unded, the rebels opening furiously
on a hill where the infantry were busy cooking coffee. The rebel force
consisted of cavalry and horse-artillery. Our battery took position on the
hill, but changed front soon after, firing to the rear, facing a deep
creek below the hill. Generals Warren and Caldwell were present. General
Warren ordered General Hayes to march his division directly to Manassas
Junction, and if opposed by the enemy, to charge with the bayonet at once.
A short time after a battery appeared in our front. Captain Arnold wished
to open fire; but, incredible as it sounds, yet true, General Caldwell
would not allow it, taking the rebels for our own troops. They unlimbered,
and opened a well-directed fire on our battery, which had a very exposed
position. Our fire did not seem to have much effect. General Caldwell did
not remain after finding out his mistake. Our battery was compelled to
withdraw. A section of regular artillery tried to get in position, but was
unable to do so. The line of march was taken up immediately, cavalry and
horse-artillery marching on both flanks. We were not disturbed any more
until four o'clock P. M., our troops suddenly met the enemy on the
railroad at Bristow Station. Only four guns of our battery were at hand,
the right section acting as rear guard. We were opposed by a six gun
battery, having mostly white horses. A desperate engagement followed,
lasting one hour. We fired point blank most of the time. The rebel
battery was nearly annihilated, and five of their guns carried away by
our infantry; but our battery deserves due credit for the capture of the
rebels. The right section arrived after the engagement was over, taking up
its position instantly. At dark the enemy suddenly attacked us on our left
flank, bringing a battery to bear on us from the other side of the
railroad; but the dam being too high, they could not fire with accuracy.
We changed front at once, opening fire, and silencing the battery shortly
after, ending the engagement thereby. Hill's corps and Stewart's cavalry
were the opposing forces. The Second corps captured five guns and nearly a
thousand prisoners. We all crossed Kettle Run, late in the night, marched
to Centreville via Manassas Junction, arriving there in a tired-out
condition. Our loss at Bristow Station was: Killed--Philip Crayton.
Wounded--John Moran, died afterwards; M. Desmond, James Gardner, Patrick
Healey, and Theodore Reichardt.

_Thursday, Octob