The engineer officers under my command and attached to the different Divisions were as follows:
Capt. D.P. Woodbury and Second Lieut. Charles E. Cross, to the Second Division, under Col. Hunter.
Capt. H.G. Wright and First Lieut. G.W. Snyder, to the Third Division, under Col. Heintzelman.
Capt. B.S. Alexander and First Lieut. D.C. Houston, to the First Division, under Gen. Tyler.
First Lieut. F.E. Prime, to the First Division, under Col. MILES.
They have all been most active and zealous in the discharge of the duties devolving upon them.
A report from Capt. D.P. Woodbury is herewith annexed. Reports from Capts. Wright and Alexander and Lieut. Prime will be furnished when received.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient,
J.G. BARNARD, Major Engineers.
CAMP NEAR ARLINGTON, Va., July 25, 1861.
Col. A. Porter, Commanding Second Brigade:
COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions, I have the honor to report that Battery D, Fifth Regiment of Artillery, arrived on the battle-field near Manassas at about 11 1/2 A.M. on the 21st inst., after a march of near twelve miles. The battery immediately opened on the enemy's batteries at about 1,000 yards distance, and continued firing until his battery was silenced and forced to retire. The battery then advanced about two hundred yards and opened upon a regiment of infantry formed upon the right of their line, causing it to fall back. This battery then changed position to the right and front, and opened upon a regiment formed near the enemy's right, and a little in front of the one first referred to, doing deadly execution, and causing it to retreat in much confusion. An order was then received through Major BARRY, Fifth Artillery, to advance to the brow of the hill near the position occupied by the enemy's battery when we first arrived on the field. The battery opened upon the enemy's battery amidst a galling fire from the artillery, and continued firing for near half an hour. It then changed position to the right and fired two rounds, when it was charged by the enemy's infantry from the woods on the right of our position. This infantry was mistaken for our own forces, an officer on the field having stated that it was a regiment sent by Col. HEINTZELMAN to support the battery. In this charge of the enemy every cannonier was cut down, and a large number of horses killed, leaving the battery (which was without support except in name) perfectly helpless. Owing to the loss of men and horses it was impossible to take more than three pieces from the field. Two of these were afterwards lost in the retreat, by the blocking up of the road by our own forces, and the complete exhaustion of the few horses dragging them. The same thing happened with reference to the battery wagon, forge and one caisson. All that is left of the battery is one of PARROTT's rifle guns and one 12-pound howitzer. Of the 95 men who went into action, 28 are killed, wounded and missing; and of 101 horses, 55 are missing.
The following is the list of the killed, wounded and missing, viz:
Killed............................................. 5
Mortally wounded........................... 3
Wounded........................................ 12
Missing........................................... 8
Total.............................................. 28
In conclusion, I would state that my officers and men behaved in a most gallant manner, displaying great fearlessness, and doing their duty as becomes brave soldiers.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GRIFFIN, Captain Fifth Artillery, commanding Battery D.
In addition, I deem it my duty to add that Lieut. AMES was wounded so as to be unable to ride his horse at almost the first fire; yet he sat by his command directing the fire, being helped on and off the caisson during the different changes of front or position, refusing to leave the field until he became too weak to sit up. I would also mention Capt. TILLINGHAST, A.Q.M., who gallantly served with the battery, pointing a piece and rendering valuable assistance.
NAMES OF KILLED, WOUNDED AND MISSING OF CAPT. GRIFFIN'S REPORT.
Killed -- Wm. Campbell, Joseph Cooper, Joseph Howard, James O'Brien and Frederick A. Reig, all privates.
Mortally Wounded -- Sergeant Stephen Kane; privates, James Turner and Andrew Wagner.
Wounded -- First Lieutenant A. Ames, Fifth Artillery; Sergeants T. Maher and John Murphy; privates Robert Bloom, Alexander Campbell, R. Chamberlain, R.R. Connell, George Clark, Samuel Davis, Herman Fisher, James Moran, James M. Sheffield.
Missing -- Privates, John Allen, S. Griswold, Edward Hopwood, C.R. Holliday, Owen McBride, John H. McIntire, Andrew Roberts, Charles Ridder.
The wounded missing are italicised.
HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE SECOND BRIGADE, FIFTH
DIVISION TROOPS, N.E. Va., July 25, 1861.
