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Bull Run 

Racine Boys Missing
S.D. Clough, Esq. telegraphed the mayor on Tuesday that but 4 of Co. F. (the Racine boys) are missing namely Anderson, Hume, Filer and Benson.
There were two Anderson's in the company, John H. Anderson, a machinist who learned his trade in Mr. Case's shop, and James W. Anderson, who was brakeman on the R.&M. R.R. when he enlisted, which of these two are missing we cannot learn.
The missing man, Hume, we cannot ascertain much about but we think he belonged in the 4th ward of this city. Charles Filer is a son of Mr. Allison Filer, resident here and well known to our citizens. Henry E. Benson was from Burlington in this county. Of course we have no particulars and are in ignorance as to the facts. They may all yet be found well and uninjured, or they may be prisoners. Of the names of the wounded belonging to the 2d Wisconsin Regiment none as yet brought into the hospitals are members of Co. F.
Walter Clough, son of S.D. Clough Esq. of this city, sunk from exhaustion as the company were hastening to the encounter at Bull's Run on the 18th and while lying at the side of the road was rode over by a cavalry horse and injured somewhat. Though not seriously, these are all the causalities that we have any news of yet.
It is with mingled feelings of pride and satisfaction that we learn from several sources our boys acquitted themselves with the greatest bravery. In the encounter at Bull Run, the 2d Wisconsin Regiment occupied during the entire contest an exposed position. Balls, shells and bullets rained around them yet they stood their ground like veteran soldiers, never flinching for a moment.
A cannon ball struck a tree, against which leaned the colored man who accompanied our boys, and, on their march back, the dead and dying lay all around them. When called into action, the boys at double-quick march (on a run) went 2.5 miles with all their accoutrements, and under a burning sun. Some fell from sheer exhaustion and others were sun struck.
Later - A dispatch from Washington received at 6 o'clock last evening to S. C. Tuckerman Esq. says:  You son is well, - Many Racine boys reported killed and wounded have arrived safely at Camp.
The Second Wisconsin

How Many Times a Man Can Stand it to be Shot, and Still Live
A statement of John E. Donovan, private in Co. B. 2d Regiment, Wis. Volunteer: Went into an engagement at Bull's Run, Sunday, July 21, 1861 at 10 o'clock AM, or thereabouts.

Marched up the hill after getting over a fence, and on reaching nearly to the brow, I was struck by a rifle ball in the calf of my right leg, outside, passing through the the skin on the other side. In the cars on the way to Richmond the next evening, a young man, looking among the wounded prisoners, wanted me to let him take it out and keep the ball, to which I consented, and he cut it out. After being hit as above, I stepped back to the fence, sat down and bound up my leg to keep it from bleeding. I then got up and loaded and fired from where I stood. After firing three times, another ball hit me in the left heel, glancing up along near my ankle joint. This ball remained in about eight weeks when, my leg being badly festered the Prison Hospital surgeon lanced it one evening, and in the night the ball worked down so I got it out the next morning.
After being hit the second time, I still kept loading and firing as fast as I could. In about ten minutes, as near as I can judge, a third ball struck me in the right side, which still remains somewhere within me. This disabled me somewhat for a short time, but I again loaded and fired two or three times as well as I could, when I was struck in the right arm (while in the act of firing) about midway between my elbow and shoulder joints, the ball running up towards the neck. This ball was taken out about nine weeks afterwards by the hospital surgeon at Richmond, about half way from my shoulder joint to my neck bone.
I fired my musket but once after this as the recoil of it hurt my shoulder so I was unable to bear it. I then left the fence to get behind a tree standing some 250 yards off, and picked up a revolver which lay on the ground; just after I left the fence at which time a bullet struck on my right wrist glancing off from the bone. I went a little further toward the tree, when some 12 or 15 Confederate soldiers came out of the woods directly toward me. I fired the revolver at them three times. 
And just as I fired the third barrel, a bullet fired by one of this company struck me just below my left eye and going into my head, I knew nothing more until about noon the next day (Monday.) When I came to I found myself lying right where I fell the day before. I tried to get up, but could not. After this I made several attempts to crawl away to the shade of a tree, the sun shining very hot. About 4 pm a couple of soldiers came along, picked me up, and carried me to the cars, and I was sent to Richmond, afterwards sent to Alabama, and finally released on parole.
The bullet still remains in my head; the hospital surgeon says it lies somewhere near my right ear (the sense of hearing being entirely lost in that ear,) the drum, or tympanum having been injured by it. The slightest touch on my chin or near it causes a severe pain in my right temple and over the ear. I cannot see at all with my left eye. I cannot bear to be out in the sun; it makes me dizzy, and my head pains me severely - so also does more than ordinary exercise.
Ordinarily, when sitting quiet, my head only occasionally troubles me - a little dizziness and heaviness is about all - except when out in the sun or heat, as before stated; and also when I attempt to lift anything it puts me in severe pain in my head and my eyes pain me exceedingly as well when heated or out in the sun. I am obliged to keep out of the sun as much as possible, on account of this excruciating pain in my head and eyes; and when I read my eyes fill with water, and I have to rest. I cannot write a letter of ordinary length. I have to stop several times for this, and from dizziness. There is occasionally a dimness comes over my right eye even when quiet, but not very often. The surgeon said the bone around my left temple was shattered, and that pieces thereof would work out - none has to my knowledge.
The bullet which entered my right side has not as yet given me any great trouble.

John E. Donovan, July 1861

Sad News from Grant County Grays
The following are the names of those killed, wounded and missing of the Grant County Grey's in the battle of Bull's Run. The names were received by a telegraphic dispatch from Capt. McKee on the 24th:
Bellnap Fuqua, of Potosi.
Weiland Weibel, of Boscobel
A. J. Curtis, of Lancaster
Thomas Cox, of Lancaster
Louis Bidler, of Mount Hope.

Wounded
Lieut. Booth, of Potosi
George L. Hyde, of Lancaster
Robert Simpson, of Boscobel
Richard Graves, of Beetown
C. A. Garvin, of Mount Hope

Missing
M. J. Barnheisel, of Ellenboro
Michael Cook, of Beetown
Tho's Brookens, of Glen Haven.
Spear, of Cassville
The relatives of Geo. L. Hyde received a dispatch of Saturday evening last stating that he was not seriously wounded and had left the hospital at Georgetown near Washington where he had been taken after the battle. We have heard nothing from the others since the 24th.

Spirit of the Wisconsin Boys.-The following, relative to Chandler, formerly of the Adams County Independent, is from the Cleveland Leader:
"We have seen a letter from a Mr. J. C Chandler of the 2d Wisconsin regiment, a brother of Mr. W.W. Chandler of this city, written after the battle of Sunday last. Mr. Chandler was at close quarters during the battle. At one time a musket cut through his belt. Shortly after the soldier in the rank before him was killed, and as he fell back he threw up his gun, which struck Mr. C. on the head knocking him senseless. The shock, from which he would probably at another time have recovered in a few minutes, resulted quite seriously in the excited state of his brain and he was delirious for some hours after being led off the field by his Lieutenant. Notwithstanding these escapes, he writes that, personally, he is "as gay as a lark." but full of sorrow that the fighting of the day should end in a defeat and retreat. "Good God!" he says "the Federal Army retreated! I had rather have been shot ten thousand times, if that could be, than to have had such a result" He says that from his station behind a capsized artillery carriage, he "sent two Rebels to Tophet sure, and took good aim at a number more. 
Such is the sprit of the Wisconsin boys"

A Soldier's Account of the Great Battle
Arlington Heights Va.
July 24th 1861
On the 21st of July at half-past two o'clock in the morning we left our encampment and marched about four miles to join Patterson's and McClellan's divisions of the army. Large forces were accumulated in this neighborhood, general opinion estimating the same at about one hundred and eight thousand men. Our artillery were ordered to advance the brigade, being posted in the rear to cover it. Very soon our cannons began their song but received no response for some time. Being ready for action, we waited until12 o'clock when suddenly we received orders to join Col. Hunter's brigade, the distance being about four miles thorough woods and fields, over hills and prairies; we marched in double quick time; we finally reached the field of battle being nearly exhausted and at once found ourselves, at about four o'clock, within thirty steps of our foe, face to face. At this moment you could not have seen a pale face in our whole regiment fear and anxiety being something yet just thought of and unknown to us. At this moment a dreadful fire of musketry opened upon us, and leaden balls hailed upon our ranks, carrying many a good comrade to the earth, F. Reckler, of Cassville being one of the number; he received a ball about two inches below the heart; he walked a few steps forward and fell dead. At this instate a German from Mineral Point fell into my arms mortally wounded; H. M. of Cassville, and myself, afterwards carried him to the hospital where he shortly afterwards died. I cannot describe the sights that I saw at that hospital; horrible! the mangled and mutilated bodies of soldiers, brave men,  it was a sickening sight; like a slaughter house; it was a perfect butchery.
Up to this time the artillery had been playing upon the enemy and his works, but now ceased and for half an hour. The battle was fought only with small arms. The smoke did not prevent us from distinctly seeing our enemy, as it were, through a thin veil, enabling us to single out our men at whom we could shoot with considerable precision. I do not know how long we were engaged, but bye and bye found our position to be a very bad one. Our little force numbering, altogether, from thirteen to fifteen thousand men opposed by forty thousand under the command of Gen. Beauregard, who was in the meantime reinforced by Johnson with thirty-two thousand fresh troops. We were exposed to the heavy attacks of the rebel cavalry; in their first charge upon our regiment they broke our ranks and scattered our men but we received their second attack with better success; having formed ourselves in the form of a half-noon or circle we gave them a few effective volleys; they were obliged to give way in great disorder. You ought to have seen the heaps of dead and wounded men and horses covering the ground before us. Notwithstanding all our hard fighting and endeavors to maintain our ground, we were finally forced to yield, give way and retreat, although eight thousand troops were held in reserve within a quarter of a mile of us; they were not ordered to our assistance.
Our Lieutenant Colonel, Peck, was no where to be seen and no command was given by the chiefs of our regiment, but each company was obliged to fight upon its own hook, under the command of our brave Captain. In this state of affairs we could make no effective resistance; the enemy bore us down and we were obliged to retreat leaving many of our wounded upon the field to be bayoneted by the rebel blood hounds. The rebel cavalry pursued us until we came to a bridge, when a charge from our forces drove them back. At Centreville our retreat was covered by Gen. Blenker's Division, the Decalb Regiment, and the Garibaldi Guards.
Our whole regiment was so scattered that hardly two hundred men could be gathered into one body; no wonder, we had been in the hottest fire and suffered the heaviest attacks of the enemy; we marched all night, slept an hour at Fairfax Court House, and under the command of Capt. Mc Kee, who in absence of Colonels and Majors took command of the whole, we reached Arlington Heights on Monday the 22d at 8 o'clock a.m.
Joseph Brock

Washington July 24th
The official report of the battle of Bull Run for the Second Wisconsin Regiment makes the total loss in killed wounded and missing 167. Some missing came in last night and to-day and I am able to supply the reports of the two companies omitted last night and also the names of those since come to camp:
Co. D, Capt. Ely, Janesville
Missing: Frederick Main and Hugh Murray.
Wounded and Missing: William McCrea, Jocelyn Southard, Henry Silman, Hugh D. Perry and Charles Brown.
Killed: John Jones, O. Wilcox and John Wilcox and John McIntyre.
Wounded: J. Sackett, Cain Billings, John Donavan, John Preuga and John Griffin, all of them slightly.    
Total 15

Co. F, Capt. Strong, Racine
Killed: James Anderson, Joseph Hunt, Henry E. Benson, Charles Filer, William Upham.
Wounded: Thomas Crosby, in arm, W. E. Fuller, in ankle, Henry Ginty, in arm.
Missing: F. H. Lacy and John Anderson.    
Total 10

John Hinton, of Waukesha, who is in this company, is all right, having got back without being wounded, as was first reported, he having been knocked down with a cannon ball, which tore his clothes.
Corrections to by made in the report I sent you yesterday:
In Capt. Randolph's company, Madison, Wm. McIntosh, C. W. Moore, A. Weatherby, John M. Took and Thomas Canning, heretofore reported missing, come into camp. The two latter are severely wounded but are doing well. In addition to those before reported in Randolph's company, Newton Riddle, wounded in the face, and George M. Humphrey, in the shoulder,
both slightly.
Capt. Mansfield, of Portage City, thinks he made a mistake in the list of the missing, yesterday, and I give it to you now as corrected: E. S. Best, J.P. Chrystie, John House, D. F. Crane, Daniel O'Brien, Geo. W. Briffett , and Peter Irwine.
In Langworthy's Co., Milwaukee, Geo. W. Tehner, W. H. Hyde, and O. J. Small have got back to camp.
In Tom Allen's Co., Mineral Point, Wm. Pollard, and Wm. Loofborough have turned up and are in camp.
In Dave McKee's Company, Grant Co., there are three missing not before reported. Lieut. Booth, Thos. Brookins and Wm. R. Doty. All these men were reported as having been seen, and McKee did not doubt but that they were safe until after all our troops had got in from Centreville, and he now has but little hopes of their safety.
The men who returned this morning to Capt. Randolph's camp say that they got lost in the woods and getting starved out, in vain endeavored to get to Washington; they concluded to give themselves up as prisoners and the first man they met they went up to and told him that they were United States soldiers, had got lost and were there to deliver themselves up as prisoners. He said he did not want them and there (pointing to some rifles) are guns that do not belong to me and you can take them if you choose. They each took one and he pointed out to them how they might avoid the pickets and get to Washington. They followed his suggestions and got safe to camp. This statement is very curious to say the least; but is believed to be true.
Wisconsin

