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It was on the field of
Manassas, a bright Sunday afternoon, the 21st of July, 1861.
The armies of
McDowell and
Beauregard had been grappling with each other since early morning,and, in their mutual slaughter, took no note of the sacredness of the day, nor its brightness.
In Washington General Scott was anxiously awaiting the result of his skilful plan of battle, and
General Johnston had come down from the
Valley of Virginia, in response to
Beauregard's appeal-“If you will help me, now is the time.”
Hotly had the field been contested, and the hours passed slowly to men who had never tasted of battle before.
Wavering had been the fortunes of the day, but it was evident the advantage was with the
Federal army, and, before our brigade went into action, it seemed to us the day was lost.
After changing position several times, without fighting,
General Jackson learned that
Bee was hard pressed, and he moved to his assistance, marching through the wounded and the stragglers, who were hurrying to the rear.
It was then after two o'clock, and the
General formed his brigade along the crest of the hill near the
Henry House, the men lying down behind the brow of it, in support of the two pieces of artillery placed in position to play upon the advancing foe.
General Bee, his brigade being crushed and scattered, rode up to
General Jackson; and, with the excitement and mortification of an untried but heroic soldier, reported that the enemy were beating him back.
