Image: Lt. Manning Marius Kimmel, Co. G, 2nd U. S. Cavalry

Manning Marius Kimmel, Co. G, 2nd U. S. Cavalry (Wikipedia)

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Resignations of Capt. Frank Crawford Armstrong, Co. K, 2nd U. S. Dragoons, and Lt. Manning Marius Kimmel, Co. G, 2nd U. S. Cavalry

RESIGNED.

The resignations of the following officers have been accepted by the President, viz:

Capt. Frank C. Armstrong, Second Cavalry; Capt. John G. Walker[*], Third Cavalry; First Lieutenant M. M. Kimmel, Fifth Cavalry.

The Baltimore (MD) Sun, 8/28/1861

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After the battle, Armstrong and Kimmel traveled together to Louisville, Kentucky, and resigned their commissions on consecutive days (8/13 and 8/14, respectively) at the Galt House, and both joined the staff of Brigadier General Ben McCulloch as majors. Armstrong went on to become a Confederate brigadier general, while Kimmel remained a staff officer, also serving under Earl Van Dorn and John Magruder. Kimmel’s son Husband was in command of the United States Pacific Fleet on Dec. 7, 1941. His grandson Manning was lost at sea in World War II in command of a submarine.

*John G. Walker was not present at First Bull Run. He would attain the rank of major general in the Confederate army.

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Col. Thomas A. Scott, Army Railroads and Telegraph, to Brig. Gen. Joseph K. F. Mansfield, on Manning Defenses of Washington

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – UNION

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 754-755

July 22—2.30 a. m.

General Mansfield, Arlington, Chain Bridge, or Alexandria:

McDowell is sending his retreating army to the Potomac. Allow me to suggest that you man all the forts and prevent soldiers from passing over to the city; their arrival here would produce a panic on this side and cause more trouble.

The enemy is still pressing McDowell, and you need every man in the forts to save the city.

Now is your time for effectual service.

THOMAS A. SCOTT.

Scott to Runyon on Manning the Defenses of Washington

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – UNION

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, p. 753

Monday, July 22, 1861—a. m.

General Runyon, Alexandria, Va.:

Consult engineers, and strengthen the garrisons of Forts Ellsworth, Runyon, and Albany. Similar instructions are given* in respect to Fort Corcoran. Some regiments besides the garrisons will be halted on that side of the river; the number to be determined by General Mansfield or General McDowell, when the troops arrive from the interior.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

* To Col. Andrew Porter.

More Manning Moniker Madness

An update on the previous posts regarding the relationship (if any) between Peyton Manning the quarterback and Peyton Manning the Confederate staff officer (if you have not read the posts, go here, here, and then here): Bruce Allardice, author of More Generals in Gray, sent me this note:

I’ve done some research and Major Peyton Manning and the QB Peyton Manning are NOT closely related. The two descend from different Manning families and the name Peyton is a recent addition to the family of Elisha Archibald “Archie” Manning.

I responded:

Thanks for the info. Where were you when I needed you two weeks ago? A bit on this will be published in a national CW magazine in the near future, with the disclaimer that a positive link has not been established. Do you happen to know if there is any link between Archie Manning and Eli Peyton of the 3rd MS?

Unfortunately, the upcoming issue of that magazine has already gone to press.  It would have been nice to include the information provided by Bruce.  But these things happen, I guess.

Bruce Allardice’s book More Generals in Gray is a must-have for the reference section of your personal Civil War library.  While you can’t see it in the photo, my copy of the book sits on the lower shelf seen here. 

UPDATE: Bruce contacted me again today with a little more info.  It seems that Archie Manning’s family has its roots in South Carolina, so there is likely no close link to the 19th century Alabama/Mississippi Mannings.  However, there is still a possible Bull Run thread here, in that former SC governor J. L. Manning was a volunteer ADC to P. G. T. Beauregard during the battle.

