your obedient servant. its effect. Men sought their proper companies vice during the day. I have the honor to be and regiments, comparative order was restored, and all now posted to the best advantage. 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 here with 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 of the wounded were making their way, with more or less assistance, to the buildings or hospitals. On the ridge to the west we succeeded in partially re-forming the regiments, but it was manifest they would not stand, and I directed Col. Corcoran to move along the ridge to the rear, near the position where we had first formed the brigade. Gen. McDowell was there 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. Corcoran we formed an irregular square against the cavalry, which was then seen to issue from the position from which we had been driven, and we began our retreat towards that ford of Bull Run by which we had approached the field of battle. There was no possible order to retreat, although for an hour it had been going on by the operations of the men themselves. 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. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. 6 Ayres's Battery,.. 58 192 .24 63 threw upon the First and Second regiments, Connecticut Volunteers, some 25 or 30 rounds of shot and shell, which caused a temporary confusion and wounded several men. Order was shortly restored, and the brigade closed up on Sherman's column before passing the fords. After crossing I marched at once to the high ground, and, by order of Gen. Tyler, came into line on Sherman's left. The order to advance 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, 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 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. 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 The enemy had a light battery, which he with a ramrod, and then bringing away two manœuvred with extraordinary skill, and his abandoned muskets. Col. Jameson, of the Secshot fell often among and near us. I advanced ond Maine regiment, gives great credit in his generally just under the brow of the hill, by a report to Lieut.-Col. C. W. Roberts, Major flank movement, until I found myself about half Varney, and Adjutant Reynolds for their coola mile below the stone bridge. Our advance ness on the field. Sergeant G. W. Brown, of caused the rebels to retire from the abatis, and Company F, A. J. Knowles and Leonard Carenabled Capt. Alexander of the Engineers to ver, of Company D, A. P. Jones and Henry clear it away. In a short time the enemy moved Wheeler, of Company A, and Peter Welch, of the battery to a point which enabled him to enfi- Company I, he mentions for their noble conduct lade my whole line; but as he pointed his guns in accompanying him to remove the dead and too far to the right, and only improved his aim wounded from the field, under a very heavy fire gradually, I had time to withdraw my brigade, of artillery and musketry. He mentions also by a flank movement, around the base of a hill Capt. Foss, Sergeant Samuel Hinckly, of Comin time to avoid a raking fire. At this time a pany A, and Corporal Smart, of Company H, lull in the discharge of our artillery, and an for important extra services during the day. apparent change in the position of the enemy's He also speaks in high praise of Sergeant W. J. left flank, made me apprehensive that all was Dean, who was mortally wounded while in the not right. I continued my march, and sent my advance of the line, bearing the beautiful stand aid, Lieut. Walter, to the rear to inquire of of colors which were presented the day beGen. McDowell how the day was going. The fore on the part of ladies from Maine residing discontinuance of the firing in our lines be- in California. Capt. E. W. Jones, of the same coming more and more apparent, I inclined to regiment, fell mortally wounded while exhibitthe right, and after marching 600 or 700 yards ing great courage in rallying his men to the further, I was met by Lieut. Upton, aid to Gen. charge. Lieut.-Col. Speidal, of the First regiTyler, and ordered to file to the right, as our ment Connecticut Volunteers, was set upon by troops were retreating. I moved on at an three of the enemy, who undertook to make ordinary pace, and fell into the retreating cur-him a prisoner. The Lieut.-Col. killed one and rent 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 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 saw him the last time. I trust he will yet be found. My two mounted orderlies, Cooper and Ballou, were both with me until near the end of the conflict, and are now both missing. My brigade being far in advance, and the ground very hilly and interspersed with patches of wood, rendered it difficult to avoid being enveloped by the enemy. The last individuals probably missed their way, and were killed or captured. I have delayed this report of the action until all the wanderers could be gathered in, and the following may therefore be taken as a very close approximation of the actual casualties in my brigade. Those reported missing are supposed to be killed or taken prisoners: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. Second Regt. Conn. Vols... 2 First Regt. Coun. Vols..... Third Regt. Conn. Vols.... 4 Second Regt. Maine Vols...15 Prisoners killed and wounded of Second Maine Regt. Total,........ 