Return of the Army to Washington - Condition of the Soldiers the Wisconsin Troops - Atrocities of the Rebels

We have been permitted to copy the following extracts from a private letter written on the 24th by Miss Coues, Principal of the Seminary in this city, at present on a visit to her parents who reside at Washington:
"All day Monday, through a pouring rain the troops came straggling into the city, and a more woebegone, miserable set you never beheld - hungry, tired, dirty, without arms and many with shoes and coats, having marched fifteen miles, fought seven hours, and then retired 35 miles, without eating all this time and only drinking the water in which the horses had trampled and the wounded been washed. The Union men kept open houses and went through the streets with baskets of provisions, wine &c, to refresh those who were in need.
All day long they straggled into the city and the streets were filled with ladies giving refreshments and soldiers surrounded by groups of civilians eager for accounts of the battle. Men were lying on door - steps too wearied to proceed farther and occasionally the small remnants of some regiment coming in order, but tired, ragged, and trailing their arms. I made vain attempts to discover what had become of our Wisconsin Second, and could only learn that Peck had been in the city at 10 o'clock Sunday night. You can draw your own inference - the men stated theirs in plain words. At last I learned that Lieutenant Hatch of the LaCrosse "Light Guard" was in the city wounded. I saw him and from his own lips heard an account of the battle. Our men did bravely, standing in the face of a galling fire from a battery and finally took it. Hatch was wounded and carried to the hospital insensible, but afterwards, recovering, crawled out, rejoined his men and brought them off the fields. Strong is said to be wounded but not seriously.
"All our troops with some few exceptions among the officers did splendidly. We are all keeping open house, that is, we Union men. This morning we had nineteen soldiers at breakfast here. The Zouaves (Ellsworth's) and the N.Y. 27th are on our square and last night assembled for dress parade. The roll of the 27th was called and 200 reported missing. They had just finished when a party of 25 came up and such shouts as welcomed them you never heard. Among them was a little fellow, the pet of the regiment, who was supposed killed. Men crowded around him caught him in their arms and fairly wept.
"Dr. Barnes, of that regiment, told me that he had dressed the wounds of some eight men on the battle field and was kneeling with his shirt off, still at work, when a party of secessionists came up and though he waved his arms to show them he was a Surgeon and only caring for the wounded, to his horror they began cutting the throats of the men whose wounds he had just dressed. He fled to the Hospital leaving his things behind him and was dressing the wound of Col. Slocum when the enemy came upon them. They took Slocum in a blanket and fled, and just as they got out of reach, the enemy fired the Hospital filled with wounded.
The prisoners here say their commands were "Give no quarter" Are these men human? Are not these things just what we should expect from men who beat women and sell babes away from their mothers? Dr. Barnes fairly sobbed as he told me of the butchery of the men incapable of resistance. The cavalry tore the covering from the ambulances and sabered the wounded within.
The generalship on the other side was splendid; but they did immense work by running up Union colors and thus drawing our men on and attacking them unprepared. From most reliable accounts this was done several times. When they pursued the N. H. Regiment, they showed Union colors and called upon them to stop. They (the N. H.) did so, and suddenly down went the stars and the cavalry charged right in among them. This Black Horse cavalry, as it is called, was almost entirely cut to pieces. While they were pursuing, one of our men was wounded and concealed himself behind some bushes; soon he was joined by another man who had some cartridges and a musket. Firing alternately from their concealment they shot six of the cavalry, and then the well one, taking the wounded one upon his back, they both escaped. I cannot begin to give you any idea of the excitement here. My vacation, if it goes on as it has commenced, will be no rest. Mr. Ruggles was not in the battle; he was in the city, as was Coon. These two will probably give you, through the papers, a full account of our men. I can only say, all acknowledge their bravery. This battle will show the condition of southern troops. Centreville was found full of provisions and the of the best."
We have a very interesting account of the part taken by the Second Wisconsin Regiment in the battle of Manassas from Lt. Rollins of the Randall Guards which we shall publish to-morrow.
It states that Col. Peck bore himself bravely and as became an officer during the action.

The Second Regiment
Gen. King writes from Washington, to the Sentinel says our Second was abut two miles off when the action commenced on Thursday the 18th at Bull's Run, and were immediately ordered forward, and came up at "double quick" as Gen. Sherman related to whose brigade they are attached, formed into line and faced the music with the steadiness of veterans. Not an officer or man flinched but all stood their ground like men, though for the first time under fire. Myron Gardiner of the La Crosse Light Guard, was struck with a rifled cannon shot which carried off his right leg and the poor fellow died within an hour or two. His remains were interred the next morning with military honors at Centerville. He had resided at Trempeleau. F. L Hildreth and G. Wenzel, also of the La Crosse Company, were at the same time wounded and by the same ball which mortally wounded Gardiner.
Hildreth's ankle was badly shattered and amputation may be necessary and Wenzel was struck in the face by a fragment of the same destructive missile, his nose being badly cut, and his eyes seriously hurt, Gen. King says he has the shot which did all this mischief and will the first opportunity send it on to Madison- to be presented we hope among the curiosities of our Historical Society.

The Fight at Bull's Run - Full Particulars
Bull's Run, July 19, 4 pm
From careful inquiry and personal observations, the number wounded on the federal side amounts to 60, and 40 killed.
There has been no firing to-day. The Confederates are still in possession of their principal battery. With a spy glass, large spy glass, large bodies of Confederates were seen moving at the right and left, apparently finding their best line of operations and not retreating. Batteries are being erected on our side, commanding theirs, which are of a substantial character. The indications are that there will not be a general forward movement before Sunday, unless the enemy shall provoke one.
This afternoon an order was read to the troops under McDowell, both at Centreville and Fairfax Court House, prohibiting theft of every description and enjoining respect for persons and property, and stating that the heaviest penalties will be visited on them for infringement of this order, also that soldiers will not any time constitute themselves judges of acts of Southerners.
All rumors of fighting to-day are untrue.

Washington, July 21, Special to Herald.  
Official dispatches say we have taken three batteries, in the form of a crescent, numbering 19 guns.
It is known that Manassas Junction is supplied with water by a canal from Bull's Run; this will now be cut off, leaving them entirely without water for their cavalry, that a most brilliant victory has been achieved by our gallant troops there is no doubt.
High praise is bestowed on the Fire Zouaves and the 69th. It is reported that the former met the Louisiana Zouaves and routed them, and captured their colors; that the men of the 69th stripped to the skin except their pants and pitched into the fight regardless of fatigue or personal safety.
Later Gen. McDowell telegraphs everything is completely routed from Bull's Run, retreating towards Manassas, leaving their batteries in possession of the Union forces.
Fighting commenced at 8 o'clock this morning and continued most desperately till 2 this pm Rebels were driven back inch by inch, leaving their dead on the field. Loss of life on both sides was frightful. Our troops behaved most gallantly and guns were very effectual.
Whole force on both sides is said to have been engaged. Gen. Johnson, having joined the Rebels, as previously stated, making Gen., Beauregard's force about 70,000. It is supposed the Rebels will suffer greatly at Manassas for lack of water.
The Herald's correspondent says, "when I left the field of battle I saw rebels flying in vast numbers. Great enthusiasm throughout out ranks."  Jeff. Davis is understood to be at Manassas Junction.
Col. Cowden's Massachusetts 1st. Regiment were fired on by the rebel pickets several times as they slept on the road on their horses.

Times correspondent - Washington, 21 - Midnight-
The battle has been one of the severest ever fought on this continent. Up to 2 o'clock, our troops had driven the enemy a distance of nearly two miles.
As the enemy fell back from one position it was only to another equally strong, and at every point fresh reinforcements were poured in almost without limit as to number. There can be no doubt that their force was at least double ours.
Fire Zouaves were terribly cut up. While drawn up to make an attack they were assailed by a concealed battery with a strong support on their flank and were forced to break. It is said both Col. Farnham and Lt. John Cruger are killed, but it may not prove true. The latter, at all events, was severely wounded. Members and Senators who come in as civilians vary in their estimates of killed from 300 to 3000. Facts cannot yet be ascertained.
Col. Hunter wounded in the throat. Col. Slocum, of 2d R. L., and Capt. Jervis, of 1st, reported killed. Gov. Sprague had horses shot under him, Maj. Bolton, of R.I. was severely wounded in the hands and thigh by cannon ball 
(Signed H. J. Raymond.)

Times Washington dispatch of Sunday, before the fight says-
Our troops Saturday night numbered 45,000 and Patterson's column is reported moving down the Winchester road with 15,000 more, and is expected to be in to-day. 11,000 troops left Alexandria this morning so that by to-night shall have a superior force although this morning we stood 45,000 against 60,000.
5:30 pm - Official dispatches now before the President, Scott and Mansfield corroborates previous accounts. They say every battery of the enemy is taken, including their guns, &c. The fight only ceased when the enemy retired to Manassas.

World's dispatch- The enemy attempted, with an immense force, to turn our right flank, which came near being successful, when our large siege gun, a 32-pounder opened fire, causing tremendous havoc among the enemy and routing them.
Southern Reports.
New Orleans, July 22. Richmond, Yesterday.
A fight commenced near Manassas at 4 o'clock this morning and became general about 12, which continued until about seven when the Federals retreated, leaving us in possession of the field. Sherman's celebrated battery of 2nd artillery was taken. A terrible battle with great slaughter on both sides. It is impossible to give the details tonight.
Richmond, Va., July 22, via New Orleans.-
The reports of the killed and wounded were so unreliable last night owing to the confusion following the victory, that we refrained from mentioning them, fearful of giving pain to anxious hearts.
Gen. Gen. Beauregard and staff are safe. Beauregard's horse was shot under him. Gen. Johnston commanded the left where the enemy made their fiercest attack. President Davis reached the field at noon and took command of the army.
It is stated that the enemy was commanded by Gen.'s Scott, Patterson and McDowell, and it is reported that the latter is seriously wounded.

The Retreat of the Federal Troops
Washington, 22d, via. Philadelphia.-
Our troops after taking three batteries and making a great victory were eventually repulsed and commenced a retreat on Washington. The retreat was in good order, with rear well covered by good columns. Our loss 2,500 or 6,000.
The fortifications around Washington are strongly reinforced with fresh troops.
Washington, 22.
After latest information was received from Centreville at 7:30 last night a series of events took place in intense degree disastrous. Many confused statements are prevalent, but not enough to warrant the statement that we have suffered in a degree that has cast a gloom over remainder of army and excited deepest melancholy through Washington. The carnage was tremendously heavy on both sides and, on ours, is represented as frightful. We were advancing and taking their masked battery gradually but surely and driving the enemy towards Manassas Junction when the enemy seemed to have been reinforced by Gen. Johnson who, it is understood, took command immediately and commenced driving us back when a panic among our troops suddenly occurred and a regular stampede took place.
It is thought that McDowell undertook to make a stand at or about Centreville, but the panic was so fearful that the whole army became demoralized and it was impossible to check them either at Centreville or Fairfax Court House.
Gen. McDowell intended to make a stand at or about Centerville, but the panic was so fearful that the whole army became demoralized and it was impossible to check them either at Centerville or Fairfax Court House.
Gen. McDowell intended to make a stand at Fairfax Court House but our forces being in full retreat he could not accomplish his object.
Beyond Fairfax Court House the retreat was kept until the men reached their regular encampments, a portion of whom returned to them, but a still larger portion coming inside the encampments. A large number of troops, in their retreat, fell on the way from exhaustion and were scattered along the route on the way from Fairfax Court House. The road from Bull's Run was strewed with knapsacks and arms, our troops deliberately throwing away their guns and appurtenances to facilitate their travel.
McDowell was in rear of retreat, exciting the troops to rally, but with only partial success.
Latter part of army is said to retreat in order, his orders on field did not, at all times, reach those for whom they were intended.
It is supposed the force against our troops consisted according to a previous statement of about 30,000 men, including a large number of cavalry. According to the statement of two of the Fire Zouaves, they have only about 200 men left from the slaughter while the 69th and other regiments suffered in killed and wounded. Number cannot now be known. Sherman, Carlisle, and West Point batteries were taken by the enemy, and the 8 siege 32 pound rifled cannon. It is supposed all provision trains belonging to us are saved. Large droves of cattle were saved by being driven back.
It is supposed here to-day that Gen. Mayfield will take command of fortification on the other side of the river, which are able, it is said by military engineers, to hold them against any force the enemy can being against them.
Large rifled cannon and mortars are being rapidly sent over and mounted. An officer just from Virginia, 10:20, reports that the road from Centreville to the Potomac is strewn with stragglers.
Troops are resuming the occupation of fortifications and entrenchments on the line of the Potomac. Col. Henztelman was also wounded. In addition to those reported yesterday, it is said Col. Wilcox, the gallant commander of a brigade was killed; also Capt. M. Cook, a brother of Col. Cook, of Ohio.
The city this morning is in most intense excitement. Wagons are continually arriving, bringing dead and wounded. The feeling is awfully distressing. Both telegraph and steamboat communication with Alexandria is suspended today to the public. The greatest alarm prevails in the city.
The following is an account of the panic that resulted so disastrously to our troops. All our military operations went swimmingly and Col. Alexander was about erecting a pontoon across Bull's Run, when a terrific consternation broke out among the teamsters who incautiously advanced. Immediately after the body of the army lined the Warrenton road their consternation was shared in by numerous civilians, who were on the ground.
Whole army was in retreat for a time, a perfect panic prevailed, which communicated itself to the vicinity of Centreville, and every available conveyance was seized upon.
Several similar alarms on previous occasions caused by a change of position of our batteries and it was most probable that alarm was owing to same face.

