Thomas A. Davies to James B. Fry, August 9, 1861

Capt. JAMES B. Fry, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Brigadier-General McDowell, Commanding :

Sir: It is with deep sorrow that I see from the general report of Brigadier-General McDowell of the battle of Bull Run that he had — failed to give the troops under my command on that day the credit ofa victory and of protection to the left wing of the Army.

The circumstances of the battle of Blackburn’s Ford, on the 21st of — ‘July, and of the fact of a victory of our arms at one point, at least, — would be gratifying to the public to know. j

I therefore ask for a court of inquiry to investigate the circumstances of our action on the left at the battle of the 21st ultimo, in order that —

5 > ll ed “Oy: ¢ + i Fi i oy ee Ca gn

yaar. 1X.) “THE BULL RUN CAMPAIGN. 433 the troops under my command on that occasion may receive their due share of credit. ; I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,