“C,” Brig. Gen. David Jones’s Brigade, On Miscarried Orders on the Right

[From the N. O. Delta.]

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The Battle of Manassas.

The following communication is from an officer whose position in the Confederate Army enables him to be an eye-witness, besides being an active participant in the movements which he mentions. We are happy to publish his correction of an error, which would deprive one of the noblest portions of Beauregard’s division of their share in that day’s great victory:

New Orleans, August 9, 1861.

Messrs. Editors: – Your correspondent from Richmond, “D,” the accuracy of whose reports I have often had the pleasure of contrasting with those of other papers, commits and error, which, if you allow me, I will take the liberty of correcting. In his last letter of the 1st inst., he regrets that upon the 21st the advance against the left flank of the enemy was not made, because orders which were sent by General Beauregard to General Jones were not received by the latter. He, without intention, committed an error in mentioning Gen. Jones’ name instead of Gen. Ewell’s. Gen Jones did receive orders from Gen. Beauregard to cross Bull Run at McLean’s Ford, for the purpose of attacking the enemy upon their flank, and did actually cross the Run twice on the 21st for that purpose. It was General Ewell to whom orders were sent to co-operate with General Jones, who, it is said, did not receive the orders – a melancholy fact, indeed – which compelled Gen. Jones, between 3 and 4 o’clock in the evening, with some 1,800 efficient men, to attack their batteries on the hill, near Blackberry Ford, protected by at least five thousand infantry and a considerable force of cavalry. This attack, made at a moment when their right was already giving way, succeeded in dislodging the enemy, though Gen. Jones’ command did not capture their pieces at the time. At the close of the engagement, Gen. Jones’ men were so completely worn out, by having had to stand and contend with the fire of such disproportionate numbers, after the fatiguing marches of the day, that the order which they then received from Gen. Beauregard to return to their entrenchments came very opportunely. – Your correspondent reasons very justly that “had this movement been executed as it was contemplated, the whole of McDowell’s right wing would have been cut off and captured.”

I would take this opportunity of doing to one of Gen. Jones’ regiments a justice which I have seen done them but in few accounts which I have read of the battle. The gallant 5th South Carolina Regiment behaved with a bravery and determination which entitles them to one of the brightest pages in the history of the battle of Manassas. Though exposed to as hot a fire as any seen that day in other portions of the field, they stood unwavering under the constant rain of shell and shot, which the enemy poured incessantly upon them; and had the occaission required, or even permitted, would I am confident, have charged without hesitation upon the immensely superior forces of the enemy, which occupied such and advantageous position on the hill. The name of the gallant Col. Jenkins is one which has become dear to every one under his command, and respected by those who have had occasion to judge of his high military acquirements, as well as his unflinching courage upon the battle-field. Under such officers as him, men will always march, probably to victory, but certainly to honor.

Believe me ever yours, truly,
C.*

Yorkville (SC) Enquirer, 9/5/1861

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*Possibly Capt. Asbury Coward of Jones’s staff.