connoitrings is shown in the order of battle subsequently issued. Meanwhile it would appear that an attack upon the Federal forces was contemplated by the Commander of the Confederate army. Probably he was anticipated by the attack of Gen. McDowell. This appears from documents found in the camp at Manassas, after its evacuation by the Confederate force early in 1862. One of these papers contains the plan of battle, and shows by the details that the Confederate force was not inferior to that of the Federal army. It is as follows: [CONFIDENTIAL.] Special Order No.-. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC, July 20, 1861. The following order is published for the information of division and brigade commanders: 1. Brig.-Gen. Ewell's brigade, supported by Gen. Holmes' brigade, will march via Union Mills Ford and place itself in position of attack upon the enemy. It will be held in readiness either to support the attack upon Centreville, or to move in the direction of Santer's Cross Roads, according to circumstances. The order to advance will be given by the Commander-in-Chief. 2. Brig. Gen. Jones' brigade, supported by Col. Earl's brigade, will march via McLane's Ford to place itself in position of attack upon the enemy on or about the Union Mills and Centreville road. It will be held in readiness either to support the attack on Centreville, or to move in the direction of Fairfax Station, according to circumstances, with its right flank toward the left of Ewell's command, more or less distant, according to the nature of the country and attack. The order to advance will be given by the Commander-in-Chief. 3. Brig.-Gen. Longstreet's brigade, supported by Brig. Gen. Jackson's brigade, will march via McLane's Ford to place itself in position of attack upon the enemy on or about the Union Mills and Centreville roads. It will be held in readiness either to support the attack on Centreville or to move in the direction of Fairfax Court House, according to circumstances, with its right flank toward the left of Jones' command, more or less distant, according to the nature of the country. The order to advance will be given by the Commander-in-Chief. 4. Brig.-Gen. Bonham's brigade, supported by Col. Bartow's brigade, will march via Mitchell's Ford to the attack of Centreville. The right wing to the left of the third division, more or less distant, according to the nature of the country and of the attack. The order to advance will be given by the Commander-inChief. 5. Col. Cooke's brigade, supported by Col. Elzy's brigade, will march, via Stone Bridge and the fords on the right thereof, to the attack of Centreville. The right wing to the left of the fourth division, more or less distant, according to the nature of the country and of the attack. The order to advance will be given by the Commander-in-Chief. 6. Brig.-Gen. Bee's brigade, supported by Col. Wilcox's brigade, Col. Stuart's regiment of cavalry, and the whole of Walton's battery, will form the reserve, and will march via Mitchell's Ford, to be used according to circumstances. The light batteries will be distributed as follows: 1. To Brig.-Gen. Ewell's command-Capt. Walker, six pieces. 2. To Brig. Gen. Jones'-Captains Albertis' and Stonewood's batteries, eight pieces. 3. To Brig.-Gen. Longstreet's- Col. Pendleton's and Capt. Imboden's batteries, eight pieces. 4. To Brig. Gen. Bonham's-Captains Kemper's and Shields' batteries, eight pieces. 5. To Col. Cooke's-Col. Hemton's and Captains Latham's and Beckwith's batteries, twelve pieces. Col. Radford, commanding cavalry, will detail to report immediately, as follows: To Brig.-Gen. Ewell, two companies cavalry. To Brig.-Gen. Jones, two companies cavalry. To Brig.-Gen. Longstreet, two companies cavalry. To Brig.-Gen. Bonham, three companies cavalry. To Col. Cooke, the remaining companies of cavalry, except those in special service. 7. The fourth and fifth divisions, after the fall of Centreville, will advance to the attack of Fairfax Court House via the Braddock and Turnpike roads, third divisions will, if necessary, support the fourth to the north of the latter. The first, second, and and fifth divisions. 8. In this movement the first, second, and third divisions will form the command of Brig.-Gen. Holmes. The fourth and fifth divisions, that of the second in command. The reserve will move upon the plains between Mitchell's Ford and Stone Bridge, and, together with the fourth and fifth divisions, will be under the immediate direction of Gen. Beauregard. By command of Gen. BEAUREGARD. THOMAS JORDAN, A. A. Adjt.-Gen. Special Order No. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 20, 1861. gard, in the above order, is approved, and will be The plan of attack given by Brig.