Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892 to Jane Brisbin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.01 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892 Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.1 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his wife Jane of his travels from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., through Alexandria with a company of 120 men, supported by artillery men from Rhode Island Governor William Sprague's "celebrated Rhode Island Battery." States that he is in camp south of Alexandria, and will march for Fairfax Court House in the morning en route to Bull Run. Reports that the previous day at Bull Run, the Union lost several hundred men, while Confederate forces lost over one thousand. Refers to the actions of the New York and Massachusetts 8th Regiments. Writes, "A Desperate fight has been going on all day at Bulls Run- In the [inserted: fight] yesterday we lost several hundred- the Rebels lost over a thousand... The Battle lasted from 2 o'Clock till half past 5- I can hear the roar of the Cannon here and a great Battle is evidently [inserted: now] going on at Bulls Run... " Declares "In the fight this afternoon the Michigan Regiment ... rushed on the enemy- throwing away their guns they pitched into to the Rebels hand to hand fighting with their Bowie Knives and made the fur fly until the Rebels run ... " States that he will inform Jane of his arrival time in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after the battle.
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