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the troops, he contributed largely to their gen- | and fired two rounds, when it was charged by eral effectiveness against the enemy. I desire to call the attention of the commanding-general particularly to him.

the enemy's infantry from the woods on the right of our position. This infantry was mistaken for our own forces, an officer on the field having stated that it was a regiment sent by Col. Heintzelman to support the battery. In this charge of the enemy every cannonier was cut down, and a large number of horses killed, leaving the battery (which was without support except in name) perfectly helpless. Owing to the loss of men and horses it was impossible to take more than three pieces from the field. Two of these were afterwards lost in the retreat, by the blocking up of the road by our own forces, and the complete exhaustion of the few horses dragging them. The same thing happened with reference to the battery wagon, forge, and one caisson. All that is left of the battery is one of Parrott's rifle guns, and one 12-pound howitzer. Of the 95 men who went into action, 28 are killed, wounded, and missing; and of 101 horses, 55 are missing. The following is the list of the killed, wound

In conclusion I beg leave to submit the en-
closed return of killed, wounded, and missing
in my brigade. Since the enclosed reports
were handed in, many of the missing have re-
turned, perhaps one-third of those reported.
The report of Col. Burnside, commanding 2d
brigade, was sent to me after the above report
was written. While respectfully calling the
attention of the general to it, I would also ask
leave to notice some misconceptions under
which the col. commanding 2d brigade seems
to have labored: viz., 1st, of his agency in the
management or formation of the 2d division
on the field; 2d, of the time that his brigade
was entirely out of the action with the excep-
tion of the N. Y. regiment; 3d, of the posi-
tions of his brigade in the retreat, and particu-
larly of the position of the 71st N. Y., as he
may have mistaken the rear guard, organized
under my direction by your order, for the even-ed, and missing, viz.:
ing. Capt. Arnold's battery and the cavalry
were directed, and placed in their positions
by my senior staff officer, up to the time when
Col. Heintzelman ordered the cavalry to the
front of the column.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. PORTER,

Col. 16th Regt., U. S. A., Commanding.
CAPT. GRIFFIN'S REPORT.
CAMP NEAE ARLINGTON, Va., July 25, 1861.
Col. A. Porter, Commanding Second Brigade:
COLONEL: In compliance with your instruc-
tions, I have the honor to report that Battery
D, Fifth regiment of Artillery, arrived on the

battlefield near Manassas at about 11 A. M.

on the 21st inst., after a march of near twelve miles. The battery immediately opened on the enemy's batteries at about 1,000 yards' distance, and continued firing until his battery was silenced and forced to retire. The battery then advanced about two hundred yards and opened upon a regiment of infantry formed upon the right of their line, causing it to fall back. This battery then changed position to the right and front, and opened upon a regiment formed near the enemy's right, and a little in front of the one first referred to, doing deadly execution, and causing it to retreat in much confusion. An order was then received through Major Barry, Fifth Artillery, to advance to the brow of the hill near the position occupied by the enemy's battery when we first arrived on the field. The battery opened upon the enemy's battery amidst a galling fire from the artillery, and continued firing for near half an hour. It then changed position to the right

Throngh inadvertence in copying Colonel Porter's Report, the names of the following officers were omitted, of whom honorable mention was then made: Major Went. worth and Quartermaster Cornell, both of the New York 8th, also Lieutenant Averill's name was mutilated. N. Y. Tribune, Aug. 16.

Killed...
Mortally wounded.
Missing....

Wounded..

Total.....

5

3

.12

28

In conclusion, I would state that my officers and men behaved in a most gallant manner, displaying great fearlessness, and doing their duty as becomes brave soldiers. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GRIFFIN, Captain Fifth Artillery, commanding Battery D. Lieut. Ames was wounded so as to be unable to In addition, I deem it my duty to add that ride his horse, at almost the first fire; yet he sat by his command directing the fire, being helped on and off the caisson during the differleave the field until he became too weak to sit ent changes of front or position, refusing to AQ. M., who gallantly served with the battery, up. I would also mention Capt. Tillinghast, pointing a piece and rendering valuable assist

ance.

NAMES OF KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISSING OF
CAPT. GRIFFIN'S REPORT.

Killed-Wm. Campbell, Joseph Cooper, Joseph Howard, James O'Brien, and Frederick A. Reig, all privates.

Mortally Wounded-Sergeant Stephen Kane; privates, James Turner and Andrew Wagner.

Wounded-First Lieutenant A. Ames, Fifth Artillery; Sergeants T. Maher and John Murphy; privates Robert Bloom, Alexander Campbell, R. Chamberlain, R. R. Connell, George Clark, Samuel Davis, Herman Fisher, James Moran, James M. Sheffield.