To Capt. James B. Fry, Assistant Adjutant-General, Gen. McDowell, Commanding:
SIR: In accordance with the circular of the 23d inst., Head-quarters Troops, Department N.E. Virginia, I have the honor of reporting the proceedings of the Second Brigade, Fifth Division, at the battle of Blackburn's Ford, six miles from the battle-ground of Bull Run, on the 21st inst. The Fifth Division, under the command of Col. MILES, consisting of the First and Second Brigades, RICHARDSON's Brigade, and GREEN's and HUNT's Light Batteries, formed the left wing of the troops in action.
The First Brigade, Col. BLENKER, occupied during the day the heights of Centreville, and were not engaged with the enemy.
The Second Brigade, under my command, was in readiness to march from camp at 2 1/2 A.M., but the road was so blocked with moving troops that my brigade was obliged to take a parallel route through the fields, GREEN's Battery in advance, until it struck the road leading to Blackburn's Ford, about one mile south of Centreville. At this point Col. MILES gave me directions to assume the command of RICHARDSON's Brigade, and to take position in front of the batteries at Blackburn's Ford, on and near the battle-ground of the 18th inst., and make the demonstration of attack in pursuance of Gen. MCDOWELL's orders.
I immediately ordered forward the two 20-pound rifle guns of HUNT's Battery, commanded by Lieut. EDWARDS, to an open field about 80 yards east of the road from Centreville to Bull Run, and on a line with the place where our batteries were playing on the 18th inst., and about 1,500 yards from the enemy's batteries at Blackburn's Ford, and there commenced a rapid firing. I ordered the Eighteenth Regiment forward as a protection to this battery, in the open field, and formed line-of-battle, facing the enemy, the Thirty-second Regiment being held in reserve on the road just in rear.
Having ascertained from our guide that there was a road without obstruction leading from the Centreville road to the east, and then bearing off toward the south in the direction of the enemy's position, and which could be seen about half a mile distant to the east from EDWARDS' Battery, I ordered the Sixteenth and Thirty-first Regiments, N.Y.V., on to this road at its junction with the Centreville road. One regiment deployed along the road a considerable distance, and the other remained in column to protect two guns of HUNT's Battery, which I ordered to be stationed at that point. I then gave orders to Col. RICHARDSON to make such arrangements with regard to the defence of the position in front of the enemy's batteries at Blackburn's Ford (the immediate battle-ground of the 18th inst.) as in his judgment the emergency of the moment might require.
At this juncture, being about 10 o'clock A.M., and finding the ammunition for the 20-pound rifled guns fast running out, and having accomplished, in my judgment, (from the movement of the troops opposite, which we could plainly see,) a demonstration ordered, I ordered Lieut. EDWARDS to cease firing.
About 11 o'clock A.M. Col. MILES came on to the ground, informing me that he had ordered forward the Sixteenth and Thirty-first Regiments from the position in which I had previously placed them, and also two guns commanded by Lieut. PLATT, and had also ordered forward the other two guns of HUNT's Battery into the open field, where Lieut. EDWARDS had been firing; that he had also ordered the Eighteenth Regiment back out of the open field into the woods on the Centreville road as a reserve. The Thirty-second Regiment, by Col. MILES' order, remained as a reserve, in column, on the Centreville road, about three-quarters of a mile in rear, Col. MILES then ordered me to continue the firing, without regard to ammunition, which I did, until I received an order to stop, about two hours later.
As soon as Col. MILES left me again in command, I sent back the brigade corps of pioneers to the back road whence the two regiments had been moved, with instructions to fell trees and to completely block the road, which they effectually did.
We had, during the afternoon, unmistakable evidences that a large body of cavalry and infantry had attempted to take us in the rear by means of the road, for when they were returning, having been stopped by the fallen trees, Maj. HUNT, with his howitzers, Lieut. GREEN and Lieut. EDWARDS, with the rifled guns, poured a heavy fire into their column, the effect of which we could not ascertain, but it must have been destructive, as the distance was only from half to three-quarters of a mile.
In the course of the day two companies, and later four companies, of the Thirty-first, and two of the Sixteenth were, by Col. MILES' order, thrown forward to feel the enemy's strength, to the front and left in the direction of Bull Run. They found the enemy posted in the woods, and were recalled. They reported having killed several of the rebel scouts.