-Gen. Beaureexecuted accordingly. J. E. JOHNSTON, Gen. C. S. A. Mitchell's Ford, spoken of in the above orders, is a short distance above Blackburn's Ford. McLane's Ford is about the same distance below Blackburn's Ford. Union Mills is still further below, near the crossing of the Alexandria and Orange Railroad. The result of observations on the part of Gen. McDowell convinced him that the mass of the Southern force had not been advanced from Manassas to the back of the creek called Bull Run. This tortuous stream runs from northwest to southeast, through the entire field of battle. At the extreme part on the northwest, is Sudley's Spring, where it is fordable; three miles lower down is a crossing known as the Stone Bridge, and still lower is Blackburn's Ford; further down is Union Mills, mentioned in Gen. Beauregard's order. Centreville is a village of a few houses, mostly on the west side of a ridge running nearly north and south. The road from Centreville to Manassas Junction was along this ridge, and crossed Bull Run about three miles from the former place. Through Centreville, running nearly east and west, passes the Warrenton turnpike, and crosses Bull Run about four miles distant. The conviction of Gen. McDowell was that the mass of the enemy's force was at Manassas. He says in his report: "On the evening of the 20th my command was mostly at or near Centreville. The enemy was at or near Manassas, distant from Centreville about seven miles to the southwest." Thus conceiving the mass of the Confederate army to be at Manassas, the order of battle was prepared accordingly, and issued on the night of the 20th, to be executed the next day. It was manifest that the crossing of Bull Run would be disput ed; but the greatest contest, anticipated the next day, was expected to come when the attempt should be made to destroy the railroad leading from Manassas to the valley of Virginia. The orders for the 21st were as follows: HEADQUARTERS Department ARMY EASTERN VA., turnpike to defend the passage of Bull Run; has Beized the Stone Bridge and made a heavy abatis on the right bank, to oppose our advance in that direction. The ford above the bridge is also guarded, whether with artillery or not is not positively known, but every indication favors the belief that he proposes to defend the passage of the stream. It is intended to turn the position, force the enemy from the road, that it may be reopened, and, if possible, destroy the railroad leading from Manassas to the valley of Virginia, where the enemy has a large force. As this may be resisted by all the force of the enemy, the troops will be disposed as follows: The first division (Gen. Tyler's), with the exception of Richardson's brigade, will, at half-past two o'clock in the morning precisely, be on the Warrenton turnpike to threaten the passage of the bridge, but will not open fire until full daybreak. The second division (Hunter's) will move from its camp at two o'clock in the morning precisely, and, led by Capt. Woodbury, of the Engineers, will, after passing Cub Run, turn to the right and pass the Bull Ran stream above the ford at Sudley's Spring, and then turning down to the left, descend the stream and clear away the enemy who may be guarding the lower ford and bridge. It will then bear off to the right and make room for the succeeding division. The third division (Heintzelman's) will march at half-past two o'clock in the morning, and follow the road taken by the second division, but will cross at the lower ford after it has been turned as above, and then, going to the left, take place between the stream and second division. The fifth division (Miles') will take position on the Centreville Heights (Richardson's brigade will, for the time, form part of the fifth division, and will continue in its present position). One brigade will be in the village, and one near the present station of Richardson's brigade. This division will threaten the Blackburn Ford, and remain in reserve at Centreville. The commander will open fire with artillery only, and will bear in mind that it is a demonstration only he is to make. He will cause such defensive works, abatis, earthworks, etc., to be thrown up as will strengthen his position. Lieut. Prime, of the Engineers, will be charged with this duty. These movements may lead to the gravest results, and commanders of divisions and brigades should bear in mind the immense consequences involved. There must be no failure, and every effort must be made to prevent straggling. No one must be allowed to leave the ranks without special authority. After completing the movements ordered, the troops must be held in order of battle, as they may be attacked at any moment. By command of Brig.-Gen. McDOWELL. JAMES B. FRY, Adjt.