The criticism which will be made on this mishap will be that men should not have been thus thrust upon a masked battery -- that it is a repetition of the old Big Bethel and Vienna affairs. Gen. TYLER, however, says that it was only a reconnoissance in force -- that the object he had in view was to determine what force and batteries the enemy had at that point -- and that he now understands this perfectly. Undoubtedly, this is so; the only question is, whether the knowledge was not purchased at too dear a cost. Upon one thing you may rely. This misfortune will not delay the attack on Manassas. On the contrary, it will hasten it. But I think that, instead of leading troops directly against batteries, whether masked or not, Gen. MCDOWELL will turn their entire position. The movement of troops, to-night; indicates a purpose to throw the troops upon the north side of the intrenched camp, from this point, while other columns will approach it from other directions. The result will vindicate the movements. ~Published: July 21, 1861 from The New York Times Newspaper
This newspaper article was described from the point of view of a Northern reporter that was following the Union army into battle. He saw first hand the death and destruction of the Union army caused by the hidden battery of the Confederate army.
The outcome of the battle was that the Union army was soundly defeated by the Confederates who did not seize the opportunity to finish off the Northerners. Both sides pointed fingers at their own leaders for the mishandling of the battle. The Union army changed leadership and they became a better fighting force under George B. McClellan. After this battle, both the North and South realized that this war was going to be long and deadly.
The outcome of the battle was that the Union army was soundly defeated by the Confederates who did not seize the opportunity to finish off the Northerners. Both sides pointed fingers at their own leaders for the mishandling of the battle. The Union army changed leadership and they became a better fighting force under George B. McClellan. After this battle, both the North and South realized that this war was going to be long and deadly.
A letter home from a Northern soldier after the Battle of Bull Run:
My dearest Mary,
Today was a horrible day. As we marched toward Bull Run with full confidence that we would win this time, I saw well over 1,000 men die before my eyes. Never in wildest nightmares would I imagine that our great Northern army would be so soundly defeated.
Shots came out of nowhere and as I turned to see what it was, I was shot in the leg. I was lucky, unlike the rest, that it was only a flesh wound and I should recover quickly. Many of my friends were either killed or shot badly and had to have an amputation. We did not know what hit us, but we knew it hit us badly.
As we retreated the grim sightings of our fellow soldiers, we all were dismayed. Even our leaders were at loss for what had just happened.
Though we were hit hard, the South seemed to have lost many too. Their numbers were not nearly as high, but still they were hurt. We were lucky for their hurt, for if there were not that many casualties, they would have chased us down and finished us off.
From what I have seen, this war will not end soon. I know that I said I would be home before the end of summer, but I think no such visit will be allowed. Everyone seems to be worried for the next attack, and I know that with our low numbers, I am needed. I will try to come home as soon as I can, but for now I will try to stay safe.
With all of my love,
John
My dearest Mary,
Today was a horrible day. As we marched toward Bull Run with full confidence that we would win this time, I saw well over 1,000 men die before my eyes. Never in wildest nightmares would I imagine that our great Northern army would be so soundly defeated.
Shots came out of nowhere and as I turned to see what it was, I was shot in the leg. I was lucky, unlike the rest, that it was only a flesh wound and I should recover quickly. Many of my friends were either killed or shot badly and had to have an amputation. We did not know what hit us, but we knew it hit us badly.
As we retreated the grim sightings of our fellow soldiers, we all were dismayed. Even our leaders were at loss for what had just happened.
Though we were hit hard, the South seemed to have lost many too. Their numbers were not nearly as high, but still they were hurt. We were lucky for their hurt, for if there were not that many casualties, they would have chased us down and finished us off.
From what I have seen, this war will not end soon. I know that I said I would be home before the end of summer, but I think no such visit will be allowed. Everyone seems to be worried for the next attack, and I know that with our low numbers, I am needed. I will try to come home as soon as I can, but for now I will try to stay safe.
With all of my love,
John