"Sherman at 1st Bull Run" Topic

He crossed Bull Run northwest of the Stone Bridge and came into action about noon against the Confederate line on Matthews Hill. Was he accompanied by artillery? Was the ford he used practicable for artillery?

Thanks to anyone who knows. I'm re-working my First Bull Run/Manassas BBB scenario.

To quote from his report of his brigade's participation in the battle [with my insertions in square brackets]:

Here you sent me an order to cross over [the Bull Run] with the whole brigade, to the assistance of Colonel Hunter. Early in the day, when reconnoitering the ground, I had seen a horseman descend from a bluff in our front, cross the stream, and show himself in the open field on this side; and, inferring that we could cross over at the same point, I sent forward a company as skirmishers, and followed with the whole brigade, the New York Sixty-Ninth leading. [He used Blackburn's Ford.]

We found no difficulty in crossing over and met with no opposition in ascending the steep bluf opposite with our infantry, but it was imapssable to artillery, and I sent word back to Captain Ayres [commanding Sherman's attached artillery battery, Company E, 3rd US Artillery] to follow if possible, otherwise to use his discretion. Captain Ayres did not cross Bull Run, but remained on that side, with the rest of your [General Tyler's 1st] division. His report herewith describes [not included in Sherman's Memoirs] his operation during the remainder of the day.

This report was printed in Sherman's Memoirs from whence I copied it.

Jim

Good answer – JAS

Thank you, Jim. I had thought so but could not for the life of me recall any proof either way.