DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | Account of the Battle of Bull Run, 1861

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1861-Battle of Bull Run-Page 21.

Gen. Willcox
Report  ̋
Part of 
My brigade, the 2d of Heintzelman’s Division, marching in rear of Franklin’s brigade, arrived at the Sudley Ford at about half past 12 P.M. July 21, 1861. (Sunday) The brigade was connected of the First Michigan, 11th New York Zouaves, 38th New York Infty and Arnold’s Battery. The Fourth Michigan had been left at Fairfax Court-House by order of Gen. McDowell, Halting for rest and water. I obeyed the general’s order to post Arnold’s battery on a hill commanding the ford, with the First Michigan for support and at one o’clock pushed forward with my two remaining regiments up the Sudley and Brentville road. We marched about two miles and came upon the sight of what I supposed to have been Franklin’s line, near the junction of the Warrenton and Sudley roads. The troops on our left were engaged in a desultory fire with the enemy, posted in the thicket and ravine across the Warrenton road, not far from the Henry House. The 38th N.Y. was quickly formed in order of battle and the Zouaves were hastening into line when I received our order to detach a regiment for the support of Rickett’s battery (of Franklin’s brigade), posted on a hill a quarter of a mile to our right and front near Dogan House. I led up the Zouaves for this important service, leaving the 38th N.Y. under its gallant and experienced Colonel, Hobart Ward. Ricketts was soon ordered to take a new position near the Henry House. The Zouaves followed in support, and finally formed line on the right flank of the battery, with two companies in reserve. Up to this time the enemy had fallen back, but now he formed the remains of his brigade engaged with Hunter in the morning, viz: Bee’s, Barton’s, and Evans’ on a new line apprized?] upon Jackson’s brigade of fresh troops, making all together 6500 infantry, 13 pieces of Artillery, and Stuarts’ cavalry, according to

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Gen. Willcox Report ̋ Part of My brigade, the 2d of Heintzelman’s Division, marching in rear of Franklin’s brigade, arrived at the Sudley Ford at about half past 12 P.M. July 21, 1861. (Sunday) The brigade was connected of the First Michigan, 11th New York Zouaves, 38th New York Infty and Arnold’s Battery. The Fourth Michigan had been left at Fairfax Court-House by order of Gen. McDowell, Halting for rest and water. I obeyed the general’s order to post Arnold’s battery on a hill commanding the ford, with the First Michigan for support and at one o’clock pushed forward with my two remaining regiments up the Sudley and Brentville road. We marched about two miles and came upon the sight of what I supposed to have been Franklin’s line, near the junction of the Warrenton and Sudley roads. The troops on our left were engaged in a desultory fire with the enemy, posted in the thicket and ravine across the Warrenton road, not far from the Henry House. The 38th N.Y. was quickly formed in order of battle and the Zouaves were hastening into line when I received our order to detach a regiment for the support of Rickett’s battery (of Franklin’s brigade), posted on a hill a quarter of a mile to our right and front near Dogan House. I led up the Zouaves for this important service, leaving the 38th N.Y. under its gallant and experienced Colonel, Hobart Ward. Ricketts was soon ordered to take a new position near the Henry House. The Zouaves followed in support, and finally formed line on the right flank of the battery, with two companies in reserve. Up to this time the enemy had fallen back, but now he formed the remains of his brigade engaged with Hunter in the morning, viz: Bee’s, Barton’s, and Evans’ on a new line apprized?] upon Jackson’s brigade of fresh troops, making all together 6500 infantry, 13 pieces of Artillery, and Stuarts’ cavalry, according to