Washington, July 22-
The R.I. battery captured at the bridge across Bull's Run. When their retreat was cut off , their horses were all killed. It is reported that the Black Horse cavalry made an attack on the rear of our retreating army when the remaining Fire Zouaves turned and fired, killing all but six of them.
The 71st N.Y. regiments lost abut half their number.
The following regiments were engaged in the fight: 1st, 2d and 3d Conn. regiments, 1st Regiment of Regulars, composed of the 2d, 3d and 8th companies, 250 Marines, the 8th and 14th N.Y. militia, the 1st and 2d RI, 71st NY and the 2d NH, the 5th Mass, the 1st Minn, the 1st Mich., the 11th and 38th NY, 4th and 5th Maine, and the 2d Vermont regiments besides the several batteries.
The following is a partial list of officers killed and wounded:
Killed: Capt. McCook and the Lt. Col. of the Zouaves; Capt. Gordon, Co. H, 11th Mass, Col. Slocum of the 22d NY; Col. Wilcox of the 1st Michigan, Lieut. Fowler of the NY 14th.
Wounded- Col. Tompkins of NY 2d; Col. Farnham of Fire Zouaves; Col. Hunter, U. S. A. Col. Coucoran, of 69th NY; Col. Clarke, 11th Mass; Capt. Pickets of the Artillery; Col. Lawrence, of Mass. 5th; Capt. Ellis of the 71st NY, badly wounded; Maj. Teezier of the NY Zouaves.
It is also reported that 4000 of our troops have been sent to Fairfax from the other side of the river.
The lowest estimate of the killed and wounded may be placed at from 4,000 to 5,000.
It is represented in many quarters that the Ohio regiments showed the greatest consternation, probably from want of confidence in their commanding officers.  It was known to our troops yesterday that Johnston had formed a junction with Beauregard on the night of the first action at Bull's Run.
Our men could distinctly hear the cars coming from Manassas Junction, and the cheers with which the Confederates hailed their newly arriving comrades.
Gen. Schenck, as well as the older field officers, acted admirably. He collected his forces and covered the retreat, and up to the last moment was principally engaged in the endeavors to rally his men to make a stand at Centreville. It was the arrival of fresh reinforcements to the enemy in superior numbers which turned the scale of battle.
The number of killed and wounded is gradually decreasing. Six hundred Zouaves have returned. It is now understood that Col. Wilcox, reported killed, is living through badly wounded.

Private Dispatch, Via Baltimore, 22
A careful examination leads to the belief that only abut 308 were killed.
The Connecticut regiment heretofore reported badly cut up nearly all returned. First reports of decimating 71st NY and Fire Zouaves are untrue. It is estimated that 22,000 of our troops were engaged in the battle yesterday, and only 15,000 at any one time. Whole battle occurred within a radius of one mile.
It is now thought the enemy left some of their battery for the purpose of decoying our troops on. The Associated Press Agent from Centreville, at two this morning, gives the names of the dead there - among them Collins of Wisconsin Second.
Sherman's battery or greater part returned to Washington.
Reason of capture of other batteries because horses were killed. 500 of Merrill's cavalry have been seen since yesterday, near Bull's Run bridge.

Washington, July 22.
The agent of the Associated Press furnishes the following Retreat of our troops to Centreville was successfully accomplished by 8 o'clock last eve., regiments regaining the position vacated in the morning. Those that succeeded in reaching Centreville had four hours to stop, the reserve force under Col. Miles being posted beyond Centreville.
At 1 o'clock in the morning retreat from that point commenced and was maintained in good order to Arlington Heights and Alexandria.
The army, in its retreat, left behind a large amount of provisions and ammunition. About 40 army wagons fell into possession of the Rebels. As part of our troops retreated, their positions were occupied by the Rebels till after Fairfax Court House was passed, after which pursuit was discontinued.
In many instances teamsters unhitched horses and abandoned wagons when there was not the slightest necessity. The rebel cavalry was the terror of volunteers who were compelled to keep the woods to avoid being charged upon.

Washington, July 22.
Herald's dispatch says the rebels outnumbered us 3 to 1. After the day had been won by us, fresh rebel troops were substituted for those who were defeated. The ammunition of our artillery had been expended in contest and they were rushing at full speed to the rear for a supply of ammunition. The movement was construed by the teamsters and civilians there into a retreat. A panic among them occurred. They ran for their horses and without waiting to ascertain facts, cut traces of wagon horses and commenced a precipitate retreat.
McDowell behaved with greatest bravery, but this was unavailing to arrest a panic. The Fire Zouaves fought like devils.
Gov. Sprague's bravery during the whole day challenged universal admiration, and, aided by by Mr. Gaston, Paymaster of 14th NY, succeeded in bringing some degree of order out of the chaos. Consternation thus created was communicated to the soldiers in rear of the column at very moment when a charge of fresh cavalry from Manassas Junction was made upon them.
It was nothing more not less than a stampede the enemy themselves being unaware of it.
The result is in a great measure attributed to the tardiness of Patterson.
The brave Rhode Islanders were formed in the rear to be ready to repress an advance of the pursuers. Number of killed and wounded has been greatly exaggerated.
The NY 71st, 4th and 27th Minn. and Me. regiments were praised of all; they were mowed down like grass by batteries upon which they advanced. The flag of the Minnesota regiment was completely riddled. Col. Wilcox of 1st Michigan regiment was wounded and taken
prisoner. Col. Wood of New York 14th wounded and taken prisoner.
The following is a list of wounded brought from battle field at Bull's Run to Government hospital up to 8 am this evening:
2nd Wis. 'A'. Wm. S. Lynch, James A. Rugbee, W. Rouse, Harvey McDaniel, Henry R. McCollum, T.D. Bahne, Samuel N. Bond; Co. K.; Cornelius Tehrieser; Co. C.; Corporal C.C. Dow, and Lieut. A.A. Meredith;
3d Minn. Regiment, Co. H. John Judkins, severely,
2d Mich. Reg. Horse Reg.
Estimated killed on our side amounts to between 300 to 500. Capt. D.H. Tillinghast, U.S.A. is reported dead; Capt. Ayers, U.S.A. is not taken prisoner or killed as reported. The whole of Sherman's battery is safe.
Col. Blenker, commanding a brigade picked up guns of Burnside's 2d R.I. regiment, which had been left behind and brought them in.
Hon. A.B. Ely of Rochester dist. and a companion are missing. Cap. Griffn lost 60 of his horses on his battery but brought away one of his guns.
Col. Corcoran, of 69th NY regiment and Capt. Edward A. Wilde, Co. A, 1st Mass. volunteers are missing. It is feared that Corcoran is dead.

Washington July 28
Among the wounded now in Washington Infirmary are Sergeant Macklin, 1st Minn.; John Morrison, 2d Ohio A.W. Zepass, 2d Wis.; G. Warner, 2d. Lieut. 1st. Mich. K.N. Cook, 1st
Ohio; James Chapman, 2d Ohio; Colonel Slocum, NY 27th wounded not killed.
The morning is occupied in putting affairs in order on the Virginia side within original federal lines. From indications around the Commisserate and Ordnance repairing of damages are in lively progress. 

Boats are again running to Alexandria.
The fire Zouaves will rendezvous at head quarters of 12th Reg. to-day when some accurate knowledge of their loss will be ascertained. The last seen of the gallant Col. Wilcox of 1st.
Mich. Regt., he was lying wounded on battle field. He is either dead or a prisoner.
Maj. Bidwell took the place of Col. Wilcox and managed to bring
the regiment out of the field. He is either dead or a prisoner.
Maj. Bidwell took the place of Col. Wilcox and managed to bring the regiment out of the field in the best possible order.
A Zouave's drummer was taken by the rebels but escaped. He reports that the secessionists have and immense number of prisoners in their hands.
In the 1st Michigan Regiment the following are known to be killed: Capt. Worthington, Co. D. Capt. Butterworth, Co. Lieut. Carey, Co. G. Lieut. Mouck, Co. F. Orderly Serg't Lewis
Hartweger, Co. A., R. Jones, Co. A; J Kelly, Co. F; Color Bearer & Privates Cunningham Co. A and John Stafford, Co. G. are among the wounded. It is supposed they were principally picked up on the way. 15 members only of 1st Ohio, regiment are missing officers, all safe.

New York, July 23
A spectator of the battle of Bull's Run says the single cause of panic was a charge by a body of cavalry among the teamster and straggling soldiers who were in the rear of our main force between the Run and Centreville. When Gen. McDowell found that the reserve was on the retreat, it was too late to counteract the mistake, and he then commanded the main body to fall back which it did quietly and in good order.
The men who had been fighting all day without water and food were in a state of complete exhaustion.
A spectator, an Englishman who was present at all the Crimean battles, says the fighting had been of the mast splendid kind. Such charges as the Fire Zouaves and 69th Irish regiment made he had not seen at Inkerman, or the Alma.
The Assistant Surgeon at Centreville Hospital says that the killed and wounded will not exceed 600.
The Government is hourly receiving offers of regiment which are accepted. Misfortune had no disheartening effects.
Eighteen cannon were loss in the retreat. A private dispatch says that the 71st regiment had 75 killed, 100 wounded and 200 taken prisoners.

Washington July 23
It is now ascertained that the number killed will fall short of 1,000. The rebels did not follow our retreating force after they passed Bull's Run. Col. Eristien of the Pennsylvania 26th regiment, returned to the field of battle about 11 o'clock on Sunday night and brought off six pieces of artillery, which he delivered to the commanding officer on the Potomac yesterday evening. He reports the field clear not an enemy in sight.
The President and Secretary of War are vigorously at work organizing a powerful army. Within the last six hours over 6000 fresh men with a number of batteries of artillery have been accepted. A number of regiments have arrived. 10 new regiments will be in Baltimore by this evening. The response from every quarter has been most gratifying and truly patriotic.
Col. Marston, of NH, member of Congress, lost an arm; Col. Lamon, was slightly wounded Gov. Sprague of RI was in the thickest of the battle and made a gallant appearance.
The regiments which have suffered the most are the Fire Zouaves and 69th NY the Conn. 1st, Mass. 1st and 8th. A great number of Members of Congress and civilians were on the battle-field and their flight added to the confusion.

Detroit July 23
Private dispatch received here this afternoon from Manassas via. Richmond says Col Wilcox,
commander of the Second Brigade of the 3d Division, is prisoner at Manassas slightly wounded.

Washington, July 23, Midnight
General Tyler is in the city to-night. He knows nothing about Federal troops throwing up entrenchments at Centreville.
Herald's Dispatch: About 200,000 men have been ordered here from different States. The Governors of the several States of New England and of New York respond nobly.
The President and Secretary Seward visited fortifications on the Virginia side to-day and were received by the gallant 69th with the greatest enthusiasm.
The President asked if they intended to reenlist, they replied yes, if the President desired. He announced emphatically that he did and wrote them a letter complimenting them on their brave and heroic conduct and expressing hope that the whole regiment would re-enlist. This was received with cheers and determination expressed to go in for the war and stand by the Government and flag forever.
Barbarities practiced by rebels at Bulls Run unparalleled. A private 1st Conn. regiment found wounded rebel lying in the sun and carried him gently to a shade and have him drink from his canteen. The rebel revived and deliberately shot his benefactor.
Another instance where a number of our wounded had been placed together in the shade were deliberately fired upon by rebel cavalry.
The Michigan regiment at one time marched up to one of the heaviest of the Rebel batteries which had been several times unsuccessfully charged by the NY Fire Zouaves. They were subjected to a terrible fire by artillery and rifles. They, as well as the Zouaves, were without support and after three ineffectual attempts were compelled to abandon the effort to take the battery in this charge.
Col. Wilcox who is reported wounded and taken prisoner was reported killed.
The total number of killed in the regiment is estimated at 40.
It is the general opinion of nearly all the officers that the loss of the enemy is twice as great as ours.
Times dispatch says our loss and wounded will not exceed 600 though the missing will be three times that number. Surgeon in charge of hospital as Centreville states that when he left there yesterday morning the rebel pickets were within 100 rods of the village. There were 120 men in hospital when he left.
During the fight the Rebels carried American flag to deceive our men. Rebel sharpshooters also fixed on vivandiers who were carrying water to the wounded. The Rebels also shot at the ambulances bringing off wounded. They also fired point blank at the hospital buildings and it
is said by some they fired the buildings.
Senator Breckinridge visited the rebel prisoners taken at Fairfax Court house and Centreville and does not in his interview with them conceal his sympathy with them and their cause.
Tribune's Dispatch : Capt. Seymour of Anderson's command in Sumter was actively engaged yesterday in disposing the army in defensive works in Virginia to best advantage. Several fresh regiments were posted on entrenchments lying on their arms all night but nothing seen of rebels who have not ventured beyond Centreville.
Tis reported to-day that the Rebels are evacuating Manassas and moving towards Richmond. About noon long trains of baggage wagons were seen going towards Manassas from the enemy's lines showing that they were at that time preparing for a backward move.

