The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-07-05
WAR TINES.
X *

The Third regiment broke camp at
Lightwood Knot springs some time III
June, 1861, and went to Richmond, Va,
by way of Sumter, Wilmington, Wei
don and Petersburg. We camp7d nea:
Holly Wood for a few days and then
Went on Manassas We marched at
night to Mitcnell's ford on Bull run.
We camped at Bull run for few days,
and then went to CentraTille and on to
Fairfax,C. H. We relieved the 1st S.
G. regiment, who were No. E troops.
The 3rd regiment camped below Fair
fax on the Alexander road. The 9Th
regiment at Germantown, and the ina
and 7th regiments around the court
house The four regiments formed the
1st brigade OF the army or Northern
Virginia, and were placed in charge OF
M. L. Bonham, who was appointed brl-
gadier general. There were no other
troops at or around Fairfax c. H. eX-
cept KEEPERS battery of artillery and
the famous Black Horse cavalry. The
3rd regiment picketed on the Alexan-
der road and the other regiments on
different roads. We drilled daily and
kept up a strict guard. On the morn
ing of the 18th of July, 1861, the long
roll was sounded. Our baggage was
loaded On the wagons and sent to the
rear. The regiment was formed at
the breast works and our guns were
loaded. Col. Williams made US
speech. We could not see any Federal
troops in our front, but TO the left OF
our regiment towards Flint Hill we
could see the line Of battle of the
Federals marching toward German
town to cut US off from Centreville.
Our regiment marched by the left
in front, passed through Fairfax G. H.,
toward Germantown. The 7th and End
preceded u.s.. We passed through Ger
mantown. The 8th regiment was hold
ing the line at that place until we
could get through. Here occurred
one Of the strange things of the war
The 9Th held the line until the Fed
erals were nearly on them. Not
gun was fired by either army. The
9Th was ordered to retire which they
did orderly. The 3rd regiment waited
until the Sth regiment had passed
them. Then the 3rG regiment brought
up the rear to Centreville. That night
the brigade moved back to Bull Run
and took position at Mitchell's ford.
Kemper's battery was placed across
Bull Run and when the Federals ad
vanced they opened fire on them. This
checked the advance and the battery
retired across Bull Run. Later in the
day July 1S) the Federals attacked
Longstreet's troops lower down Bull
Run and were repulsed. Our line at
Mitchells ford was shelled by the
Federal cannon, but they shot too high
and none of our troops were wounded.
Our brigade having occupied the front,
were given the centre of the line and
We were very anxious for the Federals
to attack US. We had a splendid posi-
ton and good rife pits, but we were
disappointed. Sunday morning, July
21, 1861, the battle began up the run
to our left Late in the afternoon the
7th and 9Th regiments we're carried to
the field and gave good account of
themselves. When the route of Feder-
ais began the Sd and 7th regiments
were carried across Bull Run and
placed in line of battle facing Centre
vile, and could see the Federals run
ming towards Centreville, but we were
not allowed to advance, but kept in our
place. And the result was. that Gen.
Bonham was not made major genera
and Col. Williams failed to be a bri-
gadier general. General Earl Van
Dorm was made major general and
placed over US. Bonham's brigade
was the 1st brigade at the front, and
We became the 1st brigade of the 1st
division of the 1st corps of the army
of Northern Virginia.
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