us.

fact, that was under fire the previous day, that returned to and occupied their old camp ground previous to their advance towards the field of battle. It is with great pride, sir, that I mention this fact, evincing, as it emphatically does, a degree of subordination commendable in any regiment, and reflecting great credit upon the gallant officers and men of my own, particularly under the extraordinary circumstances connected with the occasion.

From the time my regiment was ordered into the battle-field until forced to retire therefrom, a period of four hours, it was almost constantly under fire from the enemy's batteries, and engaged with the infantry; and through your coolness and courage alone, during that time-your frequent orders for the men to lie down when the enemy's fire was the hottest, and your constant effort to protect them as far as possible at all times-was the regiment saved from presenting a larger number of casualties than its large number now shows.

ing been previously compelled to retreat in the face of superior numbers and a great loss in their ranks. Before arriving at the brow of the hill, we met the enemy in large force, one of his infantry regiments, apparently fresh upon the field, advancing steadily toward us in line of battle. A large number of the men of this regiment had advanced in front of their line, and had taken possession of Rickett's battery, and were endeavoring to turn the guns upon A well-directed and destructive fire was immediately opened upon the enemy by my regiment, and a portion of another that had rallied upon our left (I think the Fourteenth, New York State Militia), and after a sharp conflict he was forced to retreat in disorder and with great loss, seeking shelter in the woods from whence he had previously emerged. The enemy not succeeding in taking with him Rickett's battery, which seemed to have been the chief object of his attack, it fell into the hands of my regiment, by whom three of its guns were dragged a distance of three hunOf the courage displayed by the men gendred yards, and left in a road, apparently outerally on the field during the entire day, of the of reach of the enemy. readiness of the gallant fellows to obey at all times all orders, I cannot speak in too high terms, or express in words my admiration. During all my experience in a former campaign, and presence on many a battle-field, I have never witnessed greater bravery or more soldierly requisites than were displayed by the men of my own regiment during the entire battle.

Another rally was then again made by my regiment, the gallant men readily responding to the orders of their officers. Advancing in double-quick time to the right and front towards a dense wood, in which the enemy had been concealed in large force during the day, and from which evidences of a retreat were now visible, my regiment, with detached portions of others of our force, became engaged in a sharp and spirited skirmish with the enemy's infantry and cavalry, and we appeared for a time to have complete possession of the field.

This was the last rally made by my regiment: suddenly and unexpectedly the enemy, reinforced by fresh troops, literally swarming the woods, poured in upon us a perfect shower of lead from his musketry; his batteries reopened upon us with terrible effect; and a panic at this moment seeming to have taken possession of our troops generally, a retreat was ordered, and my regiment, in comparatively good order, commenced its march towards Centreville, where a greater portion of it arrived about 9 o'clock that night. Here, on the same ground that we had bivouacked previous to the battle, the regiment was halted. After a rest of about two hours, it again resumed its march, joining in the general movement made by the army towards this place.

After a forced and wearisome march of seven hours, the men suffering from the fatigue of the previous fifteen hours, without food for that length of time, with scarcely water enough to moisten their pached tongues, many of them wounded, sick, and otherwise disabled, my regiment, with the exception of about fifty, who had straggled from their respective companies and joined the mass that were thronging to the capital, halted at its original camp ground near Alexandria-the only regiment of the brigade that did so the only regiment, in

The conduct of the officers generally, I cannot speak too highly of. Always at their posts, cheering on their men by their soldierly examples, and displaying marked gallantry under the trying circumstances, I acknowledge my inability to do them justice in words. Major Potter was disabled during the early part of the engagement, while gallantly performing his duty, and subsequently fell into the hands of the enemy. The brave Captain McQuaide, while cheering on his men, fell, from a severe wound in the leg. Lieut. Thomas S. Hamblin, a gallant young officer, also received a wound in the leg while discharging his duty; and he, with the former officer, subsequently fell into the hands of the enemy. Captains McGrath and Allason both received injuries during the engagement, the former by being run down by the enemy's cavalry, (from the effects of which he is now suffering,) and the latter by a slight musket shot. Lieut. John Brady, Jr., while bravely participating in the fight, was severely wounded in the arm. Assistant Surgeon Stephen Griswold was on the field, and, under a heavy fire, at all times humanely and fearlessly discharging his duties to the wounded. He and Quartermaster Charles J. Murphy, who was assisting the wounded, were also taken prisoners.

In conclusion, I again assert my inability to do justice to the gallant conduct of the officers generally; and while it would afford me great pleasure to mention the names of many whose

conduct fell under my personal observation, Iloney, Privates Timothy Sullivan, Michael must refrain from doing so, lest by omitting Kennedy, Joseph Sheppard, Patrick Coyle, others I should do injustice to many equally as Lawrence Mooney, John Holland. meritorious.