Lt. Melvin Dwinell, Co. A, 8th Georgia Infantry, Incidents of the Battle and Aftermath

Editorial Correspondence.

Near the Battle Field, 6 Miles from
Manassas Junction, July 25.

Dear Courier: The events of the bloody 21st still continue, as they become known, to amaze even us who are here. If any previously doubted the righteousness of our cause, or that a just God smiled upon and blessed our patriotic efforts, to repel the wicked invaders, they now see such overwhelming evidence of these facts as to convince the most skeptical.

It is perfectly astonishing that the last man in the 8th Georgia Regiment was not killed, in the most brave and gallant charge made in the pine thicket, in the early part of the battle. The saplings, all about where we stood, are literally pealed and shot to pieces. We numbered five hundred and fifty-nine men in ranks. There were at least three thousand of the foe – and most of them regulars – in front of us, and about as many on the right. Our Regiment deployed here – entirely without support, sustained in the first charge a most deadly fire for thirty minutes, while with cool courage and accurate aim, our men poured the missiles of death into the ranks of the enemy. At the command we fell back in good order, and again at the order rallied to the same place. This would seem to be wanton sacrifice of our men, but it was really one of the wisest movements of the day, and it is believed to have turned the tide of the battle.

The enemy, as the prisoners now tell us, believed they were contending against at least six thousand men, and we thus held them in check for an hour and a half, and until our reinforcements could be brought on the field. Thus, although we did not have the pleasure of pursuing the most despicable and hated enemy, that ever contended on the battle field, we yet have the gratifying satisfaction of knowing that the 8th Georgia Regiment performed a most important part in the memorable events of this glorious day.

Geo. T. Stovall and Chas B. Norton fell in the first charge, within five steps of each other, and at almost the same instant. They were most bravely and gallantly fighting in the front rank, and two more heroic or better men never fell on the field of honor. Their many virtues and excellent traits of character, are now so distinctly present to the minds of their numerous friends and acquaintances, as to beggar any eulogy that I might attempt in this hasty letter. They were two gentlemen of such transcendant good qualities, of head and heart, as we are not likely “to look upon their like again.” James B. Clark fell in the second charge, equalling the bravest of the brave in the deadly fight. He was a noble youth, and much beloved by all who knew him. Near the same time and place of the two first, D. C. Hargrove was killed. No braver man fell that day, nor one who was more manfully contending. Dr. Duane was killed by a shot after the second charge.

Col. Bartow was killed some time after the second charge of the 8th Regiment, after two horses had been killed under him, and while he was bearing the colors and leading the 7th Regiment. It would be impossible for a man to show more indifference to danger than he did on this bloody field.

Col Gardner had his right leg broken below the knee, in the second charge. He is a most excellent officer, and very much beloved and highly respected by all his command. It will be very hard to satisfy the Regiment with any other man in his place, and probably it will only be supplied temporarily; that at least is our hope.

The evidences of the great extent of the victory still continue to accumulate. It is now currently reported that we have taken 360 heavy loaded wagons, beside a complete village of ambulances, carriages and other vehicles. President Davis is reported to have said in a speech since the battle, that of the men actually engaged in the fight, we had only fifteen thousand men, and the enemy thirty five thousand men. He also said we had taken more baggage wagons, baggage and provisions than all that there was previously, for the entire army, at Manassas Junction.

I learned yesterday that there were 237 wounded enemies – now prisoners – at Stone Church, six miles from here, all found there, together with 60 of them dead. They had tried, probably, to carry these off, but their retreat was too hasty to allow it. Ex-Gov. Manning, of S. C., now one of Gen. Beauregard’s Staff, said yesterday that our loss is estimated at one thousand, and that of the enemy, in killed and wounded, at between eight and ten thousand.

Among other things taken were two or three wagon loads of demijohns of fine liquors, and baskets of champagne, and other fixtures for jubilee, in honor of their expected victory. Seward, Greely, Gen. Scott, and may other distinguished Lincolnites, are reported to have been near the battle field, and watching the movements with telescopes.

