Return to Hallowed Ground
The telegraph lines to the south hummed with news of the Confederate victory. The Charleston Mercury reported directly from the battlefield. Not so The New York Times. Due to several newspapers early reportage of McClellan’s movements on the Peninsula, General Halleck reportedly sent word to General Pope to dismiss war correspondents from the field. In his article published by Harper’s Magazine in October 1863, L.L. Crounse, who covered the Army of the Potomac for The New York Times, stated that all but two newspapers were expelled from the field. The resultant coverage of the Times, an expelled paper, consisted of General Pope’s dispatches, private sources, and the reportage lifted from the Washington Star, presumably one of the two papers allowed coverage.
The closest field coverage for The New York Times in proximity to the battlefield was established at U.S. Army Headquarters between Alexandria and Bristor Station on the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad on August 28 and nearby Fairfax Court House on August 29.
Sept. 1, 1862: From the Charleston Mercury Progress of the War
Highly Important Rumors of Our Progress Beyond the Rappahannock
The Richmond Dispatch of Friday says:
The news from the line of the Rappahannock, though not so full and complete as we could desire, is, nevertheless, interesting and important. It is understood as perfectly reliable that the advance of our forces have reached Manassas Junction, where they captured some eight or ten heavy guns and an immense quantity of valuable stores.
The portion of the Yankee army under Pope was at Warrenton on Wednesday, and it is stated that its retreat in the direction of Alexandria is entirely intercepted. The only route by which he could reach that point is by way of the Junction, which is now in possession of our forces. It is not probable that he will succeed in forcing his way back to the Potomac by taking that route. If this statement be correct – and we have no reason to question its authenticity – the only road for his escape would seem to be by way of the Plains to Middleburg, and from thence to Leesburg, in Loudoun county.
We have not intelligence of any heavy fighting, and it is somewhat surprising that our troops have met with so few obstructions in their advance. In government circles there seems to be not the slightest apprehension for the safety of our army. Indeed, we have reason to believe that the most lively hopes are entertained of a triumph which will eclipse any that has been vouchsafed to our arms since the war commenced. The intelligence that the enemy has been reinforced has created no uneasiness, and not the remotest idea of a reverse is entertained.
To sum up the whole, we are warranted in the conclusion that the enemyforces are so situated that a further retreat would be decidedly more disastrous than the acceptance of battle, and that in either event he is inevitably subjected to a reverse from which it will be no easy matter to recover.
The Richmond papers of Saturday contain nothing additional from the seat of war. The Examiner says:
SECOND MANASSAS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN, WAS FOUGHT PRIMARILY AROUND THE VIRGINIA TOWNS OF GROVETON, CENTERVILLE, GAINSVILLE, AND BRISTOW STATION BEFORE CONCLUDING ON THE THIRD DAY ON THE PLAINS OF MANASSAS.
We are unable to obtain any information of the enemy position or numbers not already known. Popearmy lies between Warrenton and the railroad junction of that name on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. Pope is said to have been reinforced by two divisions, who landed on the Potomac near the mouth of the Occoquan. Gen. Trimble of Ewelldivision is said to occupy Manassas in Poperear. As to the whereabouts of Jackson there are not even any conjectures ventured.
September 2, 1862
A Great Battle – the last, we hope, that is to purple the soil of the Old Dominion – has been fought and won. The news is direct, official and satisfactory. General LEE is no braggart. He announces to the President that the valor of our troops has again prevailed upon the Plains of Manassas. On the memorable field McCLELLAN and POPE had marshalled their united hosts to meet our advancing columns. On Thursday, the 28th, and Friday, the 29th of August, the conflict was opened by the enemy. Our right and left wings commanded respectively by Stonewall JACKSON and LONGSTREET, were successively assailed; but, in both instances, the attack was repulsed. On Saturday, the 30th of August, our whole army became engaged with the combined forces of the enemy, and achieved signal victory. This is the sum of our information. It is enough to indicate that the fight is likely to prove, in its fruits, the most important success, this far, of the war.
The country will join with General Lee, in grateful acknowledgment to the Lord of Hosts, who has thus smiled once more upon our cause. But vain indeed, and costly would be our triumph, if we should fail to grasp the advantages which it offers. We trust and believe that there will be no such failure.
The beaten and demoralized masses of the Yankee army can scarcely be rallied for another struggle south of the Potomac. The road lies open, to the gates of the Yankee Capital. Let our Generals but unleash their victorious legions, and Washington is ours. Maryland will arise and cast aside her fetters; and in thirty days the seat of war will be transferred to the outer boundaries of the Confederacy.
We await with impatience the next tidings from the Potomac. For we believe that there can be no more delays upon the sod which covers the dead heros of Manassas.
September 3, 1862
The community yesterday was jubilant and sanguine at the news from Manassas. Flags were streaming all day long from the public places, and the discussions at the bulletin boards turned chiefly upon the precise distance from Manassas to Washington, which, as all the world knows, the first ‘Grand Army’ of the Yankees ran in a single night.
Progress of the War from the Seat of the War in Virginia
The extraordinary reticence of the Government throws back all the Virginia papers upon the resources of their old and indefatigable friend ‘The Reliable Gentleman.’ The following account of the events immediately preceding the second great Battle of Manassas is taken from Mondayissue of the Richmond Dispatch.
It is asserted, on what ought to be regarded as reliable authority, that our forces, in large numbers, have gained the rear of the enemy, and that on Saturday, and perhaps yesterday, a bloody struggle was in progress on Bull Run, in the immediate vicinity of the battle field of the 21st July, 1861. Coupled with this statement is another, to the effect that other divisions of our army were pressing the enemy from this side, and forcing him on in the direction of our forces that have already been thrown between him and Washington. These statements we believe to be entitled to fuller consideration than should be given to mere street rumors, but we do not claim for them the sanction of unquestionable authority. We give them because we think them not at all improbable.
There are also reports of a heavy battle on Friday, near BristowStation, four miles south of Manassas, between the division of Gen. Ewell and the forces of the enemy, in which it is said that our forces were twice driven from their position, with severe loss, but receiving reinforcements, finally drove the enemy back, capturing several batteries and some five thousand prisoners. Reports conflict as to the precise locality of this engagement, one representing it at Bristow Station, and the other near the Plains, on the Manassas Gap road. If such a fight really took place, we think it more than likely the latter location is correct. It is also stated by some that the divisions of Jackson, A. P. Hill, and Ewell, were all in the battle, and others that it was fought by Ewell division alone.
