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More news from Bull Run

We are indebted to Messrs. Welch & Lamb for the following letters, written by Corporal Ed. R. Chipman, of the Randall Guards, giving a detailed and interesting statement of army movements and incidents, from July 20th to 24th.

A mile South of Centerville,
July 20, '61.
I write you at present from the place indicated above which is five or six miles north of Manassas Junction. The Blue Ridge Mountains are first in sight and every thing in nature appears lovely. With a lay of country like this, it is impossible to make me feel homesick, without it, I might feel lonely among a thousand. We left Arlington Heights last Tuesday, the 16th, and marched to Vienna, 13 miles south west. Our knapsacks were packed up and were to be, and before this time probably, have been sent to Alexandria. We put three days rations in our haversacks, filled our canteens, rolled up our two blankets slung them on our backs and started with our brigade which is composed of the N.Y. 13th, 28th N.Y. militia, 69th N.Y., 2d Wisconsin Regiment, Company B, 2d U.S. Cavalry and one division of Sherman's Battery. We reached Vienna after dark, having loaded our guns a little previous.
After taking of a frugal repast of crackers, meat and water, we rolled ourselves up in our blankets and laid down upon the ground with our cartridge box for a pillow. We were called up at 3 - 4 A.M. the next morning. The dew was very heavy indeed, and nearly wet our blanket, which we laid over us, through. Where we camped was only a few rods from where the cars, which contained the Ohio regiment, were fired into. I visited the charred remains of six of the cars, for if you remember, a part of the train took fire and burned. We also found a secession store which had been deserted. It was full of goods. The boys went there and traded quite extensively, purchasing "without money and without price" boots, shoes, &c. most of the houses were tenantless and the boys made their visits without obstruction. A little after six we again took up our line of march. We found the way obstructed every few hundred rods with trees which the rebels had filled across the road to obstruct our march for we came upon them sooner than they expected and they made a very precipitate retreat from Vienna, only two hours before we arrived there. The consequence was that our march was very slow and fatiguing much more so than it would have been to march right off. Sometimes also we had to halt in the broiling sun until the scouts could have time to come back and report.
It took us nearly all day to march about ten miles. At noon we reached Germantown; here the rebels had thrown up breastworks of earth and deserted them. As we crossed the breastworks three hearty cheers were given for the stars and stripes. Germantown is just three miles west of Fairfax Court House. There we found an hospital with some secession soldiers sick with the measles. Here, also, some of the boys accidentally illuminated a house which made a very brilliant display and was a source of considerable amusement or to use the more expressive language of the boys "it was fun for us". 

Although I wish you to understand that I in no respect approve of such fun and if it were in my power would punish the perpetrators of this and similar outrages. The boys were also suspected of fowl (foul) play, for I saw them lugging off turkeys and chickens and "the fattened ox" has figured somewhat conspicuously in camp, if I mistake not. Near this town we took two secession birds. Three miles from here we encamped for the night. Before we started I took the precaution to put nearly a half pound of green tea in my haversack and some sugar. That night, viz, the 17th, I made our Captain, Lieutenants and three or four of our boys, the happiest fellows ever you saw. So excited were they over it that they did not stop talking about it until 10 o'clock. I also, previous to leaving Arlington, made a sack of one of my towels, sewed it in the back of my coat and put my portfolio into it, with some stationery for the especial benefit of my friends at home. The boys, however, have shared it with me pretty well and I am now pretty poorly supplied. But I must not enter too minutely into the details of my travels. The next morning we resumed our march and proceeded about three of four miles further and halted for several hours. Between two and three P.M. we heard brisk cannonading about three miles west of us and started for the scene of action, an account of which you have probably seen in the newspapers before this. The engagement was between the N.Y. 12th, the Mass. 1st, the Michigan 4th and quite a force of secession troops who had very strongly entrenched themselves in a hollow, surrounded with thick woods. So securely had the rebels concealed them selves that our forces proceeded within fifteen feet of them before they discovered the enemy. 

The first intimation they had of the presence of the army was when they opened a murderous fire into them.
As soon as we could learn what was up we started for the scene of action. Our officers very indiscreetly put us through a considerable part of the way "double quick" You may imagine the effect on me as I had only just recovered from a week's sickness. But will is everything; I determined not to give our until my legs refused to obey my command. I summoned all my strength and kept up - two or three of our company gave out. Us little fellows, I have since learned, stood it quite as well as the large ones. We were none of us fit do battle when we reached the scene of action; our officers themselves say it was a great mistake and that it shall not be repeated. We were drawn up in line in the woods, and then permitted to rest until further orders. The bullets flew around us in all directions - one rifled cannon ball struck a tree about ten feet from me, and scattered the branches in all directions. Bullets flew around our cars like hornets. One cannon ball struck three of company B's men killing one and wounding two others. It was a savage spectacle to see them carrying off the dead and wounded. I felt no fear but in accordance with my previous determination remained indifferent, without calculating chances or anything else. Pretty soon the order came to retreat and we retraced our steps, took a different road and encamped about a mile from where the engagement took place. The Secessionists acted like fiends, and bayoneted our wounded men, who were incapable of offering any resistance. So far as we can learn we made considerable slaughter among the enemy. The surgeons report 15 killed on our side but we place no reliance on their report. We cannot ascertain how many were killed or wounded. I understand that Colonel Tyler proceeded contrary to orders and that he was ordered not to advance so far but I place no reliance in the rumor the Secessionists are surrounded in the woods and they are felling trees and making every possible effort for a vigorous defense. They have a strong force concentrated here, and when the battle is renewed, which will probably be in the course of a day or two, it will be a bloody one. 

We have now a force of 50,000 men concentrated in and about here. We have two 64 pounders besides many smaller pieces. We have been ordered to cook two days rations, and the cooks are engaged in preparing food for us. There is a great deal of activity among the officers and every thing looks ominous. Since commencing this letter I am informed that the battle of the 18th commenced in this way: The enemy's scouts attacked some of the scouts of the Massachusetts first and then retreated: the Massachusetts scouts followed them up and allowed themselves to be led into an ambush and then the advance guard of the 4th Michigan came to their assistance. The rest of us poor devils couldn't get a chance in. I learn by one of the Wisconsin papers that we had a battle at Fairfax Court House - we all had quite a laugh over it. I have since writing the foregoing, ceased writing long enough to go to Lieut. Meredith and get some information about our present affairs; I have had quite a talk with him and ,he says that there were fifteen killed and wounded on the 18th. In regard to Mr. Welch's inquiry about Capt. Byant, he says that he did lead his company into the field. He says moreover that he don't know, and that it has not been officially announced, in which division of the army we are and that he can't tell whether Brigadier General Tyler or McDowell will head us. He says we have not surrounded the Rebels, as I have just represented, but that we will attempt it to-night and that in all probability we shall have a fight in our attempt. There are more that five hundred rumors in the camp, whom to believe and whom not I can't tell, but I place a good deal of reliance on what Meredith says. In fact, I presume you are kept as well informed and better that we in regard to the movements of the army.
Yours truly, E. R. C.
P.S. It is woods nearly all around here and I have not much more idea of their position than you. Last night the Rebels and our scouts managed to make considerable noise with their muskets and kept us awake a good share of the night.

