Unknown, July 25, 1861
Sir: In compliance with the orders of Brigadier-General Tyler, I have
the honor to report the operations of the First Brigade, First Division, in the action of the 21st instant, at Bull Run, and during the two succeeding days. _ Leaving my camp near Centreville at 2 o’clock a. m. I took my place in the First Division asa reserve. At9.15 o’clock a. m., at the distance of half a mile from Bull Run, I was ordered by General Tyler to incline the head of my column to the right, and direct it through an open field to a ford about 800 yards above the stone bridge. Before the whole brigade had entered upon the new direction the enemy opened fire from a battery across the run, and threw upon the First and Second Regiments Connecticut. Volunteers some twenty-five or thirty rounds of shot – and shell, which caused a temporary confusion and wounded several men. Order was. shortly restored, and the brigade closed up on Sherman’s column before passing the ford.
After crossing, I marched at once to the high ground, and,
by order
advance in line of battle was given at about 10 o'clock a. m., and from
that hour until 4 p. m. my brigade was in constant activity on the field
of battle. The First Regiment Connecticut Volunteers was met by
encounters of different parts of the line the enemy constantly retired
before us. At about 2 o'clock p.m. General Tyler ordered me to take
a battery on a height in front. The battery was strongly posted, and