DISASTER TO THE NATIONAL ARMY: Retreat of Gen. McDowell’s Command from Manassas; A Panic Among the Teamsters and Civilians; GENERAL M’CLELLAN IN COMMAND (7/23/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 7/23/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Monday Morning, July 22, 1861.

I came in from Centreville last evening for the express purpose of sending you the latest intelligence of the great battle of yesterday. I left Centreville at half-past 5 and reached here at midnight. I sent a dispatch to the office, but, as it is to be subjected to the censorship of the Government, which gives no hint of what it refuses permission to pass, I have no means of knowing whether its contents reached you or not. I must therefore repeat its contents.

The battle yesterday was one of the most severe and sanguinary ever fought on this Continent, and it ended in the failure of the Union troops to hold all the positions which they sought to carry, and which they actually did carry, and in their retreat to Centreville, where they have made a stand and where Gen. MCDOWELL believes that they are able to maintain themselves.

As I telegraphed you yesterday, the attack was made in three columns, two of which, however, were mainly feints, intended to amuse and occupy the enemy, while the substantial work was done by the third. It has been known for a long time that the range of hills which border the small, swampy stream known as Bull's Run, had been very thoroughly and extensively fortified by the rebels, -- that batteries had been planted, at every available point, usually concealed in the woods and bushes which abound in that vicinity, and covering every way of approach to the region beyond. These are the advanced defences of Manassas Junction, which is some three miles further off.

[Pikachu_Dad]

Ruffle MY feathers? Not likely. I am a Union man.

There were two videos - they both show the Alabama was behind the Virginians at the time. So the ’modern historians’ trying to tarnish Jackson’s reputation in this battle are just being ridiculous.

[Pikachu_Dad]

Took a bit of searching to find it.

Your post 78.
Here: https://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3977607/posts?page=74#74

“Here Mr Chestnut opened my door and walked in. Out of the fulness of my heart the mouth speaketh. I had to ask no questions. He gave me the account of the battle as he saw it (walking up and down my room , occasionally seating on the window sill, but to restless to remain still for many moments); and told what regiments he was to bring up. He took the orders to Colonel Jackson, whos regiment under fire stood so stock still under fire that they were called a “stone wall”. July 24th

[GranTorino]

I get my history from books. Not u tube.
I am well aware of the troop positions.
All I was pointing out was there is conflicting opinions only because Bee never made it through the battle to conferm his statement.
I believe Bees statement was a positive one.
Some do not.

[Pikachu_Dad]

“ The field officers of the commands of Evans and Bee were making desperate efforts to rally their men and reorganize them, but to no purpose, although Johnston and Beauregard had joined in the effort. Strong masses of Federal infantry were rapidly advancing, and disaster seemed imminent. Bee, exhausted in his fruitless effort to rally his men, rode up to Jackson, who was steadily holding his brigade in a full fronting position, and cried out in a tone of despair: “General, they are beating us back!” Jackson replied calmly, “Then we will give them the bayonet.”

Jackson’s Stonewall Brigade

Jackson’s blazing and defiant look, his bold and prompt determination, and the steady line of brave men that supported him gave new life to General Bee. Galloping back to his disorganized command, he shouted, waving his hand to the left: “Look! There is Jackson, standing like a stonewall. Rally behind the Virginians! Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer. Follow me!” Obedient to this distinct call to duty, several of Bee’s men rallied and followed him in a charge to the left against the advancing enemy. Bee was fatally felled by a ball, however, and his charge faltered. But general rally held. And his words also had their mark—from that time forward, Thomas Jackson became, and will continue to be, “Stonewall” Jackson, and his brigade the “Stonewall Brigade.””

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-union-almost-won-first-battle-bull-run-119591

[Pikachu_Dad]

There is a nice monument to Bee at the battle site where he fell.

“ A tall shaft of whote marble marks the spot where General Barnard E. Bee fell mortally wounded at the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21,1861. While attempting to rally his broken troops on Henry Hill, Bee pointed to General Thomas J. Jackson and his Virginians and declared, “There stands Jackson like a stonewall!”, thus christening both Jackson and his brigade with their famous sobriquet. Bee died of his wounds the following day and was the highest ranking officer to die at First Manassas. The monument was erected by the Mary Taliferro Thompson Southern Memorial Association of Washington, D.C., on July 21, 1939.

Inscription:
Front: General Barnard Elliott Bee of South Carolina. Commander, Third Brigade, Army of the Shenandoah, was killed here July 21, 1861. Just before his death, to rally his scattered troops, he gave the command “Form, form, there stands Jackson like a stone wall, rally behind the Virginians!” Presented by the Mary Taliaferro Thompson Southern Memorial Association of Washington, D.C. July 21, 1939. Rear: Lucy Steele Clay, Chairman. Alice Boswell Morrison. Julia Neason Streater. Maude Bird Phares. Norma Hardy Britton. “

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/bee-monument.htm