-Gen. The position of the Federal forces on the night previous to the battle can be briefly told. The first division, which had been the right wing thus far, was stationed on the north side of the Warrenton turnpike and on the eastern slope of the Centreville ridge, two brigades on the same road and a mile and a half in advance, to the west of the ridge, and one brigade on the road from Centreville to Manassas, where it crosses Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford, where the engagement on the 18th was. The second division was on the Warrenton turnpike, one mile east of Centreville. The third division was about a mile and a half out on the old Braddock road, which comes into Centreville from the southeast. The fifth division was on the same road as the third division, and between it and Centreville. brought to the front further than to guard our The fourth division (Runyon's) had not been communications by way of Vienna and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. His advanced regiment was about seven miles in the rear of Centreville. At half-past two, on the morning of the 21st, the division under Gen. Tyler, which had heretofore been the right wing, moved, with the exception of Richardson's brigade, to threaten the passage of the Warrenton turnpike bridge, or Stone Bridge, on Bull Run. After moving a short distance Col. Keyes' brigade was halted by order of Gen. McDowell, to watch the road coming up from Manassas. This was about The two remaining two miles from the run. brigades of this division, being those of Cols. Schenck and Sherman, with Ayres' and Carlisle's batteries, proceeded on and arrived in front of the bridge about 6 A. M. An examination of the position was made, and the brigades and artillery got into position. The first gun, as a signal that they were in position, was fired at half-past six o'clock. As the design was to threaten the brigade, Col. Schenck's brigade was formed into a line, with its left resting in the direction of the bridge and the Confederate battery, which had been established to sweep the bridge and its approach, so as to threaten both. Col. Sherman's brigade was posted to the right of the turnpike, so as to be in position to sustain Col. Schenck or to move across Bull Run, in the direction to be taken by Col. Hunter's division. A 30-pounder gun attached to Carlisle's battery was posted on the turnpike, with Ayres' battery considerably in its rear, while Carlisle's battery was posted on the left of Col. Sherman's brigade. In this position they were ordered to remain, awaiting the appearance of the divisions of Cols. Hunter and Heintzelman on the other side, until such time that the approach to the bridge could be carried and the bridge rebuilt by the engineers, who had on the spot materials for that purpose. While this had been going on with the first division, the first brigade of the second division, under Col. Porter, had been silently paraded in light marching order at two o'clock in the morning. Owing to frequent delays in the march of troops in front, it did not reach Centreville until half-past four. It proceeded out on the Warrenton turnpike, and it was an hour after sunrise when its head was turned to the right to commence the flank movement by crossing at Sudley's Spring. The second brigade of the division, which was now in advance, made such slow and intermittent progress through the woods, that it was four hours be fore the head of the division reached Bull Run. This was about half-past nine o'clock, and intelligence was here received that the Confederate troops were in front with considerable force. A halt of half an hour was now ordered, to obtain a supply of water, and to rest and refresh the men. The shade of the green and waving foliage of the trees, and the water of the creek, on this hot summer morning, were delightful to the perspiring men. Only the gleam of bayonets and the equipments of war in sight on every side, indicated the terrific conflict so close at hand. Not only was the intelligence received that the enemy was in front with a considerable force, but from the heights where the troops rested, a vast column could be plainly descried, at the distance of a mile or more on the left, moving rapidly towards the line of march in front, which the halting troops were about to resume. Skirmishers were now thrown out upon either flank and in front, by Col. Slocum, of the Second Rhode Island. The column moved forward, however, before this was completed, and in about thirty minutes emerged from the timber, whence the rattle of the musketry and occasional crash of round shot through the branches of the trees indicated the opening of the battle. The Second Rhode Island, of the second brigade, under Col. Burnside, was immediately sent forward with its battery of artillery, and the balance of the brigade was formed in a field to the right of the road. At the same time the head of the first brigade was turned slightly to the right, in order to gain time and room for deployment on the right of the second brigade. Griffin's battery found its way through the timber to the fields beyond, followed promptly by the marines, while the Twenty-seventh took a direction more to the left, and the Fourteenth followed upon the trail of the batteryall moving up at