Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

July 24, 1861

Page 3

MANASSAS JUNCTION, July 21, 11:30 P. M.

Amid the bustle and excitement here, it is exceedingly difficult to get the correct particulars of the great battle of to-day. The enemy opened their batteries of heavy artillery and small field pieces, at McLean’s Ford, about 8 o’clock in the morning. The engagement above the Stone Bridge on Bull’s Run, began about 10 o’clock.

The enemy’s force, as near as can be ascertained, was at least 50,000; our own but 20,000.

Gen. N. Y. Evans, of South Carolina, led the brigade first into action.

Among the Southern forces prominently engaged, were Col. Sloan, 4^th Regiment; Col. Kershaw, 2d Regiment, and Col. Wade Hampton’s Legion—all of South Carolina Volunteers. Only three men were wounded in Col. Kershaw’s Regiment. In Col. Sloan’s Regiment and Col. Hampton’s Legion the loss of life was greater. Adjutant Theodore Baker, and Capt. James Conner, of the Washington Light Infantry, of Hampton’s Legion, were slightly wounded.

Lieut. Col. B. J. Johnston, of Hampton’s Legion, was killed.

Captains Earle and Echols were slightly wounded.

Men never fought more desperately than did ours to-day.

We have captured 18 pieces of artillery, also 300 prisoners.

The number killed and wounded cannot be ascertained with any accuracy, until to-morrow. Our loss is estimated at 200 killed and 300 wounded, while the loss of the enemy could not have been less than several thousand.

These figures, however, may be wide of the mark, for the line of battle was extended, and it was almost dark when the enemy gave way.

The Washington Artillery, of New Orleans, was again in the foremost place, and did most effective work. Their fire fell upon the ranks of the Federalists with murderous effect.

The Oglethorpe Infantry, of Savannah, was cut to pieces.

Col. Barlow’s fine Regiment of Georgians, were nearly annihilated.

Gen. Bernard E. Bee, of South Carolina, was mortally wounded.

Col. Wade Hampton was slightly wounded.

Gen. Johnston commanded the left wing, and Gen. Beauregard the right wing.

Reports that reach us here state that our force is no less than 75,000 men, all told, and that the enemy had over 100,000. These statements are probably exaggerated; but it is certain that the leaders on both sides had concentrated their whole available force to take part in the battle.

Among the officers known to have been killed, in addition to those I have named above, is Kirby Smith, of Florida.

At one time, during the battle, Sherman’s celebrated U. S. Flying Artillery was on the point of destroying Hampton’s Legion, when Col. Garland, of 11^th Virginia Regiment, was ordered to charge the Battery at the point of the bayonet. He immediately led the Virginians to the charge, under a terrible fire, and after a fierce struggle, captured the entire Battery and turned its guns upon the enemy.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]