Missing-Privates, John Allen, S. Griswold, Edward Hopwood, C. R. Holliday, Owen McBride, John H. McIntire, Andrew Roberts, Charles Ridder.

The wounded missing are italicized.

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL FISKE.

HEAD-QUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, CAMP SULLIVAN.
NEAR WASHINGTON, July 27, 1861.

among the last, if not the last, to leave the field. Their retreat, on the whole route to the camp, was unattended by tumult or any disorder further than leaving their ranks. Their conduct throughout the day inspires me with entire confidence in their courage and steadiness, and I hope will meet your commendation. FRANK S. FISKE,

Lt. Col. 2d Regt., N. H. Volunteers. Colonel HUNTER, commanding Second Division of army of the Potomac.

MAJOR SYKES'S REPORT.

HEAD QUARTERS, BATTALION OF REGULARS, CAMP TRUMBULL, VA., July 24, 1861. CAPTAIN: In compliance with your circular of the 23d inst., I have the honor to report the following casualties that occurred in my command during the recent battle before Manassas: 3 commissioned officers wounded, 1 assistant surgeon missing, 13 rank and file killed, 17 wounded, 12 of whom are missing, 42 missing. Many of the latter are supposed to have taken the Alexandria turnpike by mistake, and will no doubt rejoin their colors to-day.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of the Second regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, during the march and battle on the 21st inst. I give the time of the different movements as nearly as possible. The regiment left its camp, near Centreville, at two o'clock A. M., and immediately took its place in the column of the Second Brigade, under Col. Burnside. We continued in the column of the brigade until near the field of battle. On arriving at the battle field (at half-past ten o'clock) we were ordered up to support the Rhode Island battery. Before arriving at the place indicated, we were ordered on to the crest of a hill in a field considerably to the right, exposed to the fire of the enemy's batteries. We here fired upon | some battalions, said to be Georgia troops, who retired to the shelter of the woods opposite. After they retired the regiment was withdrawn under shelter of the brow of the hill. We were then ordered to the left, to support the Rhode This battalion, composed of two companies Island battery. The men took their positions of the 2d U. S. Infantry, five companies of the and fired several volleys. Colonel Marston 3d U. S. Infantry, and one company of the 8th was wounded here and carried to the rear. U. S. Infantry, left its camp near Centreville At 11.30 A. M. we were moved from here to a about half-past three A. M., on the 21st inst., position on the left, and in advance of the and after a circuitous march of ten or twelve Rhode Island battery, where we fired a few miles arrived on the enemy's left, and was imshots at the retreating enemy. After remain- mediately ordered to support the force under ing here an hour, more or less, we were or- | Colonel Burnside, which was suffering from a dered to report ourselves to Col. Heintzelman, severe fire in its front. Our line was rapidly (one o'clock P. M.) The regiment moved to a formed, opening fire, and a column under Coloposition near his column, and I sent the ser- nel Heintzleman appearing at the same moment geant-major three several times to report the at our left, the enemy fell back to the rising regiment ready to render any succor or support ground in his rear. My battalion was then they were able to afford. The sergeant-major advanced to the front and took a position on was unable to meet with Col. Heintzelman or the edge of a wood immediately opposite to a his staff. After remaining in our position some masked battery and a large force of the secestime, I received an order (2.30 P. M.) to advance sionists, posted around a house and the fences to a position indicated, which was to the left, and trees around it. The three left companies and a quarter of a mile in advance of the troops were deployed as skirmishers under Captain engaged in that part of the field. The enemy Dodge, 8th Infantry, and did great execution were screened from our sight. As the men among their ranks. At this time the whole were exposed to fire from a battery and from battalion became actively engaged, and a Rhode musketry, I ordered them to lie down and fire Island battery coming into action on my right when any of the enemy were exposed. and having no supports, at the request of its commanding officer, and seeing myself the necessity of the case, I remained as a protection to his guns. For more than an hour the command was here exposed to a concentrated fire from the batteries and regiments of the enemy, which seemed doubled when the guns of the Rhode Islanders opened. Many of my men assisted in working the latter battery.