The afternoon, until about 4 o'clock, was passed inactively, except firing rifled cannon at moving columns of the enemy at great distances. I had seen unmistakable evidences in the afternoon, by clouds of dust, &c., of the concentration of the enemy's troops on our left, but peremptory orders from Col. MILES to hold the position, and remain there all night, were received. He then left me in command for the night, and I immediately began to prepare for an attack. I threw out two companies of skirmishers to our rear, and ordered the Thirty-second forward to support them. About 4 o'clock we saw the enemy approaching down a gorge, leading into a valley, which lay directly to our left, about 500 yards distant. The field in which I was ordered to remain was inclosed on two sides by dense woods, and covered by light bushes on the side toward the said valley on the left.
After the enemy were discovered filing into the valley, no movement was made for some time. When it was supposed, from the appearance of things, that the last of the column was entering the valley, I ordered all the artillery (six pieces) to [???] front to the left, but not to fire until the rear of the column was seen. I placed the artillery, with a company of infantry with each piece, and charged the battle front of the two regiments the (16th and the 31st) supporting the artillery to the left, and on a line with them, and ordered every man to lie down and reserve his fire.
During the whole time that this order was being carried out, the enemy's troops were still advancing down the hill, four abreast, and at "right shoulder shift." I gave orders to Lieut. EDWARDS, when I saw the rear of the column, to give it a solid twenty-pound shot, which he did, knocking a horse and his rider into the air, and starting into a double-quick the rear of the column into the valley. I then ordered the whole artillery to pour grape and canister into the valley, and at every fire there went up a tremendous howl from the enemy. During all this time the enemy poured volleys of musketry over the heads of our prostrate men. This firing continued for twenty-five or thirty minutes. A portion of the enemy rushed into a barn, from which well-directed shots brought some out in great haste.
The whole force of the enemy consisted, as near as I could estimate, from the time of their passing one point, and from what I can find out, of 3,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. They were utterly dispersed. A small number of them came up into the edge of the field, to the number of about 50, and fired five volleys at our prostrate men, but did not succeed in drawing shot from them in return.
It has been ascertained that the enemy had left the field, from their having ceased firing, and from seeing them run through the bushes in every direction, and hearing at the same time that our troops were falling back on Centreville, I received orders by an Aid from Col. MILES, who was in Centreville, to fall back also on that place and encamp.
I immediately went over to give the same order to RICHARDSON's Brigade on the Centreville road, and also to GREEN's Battery, but found they had left some time before, by Col. MILES' orders through an Aid.
The Thirty-first Regiment, under Col. PRATT, filed out of the field in rear of the artillery, and the Sixteenth followed, under Lieut.-Col. MARSH, each in perfect order, not having fired a gun at the enemy. The Eighteenth and Thirty-second Regiments were ordered by me to fall back on Centreville, which they did in good order, and my entire brigade, together with HUNT's Battery, fell back on Centreville Heights, without the least confusion, and assumed position under the direct command of Gen. MCDOWELL, who sent a Major (an aid) to me, directing that my regiments should fall in, in accordance with his expressed orders. The entire left wing was then in complete order, and every man in his place. Having received this order from Gen. MCDOWELL, I left my command and went to Centreville Centre, to look after the sick and wounded, and my own baggage train. I returned immediately to my command and found that Col. MILES had been superseded, and received an order from Gen. MCDOWELL to take command of the left wing, which I did, encamping on the ground. Soon after the order came to fall back on Fairfax Court-House. I formed my brigade, the Sixteenth Regiment first, GREEN's Battery next, and the Eighteenth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second following, and marched them towards Fairfax Court-House. I found BLENKER's Brigade about two miles on the road, on each side of it, and in order, at "parade rest." I communicated with Col. BLENKER, and found that he had received direct orders from Gen. MCDOWELL to bring up the rear, and prevent any attack from the enemy. My brigade thus continued its march, and arrived in camp in Alexandria in perfect condition.
On Monday, every regiment, as I understand, having an evening parade, and being prepared for any duty, GREEN's Battery went on to Arlington, from which place I recalled it here yesterday, and the Brigade now stands complete as before the battle, with the exception of casualties herewith inclosed, amounting to Lieut. CRAIG, of HUNT's Battery, killed, and two privates wounded, (one seriously and one slightly,) and one private taken prisoner.
