Episode 22: CPT Goldsborough and the 1st Maryland Face PVT Bicknell and the 5th Maine at the Battle of First Manassas
May 22, 2024
William Coghlan
At the Battle of First Manassas, also known as First Bull Run, CPT William W. Goldsborough and the 1st Maryland meet PVT Bicknell and the 5th Maine on the battlefield at Chinn Ridge late in the afternoon of 21 July 1861.
Bicknell, George W. History of the Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteers, Comprising Brief Descriptions of its Marches, Engagements, and General Services from the Date of its Muster In, June 24, 1861, to the Time of its Muster Out, July 27, 1864. Portland: Hall L. Davis, 1871. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044050533173&seq=7.
At the Battle of First Manassas, also known as First Bull Run, CPT William W. Goldsborough and the 1st Maryland meet PVT Bicknell and the 5th Maine on the battlefield at Chinn Ridge late in the afternoon of 21 July 1861.
Bicknell, George W. History of the Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteers, Comprising Brief Descriptions of its Marches, Engagements, and General Services from the Date of its Muster In, June 24, 1861, to the Time of its Muster Out, July 27, 1864. Portland: Hall L. Davis, 1871. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044050533173&seq=7.
hello. My name is bill Coughlin and welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers on the ground in the battles of the civil war. Episode 22. A special episode is entitled. Captain Goldsboro. And the first Maryland. Face private Bucknell. And the fifth Maine. At the battle of first Manassas. And relies on two books. The Maryland line in the Confederate states army. Published in 1869 by William w Goldsborough. And history of the fifth regiment, main volunteers. Published in 1871. By George w Bucknell. To follow along exactly where on the battlefield, the first Maryland and the fifth main faced each other. I recommend the American battlefield trusts maps of first Manassas. Also known as first bull run. William w Goldsborough lived in Baltimore before the war began and was a member of the Baltimore city guard battalion, which was the local militia. Following the 19, April, 1861, Baltimore riot. When the first Northern regiments on their way to Washington DC. Had to fight their way through the city streets and with more and more Northern regiments set to pass through the city. Many in the militia battalion who wanted to fight for the south, had to make a choice, including William Goldsborough. He attended a battalion meeting where many of the men spoke about fighting for the Confederacy. The thing is up. Boys said Dr. Harry Scott. And now we begin to see who is, who. All seemed mighty anxious for a fight last Sunday. And how hard those who were most violent at first are now striving to prove themselves the most loyal men in Baltimore. From my part, I'm going south to join the Confederate army. According to William Goldsborough. 20 men volunteered on the spot. George w Bucknell. Nell lived in Portland, Maine before the war began. And just like others in towns, north and south. The firing on Fort Sumpter, motivated him to enlist. Youth and maturity seemed consecrated to the work of repelling, the rebellious intruder and of wiping out the stain upon the national flag companies, battalions. Regiments seem to leap into being in a moment. Ready for action. George w pick Nell does not give exact dates when he joined a company of infantry that formed in Portland. And drilled for an undisclosed amount of time. On 24, June, 1861. Alongside nine other companies, two of which from Portland as well. The fifth Maine officially mustered into service. Private Bucknell was now in company H of the regiment. On 25, June the fifth main departed Portland by rail bound for Washington DC. Private Bignell does not say when the regimen to pass through Baltimore. But noted the tension in the city as the fifth Maine marched through it. Muskets were loaded and capped and amid mighty crowds, the command moved through the city. No disturbance took place. However, The word was easy to perceive the burning desire of the semi secession to exterminate the intruding mudsills. William Goldsborough was by this time already in Virginia. 40 men, including him left Baltimore on seven may for Richmond. Men from across Maryland coalesce there. And we're enough to fill three companies. To complete the formation of the regiments. The companies traveled west to Winchester, Virginia, where even more Maryland companies formed. The first Maryland completed organization in June. Composed of nine companies. Of approximately 700 men. Now a captain. William w Goldsborough commanded company, a. Throughout early July. The first Maryland was assigned to the fourth brigade commanded by Brigadier general Edmund K Smith. And the army of the Shenandoah. Commanded by general Joseph E. Johnston. This force was tasked with stopping the union army under general Patterson for marching further into the Shenandoah valley. After taking Harper's ferry and fighting the battle of hoax run. General Patterson halted his advance and eventually withdrew. The first Maryland, along with the rest of the army of the Shenandoah, took the Manassas gap railroad to link up with the Confederate army of the Potomac. At Manassas junction. The sun rose next day, bright and beautiful. And the scene that presented itself as we responded to Reveley was animated. Indeed. The troops were eagerly crowding into