double-quick step. Since this division left the Warrenton turnpike by turning to the right, it had moved in a semicircle, crossing Bull Run at Sudley's Spring, and it was now approaching the turnpike again. Along this turnpike the enemy now appeared drawn up in a long line, extending from a house and haystack upon the extreme right of the advancing division to a house beyond its left. Behind that house there was a heavy battery which, with three others along the Confederate line, but on the heights behind it, covered with all sorts of projectiles the ground upon which the Union force was advancing. A grove in front of the enemy's right wing afforded it shelter and protection, while the shrubbery in the fences along the road screened somewhat his left wing. The battery of Griffin advanced within a thousand yards, and opened an unerring and deadly fire upon the enemy's batteries, (on the right,) which were soon silenced or driven away. The right of the Union force was now rapidly developed by this first brigade of the second divisionthe marines, the Twenty-seventh, Fourteenth, and Eighth, with the cavalry in the rear of the right. The enemy retreated in more precipitation than order, as this part of the line advanced. Meanwhile, it appearing that the Second Rhode Island, of the second brigade, was closely pressed by the right of the enemy, Col. Burnside ordered the Seventy-first New York and Second New Hampshire to advance, intending to hold the First Rhode Island in reserve; but, owing to delay in the formation of the Seventy-first and Second, the First Rhode Island was at once ordered on the field. It performed most efficient service in assisting its comrades to repel the attack of the enemy's forces, which the Second Rhode Island had steadily borne, and had bravely stood its ground, even compelling him to give way. Soon the Seventy-first came into action, planting the two howitzers belonging to the regiment upon the right of its line, and working them most effectively. Next came the Second New Hampshire into the field; and the whole of the second brigade was engaged in action on the right of the enemy. The enemy now clung with so much tenacity to the protecting wood, and the Rhode Island battery became so much endangered, as to impel the commander to call for the battalion of regulars. This battalion was composed of two companies of the Second, five companies of the Third, and one company of the Eighth U. S. Infantry. It was a part of the first brigade, and was at once ordered to support the second brigade, under Col. Burnside, which was now suffering from a severe fire in its front. The line of the battalion was rapidly formed, opening fire, and a column under Col. Heintzelman appearing at the same moment on the left of the battalion, the enemy fell back to the rising ground in his rear. The third division, consisting of three brigades, under Col. Heintzelman, was under arms, in light marching order, with two days' cooked rations in their haversacks, and commenced the march at half-past two in the morning. It followed immediately in the rear of the second division, Col. Hunter, and with that division, turning to the right from the turnpike by a country road, and crossing Bull Run at Sudley's Spring. It was the intention that this division should turn to the left and cross a ford about midway between the Warrenton turnpike and Sudley's Springs. But the road was either missed or did not exist. Probably missed, as there is a ford called "Poplar or Red Hill Ford," midway between the Stone Bridge and Sudley's. Before the third division reached Sudley's the battle had commenced. Smoke could be seen rising on their left from two points a mile or more apart. Two clouds of dust were also visible, showing the advance of troops from the direction of Manassas. Two regiments were at this time ordered forward, to prevent the enemy from outflanking the second division, under Col. Hunter. Accordingly, the Minnesota advanced on the left of the road which crossed the run, the Eleventh Massachusetts moved up it, followed by the remainder of the division, except Arnold's battery, which, supported by the First Michigan, was posted a little below the crossing of the run as a reserve. The advance of the battalion of regular infantry and the regiment detached from Col. Heintzelman, to support the second brigade, under Col. Burnside, above mentioned, caused the enemy to come flying from the woods towards the right, and the Twenty-seventh completed their retreat by charging directly upon their centre in the face of a scorching fire, while the Fourteenth and Eighth moved down the turnpike to cut off the retiring foe, and to support the Twenty-seventh, which was standing the brunt of the action, with its ranks thinning in the dreadful fire. Now the resistance of the enemy's left became so obstinate that the beaten right retired in safety. This retreat of the enemy's right afforded an opportunity