Wounded-Capt. Hugh McQuaide, severely, taken prisoner. Privates John McIntire, Pat- Pursuant to instructions the brigades of rick McGann, Martin O'Neill, Thomas Murphy, Blenker or Davies, soon after daylight, were in Wm. Fielding. readiness to march and take position, but were Missing-Sergeant Donahoe, Corporal Mo-prevented from so doing by other divisions

blocking up the road. I discovered, however, that Davies' brigade could be passed to the left and west, through fields, to Blackburn's Ford. Lieutenant Brinel, engineer officer, conducted the brigade, and as soon as possible it joined Colonel Richardson, before the crossing of this ford on Bull Run. Fire was then opened by Hunt's battery, supported by Richardson's brigade on the right. Edwards's twenty-pounder rifled guns were posted on the left, about six hundred yards from Richardson's position, and sustained by a portion of Davies' brigade. Blenker's brigade took position at Centreville, and commenced throwing up intrenchmentsone regiment being located at the former work of the enemy, one to the west of the town on the Warrenton road, and two on the height towards Bull Run. With these last regiments were first placed Tidball's and Green's batteries-Green's afterwards being removed to Richardson's position, in consequence of notification being sent by that officer that about 2,000 of the enemy were about to attack him, and that he required more artillery. I may here remark that some difference existed in the order given Lieutenant Brinel and myself in regard to the defensive works to be thrown up, and also as to the quantity of tools he was to receive-my orders being, by the Lieutenant's advice, to intrench Centreville; his from Major Barnard, to throw up works at Blackburn's Ford. No tools came forward but the small amount Lieutenant Brinel had of his own. These he took to Richardson's position, commenced a battery and made several hundred yards of it. Blenker, with his pioneers, improved and extended the works at Centreville left by the enemy.

tachments of the enemy. The line of skirmishers had barely entered the woods, when a large force of the enemy was discovered concealed by breastworks. He opened fire, which was handsomely returned. In this affair three of the Sixteenth New York Volunteers were wounded. The skirmishers report the force of the enemy greatly damaged by Green's battery. I made no other attempt on this ford, my orders being on no account to get into a general engagement. As I was again returning to Blenker's position, I received the notice to telegraph to Washington, which I found had been done by Lieutenant Wendell, topographical engineer in my staff, and was compelled by illness to remain at my headquarters. It was at this time the order was received to put two brigades on the Warrenton turnpike, at the bridge. I without delay sent a staff officer to order forward Davies' brigade, but whilst this officer was executing my instructions Davies sent word he wanted a reserve regiment forward, that the enemy, some 3,000, was attempting to turn his flank. The staff officer, therefore, properly suspended the giv ing of my order, and immediately reported the fact to me, and this caused me to advance but the one brigade (Blenker's) to the position on the Warrenton turnpike. Blenker's advance to that point was soon impeded by fugitives from the battle-field. When these were passing my head-quarters I endeavored to rally them, but my efforts were vain.

The attack on Davies' position caused painful apprehension for the safety of the left flank of the army, and claiming it of the first importance that my division should occupy the strongest position, I sent instructions to Davies It was soon reported that the Fourth Penn- and Richardson to have their brigades fall back sylvania regiment had left at its encampment on Centreville. Then followed Blenker's bria battery of field-guns. For this Colonel Blen- gade to see if it was in position, when I was ker offered to organize a company of expe- informed the commanding general had passed. rienced European artillerists, which I accepted. I then returned to Centreville, and found DaThe captain's name, I regret, I have forgotten, vies and Richardson's brigades arriving, and as I should recommend his having permanent commenced placing them in position-Richardcommand of the guns in question. He is an son's brigade, with Green's battery, being efficient officer. So soon as I completed my placed about one-half mile in advance of Cenarrangements with Blenker, I visited Colonel treville Heights, his line of battle facing BlackRichardson; found him in proper position and burn's Ford. In rear of Richardson I posted effectively at work, Hunt's and Edwards's bat- two regiments behind fences, as a support for tery being in good position. There was no the first line, and still further in rear and on evidence of the enemy immediately about the the heights I placed Hunt's and Edwards's batford until after the first opening of the fire, teries, two of Davies' regiments being in reserve when he fled from barns and houses in the to support them. I then followed Blenker, vicinity. Then, after ordering proper supports found Tidball's battery in admirable position, for the batteries, and placing a reserve force supported by the Garibaldi Guard; Blenker, in position, returned to Centreville, finding all with three regiments and the Fourth Pennsylquiet, and the troopers at work. Remaining vania battery, being in advance. Having great here some time I returned to Richardson, when confidence in his judgment and troops, I reit was surmised that there was no enemy at turned to Centreville Heights to await events, that place, and found the ammunition of the when I found all my defensive arrangements batteries rapidly diminishing. I ordered from changed. Not knowing who had done this, the brigadier a few skirmishers to go forward and seeing Col. Richardson giving different and examine the ford, determined if I could positions to my troops, I asked by what aucross to do so, and endeavor to cut the line of thority he was acting, when he told me he had travel pursued by retreating and advancing de-instructions from my superior officer. I soon

thereafter met the commanding general, and complained of the change. The general's views were completed, and left me, without further control of the division. At the time the attack was made on Davies' flank, the regiments of the brigade engaged performed their duty gallantly. The batteries of Hunt's and Edwards's opening fire did great damage to the advancing troops of the enemy, soon repulsing them. I am grieved that in this engagement a brave and accomplished young officer, Lieut. Presby O'Craig, of the Second regiment artillery, and who was attached to Hunt's battery, was almost instantly killed. Several of the New York Volunteers were wounded; I have not the reports relative thereto.

