Newspaper Article 1861 - Bruce Stanton

LOSS AT BULL RUN CREEK

By Bruce Stanton                              August 1861

                                                                                                       

             Just last month we had lost a battle at Bull Run Creek. Many people came to watch and spectacle at a quick and easy battle between the U.S.A and the rebels, but it seems, that wasn't what happened. On July 16, 1861, our Union troops had planned to cut the railroad at Manassas, VA then we go to Richmond, VA. On July 21, 1861, there was an 8-mile long line of dixie soldiers on one side of Bull Run Creek. We attacked the left side of the line, and things seemed bright for us. Many of our soldiers began picking up items and food left by the civilians watching us. We were confident that we would win since the rebels were a lot weaker than us. 

             Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. It seems a general on the traitor's side, General Thomas Jackson, stood in the middle of the line, unmoving, like a madman. Suddenly, more dixie soldiers came bustling through, many came on horseback, but, like I've never seen before, men arrived on trains. They had outnumbered us, so we fled along with the casual citizens present. 2,986 casualties had plagued us. Our brave men had lost legs, arms and anything else imaginable. The South may have won, but I know the North will prevail.  It was an embarrassing loss, but we can win it back. This war may not be over that soon, but those butternuts will not win.