After a short time we were ordered to withdraw. The men retired leisurely, and in perfectly good order, halting once under the shelter of some woods. On our way to join our brigade we were ordered by an officer of dragoons, whose regiment was in advance of the retreat, to make haste, or we should be cut off by the enemy's cavalry. Our column was formed again in the brigade; but before the formation was complete the retreat began, and continued, with a short rest at our former camp, near Centreville, to Washington. The men obeyed orders with coolness and precision during the whole day. They took every position they were ordered to, and never wavered or retired until ordered to do so, and were

As the attack of our army became more developed on the right, and the necessity of my staying with the guns ceased, I moved my battalion in that direction, passing through crowds of retiring troops whom we endeavored in vain to rally. Taking a position on the extreme right in front of several regiments of the enemy, I opened an effective fire upon them, and

held my ground until all our troops had fallen back, and my flank was turned by a large force of horse and foot. I then retired a short distance in good order, and facing to the enemy on the crest of a hill, held his cavalry in check, which still threatened our flank.

At this stage of the action, my command was the only opposing force to the enemy, and the last to leave the field.

mand was under arms, in light marching order, with two days' cooked rations in their haversacks, and commenced the march at half-past two A. M. on the 21st., the brigade of Colonel Franklin leading, followed by those of Colonels Wilcox and Howard. At Centreville we found the road filled with troops, and were detained three hours to allow the divisions of General Tyler and Colonel Hunter to pass. I followed By taking advantage of woods and broken with my division immediately in the rear of ground, I brought it off without loss, although the latter. Between two and three miles the guns of our opponents were playing on our beyond Centreville we left the Warrenton turnline of march from every height. While thus pike, turning into a country road on the right. retiring, I received an order from our brigade- | Captain Wright accompanied the head of Colocommander to cover the retreat of that portion nel Hunter's column, with directions to stop of the army near me, which I did as well as I at a road which turned in to the left to a ford was able, remaining in rear until all of it had across Bull Run, about half way between the passed me. After crossing "Bull Run," my point where we turned off from the turnpike command was threatened by a large force of and Sudley's Springs, at which latter point cavalry-but its order and the regularity of Colonel Hunter's division was to cross. No its march forbade any attack. We reached our such road was found to exist, and about eleven camp beyond Centreville at 8 P. M. It is but A. M. we found ourselves at Sudley's Springs, proper to mention that our officers and men about ten miles from Centreville, with one were on their feet from 10 P. M., on the 20th, brigade of Colonel Hunter's division still on our until 10 A. M., on the 22d-without rest, many side of the Run. Before reaching this point without food, footsore, and greatly exhausted the battle had commenced. We could see the they yet bore the retreat cheerfully, and set smoke rising on our left from two points, a an example of constancy and discipline worthy mile or more apart. Two clouds of dust were of older and more experienced soldiers. My seen, showing the advance of troops from the officers, nearly all of them just from civil life direction of Manassas. At Sudley's Springs, and the Military Academy, were eager and whilst waiting the passage of the troops of the zealous, and to their efforts are due the soldierly division in our front, I ordered forward the retreat and safety of the battalion-as well as first brigade to fill their canteens. Before of many straggling volunteers who accompa- this was accomplished the leading regiments of nied my command. Colonel Hunter's division became engaged. The acting Major, Capt. N. H. Davis, 2d General McDowell, who, accompanied by his infantry, rendered essential service by his staff, had passed us a short time before, sent coolness, zeal, and activity. Capt. Dodge, 8th back Captain Wright of the engineers and infantry, commanding the skirmishers on the Major McDowell, one of his aids, with orders left, was equally efficient, and to those gentle- to send forward two regiments to prevent the men, and all my officers, I am indebted for enemy from outflanking them. Captain Wright cordial cooperation in all the movements of the led forward the Minnesota regiment to the left day. Lieut. Kent, although wounded, endeav- of the road, which crossed the run at this ored to retain command of his company, but point. Major McDowell led the Eleventh Masa second wound forced him to give it up. He sachusetts up the road. I accompanied this and Lieut. Dickinson, acting adjutant, wound-regiment, leaving orders for the remainder of ed and Dr. Sternberg, U. S. A., (since escaped,) the division to follow, with the exception of are believed to be in the hands of the enemy. I beg to call the attention of the brigade-commander to the services of Sergeant Major Devoe of the 3d infantry, who was conspicuous for his good conduct on the field.