Another report, which was brought to the city by passengers on Saturday, and again yesterday, represent that General Stuart has taken HarperFerry, and holds possession of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Bridge at that point. No particulars of the capture of this place are furnished, but those familiar with Stuartdashing exploits are generally ready to believe any report with reference to his daring feats. The latest information from HarperFerry placed the Federal forces there at four regiments. This force may have been withdrawn, or it may have been increased. The Federals have for some time boasted that the town was strongly fortified and prepared to resist the attack of a vastly superior force. How much truth there was in these boasts will be shown by a confirmation or contradiction of the report of its capture. If it has fallen into our hands it has been captured by a cavalry force, unsupported by infantry or artillery.
A member of Congress, who came down on the Central train yesterday afternoon, says that the Baltimore Sun, of Thursday, had been received in the Valley, in which it was stated that our forces had captured at Manassas, on Wednesday, five trains of cars loaded with provisions, and that later on the same day five other trains, on board of which were some two thousand Yankee troops. This affair was commented upon by the Yankee press as very discreditable to their commander, and some harsh reflections as to his fitness for his position indulged.
Our own account of this affair reports that a portion of our cavalry had advanced on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Bull Run bridge, about five miles beyond Manassas, and having burned the bridge, continued their advance to Dye Station, where they concealed themselves, and arrested the approach of a number of trains of which they had previously received information. After the trains had passed the concealed portion of the cavalry the track was torn up behind them. When they reached the bridge, the officers on board finding that something was wrong, determined to return to Alexandria, but before backing far they found the track torn up, and their retreat effectually intercepted.
The cavalry then approached in superior numbers, and the enemy surrendered without firing a gun. The number of prisoners reported captured agrees with the statement of the Sun, being estimated at 2,000, together with all the officers, regimental and company, and a quantity of arms and ammunition, which were being conveyed to General Pope. After this brilliant affair, this cavalry returned to Manassas, without sustaining the loss of a single man.
Some fifteen hundred to two thousand Yankee prisoners were yesterday between Rapidan Station and Gordonsville, and may be expected in this city today. It is supposed that these are the prisoners captured at DyeStation by our cavalry.
September 5, 1862
The News from Richmond
(Correspondence of the Mercury)
Richmond, Tuesday, September 2.
The plains of Manassas have been again dyed in blood, perhaps more deeply than before, and this time there has been no rain to swell the Potomac, no lack of transportation, no army of PATTERSON to come from HarperFerry to defend Washington; and now, shall we cross the Rubicon? The master of Arlington Heights must answer this question.
All we know, up to the present moment, is that McClellan and Pope have been routed, and that our boys are pursuing the fragments of the two armies towards the Occoquan – it is believed – for all seem to agree that McClellan landed there. A part of McCarmy (five or six thousand men) had not left Fortress Monroe on Saturday, the day of the decisive battle; and we hear nothing of Burnside, who has been at Fredericksburg, and is now, doubtless, en route to McClellan. Hence we see that there are still some veteran troops to encounter, in addition to the raw recruits now at Washington. Still, we ought to be able to advance.
We look anxiously for the train this evening, to hear what losses we have sustained. They have been heavy, unquestionably. Pope admits a loss of 8,000 in Thursday fight, which Lee speaks of as an affair of small moment.
There is wailing in all New England,
And by Schuylkill banks a knell,
Yes, and there is sorrow enough in all the South.
Gen. Lee will probably head the army of invasion, or, at least, of deliverance to Maryland. That he has been meditating work in and beyond his present vicinity, was inferred weeks ago from an expression of impatience which escaped him at hearing that some of our guerillas had again broken up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. ‘It will be invaluable to us,’ said he.
Much dissatisfaction is expressed against the course pursued by Congress in regard to extending the Conscript Law and making adequate preparation for the new Yankee levies. But Job is in Congress as well as in the Chair of the Executive, and Job is timid and afraid to look a coming danger in the face. De Quincy, considering murder as a Fine Art, says that a man who begins with murder may gradually rise to the high crime of procrastination. In our case, just at the present time, procrastination is not paradoxically worse than murder–it is murder of the direct proportion–national murder.
The Examiner, always urgent in its appeals to the people and the Government to make timely preparation, came out yesterday morning in a lengthy leader in behalf of the Conscript extension. The article is said to have been dictated by Jno. M. Daniel himself, whose wound has been well, or nearly so, for some weeks. But his arm and hand will be of no use to him for many months to come.
Congress appears timid in the matter of retaliation. Why, Popelate backdown ought to encourage them. By the way, I am glad to hear from a friend, just from the departments, that we have captured Gens. Blenker and Thomas, of Popearmy. The common sense of the country long since called for retaliation, and the success which has attended even its semblance, as given in General Order No. 54, ought to induce our legislators to put more trust in the sense of their fellow countrymen.
I hear that Gen. Beauregard has been assigned to the command of the Atlantic coast, with his headquarters at Charleston. Gen. J. E. Johnston takes charge of the TransMississippi Department, with Gens. Price, Magruder and Holmes under him. Gen. G. W. Smith retains command here, and has taken a house not far from the President.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC MARCHING OVER THE SECOND BULL RUN BATTLEGROUND NEAR GROVETON (FORBES). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
Frank Vizitelly, a well known artist of the London Illustrated News, has been at the Spotswood for some weeks, having a gay time with a number of young bloods of the army and navy. Vizitelly had to run the underground railroad to get to our side; after being with the Yankee army of the Potomac for a year, no wonder they refused him a pass to our lines. He has made a number of sketches of scenes in and around Richmond.
The weather has been singularly cool today.
HERMES.