Two letters from the Second Regiment.
First Skirmish of Bull's Run
Letter of Lieut. Meredith
We are permitted to take the following from a letter received this morning by Mrs. Meredith from her gallant husband. It was written after the first skirmish of Bull's Run and just before the battle, in which he got wounded:
July 20th, 1861
We are somewhere in Virginia. Got a very warm reception at Bull's Run, and are waiting for orders to start again. We drove them out of their batteries, but did not advance any further. We lost on our side, as near as I can learn, about 25 or 30 besides a number wounded. There was only one killed and three wounded in our regiment and they all belonged to the La Crosse company. Our company escaped unhurt although the cannon balls flew thick. The enemy have masked batteries all along the road as thick as can be from here to Manassas. We have a large force to contend against and will have hot work clear to Richmond. I was almost forgetting to tell you how many we killed of the rebels. We knocked over about 100 or more, which was doing pretty well. My health is good enough except the headache, with which I am much troubled but I can't complain. We have had no tents with us since we started from our old camp and it has rained two nights during which we had to lay out on the ground with only the sky for a covering. - But we are all in good spirits, not ardent, for we can't get a drop. I saw a Captain offer our Doctor $10 for a drink of brandy but he could not get it. Our Wisconsin boys are all keen for a chance at the Rebels and I think they will soon get it. The hard fighting will all be done on the road from here to Richmond. The enemy will contest every inch of ground all the way through. We are in Sherman's brigade so if you hear anything about his brigade you will know we are with him. It is awful hot down here, the sun scorching the very hide off but the boys stand it very well. Nobody from Madison here. I suppose you will get exaggerated accounts of the fight at Bull's Run but be patient, it is all right and we are ahead.
Tell Ben. Reed "Wild Bill" was where cannon balls were flying thick and the plticky horse did not budge an inch. He looks first rate and this will interest Ben more than anything else.
I must now close for it is a hard way to write sitting flat on the ground in a fence corner, with the hot sun pouring down like fire.

Letter from Private Eskew
We are permitted to take the following from a letter received by Mr. H Chappel from Private Eskew of the Randall Grards:
Centreville, Va.
July 20th
We left Camp Peck on Tuesday the 10th at 2 o'clock P.M. Altogether there were some 15,000 of us. We marched to a place called Vienna, 10 miles from where we started and about 16 from Washington. We encamped in fields along the road for there was an awful crowd of us.
We did not see any of the rebels and it was very hard marching. We had our blankets, cup, canteens, guns and three days rations, which is a big load to march with. The last consisted of dry crackers and a little meat. We started next day at 9 o'clock and found all the houses vacated. Slaves were left in some of them. - The boys milked all the cows and took all the chickens they wanted. We got within two or three miles of a place called Germantown, where 3000 rebels were encamped. They had felled trees across the road to prevent us coming on to them in a hurry, and we had to move very slow and cautious for fear of masked batteries. There was a breast work before their camp some ten feet high which we cut through. The artillery fired twice at them and they left leaving most everything behind. I took a look through their camp and found sugar and coffee in sacks, dishes &c. They tried to get away with a load of flour but their wagon broke down and they took the horses and left in a hurry. As we entered the camp ground through the cut in the breastwork each company gave three cheers for the stars and stripes at the same time waving the flag from the top of the work. We took two of the rebels prisoners. Their uniform is something like ours only the strip is yellow instead of black. We marched after the retreating enemy but did not get up to them as they had two hours start. We encamped in a field for the night and the next morning started on and marched three miles when we stopped before another breastwork which the enemy had left the night before. Beauregard had been there with 10,000 men. They left most everything behind. We continued our advance three mile's when when we fell in with the rebels. They were in the woods and we could hear every shot that was fired.
The Michigan battery and two or three hundred of cavalry went to assist the advance in dislodging them, but could not as they fought irregularly and in Indian fashion. After the advance had been fighting for sometime our brigade was marched forward to cover its retreat. When we got within a half mile or so of it we met our troops retreating. The cannon balls struck all around. One struck with ten feet of our company, bounded and passed over our heads. There were three of the La Crosse Light Guard wounded and one died the next day; the others will recover. It made me feel kind of funny to hear the balls whistling around my ears. We have not made another attempt to dislodge them. Our troops are still pouring in, and you may look for an awful fight within three days. We have a big army here now, at least 40,000 men and more coming all the time. We suffered quite a heavy loss in the fight on account of their mode of fighting and our advance got right on the enemy before discovering them. We must have lost some 50 killed and a great many wounded. I am writing on the head of Davis's drum and as I am out of writing material I will conclude this account of our march and fight.

Report of Col. William T. Sherman, Thirteenth U.S. Infantry,
commanding Third Brigade, First Division.
Fort Corcoran, July 25, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit this my report of the operations of my brigade during the action of the 21st instant. The brigade is composed of the Thirteenth New York Volunteers, Colonel Quinby; Sixty-ninth New York, Colonel Cameron; New York Seventy-ninth, Second Wisconsin, Lieutenant-Colonel Peck, and Company E, Third Artillery, under command of Capt. R.B. Ayres, Fifth Artillery.

We left our camp near Centreville, pursuant to orders, at 2:30 a.m., taking place in your column next to the brigade of General Schenck, and proceeded as far as the halt before the enemy's position near the stone bridge at Bull Run. Here the brigade was deployed in line along the skirt of timber, and remained quietly in position till after 10 a.m.

The enemy remained very quiet, but about that time we saw a regiment leave its comer in our front and proceed in double-quick time on the road toward Sudley Springs, by which we knew the columns of Colonels Hunter and Heintzelaman were approaching. About the same time we observed in motion a large force of the enemy below the stone bridge. I directed Captain Ayres to take position with his battery near the two rifled guns belonging to this battery, and finding the smoothbore guns did not reach the enemy's position we ceased firing, and I sent a request that you should send to me the 30-pound rifled gun attached to Captain Carlisle's battery. At the same time I shifted the New York Sixty-ninth to the extreme right of the brigade.

Thus we remained till we heard the musketry fire across Bull Run, showing that the head of Colonel Hunter's column was engaged. This firing was brisk, and showed that hunter was driving before him the enemy till about noon, when it became certain the enemy had come to a stand, and that our forces on the other side of Bull Run were all engaged-artillery and infantry. Here you sent me the order to cross over with the whole brigade to the assistance of Colonel Hunter. Early in the when reconnoitering the ground, I had seen a horseman descend from a bluff in our front, cross the stream, and show himself in the open field, and, inferring we could cross over at the same point, I sent forward a company as skirmishers, and followed with the whole brigade, the New York Sixty-ninth leading. We mound no difficulty in crossing over, and met no opposition in ascending the steep bluff opposite with our infantry, but it was impassable to the artillery, and I sent word back to Captain Ayres to follow if possible, otherwise to use his discretion. Captain Ayres did not cross Bull Run, but remained with the remainder of your division. His report, here with, [No.27], describes his operations during the remainder of the day.

Advancing slowly and cautiously with the head of the column, to five time for the regiments in succession to close up their ranks, we first encountered a party of the enemy retreating along a cluster of pines. Lieutenant-Colonel Heggery, of the Sixty-ninth, without orders, rode out and endeavored to intercept their retreat. One of the enemy, in full view at short range, shot Haggery, and he fell dead from his horse. The Sixty-ninth opened fire upon this party, which was returned; but determined to effect our junction with Hunter's division, I ordered this fire to cease, and we proceeded with caution toward the field, where we then plainly saw our forces engaged. Displaying our colors conspicuously at head of our column, we succeeded in attracting the attention of our friends, and soon formed the brigade in rear of Colonel Porter's.

