The Battle of Bull Run
On July 21, 1861, Union General Irvin McDowell advanced towards Confederate Troops located at Bull Run. While most of the divisions were fighting on the front lines, 13,000 Union soldiers, in two divisions, conducted a circuitous flanking maneuver and emerged on the flank and rear of Confederate forces.
The following is Major John G Reynolds report to Colonel Harris, Commandant of the Corps, dated at the Marine Barracks, HQ, Washington, July 24, 1861: I have the honor to report the movements and operations of the battalion of Marines under m command detailed to co-operate with the army. The battalion left the barracks at HQ in time to reach the Virginia end of the Potomac, ‘Long Bridge’ at 3 p.m., July 16, and proceeded up the Columbia turnpike until an officer, purporting to be assistant adjutant-general of Colonel Porter’s brigade, came up and assigned us position in the line of march, which placed us immediately in rear of Captain Griffin’s battery of flying artillery. This assignment was continued up to the period of battle at Bull Run. On reaching the field, and for some hours previously, the battery’s accelerated march was such as to keep my command, more or less, in double-quick time; consequently, the men became fatigued or exhausted in strength. Being obliged at this period to halt, in order to afford those in the rear an opportunity of closing up and taking their proper place in the line, the battery was lost to protection from the force under my command. This I stated to Colonel Porter, who was ever present, watching the events of the day. The position of the battery was pointed out and I was directed to afford the necessary support. In taking the position the battalion was exposed to a galling fire. While holding it, General McDowell ordered the battalion to cover or support the 14th New York Regiment which was about to be engaged. The battalion, in consequence, took the position indicated by the general but was unable to hold it, owing to the heavy fire, which was opened upon them. They broke the line several times but were as frequently formed and urged back to their position, when finally a general rout took place, in which the Marines participated.
I am constrained to call your attention to the fact that, when taking into consideration that the command was composed entirely of recruits, not one being in service over three weeks, and many had hardly learned their facings, the officers likewise being but a short time in the service, their conduct was such as to elicit the highest commendation. Of the 350 officers and enlisted men under my command, there were but two staff officers, two captains, one first lieutenant, nine non-commissioned officers, and two musicians who were experienced from length of service. The remainder were, of course, raw recruits, which being considered, I am happy to report the good conduct of officers and men. The officers, although but little experienced, were zealous in their efforts to carry out my orders. In the death of Lieutenant Hitchcock, the Corps has been deprived of a valuable acquisition. On the field he was ever present and zealous. He sought and won the approbation of his commanding and brother officers. Enclosed please find a return of the battalion, showing its present strength with casualties, etc. The abrupt and hasty retreat from the field of battle presents a deplorable deficiency in both arms and equipments.
The rout being of such a general character, the men of all arms commingled; the only alternative left was to hasten to the ground occupied by the brigade to which we were attacked on the morning of the day of the battle. On my way thither I had the good fortune to fall in with General Meigs, whose consternation at the disastrous retreat was pictured on his countenance. He was of the opinion that the army should hasten to Arlington, fearing otherwise the enemy would follow up their successes and cut us off on the road. My men being weary and much exhausted, without blankets and other necessaries, I determined to strengthen such as should pass the wagons by hot coffee, and move on to HQ at Washington, where their wants could be supplied. But few came up; others continued on to the Long Bridge, where, on my arrival, I found some seventy or more, who at my earnest solicitation, were permitted to accompany me to the barracks. In assuming the responsibility of the return to HQ, I trust my course will meet the approbation of authority. Blankets were thrown aside by my order on entering the field, which, from force of circumstances, we were unable afterwards to recover.
Total Marine casualties were 44.
KIA: one lieutenant and eight privates.
WIA: one brevet major (Major Reynolds), one lieutenant, one corporal, and 16 privates.
MIA: 16 privates.
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