COLONEL CHATFIELD'S REPORT.

HEAD-QUARTERS 3D REGIMENT CONN. VOL. ARLINGTON, VA., July 24, 1861. To Col. E. D. Keyes, Commanding First Brigade, First Division:

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 east 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 battery,) which we did in good order. After engaging the enemy some three hours at different points, we were ordered off the field, which we did in good order, and, on our route, covered the retreating forces, and brought in two pieces of artillery, one caisson, and several baggage 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

Capt. | 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 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.

sible, otherwise to use his discretion.
Ayres did not cross Bull Run, but remained
with the remainder of your Division. His re-
port 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 Sixty-to
ninth 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 col-
umn 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.

At this time Quimby's regiment occupied another ridge to our left, overlooking the same field of action, and similarly engaged. Here (about 31 P. M.) began the scene of disorder and confusion that characterized the remainder of the day. Up to that time all had kept their places, and seemed perfectly cool and used to the shell and shot that fell comparatively harmless. Crossing Bull Run, I sought it at its last position before the Brigadier crossed, but it was not there; then passing through the wood where in the morning we had first form

line, we approached the blacksmith's shop, 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.

Quimby's regiment advanced steadily down the hill and up the ridge, from which he opened fire upon the enemy, who had made another stand on ground very favorable to him, and the regiment continued advancing as the enemy gave way till the head of the column reached the point near which Rickett's battery was so severely cut up. The other regiments descended the hill in line of battle, under a severe cannonading, and the ground affording compared 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 But about 9 o'clock at night I received from it, among them the Zouaves and battalion Gen. Tyler in person, the order to continue the of marines. Before reaching the crest of the retreat to the Potomac. This retreat was by hill the roadway was worn deep enough to af- night, and disorderly in the extreme. The ford shelter, and I kept the several regiments men of different regiments mingled together, in it as long as possible; but when the Wiscon- and some reached the river at Arlington, some sin Second was abreast of the enemy, by order at Long Bridge, and the greater part returned of Maj. Wadsworth, of Gen. McDowell's staff, to their former camps at or near Fort Corcoran. I ordered it to leave the roadway by the left I reached this point at noon next day, and flank and to attack the enemy. This regiment found a miscellaneous crowd crossing over the ascended to the brow of the hill steadily, re- aqueduct and ferries. Conceiving this to be ceived the severe fire of the enemy, returned demoralizing, I at once commanded the guard it with spirit, and advanced delivering its fire. to be increased, and all persons attempting to This regiment is uniformed in gray cloth, al-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 and regiments, comparative order was restored, your obedient servant. and all now posted to the best advantage.

W. T. SHERMAN, Colonel Commanding Brigade.

COL. KEYES'S REPORT.

HEAD-QUARTERS, FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Camp on Meridian Hill, Washington, July 25, 1861.

Capt. A. Baird, Ass't Adj't-Gen., Head-quarters, First Brigade, First Division:

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 SIR:-In compliance with the orders of had attempted to destroy it. Men fell away Brig.-Gen. Tyler, I have the honor to report talking and in great confusion. Col. Cameron the operations of the First Brigade, First Divihad been mortally wounded, carried to an am- sion, in the action of the 21st inst., at Bull bulance, and reported dying. Many other offi- | Run, and during the two succeeding days. cers 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, I pushed forward to find Capt. Ayres's battery, occupied chiefly at the point where Rickett's battery was destroyed. Lieut.-Col. Haggerty was killed about noon, before we effected a junction with Col. Hunter's Division. Colonel Cameron was mortally wounded leading the regiment in the charge, and Colonel Corcoran has been missing since the cavalry charge near the building used as a hospital.

Ayres's Battery,

Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.

6

New York Thirteenth,.11
New York Sixty-ninth,.38
N. Y. Seventy-ninth,...32
Wisconsin Second,..

....24

Total,.............111

95

3

59

51

115

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 base 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 advance 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 we 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 beslightly 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 cavalry. Col. Terry also commends the devobalance of the brigade soon rejoined me, and tion of Doctors Douglas and Bacon to the after a few moments' rest I again put it in mo- wounded while under the hottest fire of artiltion, and moved forward to find another oppor-lery. Private Arnold Leach is also highly tunity to charge. 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.

The enemy had a light battery, which he manœuvred 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 file 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 the 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

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