Here I learned that Colonel Hunter was disabled by a severe wound, and General McDowell was on the field. I sought him out, and received his orders to join in the pursuit of the enemy, who was falling back to the left of the road by which the Army had approached from Sudley Springs. Placing Colonel Quiby's regiment of rifles in front, in column by divisions. I directed the other regiments to follow in line of battle, in the order of the Wisconsin Second, New York Seventy-ninth, and New York Sixty-ninth.

Quinbly's regiment advanced steadily down the hill and up the ridge, from which he opened fire upon the enemy, who had made another stand on ground very favorable to him, and the regiment continued advancing as the enemy gave way, till the head of the column reached the point near which Ricketts' battery was so severely cut up. The other regiments descended the hill in line of battle under a severe cannonade; and the ground affording comparative shelter against the enemy's artillery, they changed direction by the right flank and followed the road before mentioned. At the point where this road crossed the ridge to our left front, the ground was swept by a most severe fire of artillery, rifles, and musketry, and we saw in succession several regiments driven from it, among them the Zouaves and battalion of marines.

Before reaching the crest of this hill the roadway was worn deep enough to afford shelter, and I kept the several regiments in it as long as possible; but when the Wisconsin Second was abreast of the enemy, by order of Major Wadsworth, of General McDowell's staff, I ordered it to leave the roadway by the left flank, and to attack the enemy. This regiment ascended to brow of the hill steadily, received the severe fire of the enemy, returned it with spirit, and advanced delivering its fire. This regiment is uniformed in gray cloth, almost identical with that of the great bulk of the secession army, and when the regiment fell into confusion and retreated toward the road there was an universal cry that they were being fired on by our men. The regiment rallied again, passed the brow of the hill a second time, but was again repulsed in disorder.

By this time, the New York Seventy-ninth had closed up, and in like manner it was ordered to cross the brow of the hill and drive the enemy from cover. It was impossible to get a good view of this ground. In it there was one battery of artillery, which poured an incessant fire upon our advancing columns and the ground was very irregular, with small clusters of pines, affording shelter, of which the enemy took good advantage. The fire of rifles and musketry was very severe. The Seventy-ninth, headed by its colonel (Cameron), charged across the hill, and for a short time the contest was severe. They rallied several times under fire, but finally broke and gained the cover of the hill.

This left the field open to the New York Sixty-ninth, Colonel Corcoran, who in his turn led his regiment over the crest, and had in full open view the ground so severely contested. The firing was very severe, and the roar of cannon, muskets, and rifles incessant .It was manifest that the enemy was here in great force, far superior to us at that point. The Sixty-ninth held the ground for some time, but finally fell back in disorder.

All this time Quinby's regiment occupied another ridge to our left, overlooking the same field of action and similarly engaged.

Here, about 3.30 p.m. began the scene of confusion and disorder that characterized the remainder of the day. Up to that time all had kept their places, and seemed perfectly cool and used to the shells and shot that fell comparatively harmless 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. Colonel 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 used as hospitals.

On the ridge to the west we succeeded in partially reforming the regiments, but it was manifest they would not stand, and I directed Colonel Corcoran to move along the ridge to the rear, near the position where we had first formed the brigade. General McDowell was there in person and, used all possible efforts to reassure the men. By the active exertions of Colonel Corcoran we formed an irregular square against the cavalry, which were then seen to issue from the position from which we had been driven, and we began to retreat towards that ford of Bull Run by which we had approached the field of battle. There was no positive order to retreat, although for an hour it had been going on by the operation of the men themselves. The ranks were thin and irregular, and we found a stream of people strung from the hospital across Bull Run and far towards Centerville. After putting in motion the irregular square, I pushed forward to find Captain Ayres' battery. Crossing Bull Run, I sought it at its last position before the brigade crossed over, but it was not there; then, passing through the woods where in the morning we had first formed line, we approached the blacksmith shop, but there found a detachment of the secession cavalry, and thence made a circuit, avoiding Cub Run Bridge, into Centerville, where I found General McDowell. From him I understood it was his purpose to rally the forces, and make a stand at Centerville. But, about 9 o'clock at night, I received, from General Tyler in person the order to continue the retreat to the Potomac. This retreat was by night, and disorderly to the extreme. The men of different regiments mingled together, and some reached the river at Arlington, some at Long Bridge. and the greater part returned to their former camps at or near Fort Corcoran. I reached this point at noon the next day, and found a miscellaneous crowd crossing over the Aqueduct and ferries. Conceiving this to be demoralizing, I at once commanded the guard to be increased, and all persons attempting to pass over to be stopped. This soon produced its effect; men sought their proper companies and regiments, comparative order was restored, and all were posted to the best advantage.

I herein enclose the official report of Captain Kelly, the commanding officer of the Sixty-ninth New York; also full lists of the killed, wounded and missing. Our loss was heavy, and occurred chiefly at the point near where Ricketts' battery was destroyed. Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty was killed about noon, before we effected a junction with Colonel Hunter's division. Colonel Cameron was mortally wounded leading his regiment in the charge, and Colonel Corcoran has been missing since the cavalry charge near the building used as a hospital.

Lieutenants Piper and McQuestern, of my personal staff, were under fire all day, and carried orders to and fro with as much coolness as on parade. Lieutenant Bagley, of the Sixty-ninth New York, a volunteer aide, 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 slightly wounded. Colonel Coon, of Wisconsin, a volunteer aide, also rendered good service during the day.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

W.T. SHERMAN

Colonel, Commanding Brigade

Early on the 21st, Sunday, the conflict began, on the result of which the nation trembled and not without misgiving. After continuous losses of this engagement the Second Wisconsin lost out of 900 in the fight, fifty killed, 105 wounded and 65 missing.

To join our future comrades we struck tents across the Potomac on Aqueduct bridge and Maridian Hill near Washington City, marching five miles; here we remain until September 3rd, when in the evening the long roll beats and we fall in and march rapidly through Georgetown up the Potomac to Chain Bridge, seven miles. September 4, 1861, the Second and Fifth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Regiments were temporarily detached from King’s Brigade and assigned to Brig.-Gen. Wm. F. Smither’s command, and immediately crossing the river his division occupying a command in position, covering the approaches of Chain Bridge, distance marched, three miles. The Second Wisconsin and the Nineteenth Indiana break camp, recross the Potomac, and pitch tents near the bridge called Camp Lyon, Oct. 2d. The Seventh Wisconsin Regiment joins Gen. King’s Brigade, which now consists of the Second, Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin and Nineteenth Indiana Regiments. October 5th the brigade, being attached to Gen. McDowell’s Division of the Army of the Potomac by orders of General McClellan, break camp and via Georgetown, crosses the river again at Aqueduct bridge and goes into camp at Fort Tillinghast or Arlington Heights, about a half mile west of Arlington House, late residency of Gen. Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederate army.