9 5 17 35 242 In addition to the above reported loss of the Second Maine regiment, Lieut. Skinner, Surgeon Allen and his son, while assisting the wounded, were taken prisoners. The aggregate loss of this gallant regiment was therefore 174 out of 640, which was the complete strength on going into action. It was impossible to obtain exact returns of my brigade on the morning of the 21st, but I am certain its aggregate strength was about 2,500 men. We captured fifteen of the enemy and brought six prisoners to Washington. In concluding the account of the battle, I am happy to be able to add that the conduct of the First Brigade, First Division, was generally excellent. The troops composing it need only instruction to make them as good as any in the world. I take the liberty to add, in continuation of this report, that the three Connecticut regiments, and a part of the Second Maine Volunteers, of my brigade, left their camp near Centreville at about 10 o'clock P. M., by order of Gen. Tyler, and arrived at Camp McDowell, six and a half miles from the Potomac, at dawn of day the morning after the battle. The camps of my four regiments and half of one company of cavalry were standing, and during the day I learned that the Ohio camp, a mile and a quarter this way, was vacant of troops, and the camp of the New York Second had only a guard of fifty or sixty men left in it. Not wishing the enemy to get possession of so many standing tents and such an abundance of camp equipage, I ordered my brigade to retreat no further until all the public property should be removed. The rain fell in torrents all the 22d. The men were excessively fatigued, and we had only eleven wagons. Brigade Quartermaster Hodge made two journeys to the city to obtain transportation, but, with four or five exceptions, the drivers refused to come out. Over eleven wagons were kept in motion, and at nightfall the troops were drenched to the skin, and without shelter. So, leaving guards VOL. II.-Doc. 2 at the regimental camps of my brigade, I moved forward with the bulk of the Third Connecticut regiment, and by 11 o'clock at night the majority were housed in the Ohio and New York camps. We kept good watch throughout the night, and early in the morning of the 23d inst., Quartermaster-General Meigs sent out long trains of wagons, and Brigade Quartermaster Hodge walked six miles to Alexandria and brought up a train of cars, and the work of removal proceeded with vigor. As early as at 5 o'clock r. M., the last thing of value had been removed and sent forward to the amount of 175 fourhorse wagon loads. The order to fall in was then given, and the brigade marched in perfect order, every man with his firelock, and at sunset bivouacked near Fort Corcoran. I acknowledge great indebtedness to Brigade Quartermaster Hodge. But for his untiring exertions in procuring the means of transportation, nearly all the public property must have been abandoned. The men of the different regiments labored with extraordinary zeal, considering their great fatigue, and they merit the highest praise. I had given permission to about 100 sick and lame to limp forward in advance, and about an equal number of cowards and recreants had fled without permission. The balance of my brigade, faithful and laborious, stood by, and they may claim the right to teach that it is unmanly to destroy the public property, and base to abandon it to the enemy, except in cases of the extremest necessity. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, SECOND DIVISION. COLONEL HUNTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT. WASHINGTON, D. C., August 5, 1861. Captain J. B. Fry, Assistant Adjutant-General United States Army: SIR:-Having had the honor to command the Second division of the army before Manassas on the 21st of July, 1861, and having been wounded early in the action, the command, as well as the duty of making the division report, devolved on Colonel Andrew Porter, of the United States Army. I deem it, however, a duty I owe to the gallant gentlemen of my staff, briefly to mention their services. The Hon. Isaac N. Arnold, of the United States House of Representatives, one of my volunteer aids, was with me on the field till I received my wound, and then devoted himself to having the wounded removed, and to alleviating their sufferings. Captain G. P. Woodbury, Chief Engineer of the division, fearlessly exposed himself in front of the skirmishers during our whole advance, and determined, with great judgment, the route of the division. Captain W. D. Whipple, Assistant AdjutantGeneral; Captain Cook, of the Fourth Penn sylvania Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Lieutenant | comrades to repel the attack of the enemy's Cross of Engineers, and Lieutenant D. W. Flagler, aide-de-camp, all performed their duties to my entire satisfaction: they were absent, conveying orders, during the short time I was in the field. My aid, Lieutenant Samuel W. Stockton, of the First Cavalry, was with me on the field, and his conduct, under a heavy fire, was perfectly beautiful. Dr. Rouch, of Chicago, Ill., a citizen surgeon, accompanied the Hon. Mr. Arnold to the field, and devoted himself to the care of the wounded during the whole battle. I have the honor to be, COLONEL BURNSIDE'S REPORT. To