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Arnold's battery, which, supported by the First Michigan, was posted a little below the crossing of the run as a reserve. At a little more than a mile from the ford we came upon the battle-field. Rickett's battery was posted on a hill to the right of Hunter's division and to the right of the road. After firing some twenty minutes at a battery of the enemy, placed just beyond the crest of a hill, on their entrance left, the distance being considered too great, it was moved forward to within about 1,000 feet of the enemy's battery. Here the battery was exposed to a heavy fire of musketry, which soon disabled it. Franklin's brigade was posted on the right of a wood, near the centre of our line, and on ground rising towards the enemy's position. In the meantime, I sent orders for the Zouaves to move forward to support Rickett's battery on its right. As soon as

fine position a short distance in the rear, where I hoped to make a stand with a section of Arnold's battery and the United States cavalry, if I could rally a few regiments of infantry. In this I utterly failed, and we continued our retreat on the road we had advanced on in the morning. I sent forward my staff officers to rally some troops beyond the run, but not a company would form. I stopped back a few moments at the hospital to see what arrangements could be made to save the wounded. The few ambulances that were there were filled and started to the rear. The church, which was used as a hospital, with the wounded and some of the surgeons, soon after fell into the hands of the secession cavalry, that followed us closely. A company of cavalry crossed the rear and seized an ambulance full of wounded. Captain Arnold gave them a couple of rounds of "canister" from his section of artillery, which sent them scampering away and kept them at a respectful distance during the remainder of our retreat. At this point most of the stragglers were in advance of us. Having every reason to fear a vigorous pursuit from the enemy's fresh troops, I was desirous of forming a strong rear guard, but neither the efforts of the officers of the regular army, nor the coolness of the regular troops with me, could induce them to form a single company. We relied entirely for our protection on one section of artillery and a few companies of cavalry. Most of the road was favorable for infantry, but unfavorable for cavalry and artillery. About dusk, as we approached the Warrenton turnpike, we heard a firing of rifled cannon on our right, and learned that the enemy had established a battery enfilading the road. Captain Arnold, with his section of artillery, attempted to run the gauntlet and reached the bridge over Cub Run, about two miles from Centreville, but found it obstructed with broken vehicles, and was compelled to abandon his pieces as they were under the fire of these rifled cannon. The cavalry turned to the left, and after passing through a strip of woods and some fields, struck a road which led them to some camps occupied by our troops in the morning, through which we regained the turnpike. At about eight P. M. we reached the camps we had occupied in the morning. Had a brigade from the reserve advanced a short distance beyond Centreville near onethird of the artillery lost might have been saved, as it was abandoned at or near this crossing. Such a rout I never witnessed before. No efforts could induce a single regiment to form after the retreat had commenced.

they came up I led them forward against an | treat about half-past four P. M. There was a Alabama regiment, partly concealed in a clump of small pines in an old field. At the first fire they broke and the greater portion of them fled to the rear, keeping up a desultory firing over the heads of their comrades in front; at the same moment they were charged by a company of secession cavalry on their rear, who came by a road through two strips of woods on our extreme right. The fire of the Zouaves killed four and wounded one, dispersing them. The discomfiture of this cavalry was completed by a fire from Captain Collum's company of United States cavalry, which killed and wounded several men. Colonel Farnham, with some of his officers and men, behaved gallantly, but the regiment of Zouaves, as a regiment, did not appear again on the field. Many of the men joined other regiments and did good service as skirmishers. I then led up the Minnesota regiment, which was also repulsed, but retired in tolerably good order. It did good service in the woods on our right flank, and was among the last to retire, moving off the field with the Third United States infantry. Next was led forward the First Michigan, which was also repulsed, and retired in considerable confusion. They were rallied, and helped to hold the woods on our right. The Brooklyn Fourteenth then appeared on the ground, coming forward in gallant style. I led them forward to the left, where the Alabama regiment had been posted in the early part of the action, but had now disappeared, but soon came in sight of the line of the enemy drawn up beyond the clump of trees. Soon after the firing commenced the regiment broke and ran. I considered it useless to attempt to rally them. The want of discipline in these regiments was so great that the most of the men would run from fifty to several hundred yards to the rear, and continue to fire-fortunately for the braver ones-very high in the air, and compelling those in front to retreat. During this time Reickell's battery had been taken and retaken three times by us, but was finally lost, most of the horses having been killed-Capt. Reickell being wounded, and First Lieut. D. Ramsay killed. Lieut. Kirby behaved very gallantly, and succeeded in carrying off one caisson. Before this time heavy reinforcements of the enemy were distinctly seen approaching by two roads extending and outflanking us on the right. Col. Stewart's brigade came on the field at this time, having been detained by the General as a reserve at the point where we left the turnpike. It took post on a hill on our right and rear, and for some time gallantly held the enemy in check. I had one company of cavalry attached to my division, which was joined during the engagement by the cavalry of Col. Stanton's division Major Palmer, who cannonaded them, was anxious to engage the enemy. The ground being unfavorable, I ordered them back out of range of fire. Finding it impossible to rally any of the regiments, we commenced our re

Our artillery was served admirably and did much execution. Some of the volunteer regiments behaved very well, and much excuse can be made for those who fled, as few of the enemy could at any time be seen. Raw troops cannot be expected to stand long against an unseen enemy. I have been unable to obtain any re

port from the Zouaves, as Col. Farnham is still at hospital. Since the retreat more than threefourths of the Zouaves have disappeared.