Blenker's brigade, whilst on the Warrenton road, was charged by cavalry; but by a prompt and skilful fire, emptied several saddles, and relieved themselves from further annoyance. This summary embraces the operations of my division up to the evening of the 21st.

Before closing permit me to name and do justice to my staff, whose assiduity in the performance of their duties, and untiring exertions throughout the day, deserve all the commendation I am able to bestow, viz. :

vanced from the camp and took their assigned position on the heights east of Centreville, about daybreak. The 8th regiment, N. Y. S V., commanded by Lieut.-Col. Stahel, on the left of the road leading from Centreville to Fairfax Court House; the 29th regiment, N. Y. S. V., commanded by Col. Steinwehr, on the right of the same road-both fronting toward the east; the Garibaldi Guard, commanded by Col. Utassy, formed a right angle with the 29th regiment, fronting to the south. The artillery attached to the brigade occupied the following position: The battery of Capt. Tidball stood in front of the left wing of the Garibaldi Guard; three pieces left in Centreville were placed near the right wing of the 29th regiment; three others on the left wing of the 8th regiment, where intrenchments were thrown up by the pioneers attached to the brigade. The last-nained six pieces were served by experienced artillerists, detached from the 29th and 8th regiments. The 27th regiment Pa. V., Col. Einstein, was detached to the village of Centreville, for the protection of headquarters and hospital. Four companies of the 29th regiment were detached in front of our position toward the road from Union Mills, to prevent the enemy from outflanking, unobserved, the left wing of the army. During this time I received the order to disarm one com

Capt. Th. Vincent, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant Prime, Engineers; Lieutenant McMullan, Adjutant Second Infantry, and Acting Infantry General; Assistant Surgeon Wood-pany of the 12th regiment, which was promptward, medical direction, and Major Ritchie, ly executed by two companies of the 8th regiNew York Volunteers. My aide-de-camp, Lieu- ment N. Y. S. V. In this position the brigade tenant Wendell, Topographical Engineer, was remained until about 4 o'clock, P. M., when I quite ill during the day, and thereby prevented received orders to advance upon the road from from being with me. Lieutenant Hawkins' Centreville to Warrenton. This order was exSecond infantry, my aids, were absent on de- ecuted with great difficulty, as the road was tached service for supplies, &c., and had per- nearly choked up by retreating baggage wagons formed their duty, and were within two miles of several divisions, and by the vast number of of Centreville when they met our army crowd-flying soldiers belonging to various regiments, ing the road. My brigade commanders, Blen- Nevertheless, owing to the coolness of the com. ker, Davies and Richardson, admirably per-manding officers and the good discipline of the formed their respective duties. My remarks apply also to their officers and men. The batteries of Major Green handsomely executed all required of them.

In closing this report, I would make a per-
sonal allusion to my condition during the day.
I had lost my rest the two nights previous;
was sick, had eaten nothing during the day,
and had it not been for the great responsibility
resting on me, should have been in bed.
I am, dear sir,

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. J. MILES,
Colonel Second Infantry, Commanding Fifth division.

COL. BLENKER'S REPORT.

men, the passage through the village was suc cessfully executed, and the further advance made with the utmost precision; and I was thus enabled to take a position which would prevent the advance of the enemy and protect the retreat of the army. The 8th regiment took position 13 miles south of Centreville, on both sides of the road leading to Bull Run. The 29th regiment stood half a mile behind the 8th, enchiquier by companies. The Garibaldi Guard stood in reserve in line behind the 29th regiment. The retreat of great numbers of flying soldiers continued until 9 o'clock in the evening, the great majority in wild confusion, and but few in collected bodies. Soon afterward, several squadrons of the enemy's

HEAD-QUARTERS, FIRST BRIGADE, FIFTH DIVISION, cavalry advanced along the road, and appeared

CAMP, August 4,

Brigadier-General McDowell:

SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the operations of the First Brigade, Fifth Division, during and after the action near Bull Run, on the 21st ult. Pursuant to the orders of Col. Miles, the brigade adVOL. II.-Doc. 3

before the outposts. They were challenged, "Who comes here?" and, remaining without any answer, I, being just present at the outpost, called "Union forever!" whereupon the officer of the enemy's cavalry commanded, "En avant! en avant! knock him down!" Now the skirmishers fired, when the enemy turned