September 5, 1862
News by Telegraph
The Latest from the Seat of War
Particulars of the Battle of Saturday – the Casualties
Manassas, August 30 (via RAPIDAN, September 4) – The second Battle of Manassas has been fought on precisely the same spot as that of 21st of July, 1861, with the difference that our forces occupied many of the positions which were held by the enemy at that time, and that the enemy fought upon the ground that had been held by us. Several of our regiments entered the field just where McDOWELL’S divisions did a year ago. The fight began about three o in the afternoon, near Groveton, on the Warrenton turnpike. LONGSTREET was on the right and JACKSON on the left, their line being in the form of a broad V, with the enemy within. The enemy made their first advance by endeavoring to turn JACKSON’S flank, but were repulsed in great confusion–a battery of twenty pieces of artillery, commanded by Col. STEPHEN D. LEE, of South Carolina, mowing them down by scores. LONGSTREET at once threw forward HOODS’S and BRYSON’S brigades, and advanced his whole line, which was in a short time separately engaged. JACKSON now gave battle, and the enemy was attacked on every side. The fight was fiercely contested until after dark, when the Yankees gave way and were driven in disorder for a distance of three miles. Their forces consisted of McDOWELL’S, SEIGEL’S, BANKS’, MORELL’S, SICKLES’, MILROY’S, McCLELLAN’S, and POPE’S divisions. The loss of the enemy exceeds that of the Confederates in the ratio of five to one. Their dead literally cover the field. Our men captured a number of batteries, numerous regimental colors, thousands of prisoners, and from six to ten thousand stand of arms. We might have taken more of these last; but the men could not be burdened with them. One Yankee Brigadier General is now lying dead at the negro Robinsonhouse, where the Yankee bodies are so thickly strewn that it is difficult to pass without stepping on them. Generals EWELL, JENKINS, MAHONE and TRIMBLE, are wounded. Colonels MEANS, MARSHALL and GADBERRY, of South Carolina, are killed. Colonels BENBOW, MOORE and McGOWAN, of the same State, are wounded. Major D. C. KEMPER is severely wounded in the shoulder; Captain TABB and Captain MITCHEL, of the First Virginia (the latter a son of JOHN MITCHELL, the Irish patriot), are wounded. Adjutant TOMPKINS, of the Hampton Legion, and Adjutant CAMERON, of the Twenty-Fourth Virginia, were both wounded. About fifty Yankee of Washington, who had come out to witness the show, have been bagged by our forces.
Richmond, September 3
No official despatches have been received from the seat of war in Northern Virginia today. The reports brought by passengers all indicate that our victory over the Yankees was complete, and that our troops are in pursuit of the routed enemy.
The Columbia Carolinian, of yesterday, gives a telegraphic report from Richmond, that Gen. JENKINS and Col. BENBOW, of this State, are mortally wounded. The Federal Generals POPE and McDOWELL are also mortally wounded, and Gen. SICKLES killed.
September 6, 1862
Manassas
Slowly the smoke is clearing away from the famous field of Manassas, and, while we can learn but little of the later movements of the opposing forces, it is easy to see that the struggle of Saturday was, indeed, for us, signal victory. Already the sounds of wailing and lamentation come echoing from the North. Thousands upon thousands of the invading host have gone down before the valor of our veteran troops; the third Grand Army which had been marshalled upon Virginia soil for the subjugation of that noble State, is beaten, and has fled utter rout; Maryland, from her eastern shore to the Blue Ridge, is throbbing with the hope of an early deliverance, and sits uneasy in her chains; while Washington, the centre of official falsehood and corruption, is quaking at the approach of the very army that the Yankee leaders were lately so confident of crushing and driving the wall.
But new blows must be struck and new victories won before the enemy can be brought to his senses. The army of KIRBY SMITH must press forward from Lexington until the tramp of its brigades shall startle the people who dwell beyond the Ohio. Our victorious troops in Virginia, reduced though they be in numbers, and shattered in organization, must be led promptly into Maryland, before the enemy can rally the masses of recruits whom he is rapidly and steadily gathering together. When the Government of the North shall have fled into Pennsylvania, when the public buildings in Washington shall have been razed to the ground, so as to forbid the hope of their ever again becoming the nest of Yankee despotism, then, at last, may we expect to see the hope of success vanish from the Northern mind, and reap the fruit of our bloody and long continued trials.
September 8, 1862
Proclamation by the President
To the People of the Confederate States
Once more upon the plains of Manassas have our armies been blessed by the Lord of Hosts with a triumph over our enemies. It is my privilege to invite you once more to His footstool, not now in the garb of fasting and sorrow, but with joy and gladness, to render thanks for the great mercies received at His hands. A few months since, and our enemies poured forth their invading legions upon our soil. They laid waste our fields, polluted our altars, and violated the sanctity of our homes. Around our capital they gathered their forces, and with boastful threats claimed it as already their prize. The brave troops which rallied to its defence have extinguished these vain hopes, and under the guidance of the same Almighty hand, have scattered our enemies and driven them back in dismay. Uniting these defeated forces and the various armies which had been ravaging our coasts with the army of invasion in Northern Virginia, our enemies have renewed their attempt to subjugate us at the very place where their first effort was defeated, and the vengeance of retributive justice has overtaken the entire host, in a second and complete overthrow.
To this signal success accorded to our arms in the East, has been graciously added another equally brilliant in the West. On the very day on which our forces were led to victory on the plains of Manassas in Virginia, the same Almighty arm assisted us to overcome our enemies at Richmond, in Kentucky. Thus at one and the same time, have the two great hostile armies been stricken down, and the wicked designs of our enemies set at nought.
In such circumstances, it is meet and right that, as a people, we should bow down in adoring thankfulness to that gracious God who has been our bulwark and defence, and to offer unto Him the tribute of thanksgiving and praise. In His hand are the issues of all events, and to Him should we, in an especial manner, ascribe the honor of this great deliverance.
Now, therefore, I, JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States, do issue this my proclamation, setting apart THURSDAY, the 18th day of September, instant, as a day of prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the great mercies vouchsafed to our people, and more especially for the triumph of our arms at Richmond and Manassas; and I do hereby invite the people of the Confederate States to meet on that day at their respective places of public worship, and to unite in rendering thanks and praise to God for these great mercies, and to implore Him to conduct our country safely through the perils which surround us, to the final attainment of the blessings of peace and security.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the
Confederate States, at Richmond, this fourth day of
September, A.D. 1862.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
By the President:
J.P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State.
