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The following article are transcribed from Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, dated August 10, 1861.

 

The Retreat

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Retreat of Our Troops from Bull Run, by Moonlight, Colonel Blenker's Brigade Covering

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      Our special artist has supplied us with the sketch which we reproduce on Page 500, representing the Retreat of Bull Run on 21st. It shows the stragglers and fugitives well covered by Colonel Blenker's Brigade. The Tribune correspondent thus depicted the movement:

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          Stretching far across the road, long before the hoped-for-refuge of Centreville was reached, was a firm, unswerving line of men, to whom the sight of the thousands who dashed by them was only a wonder or a scorn. This was the German rifle regiment; and to see the manly bearing of their General, and feel the inspiration which his presence gave the moment, was like relief to those who perish in a desert. At least, then, all was not lost; and we knew that, let our destiny turn that night as it should there was one man who would hold and keep the fame of the nation unsullied to the end.

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          I need not speak much in praise of the action of Blenker and the officers who served him so well. The events peak for them. Steady and watchful, he held his line throughout the evening, advancing his skirmishers at every token of attack, and spreading a sure protection over the multitudes who fled disordered through his columns. With three regiments he stood to fight against an outnumbering the enemy already flushed with victory, and eager to compete its triumph. As the darkness increased his post became more perilous and more honorable. At 11 o'clock the attack came upon the advance company of Colonel Stahel's Rifles, not in force, but from a body of cavalry whose successful passage would have been followed by a full force, and the consequent destruction of our broken host. The rebel cavalry was driven back, and never returned, and at two in the morning, the great body of our troops having passed and found their road to safety, the command was given to retreat in order, and the brigade fell slowly and regularly back, the same precision as if on parade, and as thoroughly at the will of their leader as if no danger had ever come near them. Over and over again Blenker begged permission to maintain his post, or even to advance. "Retreat!" said he to McDowell's messenger; "Bring me the word to go on, Sir!" but the command was peremptory, and he was left no alternative.

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