The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-04-26
WAR TIMES.

IlSnIWOOd hnOC OpTluSS soue tAlhe
in June 1861, and went to Richmond,
Va, by way Of Sumter, Wilmington,
Weldon and Petersburg. We camped
near Hollywood for a few days and
then went on to Manassas. We
marched at might to Mitehen's S ford
or Bull Run. We camped at Bull Run
for few days, and then went to
Centerville and on to Fairfax G. H..
We relieved the First South Caro-
lima regiment, who were Sixth Mis-
souri, troops. The Third regiment
camped below Fairfax on the Alex
ander road; the Eighth regiment at
Germantown and the Second and
Seventh regiments around the court
house. The Fourth regiment form
ed the first brigade of the army Of
Northern Virginia, and were placed
in charge Of M. L. Bonham, who was
appointed brigadier general.
There were no other troops at or
around Fairfax C. H. except Kemp
er's battery Of artillery and the IA
nous Black Horse cavalry. The Third
regiment pieketed on the Alexander
road, and the other regiments On diff
ferent roads. We drilled daily and
kept up. a strict guard.
On the morning Of the 18th Of
July, 1861, the long roll was surren-
! dered. 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.
Colonel Williams made US a
speech. We could not see any Fed
eral troops in our front, bat to the
left Of QUE regiment toward Flint
Hill we could see the line of battle Of
the Federals marching toward Ger
nantown to cut us off from Center
Vile. Our regiment marched by the
left and front passed through Fair
fax C. H. toward Germantown. The
Seventh and Second preceded us.
We passed through Germantown. The
Eighth regiment was holding the
line at that place until We could get
Through. Here occurred one of the
strange things Of the war. The Eighth
held the line until the Federals were
nearly on them. Not a gun was fired
by either army. The Eighth was Or
dered to retire, which they did ORDER
ly. The Third waited until the
Eighth regiment had passed them
Then the Third regiment brought up
the rear to Centerville.
That night the brigade moved back
to Bull Run and took position at
Mitehell's Ford. Kemper's battery
was placed across Bull Run, and
when the Federals advanced they
opened fire on them. This checked
the advance and the battery retired
across Bull Run. Later in the day,
July l8, the Federals attacked Long
street. s troops lower down Bull Run
aud were repulsad. Our line at Nit
chell's Ford was shelled by the Fed
eral cannon, but they shot too high
and none of our troops we're wound
ed. Our brigade having occupied
tue front, were given the centre Of
the line and We were very anxious
for tne Federals to attack US. We
had a splendid position and good
rifle pits, but we were disappointed.
Sunday morning, July 21, 1861,
the battle began up the run to our
Left. Late in the afternoon the Sev-
ean ard Eighth regiments were car
rieG 20 the field and gave a good ac-
count IF themselves. When ihe
routs Of the Federals began tie
Third and Seventh regiments were
carried across Bull Run and PLACED
in line Ct battle facing Centers 10,
and could see the Federals running
to Centerville, but we were not
allowed to advance, but kept
in our places, and the re-
suit was that Gen. Bonham was not
made a major general and Col. VIII
liams failed to be a brigadier gener-
al. General Earl Van Dorm was made
major general and placed over US.
Bonham's brigade was the first
brigade at the front, and We became
e first brigade OF The first division
of the first corps Of the army Of
Northern Virginia.
X-Confed.