September 8, 1862
The Casualties in the Late Battles at Manassas – The lists of casualties in the recent battles in Northern Virginia, owing, doubtless, to the distance intervening between the scene of hostilities and the nearest telegraph station, come in very slowly. We gather, however, from private sources the following details:
Gen. JENKINS has telegraphed that he will be home in ten days. We are induced to hope, therefore, that his wound is not serious.
Capt. JOHN WITHERSPOON, of Col. MEANS’ regiment, received a severe wound in the thigh, breaking it. He is at Warrenton.
Mr. RUDOLPH SEIGLING, of the German Artillery (Charleston), was killed.
THE BATTLE OF GROVETON (FORBES). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
Lieut. P.A. AVEILHE, of Capt. MURDEN’S company, 23d S.C.V., and private L. SIDNEY AVEILHE, of the W. L. I. Volunteers, were slightly wounded. Also, private THADDEUS L. CAT, of the W. L. I. Volunteers.
A private letter from the Quartermaster Sergeant of the 17th S. C. V., dated Rappahannock river, August 25, contains the following in regard to the battle of the 23d ult.: ‘Our regiment lost one man killed, and three wounded. The Holcombe Legion lost sixteen wounded and their color bearer killed. He fell just as they were mounting a Yankee redoubt, with the colors (Mrs. PICKENS’ gift) in his hand. He was brought in and buried close to our camp. I saw our friend Lieut. MUNRO brought in badly wounded.’
Lieut. WM. ALLEN, of the Chicora Rifles, was killed. The Columbia Guardian of yesterday publishes the following private despatches:
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA., September 5. – The following is a list of the casualties in the Johnston Riflemen, Company K, Captain Meetz, 13th Regiment S.C.V.: Killed – J.F.M. Lucas, James W. Esenger, J.B. Clamp. Wounded – severely – Sergeant W.H. Counts, J.F. Harman, Colorbearer J.C. Drafts, Calvin Pearce, J.E. Rowe, J.J. Hooper, J.J. Lawn, J.R. Miller, Wilson Taylor, William Holman; slightly, J.P. LaPorte, H.N. Gorley, J.P. Hornell, H.J. Boatwright, Capt. Meetz, hurt by a fall after the battle.
September 13, 1862
The South Carolina Zouaves at Manassas
We have been favored with the following extract from a private letter of a member of the South Carolina Zouaves, dated Manassas Plains, August 30:
Thank God! my life is spared after a terrific engagement. On the 29th July our company joined the Legion, near Richmond, where we remained one week. We have since marched two hundred miles, and, on the 29th of August, one month after our arrival, we were marched through the woods on to a hill, perfectly clear of timber, where we formed in line and prepared for a charge. All were cool and self-possessed. In our front was a regiment, which all thought friends (it being after 7, p.m., we could not distinguish), when they fired on us. Three men, Lockwood, Hutto and Felder, dropped wounded, each in the leg; nothing serious though. Being still under the impression that the men in front were the 18th Georgia Regiment, we held back our fire and advanced. On arriving at the foot of the hill we asked who was there, and the scoundrels answered ‘Friends, and 5th Texas!’ Just then a United States flag was observed, and then they said: ‘New York and 76th Pennsylvania!’ In a flash we opened and charged, completely routing the regiment. We followed, and fired again; but our main chance was lost. We killed about twenty and wounded a great many. We occupied the field. Volunteers being called for to go in advance and see if the enemy were near, Gelling and I jumped out. We discovered several wounded and took some prisoners, and captured their flag. During the night we retired to our former position in the woods. But that was childplay. All the following day we remained in concealment till about 5 p.m., yesterday, when we were marched out again. Crossing a piece of woods, a tremendous volley was poured into us. I had not fired, but felt sharp pain in my left ankle, and knew I was shot. Deliberately raising my rifle, I fired into a clump of bushes, where some of the foe were concealed, with what success I could not learn. My wound prevented my going on, so I turned to help some worse hurt than myself. Our fellows routed them and they retired. Soon after commenced an awful shelling; bullets fell thick and fast, but steadily forward moved our men. Back they drove the foe! Such volleys, such firing, I never heard; it was frightful. But I cannot go on, not having time. In the fight the Captain was wounded in the head, ankle and thigh; Lieut. Palmer in the left breast, and Clarke in the thigh; Oliver Gregory was hurt in four places – only one painful wound in the leg – nothing serious; George Gelling, by a spent ball, in the thigh; Cook, Brown and Dewane, killed; and, all told, 13 wounded that we know of. My ankle feels stiff, but I can easily walk. Geo. Gelling is with us, and Oliver Gregory in the hospital. I think 20 will cover our whole loss.
I have seen a battle field, and never desire to see another. Lieut. Allen is killed; I saw him this morning. We now occupy the battle field of Manassas Plains.
September 16, 1862
A Cavalry Charge
During the last battle of Manassas, about four o, p.m., as the columns of the enemy began to give way, Gen. Beverly Robinson was ordered by Gen. Longstreet to charge the flying masses with his brigade of cavalry. The brigade, numbering a thousand men, composed of Munford, Myer, Harman and Flournoyregiments, was immediately put in motion, but before reaching the infantry General Robinson discovered a brigade of the enemy fifteen hundred strong drawn up on the crest of a hill directly in his front. Leaving one of his companies in reserve, he charged with the other three full at the enemyranks. As our men drew near, the whole of the Yankee line fired at them a volley from their carbines, most of the bullets, however, whistling harmlessly over their heads. In another instant the enemy received the terrific shock of our squadrons. There was a pause, a hand-to-hand fight for a moment, and the enemy broke and fled in total rout. All organization was destroyed, and every man trusted for his safety only in the heels of his horses. Our cavalry followed them close, cutting them down and taking prisoners at every step. Before reaching Centreville we had slain at least three hundred, and captured five hundred prisoners. The rest made good their escape by flight. It is said they did not draw a rein nor slacken their pace until they reached Alexandria. Two of their captains and several other commissioned officers were left dead on the field. The Yankee papers report the death of their commander, Gen. Buford, but if killed his body was carried off by his men.