Colonel Hunter, Commanding Second Divi sion: SIR-I have the honor to report that the brigade under my command, in common with the rest of the division, left Washington at three P. M. on Tuesday, July 15; encamped that night at Annandale; occupied Fairfax Court House, and encamped there on Wednesday. On Thursday, July 17, proceeded to Centreville, where we remained till Sunday morning, July 21, when the whole army took up the line of march to Bull Run. forces. The Second Rhode Island regiment of volunteers had steadily borne the enemy's attack, and had bravely stood its ground, even compelling him to give way. At this time Col. Slocum fell, mortally wounded, and soon after Major Ballou was very severely injured by a cannon ball, that killed his horse and crushed one of his legs. The regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wheaton, continued gallantly to hold its position. Soon after Colonel Martin, of the Seventy-first regiment New York State Militia, led his regiment into action, and planting the two howitzers belonging to the regiment upon the right of his line, worked them most effectively against the enemy's troops. The battery of the Second Rhode Island regiment on the knoll upon the extreme right, was used in silencing the heavy masked battery of the enemy in front, occasionally throwing in shot and shell upon the enemy's infantry, six regiments of which were attempting to force our position. Captain Reynolds, who was in command of this battery, served it with great coolness, precision, and skill. The Second regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, under Colonel Marston, was now brought into the field, and rendered great service in defending the position. Colonel Marston was wounded early in the action, and Lieutenant-Colonel Fiske ably directed the advance of the regiment. Thus my whole brigade was brought into the engagement at the earliest possible moment, and succeeded in compelling the enemy to retire. We were wholly without support, bearing the brunt of the contest until relieved by Major Sykes, of the Third Infantry United States Army, who formed his battalion most admirably in front of the enemy, and pouring in a destructive fire upon his lines, assisted in staggering him. At that moment, after the fight had continued an hour or more, Colonel Heintzelman's division was seen marching over the hill opposite our left flank, and, attacking the enemy at that point, the opposing force was soon dispersed. This point being gained, and the enemy retiring in confusion before the successful charge of Colonel Heintzelman's division, I withdrew my brigade into the woods in the rear of the line, for the purpose of supplying the troops with ammunition, which had become well-nigh exhausted. The Second regiment New Hamp Nothing of moment occurred till the arrival of the division at the crossing of Bull Run, at half-past nine o'clock, when intelligence was received that the enemy was in front with considerable force. The brigade was ordered to halt for a supply of water and temporary rest. Afterwards an advance movement was made, and Col. Slocum, of the Second Rhode Island regiment, was ordered to throw out skirmishers upon either flank and in front. These were soon confronted by the enemy's forces, and the head of the brigade found itself in presence of the foe. The Second regiment Rhode Island Volunteers 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 this time, much to my sorrow, I met you returning from the field severely wounded, and was requested to take charge of the formation of the division in the presence of the en-shire Volunteers was sent forward to assist one emy. Finding that the Second regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was closely pressed by the enemy, I ordered the Seventy-first regiment New York Militia, and the Second regiment New Hampshire Volunteers to advance, intending to hold the First Rhode Island Volunteers in reserve; but owing to delay in the formation of the two former regiments, the First Rhode Island regiment was at once ordered on the field of action. Major Balch, in command, gallantly led the regiment into it, where it performed most effective service in assisting its. of Colonel Heintzelman's brigades at that time three-quarters of a mile distant, and driving the enemy before them. The battery of the Second Rhode Island Volunteers changed its position into a field upon the right, and was brought to bear upon the force which Colonel Porter was engaging. The enemy's infantry having fallen back, two sections of Captain Reynolds's battery advanced and succeeded in breaking the charge of the enemy's cavalry, which had now been brought into the engagement. It was nearly four o'clock P. M., and the and advised by his Excellency Governor Sprague, who took an active part in the conflict, and who was especially effective in the direction and arrangement of the battery of Light artillery attached to the Second regiment Rhode Island Volunteers. It would be invidious to mention officers of the different corps who distinguished themselves upon the field for coolness and bravery, where all performed their duty so well. I cannot feel justified in specifying particular instances of fidelity. The officers and men were prompt, steady and brave, and performed the several parts assigned to them in the