Washington 28:  Intelligncer this morning says we learn that two intelligent members in Ellsworth's Zouaves arrived here last night, one of whom left Centreville at 4pm, the other Fairfax CH at 12 pm. They both report that up to that time, at those respective points, no secession forces had appeared which would seem sufficiently to indicate that it is no part of their purpose to undertake anything like an advance towards Washington.
Affairs were more cheerful to-day. Fresh troops are continually arriving. Baggage wagons and commissary supplies seem to have as plentiful as heretofore and altogether there is a gathering up of army fragments.

Washington 24: In the present condition of affairs it is impossible to procure full lists of killed and wounded. There cannot yet be any official report giving information. Names of such, however as can be ascertained, will be transmitted as soon as received.
Information has been received this morning that the Rebel pickets extend to where Tyler's party encamped in the neighborhood of Falls Church.
Most serious apprehension is still felt for Hon. Alfred Ely.
Maj. Bidwell, 1st Mich. regiment, who assumed command of that regiment after Colonel Wilcox fell, is busily engaged gathering up his men. He estimates that 20 or 40 will cover killed and double that number the wounded in the regiment.
Business in the War Department to-day immensely heavy. Telegraphic dispatches heavily accumulate. The States are tendering troops in surprising numbers, for example, Illinois has offered 17 and Indiana 10 regiments, some of them have already started and others will be enroute tomorrow. Ambulances continue to arrive.

From the Second Regiment
The Wisconsin of Saturday evening contains several letters from "Outsider" (Andrew E. Elmore, now in Washington) in regard to the Second Wisconsin Regiment and the casualties it sustained in the recent battle. We condense from it such facts as are likely to interest our readers.
Lieutenant Hill of Portage is badly wounded in the breast; Sergeant Major Ruby was wounded in the leg and left on the field of battle. He is probably a prisoner. Lieut. Hatch of La Crosse was slightly wounded in the arm and leg and is in Washington.
The following interesting particulars are given:
Fox Lake Company: Frank Dexter, J. M. Carhart, F. O. Waterman, John Foley, E. O. Marsh, Lewis Norton, H. C. Parker, Edgar Stafford, Jesse Wing, Nathan Heath, missing. It is by no means certain that all the missing men will not come in. D. Bennett, A. H. Lord, David Jones and Robert Welch wounded and missing. The latter may be in the Hospital at Centreville. The chances are they have been taken prisoners by the secessionists. J. W. Compton taken prisoner; J. W. Manden, wounded by bullet through neck; is doing well; Thos.Quinn; wounded in heel; W. S Leack, ball through arm; Geo. Maynard, horse and rider killed and fell on him - will get well. Some dozen others wounded, but so slightly that they remain in camp and ready to meet the enemy tomorrow. Capt. Steven's led his men and the advance of the regiment bravely, and all show the true grit. Killed, wounded and missing, 19.
La Crosse Light Guard: killed Joseph Frama, John Donavan, J. M. Hawkins. Corporal R. W. Burns taken prisoner; R. W. Johnson, arm broken and taken prisoner; Mr. Knobloch and Daniel Knox missing; Geo. Marshall, wounded and missing; George Simms, Wm. Brown and C. C. Busby slightly wounded. In all 11.
Capt. Colwell and his men showed the true grit on the field, the Captain taking a gun and using it all day.
Grant County Grays: Lieut. Booth wounded in the leg, not serious. Geo. L. Hyde, in head, severely. Belknap Fuqua, dead. Robert Simpson, shot through the arm. Richard Graves, wounded in the mouth; painful but not dangerous, and fired three or four times after receiving it. Mr. Bernbigal, O. Waldorf, M. Cook, Thos. Brookens, missing. Daniel Eldred, wounded in the throat. David Strong and A. G. Curtis, badly wounded anbd left on the field. Weiland Weibel, F. Reckler, T. D. Cox, dead. Charles A. Garvin, wounded in the head; not badly. Daniel Briton ,slightly wounded.  Total 19.
No company in any regiment in the field, fought better than did the Grant Co. boys, and no braver and more gallant man commands a company than Dave McKee.
Oshkosh Volunteers: John Barton, Prosper Stimpson, Wm. Taylor and Horace Strohd, killed; Chas Graves, wounded in leg; Lottridge Furman, wounded and missing; Wm. Holland and Augustus Clark, wounded, will recover, Joseph Robert, severe flesh wound; Joseph
S. Rouse, ball through hip; Reuben Ash, in breast; Alven Bugby, ball thorough thigh; both comfortable. L. J. Perry, missing; SD Pitcher, wounded and missing; Norman Whittemore, in shoulder; Fred Zahn, Jonas Leech and Richard Lester, slightly; John Encking, leg shattered below knee; Sebastian Osterder and Harvey McDonald, slightly; John Lynch, in fingers and M. L. Philips, in arm slightly.  Total 25
Portage Light Guard: W. H. Williams, Henry R. Coflin and John Noonam, dead. Young Noonan's father lives at Madison. Lieut. Hill wounded in the shoulder and missing; C. C. Dow wounded in neck badly, but not dangerous; saw him in hospital is in good spirits; R. O. Batzen
shot through the arm, and D. F. Crane through the wrist; A. R. Clement, in head; Horace Neely in leg, and Geo. Briffet in the shoulder, all slightly; John House wounded in the thigh and missing, said to have been seen in the hospital at Centerville; J. P. Christ's arm shot off and missing probably, dead; J. A. Weiser, slightly wounded in leg. Total 14
Wisconsin (Milwaukee) Rifles: E. E. Tucker was in advance of his company in pushing ahead and when the order was given to tire, he discharged his gun and was soon after shot in the back by one of our own men. He said:"Tell my friends I was not shot in the back while running" and soon after expired. Thus fell a noble young man by the carelessness of his friends. Peace to his ashes! W. H. Mardan, J. Roes, J. A. McIntosh were killed; A. G. Gaskill,
mortally wounded; J. F. Oatman badly wounded and is missing; C. A. LeRoe, C. Downing, W. Dutcher, and A. Willis, slightly wounded; T. B. Whitney and C. Dusing, seriously wounded; J. Taylor, wounded in the arm and missing, and S. H. Hagadorn, T. F. Baldwin, G. Gotfried, Joseph Grace, J. Hobbeck, W. H. Hyde, R. W. McKennon, K. Peterson, C. J. Small, C. M. Skinner, C. B. Thrall, and G. W. Trebner are missing, most of whom will doubtless come into camp before tomorrow morning.   Total 26
Capt. Langworthy was wounded in the leg with a shell. He does not mention it himself but it makes him limp a little. Jack is a trump; all know his bravery and may his shadow increase.
Randall (Madison) Guards: Capt. J. F. Randolph, wounded slightly in the hip by a shell explosion; Lieut. Meredith, shot through the right arm; S. M. Bond, wounded in the arm; T. D. Bahn, wounded in the shoulder, severely; Corp. P Morrion, wounded and missing; E. R. Reed and George A. Beck wounded and missing; H. N. Allyn, wounded in the foot; Frank Buten, slightly wounded in the cheek; Thomas Canning, wounded in the hand; J. M. Zook, Thomas Murphy and Henry Storm, wounded slightly; Albert Weatherbee, H. Chilcote, C. W. Moon, and William McIntosh missing.   Total 17
Cap. Randolph is as brave a man as there is in the army, and though unwell at the time of the fight, he fought it through bravely, and was one of the last who left the field.
Miners (Mineral Point) Guards: There is some omission in "Outsider's" account of this company. Wm. Owens, of Dodgeville, is the only one named among the killed, though it is evident there were several others:
Wounded: Lt. W. W. LaFleiche, not dangerous; Philip Lawrence, severely; Wm Raske, slightly; Christian Kepler, wounded in the arm.
Missing: James Gregory, of 3d; Henry Balske, George W. Dilley, Christian Klein, Michael Hantner, Wm. Loofbower, Alexander O. Perry, Wm. Pollard, W. P. Smith, Jos. Weber.
Wounded and Missing: Emil Peterson.   Total 16
Capt. Allen is around today looking that all things are all right and all the men say he stood right up to the rack.
"Outsider" states he had a memoranda of the remaining companies but had lost them.
Asst. Surgeon Russell is safe, as is Arndt. Russell has a black eye, otherwise all sound. Dr. Lewis was taken prisoner. He got away twice but stopped to assist the wounded and was again taken. We know he is a prisoner for he has been seen taking care of the wounded in their charge since he was taken.
The following was the roll call on the morning of the 23d.
Co. A.- Present, 78. Missing, 24.
Co. B.- Present, 80. Missing, 6. Wounded, 4.
Co. C.- Present, 83. Died, wounded and missing ,16
Co. D.- Present, 91. Wounded and missing ,19
Co. E.- Present, 80. Missing, 18
Co. F.- Present, 73. Missing, 29
Co. G.- Present, 75. Missing, 18
Co. H.- Present, 87. Missing, 29.
Co. K.- Present, 63. Missing, 32. Wounded, 6.
With a report that many are at Alexandria.

The Men Fought Well - Early Arrival of the Officers
All accounts agree that the Wisconsin men stood up to the rack well, fought as we had a right to expect they would and never flinched while ordered to advance or remain stationary; but they may have been panic stricken after the retreat had commenced as the officers, Capt. Colwell, Col. Peck and Col. Coon were in this city before 9 o'clock this morning. Why our officers are in Washington instead of staying across the river and looking after their men is proof to me that it was with them "devil take the hindmost: and the subscriber had done some in the way of blessing "over the left", I am sorry to say. I asked Capt. Colwell, who breakfasted with me and who, with Lieut. Hatch, came into the city on horseback, having, as they say, caught secession horses, where our men were? Did not know! "He stayed in the fight until he was the senior officer and them left" Hatch was wounded in one arm and leg slightly; but sufficient to disable him for the present and Capt. Colwell says he came here to deliver him to his parents who reside here. Soon after saw Col. Peck, who had got here via Alexandria; he knew nothing of the whereabouts of the men. Hunted around for others; met Hanchett, who was terribly excited, and about 11 o'clock found M. J. McDonald. "What the devil are you doing here" was my salutation for not having found a soldier of our regiment.
I had got past having any sort of respect for the officers who were here and abandoned their men.
The major handed me a paper saying "there is why I am here." I append a copy:
"July 22, 1861- Pass Maj. McDonald with four sick men."
Wm. R. Brewster
Major 28th Regiment

Visit of the President to the Regiment
While on the ground on the 23d, President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and Gen. Sherman drove up in an open carriage. Shouts went up and in half a minute the boys were all assembled around the carriage.
The President made a short speech to them said that they had
done well in the night and though not as successful as he could wish, he hoped for better luck next time. "Abraham, we will give you the men, do give us better officers" said Lieut. M. Lain of the Janesville Company. "We are ready to fight, but for God's sake give us better officers who know something how to command us" said Capt. Dave McKee and the men gave a unanimous cheer.
Lincoln hesitated and said "Here is your General", pointing to Sherman "and if your officers do not suit you, make your wants known to him." The horses, at the cheer that these remarks elicited, got restive but Secretary Seward arose and said: "The Wisconsin regiment did nobly in the late fight and so well is the President pleased with their gallantry that he has to-day  accepted the Seventh and Eighth regiment's from your State."
Incompetent Generals
After listening to all the stories, officers and men, there is but one conclusion I can arrive at and that is that the Generals Commanding, were utterly unfit for their places. Gen. Tyler is an imbecile. It he ever goes into the field again and comes in reach of the bullets of one of our troops he will surely die and those of his own State, Connecticut, will be first in at the death. McDowell is but little better than Tyler. 

The following is from the Evening Star of this city, Thursday evening, July 23d, 1861
Col. Heintzelman moved with 5,000 men to the left of the road as a feint to draw the enemy to that point. Col. Hunter with his division, 5,000 more, moved to the right. The centre column of 80,000 men was to commence the conflict on the road to Manassas Junction. General McDowell started an hour after from Centreville in a carriage with Dr. Armaby of Albany, Henry Bercans, Gen. McDowell's father in-law, and Caleb Lyons, of Lyonside.
This will probably explain why it was to use the language of the Star "His orders on the field did not at all times reach those for whom they were intended." It is notorious to all who were in the battle that Aids were riding over the field in every direction, "Where is Gen. McDowell? "Where is Gen. McDowell?" Was he in attendance on his father-in-law and friends? Verily it looks as though he was going on a dress parade to read the above account and the whole, movements of the day show clearly that such was to them the whole battle. Today, newspapers may say "the Generals were exhausted by fatigue," riding in carriages
to the field, with provisions, wine and brandy in plenty and servants at their call; but the soldier who goes four or five miles at double quick time and without food or drink, sustains a fight of eight hours against superior numbers, under cover of masked batteries and is then ordered to retreat to Washington by the road 28 miles, and when he gets there, 12 or 15 hours after and no food for more than thirty-six hours, and is met by Gen. Tyler "or any other man" and brutal language is accosted with "You coward, why are you not in camp?" as I heard Gen. Tyler do at Willard's, will when opportunity offers, repay such wanton insults and hence I say Gen. Tyler will come come out of no more actions alive unless he keeps our of the reach of the bullets of his own men.

