ce that any person has an
opportunity to quietly witness the whole of a considerable battle.
From my position I could see between the lines of the opposing
forces; I could note the manoeuvres of each separate organization;
and I could almost anticipate to a certainty the result of the
attacks and counter attacks. It was at first plainly evident that
each commander knew little of what he had to meet. Lieutenant-
General Hill's formation, as described by him in his report, was
arranged with reference to a supposed force north of Broad Run,
and was consequently very faulty. Warren had no notice of the
presence of an enemy until Hill ran unexpectedly into his line of
march. Hill seemed to be eager for a fight with the Third Corps,
then far beyond his reach, and found one with the Second Corps,
which was quietly marching to a concentration near Centreville.
General Warren's command was strung out upon the road, and he had
no order of battle. Hill, with two divisions, and others soon to
arrive, was better prepared, though his formation was bad, to meet
the Second Corps. Warren wisely used the slightly raised railroad
bed for a breastwork, and promptly opened the battle without giving
the enemy time for a change of position or for new formations.
The battle was at first with musketry, but artillery soon arrived
on both sides and opened fire at short range. Warren, in his
report, after describing the preliminary movements of his command
for position, says:

"A more inspiring scene could not be imagined. The enemy's line
of battle boldly moving forward, one part of our own steadily
awaiting it, and another moving against it at double-quick, while
the artillery was taking up a position at a gallop and going into
action. . . . Under our fire the repulse of the enemy soon became
assured, and Arnold's battery arrived in time to help increase the
demoralization and reach the fugitives.

"The enemy was gallantly led, as the wounding of three of his
general officers in this attack shows, and even in retiring many
retired but sullenly. An advance of a thin line along our front
secured 450 prisoners, two stand of colors, and five field pieces."( 5)

The battle was of short duration, but owing to the exposed position
of the Confederates their losses were great, and out of proportion
to short engagements generally. General Warren and his officers
justly won honors for meeting the emergency so handsomely.

Hill's command was