most gallant manner. Our loss has been very severe. The Second regiment particularly suffered greatly. The death of Colonel Slocum is a loss, not only to his own State, which mourns the death of a most gallant and meritorious officer, who would have done credit to the service, while his prominent abilities as a soldier would have raised him high in the public estimation. He had served with me as Major of the First regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers, and when he was transferred to a more responsible position, I was glad that his services had been thus secured for the benefit of his country. His associate, Major Ballou, of the same regiment, is deserving of the highest commendation as a brave soldier and a true man. battle had continued for almost six hours since the time when the Second brigade had been engaged, with every thing in favor of our troops and promising decisive victory, when some of the regiments engaging the enemy upon the extreme right of our line, broke, and large numbers passed disorderly by my brigade, then drawn up in the position which they last held. The ammunition had been issued in part, when I was ordered to protect the retreat. The Seventy-first regiment, New York State Militia, was formed between the retreating columns and the enemy by Colonel Martin, and the Second regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, by Lieutenant Colonel Wheaton. The First regiment Rhode Island Volunteers moved out into the field at the bottom of the gorge, near the ford, and remained for fifteen minutes, until a general retreat was ordered. The regiment then passed on to the top of the hill, where it was joined by the remainder of the brigade, and formed into column. Large bodies of stragglers were passing along the road, and it was found impossible to retain the order, which otherwise would have been preserved. Yet the brigade succeeded in retiring in comparatively good condition, with Arnold's battery of artillery and Capt. Armstrong's company of dragoons bringing up the rear. The retreat continued thus until the column was about emerging from the woods and entering upon the Warrenton turnpike, when the artillery and cavalry went to the front, and the enemy opened fire upon the retreating mass of men. Upon the bridge crossing Cub Run a shot took effect upon the horses of a team that was cross-friends. Captain Smith, of the Second Rhode ing. The wagon was overturned directly in the centre of the bridge, and the passage was completely obstructed. The enemy continued to play his artillery upon the train carriages, ambulances, and artillery wagons that filled the road, and these were reduced to ruin. The artillery could not possibly pass, and five pieces of the Rhode Island battery, which had been safely brought off the field, were here lost. Captain Reynolds is deserving of praise for the skill with which he saved the lives of his men. The infantry, as the files reached the bridge, were furiously pelted with a shower of grape and other shot, and several persons were here killed or dangerously wounded. As was to be expected, the whole column was thrown into confusion, and could not be rallied again for a distance of two or three miles. Captain Tower, of the Second regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, received his death wound at the very commencement of the battle. He was a young, brave, and promising officer, who is deeply lamented by his comrades and Island Volunteers, was known among us for his many good qualities of head and heart. Lieutenant Prescott, of the First Rhode Island regiment, was also killed in the early part of the action, while gallantly encouraging his company. He was a noble-hearted Christian man, whose memory will be ever fresh in the hearts of his friends. Among those who are missing I have to mention the names of Lieutenant Knight, of the First regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, and Dr. James Harris, of the same regiment. Both are men whom we can hardly afford to lose, and I trust that some measures may be taken by which their fate may be known. Dr. Harris was especially active upon the field of battle in dressing the wounds of disabled soldiers; and, knowing no distinction between friend and foe, treated the enemy's wounded The brigade reached Centreville at nine with the same kindness and consideration as o'clock P. M., and entered into the several those of our own troops. He is probably a camps that had been occupied the night before, prisoner. Other officers might be mentioned, had where the brigade rested until ten o'clock, | I the data at hand to specify; but I have not yet when, in pursuance of orders from the general-received reports from the Seventy-first New commanding, the retreat was continued. The York and Second New Hampshire Volunteers. column reached Washington about nine o'clock A. M., Monday morning, when the several regiments composing the brigade repaired to their respective encampments. In the movements of my brigade, upon this unfortunate expedition, I was greatly assisted I append a list of casualties so far as reports have been received. It is a sad duty to record a defeat, accompanied with the loss of so many valuable lives. But defeat should only make us more faithful still to the great cause of humanity and civilization, in order that every |