(special dispatch to N.Y. Tribune)
Washington,
Monday, July 22, 1861
The Retreat - The events of the day. The retreat of the Federal troops yesterday was one of those extraordinary events which can no more be explained that it can be justified or palliated. The day was ours. The enemy had been driven step by step from every position, the field was occupied by our troops. Our troops had united in the very heart of the rebels' stronghold when the order to retire was issued. From victory to defeat was only the work of an instant. At the moment of our greatest hope, all changed and the spirt and the valor of the army were gone. I will briefly review the events of the day. Our forces started upon their march at half past two in the morning, taking a road towards Bull's Run, about half a mile by the right of that upon which the First Division advanced on Thursday. When near the enemy a column shot off by the side of the road to the right with the purpose of flanking the position and attacking in the rear. This column surprised the divisions of Gen. Hunter and Col. Heintzhman. The division under Gen. Tyler advanced direct, and by six o'clock reached the neighborhood of Bull's Run, beyond which the enemy were drawn up for battle. The first demonstration from our side was made by Capt. Carlisle's battery of artillery with a thirty-two pound Parrot rifled cannon, two shells from which were fired with no response. At about the same time the Second Brigade under Gen. Schenck was formed at the left and the Third, under Col. Sherman, at the right of the road. Light skirmishing soon after began in which our men were wounded by discharges from a masked battery which they encountered and before which they slowly retreated. Between 7 and 8 o'clock cannonading was heard from Col. Richardson's position, he having been directed to open a diversion to conceal our real purpose.-  For an hour after, the howitzers of Capt. Carlisle kept the enemy active and it was not until near noon that other batteries were drawn in and the infantry engagement was prepared for.
The 3d Brigade, including the 69th, 79th, and 13th New York and 2d Wisconsin Regiments moved forward to the right and advanced regularly up the hill slope beyond Bull's Run upon which the enemy were stationed in force. The thick woods on either side obstructed the view but presently volleys of musketry were heard both to the right and left, and in the distance, as if Hunter's Division were approaching and getting at work. Immediately after, this belief was confirmed by the thick cloud of smoke which rose from afar and presently the troops themselves were seen moving rapidly forward and driving the enemy before them at a distance of about two miles. The 3d brigade was, by this time, menacing one of the enemy's earthworks, and appeared to be hotly engaged. Col. Keyes' division, the 4th, was accordingly ordered down to re-enforce, and at once pushed forward in support. The 2d brigade remained firm at the right but not yet actively engaged from Col. Richardson's post a mile or two to the left around to Col. Hunter's two miles to the right and fought the battle thus spread over five miles of space. Their artillery was finely worked and was quick to discover the place whenever our men gathered; but up to this time the injury done by them was slight. In an Infantry contest, they were perpetually beaten but when they retreated it was to take a new and more strongly fortified position. - At times they ranged themselves upon the open field or road but were invariably driven back by Hunter's or Sherman's men. Their force was very large and I should judge that the bodies which kept pouring down from Manassas were greatly superior to ours. They fought well and even in their retreats showed considerable order, but their works were one by one taken from them until they held only two or three on in the highest ground of their position and the others to the left of Gen. Tyler's divison. The first of these was stormed by the Zouave Regiment, but either not taken or was not held. The others were well employed by the rebels who threw incessant shot and shell among our most exposed men. We still pushed forward until the whole of our men excepting the Second Brigade of the First Division had crossed Bull's Run. The engineers were about, constructing a bridge for the artillery, the regular stone bridge having been mined and the two columns under Gen. Tyler and Hunter, the latter of which was led by Gen. McDowell had actually completed their junction when the order to retreat was given. Why it was given, no person who saw the condition in which affairs stood could attempt to comprehend. The only point positively held by the enemy was in the hollow to our left and although an effort was undoubtedly made to overreach us at the left, an ample force - an entire brigade - was ready to receive them and did receive and repulse them afterward, in spite of the panic which reigned. But at the beginning of the retirement, a few ambulances and baggage wagons were driven hurriedly away the noise of which spread terror among the troops within hearing who instantly broke ranks and ran pell-mell toward Centerville. This contagion caught the rest and in less than ten minutes our army was flying in the utmost disorder. Everything was abandoned. The wounded were deserted in the hospitals and the only thought was of individual safety. Guns were thrown aside and blankets and knapsacks were lost and trampled upon. The artillery shared the panic: the guns were cut loose and the gunners used the horses to escape the more swiftly. Those on foot begged piteously to be allowed to share the horses of those who rode. Many strove to clamber into wagons and were pushed back by the bayonets of those who occupied them. The ground was strewed with weapons, food and clothing of every kind. Many of the guns were left to fall in to the hands of the enemy including the large 32 pounders which had done so much service during the flight. All manliness seemed to have forsaken our terror stricken men. The last stand upon the field was made by one of the Ohio regiments, under Col. McCook, I believe, but three miles back, the reserve brigade of Gen. Blenker was drawn up in line to cover the retreat and effect whatever service was needed. The stand of Gen. Blenker saved us from great follies. The enemy came up in small force at 11o'clock at night and charged upon the 8th New York regiment, capturing six of it's men. The charge was repulsed and the enemy attacked with such vigor as to cause them to fly, leaving their prisoners. The disorder of our men continued during the night. There was no army, only a vast rabble. By midnight they were all scattered in the road to Fairfax Court House and soon after Gen. Blenker with the 8th New York regiment took up his retreat in perfect order - the only body that so retreated. I left Centerville at eight o'clock this morning. The last fragments of our force had all been long gone; even the hospitals were nearly deserted, all who could limp having started forth with crutches and canes. The rebel scouts were passing through the town and apparently endeavoring to ascertain in which way they could best cut off the stragglers. I do not know, however, that any serious attempt to do this was made. The road from Fairfax was thick with the debris of the retreat. baggage wagons were overturned and the horses lying dead and dying. Guns, ambulances, stores of provisions were strewn everywhere. At Fairfax Court House the inhabitants were plundering our deserted baggage. Toward Arlington the evidences of the disgraceful retreat continued. About four miles from the Long Bridge, Gen. Blenker was moving regularly toward Washington, his force in through order. As he passed, he destroyed the importance the important bridges to secure against sudden pursuit. The reports of losses are various. I can not estimate our loss at less than 500 killed and wounded, but I believe that it cannot much exceed that number. As regards individuals the most contradictory rumors reach us and it would be criminal to spread them in this moment of uncertainty.

The Wounded of the Wisconsin Second
Below is a hurried letter from Mr. S. G. Benedict to his wife in this city giving a list of the wounded in the Second Regiment. It will be seen that the Randall Guards, of this city suffered severely - Nearly every every officer, from Capt. Randolph down, was wounded. We were confident those boys would fight and the circumstance that so many of them are wounded, some with bullets, some with shells and others with bayonets shows that they were in the hottest of the fight and exposed to every kind of attack. We are all anxious to hear more particularly of their condition.

Washington,
July 28, 1861
I send you a list of the wounded so far as I could learn late last eventing from the wounded in the Hospital at Georgetown. Randall Guard - Capt. Randolph wounded by shell in the back. Lieut. A. A. Meredith, bullet through right arm below the elbow. He is in the hospital. 1st Serg. G.M. Humphrey, right shoulder; 3d Serg. D.C. Holdridge, wounded and taken prisoner; 4th Serg. S.M. Bond in left arm; 5th Serg. T.D. Bahn, left shoulder; Corp. Peter Morrison, right shoulder; Privates J.M. Zook, breast; T.W. Caning, left hand; Thos. Murphy, left arm; Frank Buton, in the face; Henry Storm back of ear. Portage Co. G. - Chas. O. Dow, shot in back of ear, passing through the mouth and knocking out front tooth. Oshkosh Co. E.-W.L. Rouse, below hip; R. Lester, bayonet wound
in head; W. Holland, wounded in face; N.H. Whittemore, left shoulder; S.D.Pitcher, Serg. J. Thompson, wounded not known where. La Crosse Co. B.-C.C. Bushee, in leg by grape shot; Lieut. Hatch, in knee; S. P. Jackson, in arm.