A Rolling Sketch of the Battle
The letter of Lt. Rollin on the next page gives a full and very clear account of the part taken by the Second Wisconsin Regiment in the Battle of Manassas. It is the only report giving any intelligible idea of the position and conduct of our men during the action which has been published and will be read with interest. The conduct of the rebels in raising the Union flag in order to deceive our men is entirely consistent with their character as vile and perjured traitors. Men who can lift their hands to destroy this Government, the freest and most beneficent on earth, are capable of any and every atrocity, with every hellish instinct of cruelty. While every hellish instinct of cruelty, fully developed under their semi-barbarous institutions, they regard none of the usages of civilized nations in war. The fraudulent use made of the Union colors in battle is only exceeded in its infamy by their butchering of wounded men and the firing of houses where the wounded had been conveyed for protection. Whom the rebels would destroy!!
They first make mad; and brutal and savage system of warfare inaugurated by the ruffian soldiers of the rebel army seems as if intended to force upon the people of the loyal States the utter abrogation of that system of barbarism out of which is grown all our national calamities, and which events are rapidly persuading them will never cease to be a disturbing element until it is finally abandoned.

The Wisconsin Second in the Battle!
A Full and Graphic Account
(Correspondence of the State Journal)
Arlington Heights, Va.
Near Washington, July 25, 1861
I have just received your paper of the 22d and do not feel justified in allowing the grossly false accounts of the battle of Bull's Run given in your telegraphic dispatches, to go uncounterdicted. I wish to give a sufficient explanation of the battle or let our friends know that it was not cowardice of the men that caused the defeat.
We left camp near this place on Tuesday afternoon, and proceeded by way of Vienna and Germantown to Centreville, the rebels retreating before us. About one mile beyond Centreville we encamped in an open field without tents; and while in this vicinity we had the battle of Thursday, in which a few were killed, and of which your readers have doubtless heard. On Saturday we received orders to march at 6 PM but near evening this order was changed to march at 2:30 AM on Sunday. The next morning at 2 o'clock we got up prepared in light marching order, four men in a column, and advanced towards Bull's Run, directly west, marching left in front. Our column was under Maj. Gen. Tyler.
To the north of us advanced a column under Gen. Hunter; to the south of us advanced a column under Col. Richardson and another under Gen. Schenck, all moving westerly to attack the rebels at different points. We proceeded about three miles when our column
filed to the north into the woods, made a turn in the woods and came back to the road so that our left rested on the east and west road and our line extended north. The other regiments were formed at different points covering batteries. Carlisle's battery was placed in front of us and the 32 pound rifled cannon of which we had one, instead of eight, as stated in your report, was stationed in the road. These movements were all made very quietly. At precisely 6 o'clock the performance was opened by a shot from the 32 pounder. It was instantly answered by a gun at the northwest, probably from Hunter. Again, all was quiet as a Sabbath morning in a country village. By dressing our line forward, we advanced by the front through the woods near to the open field where we found our batteries had been placed ready for action. Here we halted and sat down in line. The regiment was behind a rise of ground and about fifteen rods from our battery. We shortly heard from Richardson's guns at the south of us near where the battle of Thursday had been fought. Very soon our gun opened a fire across the open field in front of us. This field here is about one hundred rods wide, skirted on the west by thick bushes and farther on and up the next hills by heavy woods.
The firing continued from this position for about one or two hours. A few shots were returned but they fell short. Many of our officers went up near the guns to see the port, which we watched with much interest. After the fire had continued, perhaps an hour, we saw the line of Hunter's column moving rapidly forward of the road north of us, and bending to the south evidently coming in to the rear of the rebels. He was discovered by them shortly after he was by us and they at once began to change the direction of their forces to meet him. His column soon emerged from the woods on to a large elevated plain where they encountered the rebel army in considerable force. This plain is about one and one half mile from the the position occupied by us and across Bull's Run. The fighting that ensued there was of the sharpest kind. In a few minutes that field was covered by a dense cloud of smoke through which we could see the blaze of Hunter's cannon as he advanced and drove the rebels into the woods to the south west side of the plain. They soon appeared to be reinforced and rushed from the woods and renewed the fight.
But Hunter was too much for them still and again drove them back. This much of the fighting had been in broad sight of our position. Still the heavy cannonading continued at the south of us near the battle ground of Thursday. Hunter's condition, becoming critical by the continued reinforcements of the enemy, our brigade was ordered across Bull's Run to reinforce Hunter.
We flanked to the right and moved rapidly off to his assistance. We passed round over a high ridge of land to the north west of our former position and before descending the hill to cross the Run. Here we were halted and filed on the right into line of battle along the north-east bank of the Run. Sherman's Battery came down but, being unable to cross the Run there, returned up the hill. When they returned, our Brigade flanked to the right and filed across the Run and up the rugged bank on the opposite side and hastened on to the high ground. When we reached the upper plain, several regiments were already there and the rebels had retreated. On the north-west side of this plain is timber from which Hunter emerged. On the south-west side is the timber into which the rebels first retreated. This high plain contains several large farms. To the east the ground descends about one hundred and sixty rods. The high ridge extends around to the south in a circle forming a basin of about one mile in diameter with an outlet to the north east toward Bull Run. We now occupied the high ground on the west side of the basin. The rebels occupied the east side where they had strong battery of forth that had already opened a fire upon us of cannon balls and shells. Our batteries of flying artillery now began to come up the hill. Several regiments of infantry were now formed fronting the enemy's battery, and we began to move down the hill to the east. Some regiments were in advance of us and some following. The plain in the rear of us showed signs of hard fighting. Many dead and wounded men were lying on the ground, although most of them had been carried into the edge of the woods. This battery of the rebels, with several others near it, was masked by thick woods and from our position we could see nothing of it except the smoke from their guns. As we moved down the hill, the balls and shells plowed up the ground all around us, frequently throwing dirt all over the men. The bottom of the ravine is not smooth but the water from the high land around had cut it into numerious smaller ravines. When we had got to the foot of the western slope of the basin we were ordered to halt and lie down here, we laid for some minutes. The most of our line, by lying close to the ground, were  a foot or two below the range of their shot which flew over us thick and fast.
While lying here, some things occurred worthy of note. Our 32 pounder had been brought across the Run and planted at our left on the high ground and opened a sharp fire on the enemy's battery on the hill. Most of our other batteries had been brought across and planted on the high ground in our rear, when all (six batteries, I think) commenced fire on the same battery of the rebels. This firing continued from one to two hours with perfect fury. While lying here, I saw a regiment coming down the hill behind us in column of companies.
A cannon ball aimed at the column and their color bearer, cut his head off and broke the flag staff. The colors were caught by one of the color guards before they struck the ground, was raised to its place. The companies closed in, and in less than a minute the column was moving on again at quick time as if nothing had happened.
During this cannonading, one battery after another of ours was silenced by the guns of the rebels:  Still the enemy's fire was as fierce and effective as ever. The air seemed to be full of balls and bursting shells. During the firing, we got up flanked to the left and filed over the hillside down further into the ravine, and immediately to the bottom of the hill, off which the enemy's large battery was located. Before we left our first position, the fire from our batteries had nearly ceased and while lying there (which was by order of the General) we saw the New York Fire Zouaves, Ellsworth's regiment, charge on the hill. They were repulsed and driven back after a terrible resistance by a large body of infantry and cavalry. The fight between the Zouaves and the rebels became so hot that all lines and forms were broken up and they were entirely overpowered by numbers; their retreat was, of course, a confused mass. We afterwards learned that this was the point at which the rebels had just been reinforced by twenty thousand fresh troops under Johnston. When the rebel cavalry charged on the Zouaves, they turned on the rebels and swept their men and horses like chaff.
By this time, all our cannon, except one or two, were silenced and the enemy's battery appeared to work as briskly as at first. As the Zouaves began to fall back the battery opened on them such a fire of grape shot and bullets as we have never seen before.Under this fire it was absolutely impossible for men to form and rally but before they had got fairly to retreating down the hill, another regiment of infantry was ordered to charge in the same place. Our cannon was now silent, demolished, ruined. We were ordered forward. We had come from our first position to the foot of the last hill during the charge of the Zouaves and two or three other regiments. A narrow road is cut into the hill on the south side leading up to near the battery. On the North side of the road, next to the battery the bank is some three to five feet high. On this side of the road the water had cut a ditch one or two feet deep. Here the road, and especially this ditch, was crowded full of dead and wounded men. By getting close to the bank, they were partially protected from the enemy's fire and here the poor follows had crowded in and crawled one upon another, filling the ditch in some places three or four deep. I will not sicken your readers by a description of this road. By this time the ground on the lower side of the road was covered with men from different regiments who had charged up to that battery and been overpowered by the superior numbers and fallen back. They were already in such a confused mass that they could not be reorganized without much trouble, even if they had not been exposed to a fire, much less could they do it when the air was literal full of grape shot and rifle bullets. Under these circumstances the 2d Wisconsin Regiment were moved forward along this road and halted. The smoke prevented us from seeing the length of our line and the noise from hearing commands even if any were given. By a sort of mutual consent we rushed over the dead men, climbed up the bank over the fence and up the hill to the rebels guns. Here the rebels displayed a Union flag when a part of our officers cried out "They are friends, don't fire" By means of this delusion, they gained an advantage over us when down went the Union flag and up went the emblem of treason. This piratical warfare is a favorite game of theirs. We had rushed up too near to be much effected by cannon when our men commenced the wickedest kind of a fire ever known. The woods in front of us was full of men firing on us. The fort, now plainly seen, was full of men and its embankments lined with the fire of musketry aimed at us. Under this fire they they stood some minutes returning it steadily but with terrible effect when they fell back three or four rods toward the road, firing all the time. Here they stopped retreating and rallying again rushed back to the rebels and poured three or four rounds into them. On their side, ten guns were fired to our one. The bullets whistled all kinds of tunes, but mostly in quick time. As we fell back a little toward the road again the New York 69th, about which there has been so much gas, fired a full volley into us from the rear. Our men, after standing such a fire from the rebels and then a rear fire from a set of fools from our own side, retreated to the road and there got mixed with other regiments and, as was an inevitable consequence, retreated down the hill in confusion. The 69th, after firing one or two rounds, broke and ran in perfect confusion. As we went down the hill, they opened a terrible cross fire from the woods on our left at the same time the fort in our rear kept up a constant fire of grape shot and shell after the retreating regiments. The regiments had been sent up one at a tim, not near enough to render each other any assistance, and still so near as to be in each others way when they were forced back. As the men retreated there were no officers of high rank to stop them and rally them again. No reserve had been prepared to cover our retreat in case of defeat. We went into the battle with not more than thirty thousand to the outside. The rebels had full sixty thousand in the morning and were largely reinforced during the day. Their artillery was better and heavier than ours. They were at home,
acquainted with the country, and had been fortifying these hills for months. The result is before the world. The retreat was bad enough, Heaven knows, but I deny positively that it was through any fault or cowardice of the men. Through the battle Lt. Col. Peck led his regiment as became a soldier. The fault on the field was higher up than the rank of Colonel. But it commenced with certain parties at the New York Tribune in urging this battle before the army was ready. There is no doubt it was fought at this time very much against the wish of Gen. Scott. Northern impatience wanted a battle and they have had it. But let the proper parties father the imp and not charge it upon the men who fought like tigers against every odds and disadvantage. During the engagement, Col. Coon acted as aid to Col. Sherman (acting Brigadier General) and did his duty bravely and well. I have made this letter much longer than I had intended. We all hope your next news from us will be more cheering.
N.R.

July 1861

The Berdan Sharpshooters.-The regiments of sharpshooters, raised by Col. Berdan, chiefly from the Western States, are distinguishing them selves most prominently at the siege of Yorktown. Stationed in the advance of our forces, they watch every movement of the enemy with sleepless vigilance. If a rebel head's shown above the ramparts with in 800 yards, it is instantly perforated by a leaden cone from a telescopic rifle in the hands of a sharpshooter. Several batteries of the rebels have been rendered temporarily unserviceable by the skill with which Berdan's Riflemen pick off the gunners. It is said that each rifleman scores up, in prairie style the number of rebels he has killed, by cutting a mark upon the butt of his rifle, The rebels keep an equally accurate account , no doubt. Berdan's men are clad in grey uniforms, and the rebels had got to know them by sight. They were not afraid of the blue coats at 600 yards. Some of Berdan's boys changed their garb to blue, and were allowed to get within five or six hundred paces of a secesh, when drawing a bead, they knocked over eight of the rebels at the first pop and the rest made themselves scarce on the "double quick.- At the out break of this war the Southerners boasted of the advantage the had in their trained rifle men over the Yankees. But Berdan and his men have made that boasting vain.The regiments of sharpshooters, raised by Col. Berdan, chiefly from the Western States, are distinguishing them selves most prominently at the siege of Yorktown. Stationed in the advance of our forces, they watch every movement of the enemy with sleepless vigilance. If a rebel head's shown above the ramparts with in 800 yards, it is instantly perforated by a leaden cone from a telescopic rifle in the hands of a sharpshooter. Several batteries of the rebels have been rendered temporarily unserviceable by the skill with which Berdan's Riflemen pick off the gunners. It is said that each rifleman scores up, in prairie style the number of rebels he has killed, by cutting a mark upon the butt of his rifle, The rebels keep an equally accurate account , no doubt. Berdan's men are clad in grey uniforms, and the rebels had got to know them by sight. They were not afraid of the blue coats at 600 yards. Some of Berdan's boys changed their garb to blue, and were allowed to get within five or six hundred paces of a secesh, when drawing a bead, they knocked over eight of the rebels at the first pop and the rest made themselves scarce on the "double quick.- At the out break of this war the Southerners boasted of the advantage the had in their trained rifle men over the Yankees. But Berdan and his men have made that boasting vain.