In writing these hasty letters I am obliged to record facts and incidents as they occur to me or not at all – but hope the absence of order will not entirely deprive them of interest. I have just heard of the valliant conduct of Billy Barron when he was taken prisoner. He, with one or two others were with Col. Gardner, and trying to protect him after being wounded. A squad of ten or fifteen of the enemy charged down upon them, and ordered them to surrender, but Barron fought, striking with his gun, until completely overpowered, and was then carried off a prisoner.

Lewis Yarbrough, of the Miller Rifles, died of his wounds last night. Jas. W. Langston with ten other recruits for the Light Guards, and Alec Harper with some fifteen or twenty of the Miller Rifles, arrived. The boxes of eatables and luxuries were opened with the greatest pleasure, and I am sure such things were never better or more fully enjoyed. The “goodies” were shared by all, and many hearty thanks and cordial good wishes were expressed for the loved ones who sent them.

The 2d Brigade will hereafter be under the command of Gen. Jones, and old Army officer.

The spirit of Virginia ladies was exhibited in the conduct of Mrs. Thornton on Sunday evening. She lives on the road taken by the retreating enemy, and there was no white man about the place. A Yankee, exhausted from running, rushed into her kitchen and fell fainting. She applied restoratives, gave him some fine brandy, and when he was sufficiently recovered to receive it, supper. Shen then ordered a servant to take his gun and telling him he was her prisoner, sent for one of our officers and had him marched off. A few moments after one of Mrs. T’s servants coaxed one of these same Hessians into the kitchen, and they took him prisoner.

The Fire Zouaves, Lincoln’s “pet Lambs,” were slain like sheep – out of 950 it is said only 200 escaped. Many of their bodies are still unburied.

It is amazing to see the completeness and excellence of arms and accoutrements of the Federal troops. A better equipped army probably never entered the field.

Since writing the above John Black and Marcus Ross have come into camp. They tell us that they escaped from the enemy on Sunday evening during the confusion of the general stampede. They marched several miles with them until their Guard got separated from them, and then calling themselves Federal troops from Wisconsin, they managed to edge themselves off until finally they broke for the woods, and escaped. They traveled nearly all night not knowing where they were. Ross had a painful wound in his hand, and when they were certain that they were among friends they stopped about 22 miles from here. Black is unhurt. John Berry had two fingers on his left had shot off and is otherwise uninjured.

Camp of 8th Regiment Ga. Volunteers,
Near Manassas, July 30, 1861.

Dear Courier: – Through other sources you have doubtless received, before this time, most of the important particulars of the great and glorious, though dearly bought, victory of the 21st. In my other letters, I have noticed very little except the movements of our own Regiment, for the reason that I desired to chronicle my own observations rather than the doubtful rumors that came to my ears, and I have, even yet, not had opportunities to get facts in regard to the general plan and movements of the battle from reliable sources. The only satisfactory report of the memorable deeds of that day will be the official one, which will probably soon be forthcoming.

The following facts and incidents will be interesting to most readers. – There is probably not an officer in the Confederate army, more beloved by his command, and for whom there exists a more confiding respect for his military character and attainments, than is enjoyed by Col. Montgomery Gardner. He is familiar with his men, yet commands their full and high respect. – The following speech made to the Regiment just before we were led into battle is accurately illustrative of one of his peculiarities, viz: that he is a man for fighting rather than talking. I quote from memory, yet am sure the report is full and verbatim: “Fellow Soldiers: I shall soon lead you into battle; I cannot make a speech, and haven’t time now if I could. Keep cool, obey orders – follow me, and we will whip them, egad.” Every movement and command, until he fell from his wound, evidenced the utmost calmness and discreet bravery. It is the earnest wish of all, that he may speedily recover and again take his post at the head of our Regiment.