I beg leave to express my obligations to the officers of my staff, viz. :-Captain H. S. Wright, Lieut. E. S. W. Snyder, Lieutenant F. N. Farquhar, of the Engineers; Captain Chauncey McKeever, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant J. J. Sweet, of the Second Cavalry, and Lieutenant J. D. Fairbanks, of the First Michigan, for the able and fearless performance of their duties, and to recommend them to your favorable consideration.

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REPORT OF COLONEL GORMAN. HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA REGIMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 24, 1861. Colonel Franklin, Commanding First Brigade Colonel Heintzelman's Division, N. E. Virginia:

SIR: I have the honor to communicate, as Colonel of the First Minnesota regiment of Volunteers, the events connected with the movements of my command, comprising a part of your brigade.

On Tuesday morning, the 16th inst., in obedience to your order, we took up the line of march, and on the evening of Thursday arrived at Centreville and bivouacked until Sunday morning, the 21st instant, at half-past two o'clock, when we again took up our line of march, in obedience to your orders, to meet the enemy, then known to be in large force between Bull Run and Manassas station, Virginia.

Our march from Centreville to Bull Run was not marked by any extraordinary event, my regiment leading the advance of your brigade. On arriving at Bull Run, the battle began to rage with great warmth with the advance column of infantry and artillery of another division, both being hotly engaged. Here Captain Wright, of the military engineers, serving as an aid upon the staff of Colonel Heintzelman, commanding our division, informed me that my regiment was needed to flank the enemy upon the extreme left; whereupon I moved forward at "quick" and "double-quick" time, until we arrived at an open field looking out upon the enemy's lines. After holding this position a short time, Captain Wright, by your direction, ordered me through the woods to take position near the front and centre of the enemy's line, in an open field, where we came under the direct fire of the enemy's batteries, formed in "column by division."

After remaining in this position for some ten minutes, I received orders from both your aids and those of Colonel Heintzelman to pass the whole front of the enemy's line, in support of Rickett's battery, and proceed to the extreme right of our line and the left of the eneny, a distance of about a mile or more.

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This movement was effected at "quick" and double-quick" time, both by the infantry and artillery, during which march the men threw from their shoulders their haversacks, blankets, and most of their canteens, to facilitate their eagerness to engage the enemy. On arriving at the point indicated, being the extreme left of the enemy and the extreme right of our line, and in advance of all other of our troops, and where I was informed officially that two other regiments had declined to charge, we formed a line of battle, our right resting within a few feet of the woods, and the left at and around Rickett's battery, and upon the crest of the hill, within fifty or sixty feet of the enemy's line of infantry, with whom we could have readily conversed in an ordinary tone of voice. Immediately upon Rickett's battery coming into position and we in "line of battle," Colonel Heintzelman rode up between our lines and that of the enemy, within pistol shot of each, which circumstance staggered my judgment whether those in front were friends or enemies, it being equally manifest that the enemy were in the same dilemma as to our identity. But a few seconds, however, undeceived boththey displaying the rebel and we the Union flag. Instantly a blaze of fire was poured into the faces of the combatants, each producing terrible destruction, owing to the close proximity of the forces, which was followed by volley after volley, in regular and irregular order as to time, until Rickett's battery was disabled and cut to pieces, and a large portion of its officers and men had fallen, and until Companies H, I, K, C, G, and those immediately surrounding my regimental flag, were so desperately cut to pieces as to make it more of a slaughter-house than an equal combat, the enemy manifestly numbering five guns to our one, besides being intrenched in the woods and behind ditches and pits plainly perceptible, and with batteries upon the enemy's right, enfilading my left flank, and within three hundred and fifty yards' direct range. After an effort to obtain aid from the Fire Zouaves, then immediately upon our left, two or three different orders came to retire, as it was manifest that the contest was too deadly and unequal to be longer justifiably maintained. Whereupon, I gave the command to retire, seeing that the whole of our forces were seemingly in retreat. Every inch of ground, however, was strongly contested by skirmishers, through the woods, by the fences and over the undulating ground, until we had retired some four hundred yards in reasonably good order, to a point where the men could procure water, and then took up a regular and orderly retreat to such point as some general officer might indicate thereafter.

I feel it due to my regiment to say, that before leaving the extreme right of our line the enemy attempted to make a charge with a body of perhaps five hundred cavalry, who were met by my command and a part of the Fire Zouaves, and repulsed with considerable loss to the enemy, but without any to us.

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