Details
TERRY, William R. Manuscript signed ("W. R. Terry") a formal report to General Nathan George Evans (1824-1868), 23 July 1861. 1 page, folio.
A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE KEY COMBAT IN THE BATTLE OF FIRST MANASSAS
Terry's vivid report--written only two days after the battle--describes the critical combat near the Stone Bridge, in which Terry's command and Evans's brigade held against a Union flank attack, contributing to the Confederate victory. "Early in the morning, soon after the firing of cannon was heard beyond the stone bridge, on the turnpike, in the direction of Centreville. I drew up the Co. near Bull Run below the bridge & posted skirmishers, according to the orders received from you." He was not in that position long before being ordered to move up to the woods "beyond [the] Stone House." Soon afterwards, according to orders, we took position on the Hillside to protect a piece of artillery & remained until it fired thirty rounds and we received orders to retire." His troops protected artillery at two other points in the field later and joined in a successful counterattack: "Falling in with Col. Bradfords Rangers late in the day, when the order was given to charge the enemy, I proceeded with them, & took part in the general pursuit. The men under my command killed several of the enemy in the charge, captured about eighty prisoners and seven horses & took two stands of colors, one regimental. Among the prisoners taken were Col. Corcoran of New York, Lieutenant Gordon, of Col. Keyes' staff, a Capt. & a Lieutenant belonging to a Michigan Co. We had the good fortune to come out of the engagement with only one killed, and one slightly wounded."
A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE KEY COMBAT IN THE BATTLE OF FIRST MANASSAS
Terry's vivid report--written only two days after the battle--describes the critical combat near the Stone Bridge, in which Terry's command and Evans's brigade held against a Union flank attack, contributing to the Confederate victory. "Early in the morning, soon after the firing of cannon was heard beyond the stone bridge, on the turnpike, in the direction of Centreville. I drew up the Co. near Bull Run below the bridge & posted skirmishers, according to the orders received from you." He was not in that position long before being ordered to move up to the woods "beyond [the] Stone House." Soon afterwards, according to orders, we took position on the Hillside to protect a piece of artillery & remained until it fired thirty rounds and we received orders to retire." His troops protected artillery at two other points in the field later and joined in a successful counterattack: "Falling in with Col. Bradfords Rangers late in the day, when the order was given to charge the enemy, I proceeded with them, & took part in the general pursuit. The men under my command killed several of the enemy in the charge, captured about eighty prisoners and seven horses & took two stands of colors, one regimental. Among the prisoners taken were Col. Corcoran of New York, Lieutenant Gordon, of Col. Keyes' staff, a Capt. & a Lieutenant belonging to a Michigan Co. We had the good fortune to come out of the engagement with only one killed, and one slightly wounded."