Other Captains may have done just as well, but I know that Captain Magruder was cool and discreet in his commands. He was wounded in the left arm in the very first of the fight, by a buck-shot, but continued during the fight, at the head of his company, with his arm in a sling. Late in the evening, and after the fight had ceased in that part of the field, he took a prisoner in the following manner: – He had gone some little distance to a spring for water, while there a man with a musket approached. He drew his pistol and demanded “who comes there.” The man answered “a member of the Wisconsin Regiment.” – The Captain said “throw down your gun and surrender, or I will blow your brains out.” The man threw his gun forward so that it stuck up on the bayonet. The Captain then marched him off to where other prisoners were, and put him under guard.

Where all were so brave and so well acted their part in the awful tragedy, it may seem invideous to particularize, but I cannot refrain from referring to the self-sacrificing devotion to comfort of our wounded, who had been left on the battle-field, exhibited by Geo. S. Barnsley. There were none of our Regiment known to be left on the field, yet, he, with two or three others, spend the time from 5 P. M. until 3 o’clock the next morning in searching out and bringing in such as could be found. – Considering the extreme fatigue and exhaustion of all, this particular kindness of heroism is worthy of high commendation.

We are now resting, getting ready for a re-organization of the Regiment and Brigade.

John Dunn, of the Floyd Infantry, died from his wounds last Saturday.

Tommy Hills, of the Miller Rifles, one of the bravest and best young men in the army, died of his wounds on Sunday.

McOsker, of the Buards, is very bad off. The balance of the Floyd county boys are doing well, so far as I have learned.

Several of our men have recognized acquaintances among the prisoners, large numbers of which continue to be found.

Some of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry boys, a few days since, while hunting for eggs, under a barn in the neighborhood, found three Yankees and took them prisoners.

Rome (GA) Tri-Weekly Courier, 8/6/1861

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Contributed by John Hennessy

Melvin Dwinell was the editor of the Rome Tri-Weekly Courier

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Vermonter in Gray: The Story of Melvin Dwinell

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Unit History – 6th Louisiana Infantry

Was organized in May, 1861 at Camp Moore, Louisiana. Its members were recruited in New Orleans and the parishes of Union, Sabine, Ouachita, St. Landry, and St. Bernard. Many of these men were of the newspaper trades and half were “Irishmen.” Ordered to Virginia, the regiment served under General Ewell at Fist Manassas, then was assigned to R. Taylor’s, Hays’, and York’s Brigade. After participating in Jackson’s Valley Campaign, it fought with the Army of Northern Virginia from the Seven Days’ Battles to Cold Harbor. It continued the fight with Early in the Shenandoah Valley and later shared in the Appomattox operations. The 6th reported 66 casualties at Cross Keys and Port Republic, 47 during the Maryland Campaign, 12 at Fredericksburg, and 81 at Chancellorsville. It lost 43 killed and wounded at Second Winchester, and twenty-eight percent of the 218 at Gettysburg. There were 89 captured at Rappahannock Station. Only 4 officers and 48 men surrendered. The field officers were Colonels William Monaghan, Isaac G. Seymour, and Henry B. Strong; Lieutenant Colonels Joseph HAnlon, Louis Lay, and Nat. Offutt; and Majors George W. Christy, Samuel L. James, William H. Manning, and Arthur McArthur, Jr.

From Joseph H. Crute, Jr., Units of the Confederate States Army, p. 144

Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston to Col. Robert S. Garnett on Federal Movements

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 898-899

Headquarters, Harper’s Ferry, Va.,
June 1, 1861.

Colonel Garnett, Adjutant-General Virginia Forces:

Colonel: I respectfully transmit herewith Colonel Allen’s last report, and a paper in relation to affairs near Grafton, for the information of the General Commanding-in-Chief.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON,
Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Headquarters First Infantry,
Camp Johnston, Va., May 31, 1861.