We have received this account from a participant in the engagement. Our informant, from his position as a cavalry officer, had fine opportunities of judging of the condition of the Yankee troops during the retreat. He describes them as utterly demoralized and disorganized. They hurried along in great droves like frightened cattle, officers and men being mingled indiscriminately and inextricably. Our men followed them up and slaughtered them at leisure. Had the rout taken place two hours earlier, the entire army would have been destroyed or taken prisoners. Richmond Examiner.
Defeat of the Rebels on the Old Bull Run Battle-Ground. DISPATCH FROM GEN. POPE. A Terrific Battle on Friday, Lasting All Day. The Combined Forces of the Enemy Engaged. The Rebels Driven from the Field. Our Losses Not Less than Eight Thousand Killed and Wounded. The Rebel Losses Probably Double. Important Capture Made by our Forces. Retreat of the Rebels Toward the Mountains on Friday Morning. PROMPT PURSUIT BY GEN. POPE. ANOTHER GREAT BATTLE YESTERDAY. OFFICIAL DISPATCH FROM GEN. POPE.
HEADQUARTERS FIELD OF BATTLE. GROVETON NEAR GAINESVILLE, AUG. 30, 1862.
To Major-Gen. Halleck, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C: We fought a terrific battle here yesterday, with the combined forces of the enemy, which lasted with continuous fury from daylight until after dark, by which time the enemy was driven from the field, which we now occupy.
Our troops are too much exhausted to push matters, but I shall do so in the course of the morning, as soon as FITZJOHN PORTER’S corps come up from Manassas. The enemy is still in our front, but badly used up.
We have lost not less than eight thousand men killed and wounded, and from the appearance of the field, the enemy have lost at least two to our one. He stood strictly on the defensive, and every assault was made by ourselves.
Our troops have behaved splendidly.
The Battle was fought on the identical battle-field of Bull Run which greatly increased the enthusiasm of our men.
The news just reached me from the front that the enemy is retreating toward the mountains. I go forward at once to see.
We have made great captures, but I am not able yet to form an idea of their extent.
JOHN POPE, MAJOR-GENERAL COMMANDING
Washington, Saturday, Aug. 30
To-day’s Evening Star, speaking of the battle of yesterday says:
“The battle was continued by the army corps of Generals HEINTZELMAN, MCDOWELL and SIGEL against a [rebel force] believed to number near fifty to sixty thousand strong that is against the army corps of JAMES LONGSTREET. We defeated a portion of the rest of LEE’S army that has succeeded in making its way down from White Plains through Thorough-fare Gap.
The location of the battle of the day was in the vicinity of Haymarket, and from Haymarket off in the direction of Sudley Church, or, in other words but a few miles northwest of the scene of the never-to-be-forgotten battle of Bull Run.
HEINTZELMAN’S Corps, if we are correctly informed, came up with the enemy’s rear about 10 A.M., seven miles from Centreville, which point he left at daybreak. He found STONEWALL JACKSON fighting with MCDOWELL or SIGEL, or both, on the right, in the direction of Haymarket, the position they took by going north from Gainsville, to command the entrance to and exit from Thorough-fare Gap.
Our own informant, who left Centreville at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, a cool and clear-headed man, says that up to that hour, the impression prevailed there that nothing had definitely resulted from the day’s fighting, which, though continuous, had not been a very bloody battle.
Persons subsequently arriving, who were on the field of action themselves until 4 P.M., however, represent that the tide of success was decidedly with the Union army, which pushed the rebels successfully on both sides.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS ON THE BATTLEFIELD OF SECOND BULL RUN, RECOGNIZING THE REMAINS OF THEIR COMRADES (EDWIN FORBES). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
An impression prevails that the reserve of LEE’S army, supposed to be from twenty to forty thousand strong, might suddenly appear near the field, and we know that the heavy corps under FITZ-JOHN PORTER was so posted that it could instantly move upon LEE with equal ease, whether attacking McDOWELL, SIGEL or HEINTZELMAN.
The railroad, we are happy to say, has already been repaired quite up to Bull Run, and supplies, etc., are now being transported over it to that point.
By midnight we have every reason to believe that the Bull Run bridge will again be passable, when the trains can run again to Manassas.
Ere evacuating Manassas, the rebels paroled the 700 Union prisoners they had taken since the commencement of the movement for which they are paying so dearly.
The rebels realized that prisoners in their present strait were an elephant in their hands, and wisely thus got rid of them.
These 700 prisoners covered all the stragglers they had taken, as well as the 500 of TAYLOR’S Brigade.
Washington, Saturday, Aug. 30
The following is gathered from private sources:
On Wednesday morning, or rather on Tuesday night, a report reached Warrenton Junction that JACKSON was again in our rear, and that, instead of making an attack and retiring, as his cavalry did on Friday night last, at Catlett’s Station, he had taken up a position on the railroad near Bristor, four miles south of Manassas; had burned two railroad trains, torn up the railroad tracks, cut the telegraph, and took prisoners all the guards along the road.
These reports prove to have been true, and the events of Wednesday showed his determination not to be easily driven from the neighborhood.
It seems from what can be learned from the rebel wounded in our hands, that JACKSON and EWELL started from the vicinity of Warrenton Springs on Sunday, with three divisions, crossed the Rappahancock some six miles south of Blue Ridge, and proceeded by way of Orleans and Salem to Bristor, making the distance in about two and a half days.
On reaching this point their first object of attack was the house of MR. LIPSCOMBE, where ten officers were stopping, and who were on the back porch at the time, smoking. The house was attacked both front and rear, and the bullet holes in the wood and plaster, with the fact that none of the party were wounded, showed what poor marksmen these rebel cavalry were. The entire party, however, with the exception of Capt. 0. A. TILDENMORE, were taken prisoners.
The next attack of the rebels was upon a company of the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Infantry and some dozen of Pennsylvania Cavalry, left to guard the road, two or three of whom were killed, and the remainder are supposed to be captured.
A train of empty cars then came along from Warrenton, and was fired into by a regiment of infantry and one of cavalry, but escaped without serious injury.
Orders were then issued by JACKSON to tear up the railroad tracks, which was done, and a second train coming along, ran off the track, and was fired into.
A third train following ran into the second and was also fired into, and some persons on board were taken prisoners.
