s the advance guard of the Federal army entered Alexandria, Va., on the
south side of the Potomac, a Confederate flag was seen floating from the
roof of a hotel kept by one Jackson. Col. Elsworth, commanding the
advance force, hauled it down. Jackson shot him dead, and was in turn
killed by Elsworth's soldiers. This, I believe, was the first blood shed
on Virginia soil.

As McDowell moved his army toward Manassas, Johnston fell back toward
Winchester, so as to be in a position to reinforce Beauregard if it
became necessary.

Before McDowell had reached Fairfax Courthouse the greater portion of
Johnston's army was en route for Manassas. So closely did Johnston
conceal his movements that Patterson was not aware that Johnston had
left his front until it was too late to follow him. The little army at
Leesburg also marched rapidly to Manassas.

These united Confederate armies numbered about 27,000 men. McDowell's
army, as I have stated, numbered 35,000.

In order to be prepared for an emergency, the Governor of Virginia had
called the militia from the counties adjacent to Manassas to assemble at
that place. That included my county. I joined the militia and marched to
Manassas, arriving there a few days before the battle.

There was skirmishing for some days between the advanced forces of the
two armies, but the real battle was fought on Sunday, July 21, 1861.

My command took no part in this battle, but it was in line of battle in
the rear of the fighting forces, ready to take part if its services were
needed.

Soldiers, like sailors, are superstitious. As the hour for the battle
drew near, those of a mystical turn of mind saw, or thought they saw, a
strange combination of stars in the heavens. Some said, "I never saw the
moon look that way before." Clouds assumed mysterious shapes. Some saw
in them marching armies, and other fearful phenomena. A strange dog was
seen one night passing in and out the various camps into the officers'
tents and out again as if he were numbering the men. This created no
little comment. The dog was all unconscious of the excitement he was
creating. He had simply lost his master, but his manner appeared ominous
to those who were looking for the mystical. These are the kind of
soldiers that run at the first fire. They are found in all armies.

I have always claimed that I am not superstitious, but I must admit that
there is an atmosphere that hangs around the camp on the eve of an
approach