A View to a Hill

 

  

Reader Amy Lindenberger sent the following in reference to the photo above, which appears in this Bull Runnings gallery:

The image labeled “View of Field (Unknown)” (left photo above, click on thumbnail for larger image) is taken from a camera position some distance (not yet sure of exact distance, I’ll work on that the next time I can get back to VA) behind the Stone House, looking across the Warrenton Pike and towards the ruins of the Judith Henry house. The Henry house is that blob on the horizon, towards the right side of the image. If you study the image labeled “Henry House Ruins” (right photo above), and then look closely at the ruins on the right side of this image, you can see that they are the same, though reversed; the “unknown” image is just taken from the opposite side of the house and at a significant distance away. I am an artist specializing in works inspired by Civil War era Americans, and currently working on a piece based on the final days in the life of Judith Henry. A few months ago I ordered a very large, very detailed reprint of this image from Zazzle.com and in that version of the photo, the ruins are unmistakable.

Thanks Amy!  For another interpretation of the camera location, see this article co-authored by NPS ranger Jim Burgess; it suggests that the photo was taken facing west.

#101 – Col. M. D. Corse

 

Report of Col. M.D. Corse, Seventeenth Virginia Infantry

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME 2 [S# 2] — CHAPTER IX, pp 544-545

BLACKBURN’S FORD, ON BULL RUN, July 22, 1861

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the movements of the Seventeenth Regiment of Virginia Volunteers on Sunday, the 21st instant:

Shortly after daybreak Company H, Captain Herbert, was ordered to cross the ford as skirmishers. Soon after this movement the enemy, about twenty minutes to 7 o’clock a.m., opened on our camp with shell and round shot. Captain Herbert remained in view of the enemy on the opposite bank for several hours exposed to this fire, and during that time successfully repelled a body of skirmishers deployed against him. At the several points observed by Captain Herbert there were posted two batteries and a large reserve of infantry to sustain them. During the morning the regiment was ordered to cross the ford, which order was promptly executed by officers and men, and the regiment formed in column at the head of the ravine, on the enemy’s bank, near their batteries. Shot and shell were incessantly poured over their heads, but without any damage, and the regiment under order retired to their original position.

The only loss sustained was by Company H–one killed and three wounded. Officers and men displayed a good deal of coolness and bravery.

I have, general, the honor to be, your obedient servant,

M.D. CORSE,

Colonel, Comdg. Seventeenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers

Brigadier-General LONGSTREET,

Commanding Fourth Brigade, C. S. Army