A fourth train made its appearance, but the Engineer suspected something wrong, stopped at a distance and blew a whistle, and being answered by one of the others, backed and returned toward Warrenton.
Two trains were then fired, under the direction of JACKSON, and entirely consumed, excepting the iron-work.
The rebels then proceeded a mile down the tracks, burned the bridge of Cattle Run, tore up some thirty feet of the track, and cut the telegraph.
They also burned the bridge across Broad Run, at Bristor.
On Wednesday morning, EWELL’s Rebel Division were placed in position on each side of the railroad, having three batteries, one on the right, one on the left, and the other near the railroad, with infantry and cavalry between, the entire force being concealed behind bush-woods and the artillery with an open field in front.
The result of this action was that the enemy was beaten and driven from the field, sustaining a loss about equal to our own.
Our loss was about fifty killed and over two hundred wounded, a complete list of which was collected, but stolen.
The Second New-York regiment lost about ten officers and some ninety or one hundred killed and wounded.
The Excelsior Brigade suffered severely.
The physicians on the ground (Dr. MORROW of the Second New Hampshire being the only named I can now recollect) exerted themselves to relieve the wounded; and although the accommodations to operate were very poor, they succeeded during the afternoon and night in attending to all.
Gen. POPE arrived on the ground in the evening and proceeded towards the scene of action, but the fighting was then over and the enemy in full retreat.
JACKSON had left for Manassas during the day with his division, where he pillaged the place, capturing a large number of prisoners, and burning every building, except the telegraph building and a few shanties, after taking off their own old rags, and putting on our good clothing, and helping themselves to food of all kinds, arms, equipments, and whatever else they could carry away out of the cars, about a hundred of which were at that place, for the greater part loaded with supplies for our army.
The rebels then set fire to all the cars, and they now present a mass of bleached ruins.
On their arrival, they found a portion of two New-Jersey Regiments of Infantry, which had arrived there during the forenoon. They immediately attacked them, our troops defending themselves for some time, but finding the number of the enemy so great, and that they were being flanked, they retreated towards Centreville, and got away with the loss of some forty wounded and about twelve killed. The rebels captured six hundred and twenty-five of them, but they were paroled yesterday morning just before the battle commenced.
The pursuit was continued towards Centreville on Thursday afternoon, and a squadron of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, with Gen. BIRNEY, was in the advance, and stopped at Centreville to inquire the route taken by the enemy. While there a woman waved a flag from the back window, at which signal a force of rebel cavalry, about 2,000 strong, under Gen. LEE, emerged from the woods. Our men had scarcely time to mount their horses and escape, coming down the road at full speed, the enemy in swift pursuit. They were followed until they came to where our infantry were drawn in line of battle on each side of the road, at which point, the rebels received a volley which caused them to retreat at more than a double-quick.
Our troops took up the line of march, and followed the rebels during the night on the Gainesville or Warrenton road, and soon came in sight of the old Bull Run battleground in strong position.
The action commenced about 9 o’clock, our batteries having been placed in position, and MILROY’S Brigade having the advance, was ordered to charge the rebels through the woods, and to cross toward the railroad switch, when the enemy poured into our troops a perfect storm of grape and canister.
This caused them to fall back, but they soon rallied, and paid the enemy with interest.
The rebels here rose en masse behind the railroad track, and again caused our men to fall back, which they did behind HAMPTON’S Pittsburgh Battery, which opened upon the rebels terrifically. The enemy were at the time only about thirty yards distant, and the effect of the fire destroyed at least 600 of them. In this action, however, HAMPTON lost one of his guns. He had to change his position to the left, as he was unable to maintain himself under the fire which the rebels poured into him.
The battle in other quarters raged furiously, the general result of which has already been stated from other sources.
The position of the forces on Thursday night remained about the same as it was at the commencement of the action.
The loss on both sides is heavy.
Gen. DURYEE, when engaged in making a reconnaissance to-day, was wounded in the hand.
The fighting up to 12 o’clock to-day was of a desultory character.
We occupy the ground where the rebels had buried their dead.
Philadelphia, Saturday, Aug. 30
The Washington Star says:
“At 121/2 o’clock this afternoon, the fighting that has been heard all day stopped, as we learn from parties just down from Fairfax County. We trust this fact means the surrender of the rebels, and we don’t see how it can mean aught else.“
The Star also contains some severe statements on the slow movements of Gen. FRANKLIN’S Division which were open to criticism in Washington to-day. According to the accounts of those last from the battle-field, the belief there was that Jackson was aiming to get off from POPE in the direction of Aldie. The Star doubts this.
A dispatch is published from Capt. MASSER, late Commissary in charge of Centreville, announcing his arrival there with 624 paroled prisoners.
The Star contains an urgent call for nurses, for whom prompt railroad transmission has been ordered by the War Department.
Philadelphia, Saturday, Aug. 30
We have information that satisfies us that the rebel force that suddenly appeared between the position of the army of Gen. POPE, and at Bristor and Manassas, on Tuesday night last, was the army corps of JACKSON, and STUART’S independent cavalry corps. They consisted of infantry and artillery, and marched about thirty thousand strong from near Waterloo, on the head waters of the Rappahannock, around by White Plains to Manassas, about forty miles in two days, without wagons, tents, blankets, or even knapsacks, thus leaving their baggage of every description to be transported by wagons, with the other army corps of LEE’S following behind them.
Instead of fighting merely a portion of STUART’S Cavalry at Manassas, on the day before yesterday, TAYLOR’S brigade were actually confronted by a greater portion of Jackson’s corps d’armee, Maj. Gens. JACKSON, EWELL, TALIAFERRO, A. P. HILL, and STUART, and the General and Chief, Robert LEE, and his son, Brig. Gen. FITZHUGH LEE, being present at Manassas during the battle.
Yesterday, at 1 o’clock P.M. JACKSON’S advance of cavalry had collected their own wounded of the action of the day before with TAYLOR, if not their wounded of the engagement on the same day with HOOKER, and also the prisoners they took from TAYLOR.
In the afternoon, about 800 of this cavalry force under STUART in person, moved down from Fairfax Court-house to Vienna.
