1862 September 1 near Fairfax Court House

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler, of Letcher's Artillery]

(Sept 1st)  Were on the march
again early this morning & proceeded
very cautiously towards Fairfax
C.H. when within 3 or 4 miles of the

place were suddenly attacked by
the enemy, while on the march.  Our
line of battle was suddenly formed
and we engaged the enemy in a
few moments, they having batteries
in position poured in a deadly fire
but we drove them gallantly com-
-mencing on our left.  In the midst
of the fight a heavy rain came up
and in wet clothes our men slept on
the battlefield that night.  In
this fight Genls Kearney & Stevens
of the Yankees were killed, the for-
-mer, a Maj Genl. by our Brigade.
I feel quite sick this evening fever
not abated & raging headache which
with sleeping in wet clothes tonight
will not improve much.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150