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44

THE FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN.

It was while the Regiment was encamped at Camp Granger that the first battle of Bull Run was fought, July 21st. From sunrise until sunset, through the long hours of that memorable Sabbath day, the booming of cannon could be distinctly heard in the distance. Every rumor that reached the city was conveyed to and circulated through the camp, producing the most feverish excitement on the part of the men, and an eager desire to cross over the Potomac and participate in the conflict. Towards evening it appeared as if their wishes were to be gratified, the Thirty-third, together with several other regiments, receiving marching orders. All sprang with alacrity to their places, and moved off in the direction of Long Bridge. On reaching the Treasury Department, however, the orders were countermanded, and the men returned to camp, uncertain of the fortunes of the day, fearful of what the morrow would bring forth.

What followed the unhappy termination of the engagement at Manassas is familiar to every one. The Thirty-third shared in the universal gloom which for a time settled down upon the nation. Instead, however, of occasioning despondency and despair, the Bull Run defeat furnished an additional incentive to action, and the soldiers impatiently bided their time. Captain Aikens, of Company C, resigned here, and was succeeded by First Lieutenant Chester H. Cole. Lieutenant Schott, Company C, was succeeded by L. C. Mix, Commissary Sergeant; John Connor, of Company E, and William Riker, died of disease.

REMOVAL TO VICINITY OF CHAIN BRIDGE. 45

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Removal to Vicinity of Chain Bridge.-Upsetting of Ambulances. The Regiment Brigaded.-Frequent Alarms and Reconnoissances. Reviewed by General McClellan.-Crossing of the Potomac. Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen. - Formation of Divisions.-Colonel Stevens.-First Skirmish with the Enemy grat Lewinsville Camp.-General Brooks.-General Davidson.The Seventy-seventh New York added to the Brigade.-A Novel Wedding in Camp.-Circulating a Temperance Pledge. Battle of Drainesville.

THURSDAY, July 6th, the Regiment broke camp, and proceeding through Georgetown, along the River Road, took up a new position near the Reservoir, about one-half of a mile from Chain Bridge. This spot had previously been designated as of midis ef betroger atroos

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CAMP LYON.

Camp Lyon, after the lamented hero of Springfield, Mo. Two heavy four-horse ambulances, containing the sick, were accidentally precipitated down a steep embankment, while moving to the new camp. Fortunately no one was killed, though several were severely injured. The baggage wagons did not the first night, and the men were compelled to sleep in the open air, without blankets. A report being brought in that the rebels were advancing on the Maryland side of the river, a detachment of one hundred men, consisting of ten from each Company, started out on a reconnoissance about one o'clock in the morning. Discovering no signs of the enemy, however, the force returned at daylight.

The Thirty-third was here for the first time brigaded, being placed, together with the Third Vermont and 6th Maine, under the command of Colonel, since General, W. F. Smith. The Second Vermont was afterwards attached to the Brigade. The time was principally employed in drilling, constructing rifle-pits, and a redoubt mounting three guns. There were repeated alarms during the stay here.

On one occasion word was received from General McClellan that the enemy had crossed the Potomac in large force, and were advancing upon the city. General Smith immediately ordered out his command, posting the Thirty-third behind a stone wall, where they remained until the returning cavalry scouts reported the alarm to be false. During the

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