Cocke's Report

Take some time to read the report of Col. Philip St. George Cocke.  This report is easy to miss because it’s not included in Volume 2 of the ORs, where the bulk of the Bull Run reports are grouped – instead it’s in a supplemental volume, #51, Part 1.  It is a very thorough report and well worth reading.  I’ve yet to get around to writing Cocke’s biographical sketch, but keep in mind a couple things.  He was the original commander of the line of Bull Run, until he was replaced with Milledge Luke Bonham, who was then replaced with P. G. T. Beauregard – lots of conflict over state militia ranks and Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS) ranks, with Cocke coming out on the short end.  Cocke would be dead by his own hand before the end of the year.  Also, Cocke should not be confused with Philip St. George Cooke, a fellow Virginian and West Point graduate who remained loyal to his country, headed up the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac, and is probably best remembered as the father-in-law of J. E. B. Stuart. 

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