THE SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN.

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aggressive or to fall back, as from want of provisions I was not able to awaitan attack from the enemy or the result of any other movement he mightmake.

Every moment of delay increased the odds against us, and I thereforepushed forward the attack as rapidly as possible. Soon after Porter advancedto attack along the Warrenton pike and the assault was made by Heintzel-man and Reno on the right, it became apparent that the enemy was massinghis forces as fast as they arrived on the right of Jackson, and was movingforward to force our left. General McDowell was therefore directed to recallRicketts’s division from our right, and put it so as to strengthen our left thusthreatened.

Porter’s corps was repulsed after some severe fighting, and began to retire,and the enemy advancing to the assault, our whole line was soon furiouslyengaged. The main attack of the enemy was made against our left, but wasmet with stubborn resistance by the divisions of Schenck and Reynolds, andthe brigade of Milroy, who were soon reenforced on the left by Ricketts’sdivision. The action was severe for several hours, the enemy bringing upheavy reserves and pouring mass after mass of his troops on our left. Hewas able also to present at least an equal force all along our line of battle.Porter’s corps was halted and re-formed, and as soon as it was in condition itwas pushed forward to the support of our left, where it rendered distinguishedservice, especially the brigade of regulars under Colonel (then Lieutenant-Colonel) Buchanan.

McLean’s brigade of Schenck’s division, which was posted in observationon our left flank, and in support of Reynolds, became exposed to the attackof the enemy on our left when Reynolds’s division was drawn back to formline to support Porter’s corps, then retiring from their attack, and it wasfiercely assailed by Hood and Evans, in greatly superior force. This brigadewas commanded in person by General Schenck, the division commander, andfought with supreme gallantry and tenacity. The enemy’s attack was repulsedseveral times with severe loss, but he returned again and again to the assault.

It is needless for me to describe the appearance of a man so well known tothe country as General R. C. Schenck. I have only to say that a more gal-lant and devoted soldier never lived, and to his presence and the fearlessexposure of his person during these attacks is largely due the protractedresistance made by this brigade. He fell, badly wounded, in the front of hiscommand, and his loss was deeply felt and had a marked effect on the finalresult in that part of the field.

Tower’s brigade of Ricketts’s division was pushed forward to his support,and the brigade was led by General Tower in person with conspicuous gal-lantry. The conduct of these two brigades and their commanders in plainview of our whole left was especially distinguished, and called forth heartyand enthusiastic cheers. Their example was of great service, and seemed toinfuse new spirit into the troops that witnessed their intrepid conduct.

I have always considered it a misfortune to the country that in this actionGeneral Tower received a severe wound which disabled him from active