With respect to the conduct of the officers under my command, on the 21st, I cannot say too much of the practical and industrious perseverance of Col. RICHARDSON, who commanded his Brigade on the Centreville road, who made important impromptu defences in felling trees, and making temporary fortifications across the road, which, although they were not required, from the direction of the attack, would have proved of immense value under other circumstances. His persevering energy during the day was untiring, and I am indebted to him for valuable suggestions as to positions and defence. To Major HUNT and Lieut. EDWARDS, who commanded the batteries on the left, any words that I can use will fall far short of expressing the beauty with which they handled their pieces, and the rapidity and precision of their fire. It was the most surprisingly beautiful display of skill ever witnessed by those present. As to Lieut. GREEN, who had charge of the rifled guns on the right, and was more immediately under the eyes of Col. RICHARDSON, I can state from my own observation that the cool and deliberate manner in which he commanded his battery on that and on previous occasions, assures me that he is entitled to more praise than his modest report, which I herewith inclose, would indicate. As to Col. JACKSON, commanding the Eighteenth Regiment, I can state that during the morning, while he was in the face of the enemy, discharging picket duty, and in line of battle, he and his command behaved with coolness and bravery, and were relied upon in the afternoon with great confidence as a reserve. Col. PRATT, commanding the Thirty-first Regiment, and Lieut.-Col. MARSH, commanding the Sixteenth Regiment, ordered into battle by Col. MILES, on the field, and in previous picket duty, showed superior drill and discipline, and to their strict obedience of orders in reserving their fire, under the most provoking circumstances, while they were supporting the artillery, may be attributed the safety of the latter, and probably the safety of the left wing. Col. MATHEWSON performed various evolutions during the day, under orders -- at one time protecting one road, at another time another, and then, as a reserve column, and the patience of himself and command while so acting within sound of fire, entitles him to great credit.
Adjutant HOWLAND, Sixteenth Regiment, my acting Aid-de-Camp, rendered me valuable services in changing the troops from time to time, and in generally doing all of his own duties thoroughly, and much that appertained to others. To Brevet Second Lieut. BRADFORD, Acting Brigade Commissary, and to Acting Brigade Quartermaster WOOLSEY, R. HOPKINS, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. COWDREY, much praise is due for the gallant manner in which they delivered orders, sometimes under heavy fire.
Surgeon CRANDALL and Surgeon's-mate MOORE, Sixteenth Regiment, performed their duties with great fidelity and skill, dressing the wounds of many not under my command. Surgeon HAMILTON, of the Thirty-first Regiment, dressed the wounds of over 200 men at Centreville.
To the teamsters of ordnance and baggage wagons credit is due for having returned all the wagons and teams, and public property of every description intrusted to them, safely to camp.
JOSEPH B. RODDEN, Company K, Sixteenth Regiment, remained on the field at Centreville until the morning after the battle, and brought into camp, with the aid of a negro, whom he pressed into the service, thirty head of cattle belonging to the Government, and arrived at Alexandria on Tuesday morning.
I understand from a deserter, now in my camp, that my old class-mate at West Point, ROBERT E. LEE, commanded the enemy's forces opposed to me at Blackburn's Ford.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv't,
THOS. A. DAVIES, Col. Comd'g 2d Brigade,
Fifth Division, Army N.E. Virginia.
T.H. COWDREY, Acting Assistant-Adjutant-General.
A special correspondent of the London Morning Herald has written a long account of a visit to the camp of Gen. BEAUREGARD and the battle-field of Manassas, three days after the battle, a portion of which appears in the Richmond Dispatch of Wednesday. We make a few extracts to show its temper:
A WOUNDED COLONEL.
Having reached the encampment of the Seventeenth Virginia Regiment, Col. CHISHOLM and myself alighted and partook of some refreshments kindly furnished to us by Col. WITHERS, who took such an onerous and honorable part in the affray of the 21st. The sun was scorchingly hot, so a draught of fine sweet milk was very acceptable, and tasted like the nectar of the gods. I then sat down on the grass with several officers, smoked my pipe, and listened to sundry interesting reminiscences of the recent fight. Subsequently Col. WITHERS accompanied me to his marquee, where I was introduced to a wounded National officer. Col. WOOD, of a Brooklyn regiment, to whom the utmost attention and kindness had been exhibited. That every morning -- fully three days after the battle -- the unfortunate sufferer was discovered in a neighboring thicket, whither he had crawled after being disabled. I am informed that a couple of his men remained with him, attended to his wounds and brought him water -- the only refreshment they could procure.
