Washington, D. C., July 23, 1861.
My dear sister:
Our army has suffered one of the most terrible defeats on
record — one of the most disgraceful! We have lost everything, even our honour.
When I last wrote you the army had marched in high spirits, and
every one predicted a prosperous result, and some little success was obtained;
but a panic seized the volunteers, they threw away everything they had, and
fled in terrible disorder. Whole regiments fled without giving a shot or
getting near the enemy. Our artillery behaved bravely; they maintained their
position till they lost so many men and horses that many were obliged to leave
their guns. The loss of property was immense; it is hoped the loss of life not
great, but no reports are made yet. We are disorganized, and if the enemy had
not suffered severely, as we hope they have, they could have marched into
Washington last night. I went to bed night before last believing that
everything was going on well, and yesterday was ill in my room all day till three
o'clock, when I learned of the terrible disaster. I have no heart to write
more.
Your affectionate
brother,
J. s.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 32-3
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