[First Battle of Bull Run]. CSA General Robert Hall Chilton Signed Period Fair Copy of the Battle Report for 1st Brigade. Nine pages of bifolia, 7.5" x 9.75", Camp Gregg [Virginia]; August 1, 1861. A period fair copy of Brigadier General Milledge L. Bonham's report on the "Battle of Manassa" [sic] sent to Brigadier General G. T. Beauregard. Docketed on verso. The report was presumably forwarded to Chilton, who signs in acknowledgement on page nine, "RH Chilton." It reads, in part: "Between the 18th and 21st of July I placed on my extreme left Kershaw's regiment with Kemper's battery, both to give support to the left or centre of your whole line, as circumstances might require, and to keep watch on the Enemy's movements, should he attempt to cross any part of his force, by Cub Run Ford, between Col. Cocke's position at stone bridge and my own at Bull Run. Col. Kirkland's Regiment was placed in my center, on the ground previously occupied by Col. Kershaw. The Enemy continued up to evening of the 20th to make some display of force in my front, but to what extent it was impossible to ascertain, as his force was under cover of the hills and woods... Early in the morning the Enemy's fire was opened upon my position from the batteries in my front, throwing shot and shell from rifled cannon, and kept up until the afternoon, with occasional exchanges of small Arms, between the advance troops. The distance was such that my own Field pieces could do but little execution, and my fire was reserved for a closer encounter. My men occupied through the day the trenches under this pretty regular fire of shell and shot, exhibiting a coolness and steadiness worthy of veterans... Before we had reached the position which the Enemy had occupied in our front he abandoned his camp, with indications of a precipitate retreat. I continued the pursuit to near Centreville, when the Enemy opened with his Artillery upon the route of my column as indicated by the dust. Col. Lay, with a small escort, having gone forward to make a reconnaissance, found his Artillery and Infantry drawn up on the hills between the Run & Centreville, covering the approach to that place. I ordered my own Infantry to deploy in the woods to the left of the road & Genl. Longstreet's to the right placing a battery of Artillery in the road, and the Cavalry in the rear, under cover... During the night the Enemy abandoned his position at Centreville... I shall find it difficult to do justice to the fortitude, the patriotism, and the steady courage of the officers and men composing my command..." Condition: Report is holed for filing with grommet reinforcement at upper left corner. Light edgewear along upper margin. Minor scattered pinholes from pest damage along one fold that does not touch any text. With toning along folds and at margins. A few tiny tears along top edge. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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