I had some desultory conversation with the wounded Colonel, who appeared so gentlemanly and amiable that I am not astonished he should have been a great favorite with his command. "How much better," I observed, "that the unfortunate contest which now wages between both sections of this country had been averted by mutual concessions -- by anything in fact short of bloodshed?" "Indeed, yes, Sir," he rejoined, in a weak, tremulous voice. "Seeing that the same results must ultimately ensue, then how much more politic to have realized them without war than with it!" Col. WOOD seemed overpowered by the kindness and hospitality shown to him by an enemy from whose hands he was led to expect no favor, and from whose heart no compassion. It seems, I fear, a prevalent idea with the enemy that Southern soldiers are destitute of the common feelings and amenities of humanity, and that no quarter need be expected should the fortunes of war place them at their mercy.
ALLEGED NORTHERN SACRILEGE.
Gen. LONGSTREET directed my attention to the little Episcopal Church on the hill, within a few yards of the camp, which he recommended me to visit. I did so after a little, and was perfectly horrified upon beholding the sacrilegious manner in which a building devoted to the worship of the Omnipotent had been desecrated and polluted by the enemy, who had evidently been quartered there on the night previous to the battle. There can be no palliation for such a crime. I do not believe that an Army of invading barbarians would have thus violated the religious feelings and sentiments of the human race.
I found every portion of walls covered over with writing, even to those of the vestry, while such portion of the ceiling as could be reached from the pulpit and gallery was also defaced. For the most part, the caligraphy consisted of simply signatures and flourishes with dates; but in several cases I noticed extensive sentences, grossly abominable expressions in large characters, and the most disgustingly obscene figures drawn on the walls and the wood-work of the gallery. The very neighborhood of the altar was not respected; for, in close proximity to it, I read the words: "Death to Traitors -- thus saith the Lord!" -- together with a cartoon representing President DAVIS suspended by the neck, illustrated by the sententious sentence, "J.D., the son of a b- h!" "Death to Secessionists," however, seems to have been the favorite motto, for I observed it inscribed everywhere.
Extract from a letter dated Richmond, July 25, 1861.
J.C. FERRILL, ESQ. -- Dear Sir: You will scarcely believe that I, here, so near the battle, could not get any particulars of it, except as related by President DAVIS' telegram on Monday morning, till Tuesday night, whilst your son, with the fatal news, arrived here on Wednesday morning from Savannah. I do most cordially sympathize with your loss -- a great loss -- of a most promising son. But he died in a glorious battle, for a most glorious cause, and the victory so dearly purchased with the best of Georgia's blood, will redound to the good and glory of the whole South for centuries to come, under Divine favor and guidance, to whom be all the praise and all the glory.
The citizens of Richmond, like those of Winchester, are exerting their utmost efforts in behalf of the wounded. A committee arranges for their distribution; they are carefully taken from the cars to the private dwellings; the first families in the State and city have opened their doors to all without discrimination, and their wives and daughters do the nursing, and all are vieing who shall accommodate them. This is noble, and will soon restore all that can be cured. I visited many, yesterday and to-day, of the devoted Georgians of the Seventh and Eighth Regiments, and, with one exception, who cannot live, I envied them the honor of their wounds.
The battle was most bloody with them, and made much more so by the unfortunate mistake of three other regiments of our own firing into them.
BARTOW bravely redeemed his pledge to make the name of his State illustrious. Foremost of all, he met dangers appalling to any one else, and finally fell, leading his brigade to the charge, having previously lost his horse, shot from under him, and received a spent ball in his thigh.
The enemy thought, up to 1 o'clock, they had the victory -- and so they had; but the opportune arrival of two fresh regiments turned the battle, and gave us a glorious victory.
On our retreat previously, our wounded fell into their hands. They treated them kindly, lifting them into the shade, and leaving them with canteens full of water, and I am credibly informed that even then they told our men that they did not like to fight them; they had no cause, but were compelled to do it. Hence (I think it was) that they fled so readily when the reverses occurred.
My impressions are that with proper legislation by Congress -- cutting off all collusion between our enemies and Europe by letters of license to pass the blockade, by putting an embargo to endure as long as the blockade does; by repealing the tax on imports, and making every inlet from the Chesapeake to the Rio Grande a port of entry, so they cannot be effectually blockaded; and by levying a direct tax on everybody, on all property and upon all incomes to the amount of $25,000,000 to $30,000,000; and by the issue of Treasury notes, receivable for taxes -- the Government will have soldiery enough, money enough, and will soon have open ports and a free commerce to buy cheapest and sell highest with all the world, and enjoy peace and amity with all the world and the rest of Puritan Pilgrims.
Very respectfully, G.B. LAMAR.