HOOKER’S battle, of the day before yesterday, was with EWELL’S division, and was a gratifying success.
Maj. Gen. POPE, by 91/2 o’clock yesterday morning, had concentrated his very large army, so as to badly interfere with the calculations upon which the rebel Generals must have ventured their bold and extraordinary movement.
At 4 P.M. yesterday an engagement commenced between POPE and JACKSON’S rear or LONGSTREET’S advance, somewhere about Manassas. If with the former, then HEINTZELMAN’S corps d’armee, or a portion of it, were engaged on our side. If with the latter, then McDOWELL’S or SIGEL, or both, commenced it. It continued through the balance of the afternoon.
We had gotten McDOWELL’S force, including SIGEL’s probably, between JACKSON’S rear and LONGSTREET’S front, and had also all the rest of his army well up within supporting distance. Thus it continued through the balance of the afternoon.
Facts within our knowledge lead to the impression that in twenty-four hours direct communication will have been established between Washington and Maj. Gen. POPE’S army; more especially as there are signs that JACKSON’S army corps is endeavoring to proceed northwardly, as though making for the experiment of opposing the reestablishment of such communications with his immediate front, with Pope’s army practically between him and the other rebel corps d’armee.
We may add that Gen. MCCLELLAN is disposing of his heavy Union force around Washington and Alexandria, and the fortifications, so as to make it play an important part in the eventful drama of the hour.
In the battle of yesterday, the attack certainly came from our side.
The Guerrilla Raid upon the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad
The Attack Near White Plains
Capture of a New York Battery at Manassas
The Fight at Bull Run
Headquarters in the Field Between Alexandria and Bristor
Station, Thursday, P.M., Aug. 28, 1862
I have fortunately been able to obtain some reliable and interesting details of the transactions during Tuesday night and a portion of yesterday (Wednesday) on the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and vicinity. Tuesday evening, between 5 and 8 o’clock, five trains of empty cars were captured and mostly destroyed by a rebel cavalry force on the road between Bristor Station and Manassas Junction, and on the same evening the enemy destroyed a bridge across Broad River, and subsequently the bridges across other small creeks on the railroad. There were stationed at Manassas Junction, Tuesday, the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, numbering between 500 and 600 men, Col. WHITE, and the First New-York Battery-10 pieces—with about 300 men to serve them. At 6 o’clock, a dispatch was received by telegraph from Warrenton Junction, directing the cavalry to proceed immediately to White Plains, (15 miles) on the Manassas road, and keep a sharp look out for the enemy, who, it was understood, had crossed the Rappahannock in force on Sunday, and by the way of Jeffersonton and Little Washington, was making his way for some point on the line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, with a view, no doubt, to divide our forces and isolate the command of Gen. POPE—a position which the commander of the Union forces desired him to take, and a fatal one to the enemy it is certainly believed to be. The Pennsylvania cavalry left for the point directed, but finding none of the enemy at White Plains, at a late hour the corps started to return to the Junction. When within eight or nine miles of the latter place, they found a corps of about 1,000 cavalry, supposed to be commanded by FITZHUGH LEE, drawn up to dispute their further progress. A brisk skirmish took place, when our cavalry cut their way through the rebel ranks, losing a number in killed, wounded and prisoners. There was a kind of running fight kept up until the Junction was reached, at about 1 o’clock A.M. of Wednesday, when the rebels apparently retired satisfied. The cavalry fell back to a position one mile north of the Junction, know as BEAUREGARD’S Headquarters, were under arms all night, without knowing what had transpired at the Junction during their absence at White Plains. In this interval the rebels had fallen upon the F. New-York Artillery by surprise—the officer in command supposing the approac force to be our own cavalry until too late—and captured eight of their guns. This not done, however until after a test of sanguinary resistance, resulting in the killing and wounding of many men on both sides. A member of the Pennsylvania Cavalry, not knowing that the Junction was in the hands of the rebels, walked very deliberately to the camp and finding himself in a trap, coolly asked the first re he met “how things were going,” and in reply the rebel soldier said, “All right—have had lots of fun and plunder.” Our soldier then attempted to set loose a number of Government horses tied in a stable, when an officer said, “That is not one of our men—shoot him.” At about this time the two guns saved from the New-York Batte commenced throwing shell, and this soldier escaped and reached his own command. It was now 7 o’clock Wednesday morning. The rebels occupied the earthworks in the Junction, but after a time advanced from their position and made an unsuccessful attempt to take the remaining guns of the New-York Battery. A running fight was kept up along the line of the railroad, our troops gradually falling back until near mid-day, when at a point one mile south of Fairfax Station, they were met by a force of infantry and artillery under the command of Brig. Gen. TAYLOR, of New Jersey and the rebels were driven back to Manassas Junction forthwith. A fact especially worthy of notice in this connection is, that upon the person of a prisoner captured was found a copy of the identical dispatch sent by telegraph from Warrenton Junction, between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. of Tuesday, directing the cavalry at Manassas Junction to leave for White Plains, so that they were enabled to attack the place when the least resistance could be offered. It is believed by many that this dispatch could not have been obtained in any other way than through the agency of some employee of the Government.
Of the fight that took place Wednesday afternoon with Gen. TAYLOR’S force, on the road between Manassas Junction and Bull Run, and at the latter place, but little reliable information can be obtained at this time. The engagement was a sharp and deadly one—the rebels holding their position at night; but those who ought to know what occurred this morning look very good-natured, and hence we, who are in the dark, draw the inference that the rebels got their dessert this morning. The rebel force in action at Bull Run, Wednesday evening, is believed to have been about 5,000 men, principally cavalry and artillery. Our force consisted of ten regiments of infantry, and ten guns. Gen. TAYLOR was so badly wounded in one of his legs, by the explosion of a shell, that the leg was amputated to-day. The Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio Regiments, it is said, suffered the most—the latter having, according to a statement of a member, eighty wounded and twelve killed. The wildest rumor was circulated in Alexandria to-day about the result of the fight yesterday and this morning, but there is no occasion for any alarm. A force of men, left the vicinity of Alexandria early this morning for the scene of action—a force which, with that under Gen. POPE’S immediate command, is sufficient to crush a very respectable force of the enemy. I shall send forth additional details as soon as anything reliable can be obtained. The excitement was somewhat intensified in Alexandria last night, by the 12th Virginia Cavalry rushing into the city in a panic; and the excitement was again renewed this morning by the return of a train of cars that started for Manassas Junction. The train was fired upon when fifteen miles out and returned.