for the brigades of Cols. Sherman and Keyes, belonging to Gen. Tyler's division, to cross over, as will be presently noticed. The appearance of the head of Col. Heintzelman's column upon the field at the moment of the obstinate resistance of the enemy's left, enabled the Fifth Massachusetts and Eleventh New York (Fire Zouaves) to move forward to support the centre of the first brigade of Col. Hunter's division, which had been on the right and constantly engaged. At this time the Eighth New York, under Col. Lyons, of this brigade, had broken. They were only partially rallied again. This was the first regiment to break ranks and retire on the field that day. The Fourteenth also broke, but was soon rallied in rear of Griffin's battery, which soon took a position further to the front and right, from which its fire was delivered with such precision and rapidity as to compel the batteries of the enemy to retire far behind the brow of the hill in front. At this time the first brigade of Col. Hunter's division occupied a line considerably in advance of that first occupied by the left wing of the enemy. The battery was pouring its withering fire into the batteries and columns of the enemy wherever exposed. The cavalry were likewise engaged in feeling the left flank of the enemy's position, during which some captures were made. Early in the action Gen. Hunter had been wounded and conveyed from the field, and the command of the division had devolved on Col. A. Porter. The orders to Gen. Tyler were to threaten the passage of the Stone Bridge. Soon after getting into position, it was discovered that the enemy had a heavy battery with infantry in support, commanding both the road and bridge approaches, on which both Ayres and Carlisle at different times tried the effect of their guns without success. The banks of the run proving impracticable for the passage of artillery, the batteries remained comparatively useless until the approach to the bridge was cleared. During this period of waiting, the 30pounder was occasionally used with considerable effect against bodies of infantry and cavalry, which could be seen from time to time moving in the direction of Col. Hunter's column, and out of the range of the ordinary guns. When it appeared that the divisions of Cols. Hunter and Heintzelman were arrested in their progress, and the enemy seemed to be moving heavy reinforcements to support their troops, the brigade of Col. Sherman was ordered by Gen. Tyler to cross over and support the columns engaged. The brigade of Col. Keyes was also ordered to follow. This brigade, on reaching the high ground across the run, was ordered to form on the left of Col. Sherman's brigade, which was done with great steadiness and regularity. After waiting a few minutes, the line was ordered to advance and come into conflict on its right with the enemy's cavalry and infantry, which, after some severe struggles, it drove back, until the further march of Keyes' brigade was arrested by a severe fire of artillery and infantry, sheltered by some buildings standing on the heights above the road leading to Bull Run. A charge was here ordered, and the Second Maine and Third Connecticut, which were opposed to this part of the enemy's line, pressed forward to the top of the hill until they reached the buildings which were held by the enemy, and drove them out and for a moment held possession. The gallantry of this charge upon infantry and artillery, says Col. Keyes, 66 was never, in my opinion, surpassed." At this point, finding the brigade under the fire of a strong force behind breastworks, it was ordered to march by the left flank across an open field until the whole line was sheltered by the right bank of Bull Run, along which the march was conducted, with a view to turn the battery, which the enemy had placed on the hill below the point at which the Warrenton turnpike crosses Bull Run. The enemy were forced to retire for a considerable distance below the Stone Bridge, and an opportunity was afforded to Capt. Alexander to pass over the bridge, cut out the abatis which had been placed there, and prepare the way for Col. Schenck's brigade and two batteries to pass over. Meanwhile Col. Sherman's brigade, which had been ordered by Gen. Tyler to cross over in advance of Col. Keyes, found no difficulty in the movement and met no opposition in ascending the steep bluff with the infantry. Advancing slowly and continuously with the head of the column to give time for the regiments in succession to close up their ranks, the brigade proceeded with caution towards the field, and soon formed in rear of Col. Porter's brigade. Here orders were given to Col. Sherman to join in pursuit of the enemy, who were falling back to the left of the road by which the army had approached from Sudley's Spring. The brigade moved in the following order: Thirteenth New York in advance, followed by the Second Wisconsin, Seventy-ninth and Sixty |