the enemy moved the battery to a point which enabled him to enfilade my whole line; but as he pointed his guns too far to the right, and only improved his aim gradually, I had time to withdraw my brigade, by a flank movement, around the base of a hill in time to avoid a raking fire. At this time a lull in the discharge of our artillery, and an apparent change in the position of the enemy's left flank, made me apprehensive that all was not right. I continued my march, and sent my aid, Lieut. Walter, to the rear to inquire of Gen. McDowell how the day was going. The discontinuance of the firing in our lines becoming more and more apparent, I inclined to the right, and after marching 600 or 700 yards further, I was met by Lieut. Upton, aid to Gen. Tyler, and ordered to filo to the right, as our troops were retreating. I moved on at an ordinary pace, and fell into the retreating current about 150 yards in the rear of Gen. McDowell and staff. Before crossing Bull Run, and until my brigade mingled with the retreating mass, it maintained perfect freedom from panic, and at the moment I received the order to retreat, and for some time afterward, it was in as good order as in the morning on the road. Half an hour earlier I supposed the victory to be ours. The gallantry with which the Second regiment of Maine, and the Third regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, charged up the hill upon the enemy's artillery and infantry, was never, in my opinion, surpassed. I was with the advancing line, and closely observed the conduct of Cols. Jameson, and Chatfield, which merits in this instance and throughout the day the highest commendation. I also observed throughout the day tho gallantry and excellent conduct of Col. Terry's Second regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, from whom I received most zealous assistance. At one time a portion of his regiment did great execution with their rifles from a point of our line which was thin, and where a few of our men were a little tardy in moving forward. Col. Terry, in his report, calls attention to the coolness, activity, and discretion of Lieut.-Col. Young, and Major Colborn. The latter with the Adjutant of the regiment, Lieut. Charles L. Russell, showed conspicuous gallantry in defending their regimental colors during the re cavalry. Col. Terry also commends the devotion of Doctors Douglas and Bacon to the wounded while under the hottest fire of artillery. Private Arnold Leach is also highly praised for having spiked three abandoned guns with a ramrod, and then bringing away two abandoned muskets. Col. Jameson, of the Second Maine regiment, gives great credit in his report to Lieut.-Col. C. W. Roberts, Major Varney, and Adjutant Reynolds for their coolness on the field. Sergeant G. W. Brown, of Company F, A. J. Knowles and Leonard Carver, of Company D, A. P. Jones and Henry Wheeler, of Company A, and Peter Welch, of Company I, he mentions for their noble conduct in accompanying him to remove the dead and wounded from the field, under a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry. He mentions also Capt. Foss, Sergeant Samuel Hinckly, of Company A, and Corporal Smart, of Company H, for important extra services during the day. He also speaks in high praise of Sergeant W. J. Dean, who was mortally wounded while in the advance of the line, bearing the beautiful stand of colors which were presented the day before on the part of ladies from Maine residing in California. Capt. E. W. Jones, of the same regiment, fell mortally wounded while exhibiting great courage in rallying his men to the charge. Lieut.-Col. Speidal, of the First regiment Connecticut Volunteers, was set upon by three of the enemy, who undertook to make him a prisoner. The Lieut.-Col. killed one and drove off the other two of his assailants, and escaped. I observed the activity of Capts. Hawley and Chapman, Adjutant Bacon, and Lieut. Drake, on the field. Col. Chatfield, of the Third regiment Connecticut Volunteers, gives special credit to Major Warner and Adjutant Duryee, for their coolness and energy in assisting to keep the men in line, and in urging them forward into action. The men of the Third regiment brought off in the retreat two of our abandoned guns, one caisson and several baggage wagons, and behaved with great coolness in the retreat, and the bulk of the regiment was present to repel the charge of cavalry this side of Bull Run. I received during the day and on the retreat the most gallant and efficient assistance from Lieut. Hascal, Fifth United States Artillery, Assistant Adjutant-General. Lieut. Walter, First Connecticut Volunteers, and Lieut. Gordon, Second United States Cavalry, aids, obeyed my orders on the field with accuracy, and Lieut. Ely, First Connecticut Volunteers, Brigade Commissary, assisted me zealously. Lieut. Walter, First Connecticut Volunteers, and Lieut. Gordon, Second United States Cavalry, are both missing. The former I sent to the rear at about 4 o'clock P. M. to ascertain from Gen. McDowell how the day was going, since which time I have not seen him, nor do I know his fate. Lieut. Gordon was with me two miles this side of Bull Run, on the retreat, where I |