I escaped from the Rappahannock just at the right moment. Had I been 20 minutes later on Tuesday night, I should have been captured by the rebels. The train that kept us company all the way up was nabbed. It is supposed that JACKSON had nearly his whole force near White Plains. If so there is no escape for them as far as I can see. POPE must have 200,000 well-disciplined troops south of JACKSON. There are 75,000 fresh troops encamped about Washington, and then there is an immense force of tried men—say 50,000 men—between this point and JACKSON’S position. Gen. MCCLELLAN reached Alexandria Wednesday morning, and was at the telegraph office writing dispatches—orders—nearly all night. He can write with facility with either hand. To-day he is confined to his room by reason of slight indisposition. The rebels captured a saddle of mine at Manassas Junction, and a small bundle of papers and clothing. They were placed on the train just behind the one in which I took passage, by mistake. I hope that HALLECK’s infamous order about correspondents will be modified soon. It is very unsatisfactory to be compelled to obtain information as we do now. The Tenth New-York Cavalry, 750 men (new corps), is now passing to the front. They are the finest set of men, and best mounted, in the service. They elicit the admiration of every one.
New regiments are rolling in upon us here almost every hour in the day—quite as fast as they can be accommodated. Three hundred paroled prisoners, I suppose, left Washington yesterday for Dixie, and Fortress Monroe. But these matters you get by telegraph.
The report in the Tribune of the fighting on the Rappahannock are, for the most part, grossly erroneous.
Fairfax Court House, Friday, Aug. 29, 1862
In my last I gave you a correct and somewhat detailed account of the operations of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and First New-York Battery at Manassas Junction and vicinity, on Wednesday, the 27th, down to the time when they were relieved by reinforcements. To continue in order as the events occurred, Brig. Gen. TAYLOR, in command of the New Jersey Brigade, 1,600 strong—all infantry—left Alexandria early on Wednesday morning, to reinforce the command Manassas Junction. When one mile north of Bull Run Bridge, they found the track obstructed by the debris of a destroyed train of cars, and, disembarking, proceeded on foot toward Manassas Junction. Upon arriving in sight of the latter place, they saw the Stars and Stripes flying, and heard the roar of cannon; as the flag was there and no shots were directed toward Gen. TAYLOR’S column, that officer concluded that our forces were firing upon a force of the enemy beyond, and consequently pressed forward at a double-quick. Too late the discovery was made that the troops at the Junction were rebels, and that the raising of the Stars and Stripes, and the aiming of their guns in an opposite direction was a ruse of the enemy. When within half gunshot distance, the rebels opened upon Gen. TAYLOR’S command, right, left, and front, with the eight 32-pound cannon which they had captured a few hours before from the New-York Battery. Their cavalry immediately fired a volley and charged at the same time, which for a moment created a panic in our ranks. Gen. TAYLOR speedily obtained order, and gradually fell back to Bull Run Bridge, he having no artillery or cavalry to use against the rebels. At the latter place Gen. TAYLOR was reinforced by the arrival of the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio Volunteers—the latter a cavalry corps—and quite a brisk fight took place, when the rebels were finally repulsed. Gen. TAYLOR was wounded in the leg while gallantly rallying his men against a superior force of the enemy, composed of cavalry and artillery. Late at night, the commander of our forces, learning that the rebels had received large re-inforcements, fell back to Fairfax Station, and at 11 o’clock at night moved on to this place, as the advance of a large force which left Alexandria on Thursday morning. The rebels had disappeared.
It is alleged that the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry acted in the most scandalous manner at Bull Run, and the bulk of the regiment made a rapid retreat toward Alexandria. To the truth of this, however, I cannot vouch.
Jackson Cut Off
The movements on Thursday, the 28th, were more important than any that have taken place during the present conflict. Gens. HOOKER and KEARNY with their commands advance upon the rear of JACKSON and have forced him to where he is completely cut off, and must, with his whole force, be captured and destroyed unless some stupendous error is made on our side. JACKSON will probably get into Washington somewhat sooner than he expected, and in a manner less agreeable than he anticipated.
There is heavy firing northwest of this place this morning, and it is supposed that our force has compelled Jackson to face about and fight.
The second battle at Manassas—known also as Manassas, Second Bull Run, Manassas Plains, Groveton, Gainesville and Brawner’s Farm—occurred on August 28-30, 1862, In Prince William County, Virginia. It was the fifth and largest of the six battles in the Northern Virginia Campaign, which took place from June through September, 1862.
The principal commanders were Maj. Gen. John Pope commanding the Union Army forces and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson commanding the Confederate Army. The estimated casualties were 13, 830 and 8,350 respectively.
In order to draw Pope’s army into battle, Jackson ordered an attack on a Federal column that was passing across his front on the Warrenton Turnpike on August 28. The fighting at Brawner’s Farm lasted several hours and resulted in a stalemate. Pope became convinced that he had trapped Jackson and concentrated the bulk of his army against him. On August 29, Pope launched a series of assaults against Jackson’s position along an unfinished railroad grade. The attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. At noon, Longstreet arrived on the field from Thoroughfare Gap and took position on Jackson’s right flank. On August 30, Pope renewed his attacks, seemingly unaware that Longstreet was on the field. When massed Confederate artillery devastated a Union assault by Fitz John Porter’s command, Longstreet’s wing of 28,000 men counterattacked in the largest, simultaneous mass assault of the war. The Union left flank was crushed and the army driven back to Bull Run. Only an effective Union rearguard action prevented a replay of the First Manassas disaster. Pope’s retreat to Centreville was precipitous, nonetheless. The next day, Lee ordered his army in pursuit. This was the decisive battle of the Northern Virginia Campaign and was of major significance in the intensification of the war.
RETREAT OF THE ARMY OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK, COMMANDED BY GENERAL POPE, THROUGH THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE AFTER THE BATTLE OF SECOND BULL RUN (FORBES). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