Letters from the Boys
We have been permitted to make the following extracts from letters written since the bloody battle of the 21st. They contain news of deepest interest to our readers and convey many particulars not found in any other published account:

Washington
July 23, 1861
Dear Mother
You must have heard that our regiment was in battle near Manassas on Sunday last. Saturday night we were encamped a mile beyond Centreville and were told in the evening to hold ourselves in readiness to march at two o'clock the next morning; that we were to have an engagement with the rebels. Two days rations were put in our haversacks and with this and our canteens of water and cups, rubber and woolen blankets, gun cartridge box with 40 rounds in it, we commenced our march at about half past three o'clock in the morning. At seven o'clock we came in sight of the enemy but as their batteries were masked we could not ascertain their position and were drawn up in line of battle and our batteries commenced firing to find the place where the rebels were entrenched. Our Brigade of four regiments was then on the east of the enemy; about 10 o'clock we could see from our position that one of our batteries had gained a position to the northwest of them and was driving them back. During all this time their batteries had not fired a cannon but were in such a position that we could not tell where they were. About half past eleven we were marched around to the place where our battery was planted a distance of 2 miles. On the way we threw off our blankets and run a good share of the distance at double quick time under oppressive heat. At one time in this march I had such excessive pain in my side I could scarce keep up with the company but I was determined not to give out.
When we reached the place where our batteries had driven the enemy back there were about 10,000 men drawn up in line.- Here the masked battery was opened upon us; it was situated on a hill to the east of us and surrounded on the north east and south by woods. We were on an elevation to the west of them and a small brook ran between the two hills. Three or four of our Regiments were across the brook on the other side attacking the battery and our Colonel ordered us forward to help them. As we were going down the west side of the hill, a cannon ball went thro' the centre of our company taking off the arm of poor Humes of Beloit, and a gun out of Henry Gintey's hands bruising his right hand so that he could not use it. Amos Botsford and Seneca Flint fell out of the ranks and carried Humes back to the house where the wounded lay. Gintey came on and told the captain that he could use his left hand and would fight with us, but Capt. Strong told him he had better fall back. We marched up the south side of the hill behind a rail fence, we were then about twenty rods from the battery. Our Lieut. Colonel was on our right and gave the order to charge. We got over the fence and were marching up to the battery when a regiment behind us that had broken and scattered back of us commenced firing right through our ranks, and they were hallooing all around us not to fire, that we were killing our own men and we had to lie down to keep from getting shot from behind. After the order to charge was given, we had no orders given us. I did not see one of the Field officers after we commenced firing, so we had no one to give us orders; no one to rally us together, the enemy were just re-enforced in large numbers and no regiments coming up to help us.
We then fell back over the fence, still firing, and a heavy fire pouring in on us. Here Charlie Filer was shot a little below the neck and while some of the company were carrying him away he died. a moment after, Willie Upham was shot through his side near his elbow. I saw the boys carrying him away. I cannot say whether he lived or not, at least he must be in the hands of the enemy and there can be little hope for him.
James Anderson, another of our boys from Canada, was shot here. Our Regiment was now scattered with nobody to command us and all falling back. I went back about ten rods and stopped; seven or eight others were near me among them Walter Stone and Lincoln from Union Grove. While we were falling back a ball passed through my coat sleeve and took the skin off my arm. We staid here firing till I had fired 20 rounds; my gun had got so dirty that for the last five or six rounds I had to take hold of the butt of the gun and strike the ramrod against a tree to get the charge down.
The rebels had been firing all the time from the woods, and they now received a strong reinforcement; while nearly all of our men had retreated. The rebels were coming out of the woods to the southeast and from the battery to the north east of us. Lincoln and Hinton from Waukesha, who had been sun struck and could hardly walk, were the only ones of our regiment that were near me. Lincoln and I took Hinton's gun and helped him off the field; we gave him some water and put some on his head and got him back to Fairfax, where he laid down; I think he must be safe now.
We retreated with our division all broke up, different Regiments all mixed together. The rebel cavalry charged on our rear killing the stragglers and, some say, stabbed our wounded that could not stir. It must have been half past two when we came off the battle field and we kept on the retreat till 11 o'clock Monday morning. Seneca Flint, John Wilson and I of our company reached Arlington Heights scarcely able to walk after being on the march and the battle field thirty-three hours. Probably about 8 of our company were killed; we are not together yet and cannot tell who they are.

Another letter says:
After our first fire there was hardly any of our field officers to be seen!
Our Captain (Strong) and First Lieutenant (Doolittle) stood their ground like men. Capt. Strong was sun struck and carried from the field. Peck, our Colonel, (I Hear) was in Washington at 11 o'clock the same night; the boys will not sail under him again.
I upset two of the rebels that I know of and didn't receive a scratch except a spent bullet that struck my hand but not to my injury.
At the beginning of the fight a cannon ball passed between me and the next to my right, it was a close call for us. I didn't think I was born to be shot after that!
Chas. Filer was shot dead the first round. Heyer has not been seen since we were on the field. Lyons, Coleman, Ginty, Stickney, Huggins, Ives, Yates, Patrick, Dowd, Gorman, Burns, Barrett, the two Barrys, Capt. Strong., Lieut. Doolittle, Parsons, D. Smith, and many others I can't remember, are all right. We hope to give them another trial in a few days.

Another letter dated a Georgetown, July 24th says:
Here I sit in the shade of a tree on the banks of the Potomac gazing upon Georgetown and the Capitol of the Union we are struggling to save******Poor Charlie Filer told Cole on the morning of the battle that he thought he would be shot that day. We were lying in a gully, the bullets whistling over out heads, when Charlie raised to fire and I saw him turn and fall into the arms of Thos. St. George and another the blood flowing in a stream from the wound in his neck. Poor fellow, a blood vessel was severed and all he said was "Tom, take care of me".
Willie Upham received a bullet in his shoulder which passed out of his back. Two of the boys, Douglas Smith and Huggins, carried him away to the hospital. He exclaimed as he fell "Oh my poor Mother" Henry Benson when shot mortally shouted "Hurrah for the Wisconsin boys". James Anderson, a railroad man, was shot in the leg so that he could not walk and was left on the field where he was either killed or taken prisoner. Humes, who joined our company when the Beloit boys disbanded, had his right arm shot off when we first entered the field and it is reported that he has since died. Capt Strong was sun struck but the boys brought him off the field.
From prisoners taken, it is certain they had upwards of 75,000 men entrenched while we had about 35,000 men exposed yet we drove them on every occasion when brought face to face and maintained our ground so long as the ammunition lasted at our cannon and only retreated when that gave out and Johnson arrived with large reinforcements to assist the enemy. But they shall yet pay dearly for that victory! Our regiment is here at Fort Corcoran and fast recovering from the fatigue incident to the battle. I suppose that we must again soon (in the course of two or three weeks) repair to the same battle field to punish our foes for the harm done us. As I was on my feet, from two o'clock Sunday morning till two o'clock Monday evening, you may conclude I feel even now some what tired.

