Colonel JEB Stuart Official Report for the Battle of First Manassas
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JEB Stuart Civil War Battle of Bull Run Map |
HDQRS. FIRST VIRGINIA CAVALRY
REGIMENT, July 26, 1861.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON.
GENERAL: I have the honor
to make the following report of the operations of my regiment in the battle of Manassas: I received
your order to charge the enemy's flank, and proceeded immediately across the run to his left flank, but finding that it would
be easier to attain his right flank, I immediately returned and marched rapidly towards the heaviest fire. As I approached
the ground General Jackson, whose brigade was then engaged, sent me word to protect his flanks, but particularly his left
flank. I divided the regiment, giving Major Swan half (I had but 300 men for duty), and with the remainder hurried up to Jackson's
left, leaving his right to Swan. Entering a skirt of woods, I received intelligence that the enemy was rapidly outflanking
us. I hastened forward through several fences just as a regiment dressed in red was running in disorder towards a skirt of
woods where the fire had been heaviest. I took them to be ours, and exclaimed with all my might: "Don't run, boys; we are
here." They paid very to little attention to this appeal. When passing in column of twos through a narrow gap to gain the
same field and very close to them I saw in their hands the U.S. flag. I ordered the charge, which was handsomely done, stopping
their flank movement and checking the advance upon Jackson. I rallied again for another charge, as only a portion of my command
was in the first, owing to the difficulty of closing up; but finding the enemy had gained the woods to my right and front,
leaving no ground for charging, I retired to the next field to give them another dash if they penetrated beyond the woods,
which, however, they did not attempt. In this encounter the enemy's line, or rather column, was broken
and many killed. Captain Carter's company, on which the heaviest of the action fell, lost 9 men killed or mortally wounded,
and -- wounded, and 18 horses killed. Captain Carter's horse was shot dead as he was gallantly leading his company in to the
enemy. Of the gallantry of those engaged I cannot speak in too high terms. The regiment charged was
the Fire Zouaves, and I am informed by prisoners subsequently taken that their repulse by the cavalry began the panic so fearful
afterwards in the enemy's ranks. Just after the cavalry charge our re-enforcements arrived upon the
field and formed rapidly on right into line. The first was Colonel Falkner's regiment (Mississippians,) whose gallantry came
under my own observation. As these re-enforcements formed I gradually moved off to the left, where I soon found myself joined
by a battery, under the direction of Lieutenant Beckham, which my cavalry supported. This battery made great havoc in the
enemy's ranks and finally put them in full retreat. The principal credit here was due to this battery; but having thrown forward
vedettes far out on the eminences, the important information I was thus enabled to give the battery as to position and movements
must have contributed greatly to its success, and here I may add that this information was also sent back to the infantry,
which was still far to our right, notifying what woods could be gained, &c. The enemy being now
in full retreat, I followed with the cavalry as rapidly as possible, but was so much encumbered with prisoners, whom I sent
as fast as possible back to the infantry, that my command was soon too much reduced to encounter any odds, but I nevertheless
followed our success until I reached a point twelve miles from Manassas, when, by sending back so many detachments with prisoners,
I had but a squad left. The rear of the enemy was protected by a squadron of cavalry and some artillery. We cut off a great
many squads, many of whom fired upon us as we approached, and the artillery gave us a volley of grape. One man of ours was
killed and another wounded at this point. I have no idea how many prisoners were taken. I encamped
that night on Sudley farm, where was a large church, used as a hospital by the enemy, containing about 300 wounded, the majority
mortally. I cannot speak in too high praise of those whom I had the honor to command on the field,
but to Mr. L. T. Brian and Mr. P. W. Hairston and J. F. Brown, having no commissions, whose meritorious conduct and worth
have been made the subject of previous letters to the general, I was specially indebted for valuable assistance.
Of my regiment the acting chaplain, Rev. Mr. Ball, was conspicuously useful, while my attention was particularly attracted
to the adjutant, Lieut. W. W. Blackford; the sergeant-major, Philip H. Powers, and Lieutenant Cummings, whose good conduct
on this as on every other occasion deserves high commendation. Lieutenant Beckham deserves high praise for the success of
his battery, as he acted as gunner to each piece himself. In the pursuit Lieut. William Taylor alone captured six of the enemy
with arms in their hands. A large number of arms, quantities of clothing and hospital stores, and means of transportation
were found abandoned on the road.
Most respectfully, your obedient
servant, J. E. B. STUART, Colonel First Virginia Cavalry.
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