Letter from N.B. van Slyke, Esq. 
A private letter from N.B. van Slyke, Esq., one of the gentlemen appointed by the Governor to look after the sick and wounded of the Second Wisconsin contains some interesting particulars in regard to the recent battle. It is dated Washington, July 26th. Here are some extracts:
"Since the great battle of Sunday last nothing else has been thought of here and I, being at the field, and within gun-shot, barely escaping by less than a minute from the cavalry charge that made such sad result, can give you a sketch of the performance before and after. I was with our men the night before the battle in Col. Sherman's brigade of four regiments encamped as the advanced guard, with the big 32 pound rifled gun and Sherman's battery. "It was a beautiful moon light night when we quietly went to bed with a double blanket and Mayor Bird's coverlet in the open air. A stranger could not realize that two large armies were within five miles of each other resting for daylight to begin the work of death. At 2 1/2 am, in the most quiet manner, we were called up; the army had commenced to move; artillery, infantry, cavalry and so on; a steady solid column for six hours."
Here follows some description of the opening of the engagement but containing nothing new.
"Our men did nobly, many of our company officers the same but from the time the regiment received its orders to advance and attack until Col. Sherman ordered them to retreat, no order was given them through the entire day. Without disparaging men (except _____ and ____), I must state Tom Allen, Randolph, and other captains were all that could be desired.-  Rollins was a tiger, and Surgeon Lewis - poor fellow - deserved the command of a regiment. The Fire was fearful. I was within danger many times and saw enough to win any battle but also when men tired out left the field for water and no discipline was exercised, they soon learned it and came away in masses. Cavalry charges are terrifying to weary men without leaders and those of the enemy had their effect. "A small building just at the edge of the field was being temporarily used for a hospital, I was there giving drink to the wounded when the horsemen came upon us and not until after thousands had run before and the bullets of the enemy's horse came thick and fast did I leave. I then made for the woods and struck the main road in a mile or so out."
"The rout, or stampede, took place about half past five, and after being up for 15 hours before and through the excitement of the day, I ran and walked 30 miles before 8 o'clock next morning and at daylight came into Washington 6 miles further." The letter adds that Col. Coon had resigned, that Gov. Randall will probably appoint O'Connor, a son of Bostwick O'Connor of this State, to succeed him. O'Connor is a graduate of West Point.

The Second Regiment 
Letter from Sergeant Humphrey,
Arlington Heights ,Va., July 27th, 1861
Probably before you get this you will have learned all the particulars of the battle at Bull Run, or "Big Run" I might say. There was a splendid foot race took place last Sunday about 30 miles from here in which the grand army of the Union took part. It is the most disgraceful thing on records. Though the battle is said to have been one of the hardest ever fought on this continent, yet it did not become necessary to make such a retreat and it looks to me as though there was some under current that we did not know of. There were our officers and what were they doing allowing infantry to charge on artillery backed by infantry after all of our batteries had been silenced? The enemy outnumbered us two to one. Our infantry drove them over a mile and captured two batteries still all at once the tide of battle turned and we were routed. The fault was not in the men but in the officers who were nothing more than old political office seekers who wanted a position in the army.
Old Abe made us a speech on Monday last in which he said we should be officered by those who could lead us and that is all we want. The men are somewhat discouraged now and a majority of them feel as though they would as leave be in Old Wisconsin as here; but there are some true hearts who under the most disasterous circumstances will live or die under that old flag which has so long been the emblem of peace, happiness and freedom and among them will be found the Lodi boys, whose blood all ready has flowed in its defense and whose lives are ready as ever to be offered up to sustain it. None of the Lodi boys were killed but there are a number wounded. Theodore Bahn, wounded in the shoulder; Thomas Canning, very badly wounded in the hand; D.C. Holridge was reported to have been wounded in the leg and taken prisoner; Thomas Murphy, badly wounded in the arm. I had my game shoulder bunged by a glancing bullet shot from the 69th Regiment who fired a volley into us thinking by our Grey dress we were Secessionists. I shall soon recover although I have a lame shoulder, in fact, I am doing about as much as before and will be ready for the next fight, if it don't come too soon. All the boys are doing well and the Surgeon says that they will recover. Our Captain was wounded in the back by the explosion of a shell; Lieut. Meredith had his left arm broken by a musket ball. Six are killed or missing and ten are wounded in our company. The regiment lost a good many men, I can't tell how many; you probably will know before you get this.
I forgot to say that Newton Riddle was run over by our own cavalry and came very near being killed. He has entirely recovered. Old doctor got wounded in the head by one of the cavalry when they charged on the hospital. It mowed a streak right across the top of his head through the hair and skin. Old Dock then went in on his nerve - picked up a Sharp's rifle and a few cartridges and started down the road, when a cavalry man, spying him, started for him. Old Dock slipped into a lot of bushes when the man fired and grazed the doctor's head. He thought Old Dock was coming out on the other side and he rode around to cut him off with his saber but Old Dock didn't come out on that side, but stepped back into the road and drew a bead on the "Secesh" and Mr. Man dropped. I have this from an eye witness, one of the musicians, and Old Dock told it to admiring crowds when he returned, besides some others. Thomas Kemieten came near being taken prisoner - Tom retreated slowly and kept up a steady fire long after most of the regiment had left the field.
I helped the Captain off the field and could not see much of the retreat for the first mile or two and having got hit in my right shoulder too. I didn't have much of a chance at the "devils". But not a boy from Lodi showed the least sign of cowardice and in fact the whole regiment stood a most galling fire before the order for retreat was given. The men acted nobly but what can men do without officers. Almost in the face of a victory we were obliged to run and such a run never before was recorded. The whole army seemed bent on who could see the banks of the Potomac first. When we speak of it now, we say "Were you down at the big foot race last Sunday?" Thousands undoubtedly were taken prisoners by the cavalry who were hovering around our rear until we got within our lines. Most of the wounded, it is said, were bayoneted that were left of the field. A fellow from Mississippi who is a prisoner told me that the Fire Zouaves would stand no chance for life if they were unfortunate enough to be wounded. The Fire Zouaves fought like tigers and I saw them kill all but about half a dozen of a body of heavy cavalry who charged on them when they made a charge on a masked battery. They were driven back however, also the 69th NY, and then we were ordered to do what they could not do, and the consequence was that we failed also. The battle lasted, I should think, about 10 hours. Our artillery was not heavy enough though we had some fifty or sixty pieces, yet their batteries soon silenced them, while their batteries, which were masked by the woods, increased their fire rather than diminished it, and when the retreat commenced, the way they sent the balls into us was a caution. Every man who had a good pair of legs made the best use of them, I'll warrant.
What a sight the battle-field must have been after the battle. The dead and wounded in the ravine between the two armies was literally piled up with the bodies of both armies and the adjoining woods were full of the wounded. It was a very hot day, one of the hottest of the season; water was very scarce and the suffering of the wounded for water seemed greater than from their wounds. I drank water that I would not wash my hands in, from a mud puddle.
The country around Manaasas looks like the Baraboo bluffs, and when Manasas falls it will be after a tremendous battle - they have a much the advantage.
The "Old Dock" alluded to in the above is the gallant and disinterested Dr. Irwin, of Lodi.

Baltimore, July 28, 1861
My dear friend: I have just returned from Washington and improve a spare moment in writing you again, agreeable to promise. You have, of course, been fully informed of the battle and the route on Sunday last and of our losses. While I can but sorrow for the brave men who went down before the storm of battle, and for the hearts that have been made desolate, I reinforce that in defeat we were not disgraced, that our Second Regiment, deserted by their commanding officers, broken and separated, fought on manfully in the very hottest front of the strife. Our own brave boys were firm and true to the last and faced that storm of iron hail like veterans. I found them cheerful but jaded and sore. If ever they needed sympathy, and the good things which sympathy and love alone can supply, it is now. Let Racine at once testify its appreciation of their brave deeds on the battle field and of the honor they have done their city and State by sending those articles of diet, those little comforts, of which the soldiers tent is destitute and which are so grateful after a hard fight and a wearying retreat.
I send you, by express for safe keeping, an artillery saber, brought from inside one of the enemy's batteries at Bull Run by my son, Melly. It is covered, as you will see, with secession blood which I did not care to remove lest it should detract from its value as a trophy of the war. Please keep it carefully.
You have already been informed of the devilish cruelty of the rebels in their murder of our wounded soldiers. My blood has not yet ceased to run cold from listening to the recital of eye-witnesses of this more than savage butchery. Yes, they bayoneted our wounded men, in some instances thrusting them through and through! If this brutal and fiendish conduct does not arouse the entire North and arm it anew for the contest, then nothing can, and we may despair of our country. The contest is to be a terrible one, and will tax our entire resources. To decide differently is to be fatally deceived. We have now to fight, not for the Constitution, not for the Union, not for the Government, but for the national existence. The people need to see this and feel it and act promptly, wish reference to it. Let the rebellion prevail and we become subjugated to the slave power, and a slave Empire takes the place of a Republican Government, and the institutions of freedom.
You may say that there is no danger. But I say that there is danger. There is not only demoralization in the army, but demoralization in the States. Radical reforms must be had everywhere or our country must die! I am glad to see fresh regiments pouring in every day. It will never do for us to move again upon Manassas with less than 100,000 men, most thoroughly furnished and equipped. And when we do move we must go through whatever the cost.
Yours as ever,
A.C. Barry
To S.C. Tuckerman, Esq.

We are in receipt of another letter from our correspondent dated at the "Relay House" Md., Aug 1st which gives some news later than the above. It says, "Spies are all about us and danger lurks in every path. Our pickets are now and then fired upon and in our evening strolls, we have the click of gun locks in our vicinity. It is surprising how soon one gets used to these things so as to be little affected by them. Our pickets occupy a large extent of the surrounding country and patrols are upon railroads in all directions. The care of roads and bridges is our principle business. The health of the 4th Regiment is in the main good; a few cases of measles still remain. How long we shall occupy this post 'tis impossible to say ; it may be 8 months, perhaps not as many days. The 5th and 6th Wisconsin Regiments are in Baltimore on their way to Harper's Ferry. An effort is being made to unite the Wisconsin Troops in one Brigade under Gen. King.