The Second Wisconsin Regiment
The Second Wisconsin Regiment which was in the same brigade with the 69th New York must have been in the hottest of the fight at Bull's Run. Our dispatches contain the names of several of the wounded and there are doubtless a number of killed and missed. Only one is mentioned as killed. Corpral Wm. H. Collins of the La Crosse Light Guards.
Among the wounded are Lt. A. A. Meredith of the Randall Guard of this city, Sergeants S.M. Bond and T.D.Bahn of same company and private Henry R. McCollum. In the Oshkosh Volunteers, Sergeant W.S. Rouse and privates Alvin Bugber and H. McDaniels as wounded, Corporal C.C. Dow in the Portage Light Guard and Private Wm. Raske in the Miners Guard. Doubtless many more are List of Wounded of the Second Wisconsin

After the Stampede at Bull's Run
We give below two interesting communications, written by a gentleman who was on the spot to a friend in this city:
Washington, July 23, 1861, 10P.M.
Mr. Benedict who is here by appointment of the governor to see the sick and wounded has kindly furnished me with a list of the wounded (and the nature of the wounds) not in the hospital in this city. He arrived here just in time to get to the battle of "Bull's Run" and to care for the wounded there until the stampede took place when he ran with the rest and to his credit we must say that he made good time and got to Washington all safe, where he has ever since been, indefatigable in looking after and attending to our sick and wounded boys. No better or more humane man could have been selected for this errand of mercy.
I would send you a list of the killed and other incidents of this most disastrous battle, but A. E. Elmore, with the aid of Benedict, has been all day collecting the items so far as relates to our regiment. I have been with him all day at Camp Cochran, on Arlington Heights where I saw all of our regiment that had returned to camp, which was about 825 - 930 went into the fight.
Some 20 came in while we were there. I saw all the Captains except Ely, who is in the city and not hurt. Randolph was only slightly wounded. Lieut. Meredith is slightly wounded in the right arm, between the wrist and elbow, and is in the city hospital doing well. All our boys are cheerful and hopeful and eager for another fight.
The President and Gov. Seward visited the camp and spoke to the soldiers while we were there. They called on Gov. Randall who made them a short neat speech and he was followed by others. We shall not lose more than 40 or 60 of our men. Dr. Lewis is either killed or taken prisoner - the latter is the most probable.
I am well and shall go tomorrow to visit the main army. On my return I will write you again.
Later, Washington July 23, 1861, 11 P.M.
I wrote you at 10 P.M. and now I have a moment more to spare - and I write to say that our main army is at Centreville under command of Gen. McDowall. He has some 25 or 30,00 men and all are well, but the whole command will doubtless be changed and Gen McClellan will be placed in command of the Virginia forces - such is the opinion of the wiseacres here. Our men will not fight again under McDowall or Tyler. The Defeat is attributed to bad Generalship all around. I can't write more now.

Report of wounded in the Hospital in Georgetown, D.C.
Company A.- George Maynard, bruised in the chest by the fall of a horse; Winfield Scott Leach, gun shot wound in left arm; L.M. Preston slightly wounded in the foot.
Company B- C.C. Bushee, grape shot in the leg.
Company C.- James W. Martin shot wound in head (will recover;) Chas. A. Garvin, shot wound in head and side, (will recover;) Geo.L. Hyde, shot in the neck, (will recover;) R.J. Simpson, wound in left arm.
Company E.- Wm.S. Rouse, shot in the leg near the hip. Jos. Robberts, 3rd. Sergeant, shot in left shoulder; H. McDavids shot in back of the head (with recover), A. Bugbee shot through thigh.
Company F.- Wm. Fuller, shot in the ankle.
Company G.-Charles C. Dorr, buck shot through the neck and coming out at the mouth (will recover)
Company H- Lieut. A.A. Meredith, shot wound in right fore-arm; Sam. M. Bond, shot in the left arm; Theo. D. Bahn, shot in right shoulder.
Company K.-William Dutcher shot on shin bone; T.B. Whitney shot in the fleshy part of right leg; C. Dusing, shot in the fleshy part of the left leg; Cornelius Laver, wound in the back.

Sick in Hospital and not in action at Georgetown, D. C.
Company E.- E.T. Ellsworth, improving.
Company H.- Henry R. McSullivan, Chas, D. Culver, improving.
Company K.- James Hamer, improving and Dickinson, convalesant, Columbia College Hospital on 14th Street, Washington City, D.C.
Company B- Reuben Wright, sick of fever since July 15, and improving.

The Battle as seen by one of the Wisconsin Second
Mr. J.C. Chandler, (ye Shanghai) of the Adams County Independent, writes from Washington to his brother in Cleveland a letter about the battle, that has found its way into print. The following is exceedingly graphic:
"The horrors of a battle field are supremely greater than my imagination had ever conceived. I saw the bloodiest part of it. Our regiment relieved the Zouaves, whom the rebels rallied and charged on with more than demon vengeance. The Zouaves fought like heroes and devils; but there were ten guns to one against them, and when they retreated terribly ridden, our regiment marched into the most hellish shower of bullets you can imagine if you try a month.
Probably nearly a hundred of our men were killed and wounded and some were taken prisoners.

I had my belt shot off, a bullet bit my cap box and cut the belt so that it soon burst, and while I was stooping to pick up some of the caps, a soldier in front of me was shot through the breast just as he was aiming and threw his gun back in his death struggle and hit me across the back of my head well nigh killing me. I remember getting up and seeing our regiment forming a square to resist a charge of the "Black Horse Cavalry" which they did successfully.

The colors of the Second Regiment the Retreat
From a private letter written to a Grant county friend.
Now in the city, we learn that the colors of the 2d Wisconsin regiment came very near falling into the hands of the enemy. After being thrown into some confusion by the fire of the N. Y. 69th upon their rear, the regiment fell back to an animal hospital in the rear of the battle field, which was afterwards burned, and there reformed in good order having no idea of retreating till Lt. Col. Peck came dashing past calling out for the boys to reach Washington as soon as possible and the best way they could.
This created something of a panic, which was aggravated by a charge of the rebel cavalry and boys broke and run, leaving the color bearer alone. One of the Color Guard - Geo. L. Hyde had been wounded by a ball which passed into the mouth and through the neck, fortunately without severing a prominent vein or artery, and the regular color bearer was helping him to a place of safety - and the flag was temporarily in the hands of a young man by the name of Stevenson who found it difficult to keep up with the rest and retain the flag and was charged upon by some cavalry between whom and himself, how ever, he managed to place a fence. Seeing his danger and the impending disgrace of the loss of their colors, Richard Carter, one of the musicians, who was a clerk in the Assembly last winter and his brother Geo B. Carter, threw away their instruments; gathered a rifle each and a few cartridges, and stood by the flag.
After four or five vain attempts to increase their number in the presence of the enemy, they at last managed to rally some 15 of the men to beat back the horsemen and get away with the flag. Choosing Carter Captain pro tem, they marched on some 2 or 3 miles to the vicinity of Centerville where Capt. Strong was found and, afterwards, Captains McKee and Stevens with a few men. About 60 in number, they marched through Centerville with colors flying and were molested no more till they reached Arlington Heights. It will be seen that the Second Regiment most narrowly and through the highest heroism escaped the loss of its standard.

