[Jerry D]

The Battle of First Manassas:
July 21, 1861

On a warm July day in 1861, two armies of a divided nation clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run. Their ranks were filled with enthusiastic young volunteers in colorful new uniforms, gathered together from every part of the country. Confident that their foes would run at the first shot, the raw recruits were thankful that they would not miss the only battle of what surely would be a short war. But any thought of colorful pageantry was suddenly lost in the smoke, din, dirt, and death of battle. Soldiers on both sides were stunned by the violence and destruction they encountered. At day's end nearly 900 young men lay lifeless on the fields of Matthews Hill, Henry Hill, and Chinn Ridge. Ten hours of heavy fighting swept away any notion the war's outcome would be decided quickly.

First Manassas in July 21, 1861 Casulties:

Union
Army of Northeastern Virginia: Brigadier General Irvin McDowell

First Division: Brigadier General Daniel Tyler

First Brigade: Colonel Erasmus Keyes - 223
Second Brigade: Brigadier General Robert Schneck - 98
Third Brigade: Colonel William Sherman - 605
Fourth Brigade: Colonel Isreal Richardson - ---
TOTAL - 929

Second Division: Colonel David Hunter

First Brigade: Colonel Andrew Porter - 464
Second Brigade: Colonel Ambrose Burnside - 363
TOTAL - 829

Third Division: Colonel Samuel Heintzelman

First Brigade: Colonel William Franklin - 359
Second Brigade: Colonel Orlando Willcox - 432
Third Brigade: Colonel Oliver Howard - 225
TOTAL - 1, 016

Fifth Division: Colonel Dixon Miles

First Brigade: Colonel Louis Blenker - 118
Second Brigade: Colonel Thomas Davies - 3
TOTAL - 121

GRAND TOTAL - 2,896

Confederate
Army of the Potomac: Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard

First Brigade: Brigadier General M.L. Bonham - 76
Second Brigade: Brigadier General Richard S. Ewell - ---
Third Brigade: Brigadier General D.R. Jones - 75
Fourth Brigade: Brigadier General James Longstreet - 14
Fifth Brigade: Colonel P.St.G. Cooke - 104
Sixth Brigade: Colonel Jubal A. Early - 79
Seventh Brigade: Brigadier General Nathan G. Evans - 146
Holmes' Brigade: Brigadier General T.H. Holmes - ---
TOTAL - 638

Army of the Shenandoah: General Joseph E. Johnston

First Brigade: Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson - 561
Second Brigade: Colonel Francis S. Bartow - 353
Third Brigade: Brigadier General Barnard Bee - 405
Fourth Brigade: Brigadier General E.K. Smith - 27
TOTAL - 1,357

Unattached: Hamptom Legion: Colonel Wade Hampton - 121

GRAND TOTAL - 1,226
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If the Politicians of today were in office in 1861 after this major loss.The Union Army would have witdrawn because some in Congress would have declared the war not winable.Our troops deserve the best equipment,support, and Backing the USA can provide.

with thanks to Johnny Horton for the following Lyrics:"Johnny Reb"

You fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Red

Saw you a-marchin' with Robert E. Lee
You held your head a-high, tryin' to win the victory
You fought for your folks but you didn't die in vain
Even though you lost, they speak highly of your name

'Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb

I heard your teeth chatter from the cold outside
Saw the bullets open up the wounds in your side
I saw the young boys as they begin to fall
You had tears in your eyes, 'cause you couldn't help at all

But you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb

I saw, General Lee, raise the sabre in his hand
Heard the cannon's roar as you made your last stand
You marched in the battle with the gray and the red
When the cannon's smoke cleared, took days to count the dead

'Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb

When, "Honest Abe", heard the news about your fall
The folks thought he'd call a great victory ball
But he asked the band to play the song, Dixie
For you Johnny Reb and all that you believed

'Cause you fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
Yeah, you fought all the way, Johnny Reb

You fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb

FADES-
You fought all the way, Johnny Reb, Johnny Reb
Yeah, you fought all the way Johnny