Army Correspondence. 
Fort Corcoran
Washington, DC July 31
To the Editor of the Fox Lake Gazette: You have heard here this of the terrible battle of the 21st inst., and of the defeat of the Union forces at Mannassas. I have waited thus long that when I wrote you I might be better able to give the list of missing and wounded in our company and that after the confusion and tumult of the retreat had subsided I might give you a more concise and detailed account of the engagement and retreat to Arlington Heights which we now occupy. After the bad affair of Thursday at Bull's Run ford, where a number of Union troops were slain - although Co. A. suffered nothing worthy of note - our Regiment, with the others engaged and in the immediate vicinity, were encamped in and around Centreville on either side of the road bearing to the right of the masked Batteries of the Rebels, which attacked us on Thursday and in the direction of Manassas. After remaining on our respective camping grounds for two days, with no covering at night but our blankets and nothing on which to rest our weary bodies but mother earth, save in some instances where we had found a field of cut wheat and appropriated the sheafs for a pillow or bed and, of which, Co. A had its share. On which, after rambling about all day inquest of berries to make up for the scanty supply of poor rations, to lay under the deep blue vault of Heaven and pass the night in unbroken slumber, dreaming oft of friends at home and of the coming conflict. During all this time, the Rebels were receiving reinforcements continually, as could be easily perceived from the hourly arrival of trains at Manassas and from many other sources.
On Saturday night, orders were received to be in readiness on the following morning at 2 o'clock for an onward movement to Manassas, accordingly rations of crackers and cold tongue were supplied to us, our canteens filed and everything put in readiness before we lay down to rest for the remaining hours before the time appointed. Two o'clock came and we were all aroused from sleep, but not by the usual call of the drum, for being so near the Rebel lines it was tho't best to make as little noise as possible. Our Captain and Lieutenants were on hand as usual with words of cheer and encouragement, assisting in all the necessary arrangements for the day. The men who were much recruited from the two days rest and not satisfied with the operation of the 18th inst. at Bull's Run, were as anxious as ever for a fight.
Soon everything being in readiness, the order to fall in and forward march was given which was responded to with alacrity and we were soon on our way marching at quick time, preceded by the NY 69th and 13th followed by the 79th NYM and Sherman's Battery of six pieces and a Long Tom carrying a 32 pound ball in our rear. After marching about two hours the artillery was brought up to the front and we filed right into a piece of woods through which, after marching in flank over fallen timber and through tangled underbrush for nearly one half miles, we were drawn up in line of battle near an open field across which, in the fields beyond and along the line of woods, could occasionally be seen the Rebel Scouts, as they wo'd appear for a moment when a ball from Long Tom would send them affrighted to the wood again. Yonder, as far as the eye could see, quick moving from one piece of wood to another, and again in another direction could be seen bodies of cavalry moving at a rapid rate over the hills beyond us.
Meanwhile, at intervals, the Batteries kept up a fire of shell and ball into the woods to ascertain, if possible, where the Rebels had stationed their batteries, but with no effect, for the Rebels know too well their advantage and reserved their fire for a more favorable opportunity. After firing several rounds, two pieces of artillery were ordered to cross over the field and take up a position to the right of us on a hill covered by a piece of woods.
Here their shots had better effect and after firing a few rounds were replied to by one of the masked batteries. Here the artillery again changed their position for one more favorable in advance and Gen. Tyler's command was ordered to its support.
Here, from our position to the left and rear (as a reserve), could we hear the rapid discharge of musketry as the advance column moved onward and they were opened on by the Rebels with a heavy fire from the infantry, who had hidden themselves behind trees and under brush, reserving their fire till the Union troops wereclose on them. Then began the battle in earnest and the booming of cannon, the sharp report of musketry as on to the charge the brave volunteers rushed driving the Rebels from wood to wood, across fields and ravines presented a spectacle never to be forgotten. We waited long and anxiously watching every movement of the forces as charge was made and many we knew were falling before the rapid and deadly fire of the Rebels. Presently orders came for the reserve to advance to the relief of the advance column.
After a march of one and a half miles we arrived at the top of a hill over looking the battle ground. Here we were brought to a halt and what a scene opened before us! The firing had nearly ceased, and the gentle breeze from the West was fast carrying away the dense smoke. The Rebels had retreated across an open field into the woods beyond. The dead and dying were being moved from the battle ground into the woods at our right and friends were carrying water from a neighboring brook with which to bathe the wounds of their comrades.
But soon the orders came to charge the Rebel battery which was now playing upon us from the woods to which their infantry had but a moment before retreated. There was no time left for reflection. Our whole energies, both mental and physical, must be concentrated upon that one object. We had thus far been out of the fight but now that the forces first engaged were nearly exhausted, we were to take their places. And well was it done.
After the command to advance on this battery, which was a half a mile distant, had been given we were compelled to cross a deep ravine, in order to reach it, through which ran a sluggish stream, knee deep and then up a steep hill, over fences and masses of rubbish, continually exposed to a cross fire. The regiments that preceded us were those comprising the remainder of Sherman's Brigade.
As they were ordered, one at a time, our regiment was the last to make the charge but while waiting at the foot of the hill, we had the pleasure of seeing a shot thrown from one of our guns strike in one of the Rebel magazines and explode. At first a cloud of white smoke, then a low rumbling sound, was all that was left of it. While waiting here, also and immediately following the explosion of the magazine, the cry was raised 'For God's sake, cease firing into our own men.'
Thereupon the 69th NY, which was then charging, quit firing and when they had advanced close to their lines, the Rebels struck down the US flag which had caused the 69th to cease firing and immediately hoisted the Palmetto flag instead, at the same time opening on the 69th a terrible fire, which so confused them that they only returned the fire and fled precipitately down the hill and though they were soon rallied, did nothing worthy of note except to form a hollow square on the hill in the rear.
At this juncture the 2d Wis, with loud shouts accompanied with the Indian war whoop, rushed madly on up the hill almost into the entrenchments and after firing several rounds in very good order and finding that the 69th and 79th did not elevate their guns enough but that the balls struck in our ranks killing and wounding several of our number, not until then were they entirely driven back, nor would they have given way even then had the general order to retreat been given. I will not say they were kept together properly for there was no order given after the first, by any Field Officer, so that when they retreated it is no wonder that there was great confusion.
It was now nearly 5 o'clock PM, consequently we had been on the ground nearly six hours, and when not actually engaged in the charge, we were yet exposed to a continued fire from batteries. The engagement had commenced in the morning at about nine o'clock, and consequently lasted eight hours. Although there was no one regiment who fought over four hours unless it be the NY Fire Zouaves in company with the 14th Brooklyn. They fought longer and better than any regiment on the ground - doing great execution. At one time as the Union forces were leaving the field a body of cavalry nearly two hundred strong. left the woods and came down upon us whereupon a body of about three hundred Zouaves, who had formed to resist them, fired into them killing all but about five who immediately took to flight and were seen no more. Now that the line of march was taken up a body of cavalry and one of the batteries were stationed in our rear to cover our retreat, while the whole Union force, which had that day been marched against the rebels full of confidence and hope, were now, at a rapid rate, leaving it in such confusion that not one fourth of the wounded were taken care of but left to find their way back as best they might. Ambulances were returning, some with no one in and others were filled with those who had been spectators of the battle and tired soldiers.
The road from Manassas to Centreville was strewn with ammunition, Baggage, Blankets, Haversacks, Canteens, Guns and Cartridge Boxes and, in fact, everything which goes toward preparing for a campaign. Dead horses, wounded soldiers and others who, exhausted, had thrown themselves by the wayside - some were lying in the steams which ran along our way, where they had thrown themselves to assuage the intense heat which seemed to be burning them up. Occasionally would be seen a wounded soldier who had found his way to some little stream and anxiously bathing his wound, while perhaps just below him would be another, who, for thirst, was drinking the same water. In fact the whole field and road to Centreville were strewn with men who from fatigue and thirst had thrown themselves down, little caring whether they were taken or not.
Such was the condition in which they were left by their officers. To be sure there are many noble exceptions to this but the Wis. boys know of one Regiment who were thus left. And that this is a fact, several of the boys, who after the general order to retreat was given had caught a stray horse and, although fleeing as the Colonel had ordered "every man for himself and for life", they came to the conclusion that either the Colonel (Peck) was aided by some unseen power; or that their life was not of the same value; for after running their horses all night and arriving at camp early next morning, they found that Colonel had just gone along. And this is one great reason who so many of our regiment were left behind. And for this reason we have great hopes for Serg't Dexter, Corporal Carhart, and Private Stafford as they were seen off after the hottest of the engagement. We think they must have been taken prisoners.
On arriving in camp after retreating 24 hours with nothing to eat save what we might beg by the way of farmers who were very busy allowing themselves no rest in administering to the wants of the soldiers as one after another came straggling in. We were greeted by our comrades with a hearty shake of the hand and often by the exclamation "For God sake, where did you come from? We thought you dead! How did you get here? Where is Frank, Jud, Billy and Cap?" and such like questions while at every new arrival the questions would be repeated; and when at last the most of our company were in and inquires made for the welfare of other's with a satisfactory answer a great load seemed gone from our hearts and the supense, which was before painful, is now turned into joy as we once more met many of our comrades whom we never more expected to see, having heard they were dead. Yet there is still a shadow hanging over our company when we think of those whom we have left behind and of those who are known to be dead.
We cannot speak too highly of the conduct of our officers on the battle field. Cap, with his usual coolness, was in the thickest of the fight, exposed to danger on every hand. The same may be said of Lieuts. Mann and Jones. Lieut. Mann, after the ranks were broken and thrown into confusion, was seen with sword and revolver in hand dealing out death in every hand while Billy was every where. In the thickest of the fight could we see Billy encouraging and cheering on the boys speaking words of cheer and comfort to the wounded and was the last man to leave the field.
The thanks of the company to Serg't H. B. Converse for his untiring efforts in saving our provisions and ammunition were best shown as they were dealt out to us after returning from Manassas as each one weary and hungry as they were, were loud in their call for commissary.
August 3rd.
Yesterday we were visited by Gov. Randall, who after making a nice speech presented the Second Wis with a very large and beautiful flag - a gift from the ladies of Madison. And as it floated beside the old one with all new bearers but two, the reminder having been killed at the fight, upon one side was the seal of the State on the other her Coat of Arms.
We thought of the great duty which rested upon us of preserving the honor of our own State and protecting the flag of the US and, as we were that day dismissed, new resolves were made and oaths taken to do our part though it be at the peril of our lives.
A.T.M.
P.S. Since writing the above we have received the gratifying intelligence from one who has just returned from the rebel camp, having escaped from the hospital, that the prisoners were well treated and that the hospital at Centreville was not burned as reported.
A.T.M.

Brave Boys Col. Clough has arrived from Washington, and whatever may have been the conduct of others, he says the Wisconsin troops are highly praised by every one who saw the engagement. The 2d Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers was the last to leave the field and the "Racine Rifles" occupied the rear of the retreat. He says the officers of our company acquitted themselves with the greatest bravery and courage. Capt. Strong, until he fell from the effects of sun stroke, cheered his men on with the greatest enthusiasm, with Lieut. Doolittle, was the last to leave the field and was so completely fatigued by his exertions during the engagement that when the retreat sounded, he bade the boys 'God speed' and was utterly unable to keep up with them.

Garments for the Wounded. The ladies of this city met, pursuant to notice, at the Presbyterian Church on Monday evening to arrange for disbursing the balance of the fund raised on the 4th in
purchasing cloth and making garments for the sick and wounded lying in the hospitals at Washington.
Mrs. James R. Doolittle was called to the Chair and the object of the meeting stated when the following committee was appointed to make the purchases, see to cutting out the garments and forward them, when finished, to their destination.
Committee: Mrs. James R. Doolittle, Mrs. Wm. E. Wording, Mrs. Dr. Shepherd, Mrs. Dr. Thompson, Mrs. Senaca Raymond, Mrs. S.N. Ives, Mrs. H. Warner and Mrs. Lucas Bradley.
The committee would also announce that the material will be taken to the old Advocate "Reading Room" in the Masonic Building where it will be cut out and ready for delivery to such as wish to lend a helping hand in making, on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
We doubt not the ladies will avail themselves of the opportunity to show their sympathy for the brave wounded.

Feel Well.- We had the pleasure of greeting B.B. Northrop Esq. who returned from Washington yesterday. Tuesday, after the fight, he spent in Fort Corcoran with our boys. They are feeling in the best of spirits and hope to be led against the rebels again. They did not lose their tents as reported but, on the contrary, have them now in use. He has a diagram of the battle drawn by Capt. Strong showing the position of the Belle City Rifles during the engagement. After the order to charge was given and mysterious disappearance of the Field officers, Capt Strong maintained his ground and himself picked up a musket and fired 12 plump shots at the rebels! The boys feel in excellent spirits..- We had the pleasure of greeting B.B. Northrop Esq. who returned from Washington yesterday. Tuesday, after the fight, he spent in Fort Corcoran with our boys. They are feeling in the best of spirits and hope to be led against the rebels again. They did not lose their tents as reported but, on the contrary, have them now in use. He has a diagram of the battle drawn by Capt. Strong showing the position of the Belle City Rifles during the engagement. After the order to charge was given and mysterious disappearance of the Field officers, Capt Strong maintained his ground and himself picked up a musket and fired 12 plump shots at the rebels! The boys feel in excellent spirits.