From the Second Regiment 
We are permitted to copy the following extract from a letter from a member of the Grant County Greys to a friend in this city. It sets forth the position of newspaper reporters during the late battle showing that their reports are not to be relied upon and does justice to the Second Regiment: "Newspaper reporters in great numbers were there and were "eye witnesses" of what? Why, they were stationed on the hill out of reach of the rebel guns, and where they could not see more than a one hundredth part of the battle field; and in the retreat they were the first to run and, to them, in a great measure, is laid the blame of creating the panic; consequently they were good judges of the order of the retreat and all the detail.
Yet they write articles giving with painful exactness - all the details both of the progress of the battle and of the retreat, telling how many shots some regiments fired &c. Some of the regiments performed miracles and proved themselves heroes, while others (ours among the number) are either not mentioned at all or are mentioned doing no fighting but huge running. Now I have borne and forborne, until I found an item in a Milwaukee paper which gives us credit of not being within three miles of the battle ground and that we did not lose a man until we retreated when we lost one killed and thirty-five wounded.
Now I don't want to make our Regimental heroes, but I will say that I was a disinterested spectator, I saw as much as any reporter, and I will say that the Second Wisconsin did as good fighting as any Regiment in the battle; I might except the Fire Zouaves. They obeyed with alacrity every order given until the order was given to retreat, they were the last save one, I think an Ohio regiment to leave the field. They had no idea they were retreating until they reached the place where the line of battle was formed in the morning, some 2 miles, when they received a command form one in authority to retreat to Washington.
Just then the cavalry charged and our boys seeing the rest run, ran too. But, unlike a great many other regiments, they brought off their flag in good order and marched into Centreville in perfect order. With regard to the statement that the Generals gave no order to retreat but that they tried to rally them at Centreville, I will say an order was given to retreat, by whom I know not, but no order to my knowledge was ever given to rally.
One sergeant asked a General at Centreville, what was the order. He answered, "Retreat." "In what direction?" "To Washington, quick" Such were the orders and the example was even more plain and significant.

Yours for the night
Richard Carter

Justice to the Wisconsin Second-
They wouldn't believe themselves Whipped
(From the Washington National Republican)
Owing to a variety of causes some of the regiments engaged in the battle on the 21st of July have failed to receive so favorable a notice as they deserve. Among such might be mentioned the Second Regiment of Wisconsin.
This regiment was in the advance of Col. Sherman's brigade during the engagement of the 18th and is highly complimented by that officer for their coolness in their first exposure to the enemy's batteries. In the battle of Sunday, the 21st, they were attached to the same brigade with the Thirteenth, Sixty-ninth, and Seventy-ninth of New York.
Up to 10 o'clock, A.M. this regiment served as supporters of Gen. Sherman's battery when they had orders to cross the stream leaving the battery behind them. Marching up the steep hill on the double quick, they were soon formed at the top in battle order. In a few moments the order came to charge down the declivity and up the opposite side pouring volleys of musket shot into the enemy's ranks. In this engagement, where they were exposed an hour and a half to the double fires of the enemy's artillery and infantry, they lost some thirty killed and sixty wounded. The Fire Zouaves, who occupied a position during the engagement directly to the right, were often heard to say that the "Wisconsin boys fight bravely, they are the boys for us" &c. After the order had been given to retreat and the regiment had recrossed Bull's Run, the cavalry made an attempt to capture their Regimental colors but a sudden charge upon the cavalry emptied eleven or twelve of their saddles and scattered the rest in confusion.
At Centerville they halted and reformed when one of the corporals in Capt. Allen's company rode up on a fine horse that he had captured and dismounted telling the captain to take his horse that he would rather go back and be shot than to make a retreat.
And such was the feeling of a large portion of the regiment.
They do not think themselves whipped and nothing but positive orders from headquarters compelled them to leave Centreville. At Fairfax, they stopped two hours when the men were ordered to lie down and sleep till they should receive orders to march. Dr. Salter, correspondent of the New York Times, accompanied the regiment to Fairfax from Centreville and took supper at the latter place with some of the officers. The regiment was one of the last to leave the field being preceded all the way by the Sixty-ninth. They returned to camp in good order, occupying their old ground on Arlington Heights without the loss of any provision or blankets and with but a very small loss of arms. The men are reported to be doing well and more eager for a fray than before and will go into battle again more coolness but no more courage.

The Repulse at Bull's Run - Second Wisconsin in the Fight
The accounts received of the great battle of Sunday, the 21st July, show plainly that our Second Regiment were among the foremost in the fight supporting as they did Capt. Ayer's (late Sherman's)
Battery and fighting side by side with the gallant Fire Zouaves of New York and Col. Corcoran's 69th regiment. In the first fight on the Thursday previous, from letters received we learn that the 2d Wisconsin regiment was left exposed to a galling fire of shot and shell by the sudden breaking of the 69th, which was in front, owing to the heavy discharge from a masked battery.
Our boys, however, stood their ground manfully until ordered to retire which they did in a cool and orderly manner - thereby eliciting much praise from General Sherman who was himself on hand and consequently observed the whole proceedings. None of Co. A (Citizens Guard of Fox Lake) were hurt in this first fight and in fact but few in the Regiment; Co. B suffering mostly, Corporal Collins and young Graham of Trempealeau reported killed and several wounded. The fact that so few were harmed where the balls and shells flew about so thick may be accounted for when it is known that in promptly obeying the orders of their officers, the boys were less liable to be harmed than would probably have been the case had they been any way slack in their movements.
And in the great fight on Sunday which though a superiority of the enemy in numbers and the strongly fortified position they were in, the Government troops, while about to snatch the laurels of victory, were suddenly defeated through a panic which, beginning with the teamsters and civilians, a number of whom were on the ground, spread rapidly throughout the whole of our forces and caused them to retire in a manner somewhat hasty and precipitated in that battle.
Our Second regiment performed an honorable part being as they were in the thickest of the fight and as a recent letter remarks "Fighting like Tigers", accounts received here state that Col. Peck and Major McDonald were among the first to arrive in Washington after the retreat began and when asked why they were not with their regiment (our Second) remarked that the same were all lost and cut to pieces
whereas the "Badger Boys" were coming along under their respective Captains who, it seems, refused to leave their men although they had lost a Colonel and Major. Should it prove true that our field officers actually ran from their men - thereby completely showing the white feather; what a contrast it presents when compared with the actions of our Fox Lake boys who refused to leave the wagons containing ammunition and provisions under their charge and succeeded in bringing them safely into camp, under charge of Commissary Sergeant, Hank Converse of Randolph. The excitement in our quiet village on the receipt of the news of the great battle may be better imagined than described - especially on the receipt of several letters from members of the Citizens Guard. Young Patch of Beaver Dam writes from Washington a letter in which he states that while busily engaged assisting the wounded, he was forced to leave, which he, it appears, did in "double quick" time on a stray horse which he succeeded in catching. The statement in his letter that two of the non-commissioned officers, Messrs. Morgan and Marshall, fell before his eyes while charging on the rebels, served to fan the flame of excitement to a great degree - the following copy of a letter written by Corporal Waterman to his Father shows that Morgan was merely wounded while no mention is made at all of Marshall who we have reason to hope is still safe.