Brigadier-General Johnston:

Sir: I have the honor to report the following information, just obtained:

The Federal troops concentrated at Chambersburg number thirteen thousand. The advance guard, of three thousand, left there at l p.m. for Hagerstown, where they will encamp to-night, from which force vedettes are to be thrown into Williamsport. Two companies are said to have been sent towards the river above (point not known), supposed to be at a ford. From the accompanying map you will see our position. The ford northwest of camp is susceptible of good defense. The one opposite Williamsport can be protected without difficulty by the enemy, if they have artillery.

The communication in pencil is from a perfectly reliable source. I would wish positive instructions, and, if to make a stand, re-enforcements. My line of defense is too extended for my present force. Owing to disaffection in Captain White’s cavalry, they are not as efficient as they should be, and incompetent to guard the river.

Your most obedient servant,

J. W. ALLEN,
Colonel, First Infantry.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Martinsburg, Va., — –, 1861.

According to the best information to be obtained here, Colonel Porterfield left Grafton last Monday, with his command, of about one thousand five hundred men. He went to Philippi, in Barbour County, where he probably awaits re-enforcements, expected from the valley. The U. S. troops from Wheeling, to the number of about two thousand, arrived at Mannington (forty miles west of Grafton) last Monday, and stopped to repair two small railroad bridges which had been destroyed near there. The repair of the bridges could not detain them over three or four days. Nothing definite is known here about the U. S. force advancing from Parkersburg to Grafton, but some of the railroad bridges on that line are believed to have been destroyed. There was no military force of either side at Grafton on Wednesday at 4 p. m.; but some of the Union men of the neighborhood were gathering there, with such arms as they could get at home.

The above information, meager as it is, is all that we have, and is reliable as far as it goes. The bridges between this and Cumberland should by all means be burned (especially the bridge over the Potomac proper). Small bridges are but a small hinderance, in point of time, to an army, and recollect the railroad is to be the means of precipitating the immense body of men from Ohio and west of Ohio, who are to occupy our Virginia. Only important bridges will present obstacles, as to time, of any material value. West of Cumberland there are also important bridges, but I fear they are in the hands of Union men, and a little force would be required.

[No signature.]

McDowell Reports on Progress of Defenses of Washington

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – UNION

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, p. 683

Hdqrs. Department Northeastern Virginia,
Arlington, June 14, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army:

Colonel: I have received a letter from Maj. J. G. Barnard, Engineer, making suggestions concerning the defenses thrown up on this side of the Potomac. I have attended to these so far as my resources enabled me. Speaking of the work on Shooter’s Hill, he says:

Having to use heavy guns on sea-coast carriages for this as well as for other works in progress, it will require at least a week, probably more, before such guns can he mounted; but there will also he eight field-guns (part of them rifled) in the armament. These could be put in position in a couple of days, but they should not be sent to the work until the matter of a guard or garrison is attended to and artillerists provided for them.

* * * * * * *

With reference to the tete-de-pont at Long Bridge, he adds:

Arrangements must be made for moving and working these guns (twenty-three in all). The same may be said of the tete-de-pont at the Aqueduct.

I have made the above extracts for the purpose of saying that I am unable to comply with so much as relates to providing artillerists for manning these works.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

“Justice,” 6th North Carolina Infantry, On the Battle

[For the State Journal.]

Manassas Junction, Aug. 3, 1861.

Editors of the State Journal, Sirs: – Your attention has no doubt been called to a publication in the Standard, purporting to be an account of all that was done by the Sixth Regiment of North-Carolina State Troops on the memorable 21st ult. That statement does certainly far more than justice to one individual, and, by inference at least, great injustice to others. I do not pretend to reflect on Mr. Holden for publishing, as true, whatever facts were communicated to him from what he regarded as a reliable source; but the most charitable supposition in camp is, that the Standard’s informant, whether he be one of those mentioned in the article or not, was not an eye-witness of the whole affair.