Killed, Wounded and Missing.- In the absence of any official list it is hard to determine the facts about the condition of our company but by careful examination of letters from the boys, which we have been kindly permitted to read, we think we have arrived at a complete list of causalities, that
is as near as 'tis possible in the absence of official records.
The Killed. No one who has not seen the anxiety depicted on nearly every face since the moment news arrived of our Regiment being in the late bloody battle can form any idea of it. The telegraph and Post Office have been watched with an earnestness never seen before, until when it became painfully rumored that the Rifles had suffered, the anxiety became intense. Rumor as ever exaggerates. First our troops had lost 5,000! Later it reached 3,000 then 1,500 and now from authentic sources we hear the loss is not more than 1,000 of which number only 300 or 400 are killed.
As with the army, so with our Regiment and company, the first reports were greatly exaggerated.
The number of our boys known to be killed are two, namely Charlie Filer of this city who was shot while in the act of raising his gun to fire and fell into the arms of Thos. St. George exclaiming, "Tom, take care of me," and died almost directly; Henry Benson of Burlington is the other. A nobler, braver boy never gave his life in the sacred cause of freedom. With his hand shattered by a rifle ball, he cheerfully remarked to his comrades. "Boys, there's Wisconsin blood," and raising his musket to his shoulder, he fired, receiving at the same instant a mortal wound from which he died almost instantly. There are three others reported killed namely: Wm. Upham of this city, Humes, whose home was Beloit, and James Anderson who worked in the employ of the Racine & Mississippi RR Co.
Without desiring to raise false hopes or hold out encouragement that has no foundation, we deem it best to state the reports as they reach us and which in the absence of official knowledge is all we have to base our hopes upon. First, as regards Wm. Upham, the report came that he was dead. It was repeated in several letters yet not a person stated they had witnessed his death, only that he was wounded, carried out of the ranks and hadn't been seen or heard of since. In a letter, however, from Mr. Whitely to the friends of the gallant boy, written last Thursday, he says, "On visiting our boys yesterday, and after a long talk with Dug. Smith, who with Thos. Weddon carried Willie off the field, I am by no means sure that he (Wille) is dead. Smith was the last with him. The bullet did not strike either the heart or lungs, but where the arm joins the body, glancing upwards, and came out at the back of the neck. They took him to the hospital about 2 miles. On the way, Willie complained of a choking sensation, when Smith sucked the blood out of the wound, which gave him relief. He then bathed the wound and staunched it with cloths. Arriving at the Hospital he was laid in as comfortable a position as possible.- Smith filled his canteen with water, and haversack full of rations, when the enemy's black horse cavalry swept down and Smith retreated."
We here have the simple statement of a comrade that Upham was left alive in the hospital, and as we infer in charge of Dr. Lewis was made prisoner, and in the capture, he stipulated the right to take care of his own wounded. If this is so there is a chance that Upham is in safe hands and may yet return.
The reported death of Humes is also premature, so far as we have spy intelligence or can gather any from the circumstances of his wound. He was struck by the first cannon ball that passed through our company and lost his right arm. Two of the boys fell out of the ranks and carried him to the hospital. His death is not confirmed by anything our boys saw after, and beyond the report that he died, there is no evidence proving it.
So too in the case of James Anderson, we cannot learn that any one has written of his death from their personal knowledge. He was wounded in the leg, unable to walk and left on the field when the retreat began. A wound in the leg would hardly prove fatal and confessing our unwillingness to believe any very general cruelty toward our wounded by the rebels, we have a hope he will yet turn up alive.
The Wounded.- Of the number reported wounded, none we apprehend are considered dangerous. Henry Ginty is disabled in the hand, caused by his musket being shattered by a cannon ball. This boy maintained the most perfect composure and insisted upon fighting with the remaining, and did, we learn, have five shots at the traitors afterwards! He is a brave soldier and has won the title most nobly.
Tom Crosby is wounded in the arm, how how badly we know not, but have no reason to think seriously.
Wm. Fuller is wounded in the ankle, which is not dangerous, we presume. Sexton got a bayonet thrust in the check but nothing serious. This with the exception of some who fell sun struck, and young Clough, stepped on by a cavalry horse, makes up the wounded of whom we have any report.
The Missing.- Three of the boys were reported missing for some days. Lacy, John Anderson and Heyer.
Our opinion is from the letters received, that only Lacy and Anderson are missing at this present writing. Young Lacy has been counted among the lost from the first and nothing contradictory has been received. No one saw him fall in the engagement or there would doubtless have been some mention of it in some one of the many letters received. The probability is, that when charged upon by the rebels during the retreat, he was taken prisoner.
John Anderson was safe till after the fight. He stood side by side with Joseph Hughes of this city and they commenced the retreat together. This Hughs writes to our certain knowledge. He further states that they did not get separated until the cavalry charged upon them, when "in the confusion John Anderson was lost sight of," and from that moment he has not seen seen or heard of by the boys Hughes thinks he was taken prisoner, which is most likely the case. Up to Monday we had shared in the apprehension that Heyer was among the missing, but it will be noticed, that not only are the letters received on Monday silent about his being missing when the others are named, but also is the correspondent of the Milwaukee Wisconsin ignorant of it in making out the list.- We have therefore come to the conclusion that he has got in all safe.
The above is we think, the entire list of causalities in the "Belle City Rifles." That the Boys fought bravely, determinedly, nobly all will confess. They occupied a place in the contest of distinguished danger; and we are proud to write it, they never for a moment flinched; they contested every inch of ground with the courage of veteran soldiers, and when deserted by their Field Officers, and overwhelmed by numbers, they fought with a determination that covers them with glory. The simple unvarnished account they tell of the battle, proves them to be all that Wisconsin could ask or expect of her sons. Mourn though we may for those who have fallen, yet we cannot but thank God that they died nobly, gloriously, triumphantly in the cause of Freedom! If our friends are called upon to die, can we ask for them a more glorious death than Filer's or Benson's? They are gone from Earth; but their bravery, their patriotism and devotion to their country will live forever. God grant that our country may ever, in its hour of trial, find as brave men as fought and died at the battle of Bull's Run!

Promoted.- Irving W. Potter, son of Gen. James Potter of this city, and Sergeant of the Oshkosh Rifles, 2d Wisconsin Regiment, is to be commissioned 1st Lieutenant of the 15th Infantry, regular army. Lieut Potter was in the thickest of the fight at Bull Run and bore himself bravely through the conflict. During the confusion and excitement of the flight, after the repulse, he was cool and self-possed: and when one of the companions with whom he was retreating, suggested the prudence of quickening his step, he replied, "No! I walked on the the field of battle and I'll walk off from it," and he kept his word. He is a true soldier and will make a gallant officer.

2d Wisconsin Regiment

The Fight at Bull Run.- Owing to a variety of causes, some of the regiments engaged in the battle of the 21st of July have failed to receive as favorable a notice as they deserve.
Among such might be mentioned the Second Regiment of Wisconsin. This regiment was in the advance of Col. Sherman's brigade during the engagement of the 18th and is highly complimented by that officer for their coolness in their first exposure to the enemy's batteries. In the battle of Sunday the 21st, they were attached to the same brigade with the thirteenth, sixty ninth and seventy ninth of New York.
Up to ten o'clock AM, the regiment served as supporters of Gen. Sherman's battery when they had orders to cross the stream leaving the battery behind them. Marching up the steep hill in the double quick, they were soon formed at the top in battle order. In a few moments the order came to charge upon the rebel's batteries which were directly in front across the valley. Here the Badger boys made a gallant charge down the declivity and up the opposite side, pouring volleys of musket shot into the enemy's ranks. In this engagement, where they were exposed an hour and half to the double fires of the enemy's artillery and infantry, they lost some thirty killed and sixty wounded. 

The Fire Zouaves, who occupied a position during the engagement directly to the right, were often heard to say that "the Wisconsin boys fight bravely", "they are the boys for us," &c. After the order had been given to retreat and the regiment had recrossed Bull Run, the cavalry made an attempt to capture their regimental colors, but a sudden charge upon the cavalry emptied eleven or twelve of their saddles and scattered the rest in confusion. At Centreville they halted and reformed, when one of the corporals in Capt. Allen's company rode up a fine horse that he had captured, and dismounted telling the Captain to take his horse that he would rather go back and be shot than to make the retreat.- And such was the feeling of a large portion of the regiment. They did not think themselves whipped, and nothing but positive orders from headquarters made them leave Centreville. At Fairfax they stopped two hours when the men were ordered to lie down and sleep till they should receive orders to march. Dr. Salter, correspondent of the New York Times, accompanied the regiment from Centreville to Fairfax, and took supper at the latter place with some of the officers.
The regiment was one of the last to leave the field being preceded all the way by the sixty ninth. They returned to camp in good order occupying their old ground on Arlington Heights without the loss of any provisions or blankets and with but a very small loss of arms. The men are reported to be doing well and more eager for a fray than before and will go into the battle again with more coolness but no more courage.-
National Republican, Aug 1st.

A Hard Experience.- There is a long letter published in the Janesville Gazette from Capt. Ely, to his family. In it we find some strange statements, and from them we form the opinion than the Captain had a hard experience.
He says that before the battle he was very much troubled with diarrhea and during the retreat from Manassas it prostrated him so that he had to lay down in a hollow, where surrounded by a slashing cavalry, and fleeing friends he slept for fifteen minutes. He has lost 35 pounds of his good solid flesh and all his clothes. When he left here he weighed 200 pounds avoirdupois, and the day after the retreat he got weighted and found that he was only 171 pounds. Capt. Ely's letter is very outspoken and will well repay perusal. We must conclude our notice by giving the following sad and verbatim extract from it. Lieut. Col. Peckk and Major McDonald, our only field officers, had dismounted early in the day and they remained back in the wood so that we had no regimental commander with us.

Additional List of Wounded.- The telegraph brings some additional names of the wounded in the Second Wisconsin Regiment. Many errors of course occur.-
The following are the only names we can identify on comparing a list with the muster roll of the Regiment: James W. Marden, of the Fox Lake Citizen's Guard; Thomas Crosby, William Fuller and Henry B. Ginty, of the Belle City (Racine) Rifles; Chas A. Garvin, Geo. B. Hyde and Robert Simpson of the Grant Co. Greys, Chas A. Keyes of the Randall (Madison) Guards; Sergeant Joseph W. Roberts of the Oshkosh Volunteers; and Corporal T. B. Whitney, C. Dosing and J. Maynard of the Wisconsin (Milwaukee) Rifles.

(Correspondence of the Milwaukee Sentinel)
Letter From the Second Regiment

Fort Corcon, July 30, 61
Dear Sentinel: Our camp was aroused on Monday by the return thereto of Private Waldorf, of Company "C" (Grant County Volunteers) who was taken prisoner by the rebels at the battle of Bull's Run. Waldorf came from Beetown, Grant County. In the battle he was wounded in the arm and the loss of blood so weakened him that he fell behind the main retreating column and was taken prisoner. He was in the church transformed into a hospital which was near the battle when he, and two others belonging to other regiments, concluded that was no good place for them and dodging the guard, escaped and found their way back to Washington. Waldorf's comrades were, of course, very glad to see him and he was the hero of the hour. He says the wounded prisoners in the hands of the rebels are well taken care of. They live better than we do in camp and their wants are attended to. The officers treat them with respect but the privates are not so careful of the language they use or of its application.-
The officers, however, prevent the abuse when they are near to do it. The prisoners taken are sent to Richmond and other Southern points as fast as it is possible to do it. Among the number sent off was Dr. Lewis, our surgeon, and there were eight Federal surgeons taken. Waldorf saw but few of the Second Regiment in the hospital, some seven in all, and they were well cared for.
The dead on the field of battle were buried, the rebels in one, and the Federal dead in another grave, a distinction being made as far as it could. The Zouaves or  Zoo Zoos of the Federal army were not buried at all, the rebels having a particular hatred for them, but their bodies were allowed to lay and rot.
He says he heard the rebel officers talking about their loss and the lowest estimate he heard was 1,000. A Negro who escaped and came into camp a few days ago says that he heard Beauregard place the number at over 1,500. No preparations appeared to be making to follow-up the army but general rejoicing and intoxication were resorted to over the retreat of the Federal army. Waldorf is now in the hospital, and his wound is getting along well.
Previous to the time they were sent to Richmond, Dr. Lewis and the other surgeons devoted their time and their energies to the wounded and all were well attended to. The Milwaukee Rifles, Capt. Langworthy's Company, have gone into Fort Corcoran and are now practicing on the large guns of the Fort. In case of an attack upon Washington, they would have to work the guns.
Several officers of the Third Wisconsin Regiment have visited us. The Third is stationed at Baltimore and is split up the Companies doing guard duty on the Railroads and at other points, a most responsible position.
The Second Regiment is guarding the Aqueduct road. Every morning and night we send out a Company to take charge of the road and several houses, the proprietors of which are troubled with secession proclivities.
Among the frightened class may be set down poor Sambo. Attached to the American army are thousands of them, free Negroes and escaped slaves. They know that if taken they will be sent into slavery, and they are ever on the lookout against any such contingency. Their retreat from the battle field can only be compared to that of the Members of Congress and lookers on, who fled as if their lives depended solely upon the time they made. Thousands filled up the roads and fields and could they have gained some regiment and fought half as desperately for the stars and stripes and they did to work their way through wounded soldiers, frightened ones, sutlers wagons and commissaries teams, they would have whipped any army under the sun. But it is allowed now that the whole thing should be looked upon more in sorrow than in anger.

We are favored by Lieut. C. K. Dean with a pen and pencil map of the Bull's Run battle ground, made by his hand, and no doubt accurate. It shows the line of march of the Second Wisconsin Regiment around the rebel batteries, their stand at various points and their route of final retreat at last when deserted by almost every regiment which had entered for the battle. The hills, roads, fences, groves, ravines and other things not on printed maps are distinctly noted and the whole is accompanied with written notes of explanation. It is a valuable paper and will be preserved among such records as may some day be valuable in giving the history of the war and the brave volunteers of Wisconsin.
Extract from Capt. McKee's Letter
H. N. Strong - Dear Sir: - Your son, David, was wounded in the leg at the battle of Bull's Run and has not since been heard from; the last that was seen of him was by some of our company who assisted him out of the field during the fight. I have but a very little doubt that he is a prisoner in the hands of the rebels.
David fought nobly on the field and was deserving a better fate than his I have no doubt however but that he will be secure from harm, and will eventually return to his friends.
Very truly your friend,
David McKee

From the testimony of Mr. Elmore, also from that of G. L. Hyde, and from the numerous letters that have been received, we are sure that our men did will on the memorable 21st, only failing in the final triumph for that day, by a destiny which they could not control, and for which they were not to blame. Especially is Capt. McKee entitled to the confidence and esteem of his men.
David Strong was reported in the papers as being badly wounded and left on the field. The evidence from several letters received in Lancaster is that he was wounded in the leg; Brookens, by the Captain's directions, took him in charge and both are missing, probably taken prisoners by the enemy, who, it is hoped, will use them well.
H. N. S

August 1861