Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Anonymous. Letter, ca. July 1861. ALS, 4 pp.
Call No.
Mss. C A
Content
An unidentified member of the 32 New York Infantry (also known as the 1st California Regiment) provides a detailed account of the Battle of Bull Run. This unit covered the Union retreat and repulsed pursuing Confederate cavalry. The writer relates that the enemy "galloped out of sight" after the clash as "they didn't seem to relish our welcome much." He adds that night soon fell and they "lay down on their arms & slept for a couple of hours" before continuing their retreat to Washington. In regard to their defeat, he notes, the "scene (on) the road was shocking showing how thoroughly men will get frightened..." Part of the letter is missing. .