1862 August 27 near Manassas, Va.

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler of Letcher's Artillery as recorded at a somewhat later date]

(Aug. 27th) burnt them, also some
small bridges on the R.R. then pushed
up, for Manassas, took prisoners a

company at Bristoe & the major portion
of a Regt at Manassas.  Ewells command
was left at Bristoe and Hill & Talia-
-ferro’s, went together to Manassas.  Here
we found long trains of  cars filled with
all kinds of army stores to the value of
Millions.  The army were allowed to
go in, and take whatsoever they
pleased and such sacking is rarely
seen.  The only spoils I secured was a ream
of fine white fools cap paper and an inval-
-uable book on Artillery, [Styled?]  “Military’
Commission to Europe” by Maj. Mordecai,
U.S.A. Published by order of War Dept. –
And one of these single tents which I always
carry on my saddle.  Maj. Ginter for our Bri-
-gade secured a barrel of ground Coffee
& another of white sugar, besides having all
their haversacks filled.  We got a very
large supply of medicines here, which
were very much needed.  After securing

all that it was possible to do with our
limited transportation, the remainder
was burnt up.  They were set fire to at
dark and the next morning when we
left they were still burning. – Ewell who
had been left below was attacked in the
afternoon and after quite a little fight
fell back on us.  We were ordered forward
in line of battle; our batteries placed
in position & so passed most of the
night, about 1 o’c while all were asleep
a terrible explosion occurred which
sounded as  though all our Batteries had
opened, it of course brought us all to our
feet, but it was found to be only the fire
getting to some ammunition, in one of the
cars.

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150