Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) to Jane Brisbin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.01 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.1 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his wife Jane of his travels from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., through Alexandria with a company of 120 men, supported by artillery men from Rhode Island Governor William Sprague's "celebrated Rhode Island Battery." States that he is in camp south of Alexandria, and will march for Fairfax Court House in the morning en route to Bull Run. Reports that the previous day at Bull Run, the Union lost several hundred men, while Confederate forces lost over one thousand. Refers to the actions of the New York and Massachusetts 8th Regiments. Writes, "A Desperate fight has been going on all day at Bulls Run- In the [inserted: fight] yesterday we lost several hundred- the Rebels lost over a thousand... The Battle lasted from 2 o'Clock till half past 5- I can hear the roar of the Cannon here and a great Battle is evidently [inserted: now] going on at Bulls Run... " Declares "In the fight this afternoon the Michigan Regiment ... rushed on the enemy- throwing away their guns they pitched into to the Rebels hand to hand fighting with their Bowie Knives and made the fur fly until the Rebels run ... " States that he will inform Jane of his arrival time in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after the battle.
Brisbin enlisted in the military as a private in 1861, advanced quickly in rank, and was brevetted numerous times for his bravery and meritorious service. He served in the campaign of the Army of the Potomac (1862), the Red River expedition (1864), as a recruiter in Lexington, Kentucky (1864), and as Chief of Staff to General Stephen Gano Burbridge (1864). Brisbin is noted for his leadership of the 6th United States Colored Troops Cavalry (1864) and for his recruitment of many African American soldiers. He received an appointment in 1865 as Major General, United States Volunteers.
Complete Transcript:
20 July 1861, Near Alexandria VA
5 o'clock PM
Mrs. Jane Brisbin
Dear Sweet Wife
I embarked on the train about ten minutes after you did. I reached Baltimore at 10 and Washington at 12 o'clock. I left Washington this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Took a Steamboat and dropped down the Potomac River 8 Miles and landed in some wood near by. I marched through Alexandria and we lay near an hour in one of the Streets. The men lay on their arms. My Company is now one hundred and twenty strong. I have beside a number of artillery men some of whom belong to Spragues celebrated Rhode Island Battery. I am now encamped in a piece of woods 5 miles South of Alexandria. I am resting my men. I will march tonight at 9 o'clock for Fairfax Court House, which I will reach by 12 o'clock. I will then push on to Bull's Run, which I will reach by 4 o'clock tomorrow morning. A desperate fight has been going on all day at Bulls Run. In the fight yesterday we lost several hundred. The Rebels lost over a thousand. The New York Regiment and Massachusetts 8th Run and in their fights threw away their knapsacks and guns. The Battle lasted from 2 o'clock till half past 5. I can hear the roar of the Cannon here and a great Battle is evidently now going on at Bulls Run. In the fight this afternoon the Michigan Regiment got excited rushed on the enemy - throwing away their guns, they pushed into the Rebels hand to hand fighting with their Bowie Knives and made the fur fly until the Rebels ran leaving a large Battery of Canon which the Michiganders took possession of. I may have to fight a little tomorrow dear [Janie], but do not be alarmed. I will come back safe, but let God's will in any event be done. If I fall I will die in a good Cause and will be found with my back to the field and my feet to the foe. The Rebels are encamped within 4 miles of me. We might take a rush at any time. I am sitting on a log writing this a broad board laid on my knees is my writing table and an orderly is standing by holding my ink stand. The men lie on the ground all around me. The horses are saddled and bridled and we are all ready to fight at a moments notice. I will write you tomorrow. I think I will get home on Wednesday. I will let you know when to meet me at Harrisburg. Do not go away from Lewistown. I may send for you any hour. Be quiet and good dear [Janie] and pray for your Jim every night. Think of me constantly. Do not be wild- enjoy yourself. I will march all night tonight but that is nothing. I know my [Janie] will have a good comfortable bed and kind friends to take care of her and if [Janie] is only comfortable I shall always be contented. Mind be good Dearie and don't leave Lewistown. I got your dispatch. Good bye dear little wife and may God almighty bless you and bring me safe back to your arms. Give all the folks my regards.
Your affectionate Husband,
Brisbin
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