In the article referred to, only the companies of Capt. Freeland and Capt. York are mentioned, and the inference is very palpable, that they alone bore the brunt of the battle. Now, if we are to judge from the list of killed and wounded, (which I enclose in full for publication,) and I know no better criterion by which to judge, it will be seen that, while Capt. Freeland’s company suffered as much, perhaps, as any, Capt. York’s loss in killed and wounded is less than that of any company actively participating in the fight.

The following summary will sustain me in what I have stated:

Co. A. Capt. Kirkland.
Killed, 2
Severely wounded, 2
Slightly wounded, 3
Missing 1
Total 7
Co. B. Lieut. Parish.
Killed, 1
Mortally wounded, [1]
Severely wounded, 2
Slightly wounded, 3
Total 7
Co. C. Capt. Freeland.
Killed, 2
Mortally wounded, 1
Severely wounded 10
Slightly wounded, 2
Total 15
Co. E. Capt. Avery.
Mortally wounded, 1
Severely wounded 4
Slightly wounded 7
Total 12
Co. F. Lieut. Carter.
Killed, 2
Mortally wounded, 1
Severely wounded, 3
Slightly wounded, 1
Total 7
Co. G. Capt. Craig.
Killed, 7
Severely wounded, 2
Slightly wounded, 14
Total, 23
Co. I. Capt. York.
Mortally wounded, 3
Severely wounded, 1
Slightly wounded, 1
Total 5

As unofficial reports have reached the people of N. C. through the press, it is due to the regiment and the friends of the regiment that a fair, full and impartial account of its connection with the fight should be published to the people of our state.

Omitting all the details of our march thither, it is sufficient to say, we reached the Junction soon after daylight on the 21st, and in a half hour were marched off at a pace between quick and double-quick toward Lewis’ house, distant some four miles. When within a mile of the battle field we halted in obedience to orders and the men were drilled an hour in the manual.

The regiment was then led forward to the brow of the hill in front of Lewis’ house for the purpose, it was said, of supporting a battery about to open fire from that point, but, for some reason, the battery was removed, and our regiment led to the left, and formed in line along a road on the margin of the woods.

While resting in that position, we were first enabled to realize that a hard-fought contest was going on before us. The wounded were every moment passing our line with the report that the enemy were advancing, and that the shell from Sherman’s battery were playing sad havoc with our soldiers. Shell whizzing over our line occasionally gave to their statement at least an air of plausibility, one of them wounding Col. Fisher’s horse, and another passing through the centre of Capt. Craig’s company. After a little pause, however, Col. Fisher commanded us to file to the left, and, conducted by a mountain officer, led us through a dense wood for some distance, and then filed us to the right, along a little ravine, with thick woods on our left and an old field on the right. Though concealed from our view by an undergrowth, the battery was throwing shell constantly over us as we advanced, and it was only on rounding a corner of the woods that we came in full view of it, planted on the top of the hill in an old field, and not more than sixty yards from us. It was supported by a body of Marines and Ellsworth’s red-legged Zouaves.

Col. Fisher then filed to the left around the corner of the woods, and the following companies in the order of the names – Capt. Freeland’s, Capt. York’s, Lieut. Carter’s, Capt. Avery’s, Capt. Craig’s, Lieut. Parish’s and Capt. Kirkland’s – came into line, faced to the right and opened fire on the enemy. Our men then advanced, firing at will, until, I suppose, they had fired two rounds or more, and many were then within thirty yards of the battery. All this time a oration of our men were firing at a body of men on our left in a little slip of woods, but at the time I speak of, a mounted officer rode in among our men, with no little danger to himself, and ordered us to cease firing. Our Colonel repeated the command, and when, through the united efforts of our Company officers, the firing was stopped, it was stated that we were firing into our friends on the left, and we immediately concluded that it was the 4th Alabama Regiment which, it was previously understood, would support us on that side.