Washington July 23, 1861
"I am well as could be expected considering the fight we had on Sunday last - Thinking that you would like to know something, I will tell you the particulars.
We marched from Arlington Heights on Monday afternoon about 3 o'clock. We went about five miles to a little place called Vienna; there we stopped for the night. The next morning our troops chased the rebels from Fairfax Court House. We went on to Centreville about 8 miles from the C.H., where we stayed till in the afternoon, when we were ordered to march forward to support the troops that had been attacked by the masked battery at Bull's Run, about one and a half miles from Centreville. When we got there, the cavalry were coming back; as well as the Ohio boys and the cannon balls and bomb shells were making music around our ears. It was here that the La Crosse boy had his leg shattered. We drew up in line of battle when Col. Coon came along and says we will "show them what Wisconsin boys are made of" which you could plainly see was the wish of every boy; but we were disappointed, for after sitting about a half an hour, we were ordered back to camp but this time we went ahead a half mile and encamped where we stayed till Sunday morning, 2 o'clock, when we marched up the country toward Bull's Run ,went about two miles when we drew up in line of battle. We then halted to wait for Gen'l McClellan, as we understood it, but that was not what it was for, as I have been since told. After about an hour, the battery that was in front and to the left of out Regiment commenced to fire back till a long while after. Then our troops began to fire on the rebels when they opened their masked battery on us - doing fearful execution among the cavalry and infantry, when the firing became so brisk that they thought the rebels were getting the best of us, we were ordered to go and assist them - we then started off at double quick. When we got to the ford, we drew up in line but had to flank to the right, cross the ford, up the hill and across the field to where they were fighting. When we got there the battery was playing on them with shot and shell. We them formed in line when we went right up under the hill - the batteries all the time puring shot and shell into us. Not one of the men were hurt - excepting one of the Racine boys had his arm shot off by a cannon ball. After we had been under the hill about five or ten minutes, we flanked to the right, then through the defile to the left. They told us that the rebels were retreating. That set the men in fine spirits and they charged right up the hill, when they poured unto us the grape and canister. After I fired the first round saw Ab. Morgan fall, that was the last that I saw of him. We then continued to fire every time we got a chance. I got out of the place from where I had been firing for the balls were playing too fast to suit me with some of the Fire Zouaves where we fired till the cannon played too freely with us, them we left. The boys were scattered in all directions. I went across to where we first started to the charge where Colonel Peck was calling the Wisconsin boys. The black Horse Southern Cavalry charged us and each man had to fight for himself - How I managed to get to Fairfax I hardly know, the troops were running in all directions but the most of us are safe. Cap. I understand was a little sick after he got to Fort Albany or near there. Morgan is in Washington wounded but not killed - for he got here some way or other. Some of the boys were killed but I do not know how many for I have not seen Cap., and he does not know but that I am dead. I have gathered some of our boys - Dan Bennett, Lew Norton, C.C. Thomas, Gould, Clark of Columbus and there is some of some other companies"
The above letter shows plainly that the Fox Lake boys have scented gunpowder, and pretty strongly too. It was their first fight and from all accounts they acted nobly. Serg't Converse writes that Lieut. Jones (our Billy) and young Morgan were among the foremost in the fight; while the dailies give Capt. Stevens great credit for the manner in which he led his company into action at the head of the regiment - Not having as yet received anything official in regard to the killed and wounded from the Citizens Guard it is therefore impossible to tell exactly who is hurt but will probably be able, next week, to give a correct list. It is stated that quite a number of our boys are missing which may easily be accounted for - owing to the great confusion they were thrown in during the retreat and many may yet come in who are supposed to be lost.
Sergeant Converse writes that the rebels resorted to many mean and wicked devices to mislead our troops - such as hoisting the American Flag, and at other times, a white flag which they lowered on getting ready to fire the Hospital building and many other unholy acts; which, if true, shows that they certainly deserve the sound thrashing which is in waiting for them.

Your very friendly and acceptable letter was received by me on the day after that Great Battle, of which you have long ere this got full particulars and which was one of the hottest places I ever was in. We fared pretty hard, but the boys did nobly. Our regiment was ordered up after the others had been repulsed and what else could be expected than that we must be cut up like the rest. It was an awful thing, and must be repaid in full one of these days. The papers will give you a list of the killed and wounded and missing. I regret much the result but as no blame can be attached to us, I feel thankful. We are all tired out and have not got fairly over it yet. Frank Dexter, Carhart and Stafford are still missing, although we have hopes of seeing them yet, as men keep coming in, having stopped on
the road. We are now encamped opposite Washington, and are getting ready for another fight under another General which we hope will redeem this last one. I have lost my trunk and every thing it contained. The men having it in charge with the other baggage, broke down and left everything on the road and it fell in the enemy's hands; rather unfortunate for me but not irreparable.
The above events "speak for themselves," showing plainly as they do to the readers of the GAZETTE that our boys, as we said before, have so far acted nobly and deserve much praise in consequence.
We certainly pray that the missing men will yet turn up safe and sound and have every reason to believe they will but should it eventually turn out that they have fallen, it will be some consolation to know that they fell like the Heroes and Patriots they were. It has been stated on what is consitered good authority that a recent letter, received at Randolph Station mentions the fact that Capt. Stevens, Lieuts, Mann and Jones and Orderly Harmon Bouy, with three Privates of the Fox Lake Company were surrounded in the thickest of the fight by a large number of the enemy who attempted to take them prisoners but were unsuccessful as out boys actually cut their way through fighting like tigers. "Harm" armed with a heavy Bowie Knife, killed six of the rebels outright - driving in the blade to the hilt at every stroke, exclaiming while so doing, with great emphasis -"G-d d-n you take that!" If this be so it will go far to prove that Harm is not altogether a "harm"-less critter, when engaged in a free flight among the F. F V's. Hooray for our side.
Since writing the above, news from Sergeant Robbins states positively that the three missing men mentioned above are prisoners at Fairfax. Corporal Carhart being wounded. Harm Buoy also reports himself wounded in the foot, but reached camp after a two day's journey on the road.
Charley of Nimrod

To The Ladies of Racine
Under Clothing Wanted For the Sick and Wounded
By the following card from the Sanitary Commission at Washington it will be seen that there was at the commencement of this month a great deficiency in linen for the sick then in the hospitals. The disastrous results for the attack of Manassas Junction will fill all the hospitals to overflowing with brave men who have fallen in defending their country's flag. Our own gallant 2nd Regiment was there on that deadly 23d and we know not how many of our own brothers and sons are wounded or have fallen. At this moment the wounded may be suffering for the want of clean linen. That want must be instantly supplied if it exists and provided for in advance it it does not. A letter is in circulation for the signatures of those who contributed to the 4th of July fund authorizing the committee of arrangements to use so much of the balance on hand for the purchase of the materials for making such articles as are needed by the sick and wounded in the hospitals. As soon as the materials are purchased, the ladies of Racine will meet and organize for the purpose of making the necessary garments. The ladies will find all necessary direction in Mr. Olmstead's circular.

Sanitary Commission Washington D. C.
Treasury Building, July 3, 1861
The following articles which cannot be provided at present by government are immediately needed by the volunteers in hospital:
Cotton bed-shirts, one and a half yards long; two breadths of unbleached muslin, one yard wide; open at bottom; length of sleeve three-fourth yard; length of arm-hole twelve inches; length of collar twenty inches; length of slit in front one yard; fastened with four tapes.
Loose drawers, one and a quarter yards long with a breadth of one yard wide, muslin, in each leg a hem and drawing-string round the waist and bottom of each leg; length from waist to crotch on the back twenty-two inches; and in front eighteen inches with three buttons and three buttonholes.
Soft slippers of different sizes.
Towels and handkerchiefs.
Abdominal or body bandages; material, thick flannel; length, one and one-half to one and three-quarter yards to overlap in front; width ten to thirteen inches with narrow gores at the hips 3.5 inches and two inches wide at the bottom with three broad tapes on each attached upon or above the gores.
The articles, if conveyed free of charge to this office will be acknowledged and accounted for and used where the need of them is most pressing.

Direct to Sanitary Commission, Treasury Building, Washington.
Fred Law Olmstead, Resident Secretary

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