When the smoke had cleared away we perceived that the horses attached to the battery were all killed and many of the soldiers manning and supporting the guns had fallen while many others had retreated, though the stars and stripes still floated over the battery, and some Federal troops were ranged around.

At this juncture, it was that, after a pause, Capt. Avery took the responsibility of ordering a charge, and it being repeated along the line, more than a hundred of our men did charge, and, the enemy retreating in hot haste, took possession of the battery. When we reached the top of the hill, many of the Zouaves could be seen running a distance of a hundred yards beyond, while some had squatted behind a fence in a lane about fifty yards beyond the battery. Upon these latter our men opened fire from points beyond and around the battery.

About this time a fire was opened upon us from the strip of woods on our left, and many of our number, among them the gallant young Mangum, fell. Our hands were tied. We had been told that they were friends, and to corroborate it, they had given us the sign adopted to distinguish friends that day, and some said had raised the Confederate flag. The solders of the 4th Alabama Regiment deny the charge, but with the facts before them, it is submitted to the public to pass judgment. Situated as we were, receiving a fire and unable to return it, our officers advised a retreat and we did give way.

Upon the conduct of our gallant Colonel, suitable encomiums will be passed by persons much more competent to perform the task than myself. I will content myself with giving a plain statement of facts.

He had been from the first in front of his regiment, and when, after the command to cease firing, a portion of his men were giving back fire for a moment, he came down the hill, called upon them to rally, and as they charged, said to an officer, ”you are right, rally your men, it will never do to give it up.” These were his last words. In a moment he swept on with the men and past them, and soon after it is supposed, fell about thirty yards beyond the battery and to the left of it. No one saw him fall, for no one could see him from behind, even though within a few paces of him. He had gone through a little cluster of pine bushes and at the moment he emerged from the other side fell dead. Besides, Col. Fisher had dismounted, and there was nothing to attract attention to his movement. In justice to those companies in the rear, that did not actively engage in the fight, it must be said that some were in the most trying of situations, receiving a galling fire and unable to return it, especially Capt. Tate’s, which was next in front. Maj. Pickett, who was in command of Sherman’s battery on the 21st, but now a wounded prisoner here, states, that when our regiment was coming up the ravine, he started to depress his pieces and rake our line; but we were too quick for him and our first fire killed all his horses and some of his gunners. With this statement before them, we call upon the citizens of North Carolina to aid us in establishing the fact, that we took Sherman’s battery. I may also state, that up to the time we attacked the battery, the enemy’s line in that direction had been steadily advancing, and our Generals were forming a new line some distance in the rear to fall back upon. When the battery was silenced, however, they instantly gave the command ”forward.” After we had retreated about a hundred and fifty yards to an old field, portions of Capt. Freeland’s, Lieut. Carter’s, Capt. Avery’s, Capt. Craig’s, Lieut. Parish’s and Capt. Kirkland’s companies rallied with all their officers, who were not disabled, and Col. Lightfoot, who had been last to leave the field despite a wound in the leg, then bleeding freely, took command, having the assistance of Maj. Webb and Adjutant Lowrie. Col. L. then reported to Gen. Cock for orders and was commanded to support the flank movement, which he did, moving with the left of our line till the final stampede of the enemy that evening. His command, being attached that night to the Va. 7th, slept on the line and returned to the Junction to rejoin their comrades Monday afternoon. This, Messrs. Editors, is a true statement of al that was done by the 6th Regiment, on the 21st.

I must not be understood to question the truth of any accounts of the heroic adventures or miraculous, hair-breadth escapes of any individual, which may have reached the public. Those feats were performed and those scenes enacted, where there could be no witness, but that one appealed to in the courts of justice. I, of course, cannot testify with regard to them.

JUSTICE.

(Raleigh, NC) Semi-Weekly State Journal, 8/17/1861

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