the cars, prepared to convey them to the battlefield. And from the boisterous mirth to be heard on all sides. One would have a suppose them on their way to participate in some grand holiday parade instead of scenes of death and carnage. The engineers have to have the trains that move the Confederates east happened to be from the north and attempted to crash two of the trains together. Thereby delaying the transfer of troops. Captain Goldsboro says that these men were successful in destroying one train on 20 July. To complicate matters. Even further the train carrying the fourth brigade. Also broke down on the morning of 21 July. The day of the battle. Captain Goldsboro. And the first Maryland had no choice, but to wait for the first train to turn around and bring them to Manassas junction. Which they arrived at 1:00 PM. After spending several days in Washington, DC, including the 4th of July. Private Bucknell and the fifth Maine received orders on nine July. To occupy Alexandria. Which is just across the Potomac river from the Capitol. From there, the regiment conducted reconnaissance of the countryside. For several miles around the city. By 16 July private Bucknell and the fifth Maine departed their camp and assumed a March further into Virginia. The fifth main marched in the third brigade commanded by Colonel Oliver. Oh, Howard. And Colonel Samuel P Hindsdale men's third division. In Brigadier general Irvin McDowell's army of Northeastern, Virginia. The March was slow going at times, contested by Confederates the fifth Maine while on an early afternoon halt. Suddenly received an order to double quick to a, to Massachusetts regiment, which had been ambushed. But the Confederate seemed to withdraw without much of a fight. By 19 July private Bucknell and the fifth Maine. Arrived at Centerville, Virginia. Along with the rest of the army. The battle of first Manassas began on the morning of 21, July, 1861. But private Bucknell in the fifth Maine. Who marched out of the Centerville camp in the early morning. We're not immediately thrown into the fight. Distinctly to our ears came the sound of the conflict yet. Howard's brigade remained. Inpatients was everywhere visible yet. We must obey orders. The son seemed to pour down his most sweltering res. Not even a cloud dotted the sky. Nor breadth of wind to fan our brows. And he continues. Nine 10 o'clock and yet we remained in the same position. Wondering what detained us. In the distance, we could see the glistening bay in nets moving across the Plains. Could hear the peel of artillery. And the sharp quick reports of musketry. Soon and orderly dashes up. And the order fifth main fall in. Was responded with a will and readiness indicative of our former inpatients. The fifth Maine marched at the double quick, toward the battlefield. And it was a long enough distance that this March alone reduced the combat effectiveness of the regiment. Colonel mark H Dunnell commander of the fifth Maine dedicates. Most of his report after the battle. On how many men fell out of the regiment before it even got on the field? The rapid movement of our men for many miles before the commencement of the action completely unfitted them for the labor of the action. None, but an immediate eye witness can fully realize the real sufferings of the men during the March. The best statused and bravest men failed and fell by the roadside. To company commanders and five out of 12 lieutenants also fell out of this, run to the battlefield. And companies, he and I had no officers in the ranks at all. Using the Manasseh suddenly road, private pick Nell and the fifth main ran toward the fighting. That was now around Henry Hill. On, on, we ran till suddenly a cannon ball striking within a few feet of the head of the regiment gave us the understanding that we were within range. The regiment depart of the road and into a field. And he continues. Wiz. A man has struck immediately in our front. Torn by a solid shot. It was not half past one that we reformed into line of battle. Under the cover of a hill, our regimens halted. And the officers attempted to form our line. The fifth Maine alongside the rest of their brigade formed on chin Ridge. At approximately 3:00 PM. And faced bald hill. On the right flank of the union army. While most of the fighting centered on Henry Hill. Both armies began feeding brigades to these locations. Captain Goldsboro and the first Maryland. Found themselves marching toward bald hill. The first Maryland had the right of the line at the head of which was riding general Kirby Smith. We were still marching by the flank when, just as the column entered a strip of woods. It was fired upon by about a dozen of the 14th Brooklyn's wives and the general fell from his horse shot through the neck. The regiment as did the brigade. Formed line of battle instinctively. And not knowing what might be the enemies force prepared for an attack. Uh, Colonel LZ took command and he continues. After waiting some minutes and the enemy not appearing. Moved to the brigade or obliquely through the woods to the left and front. And as we approached its edge, the federal line of battle appeared in view. Directly across from the first Maryland was private Bucknell in the fifth main inline with their brigade. We moved up the hill, taking a position on the summit. Here we were greeted with a shower of bullets. And we were ordered to fire fire at what. About 500 yards in our front was a belt of woods. Though, not a Johnny insights. Into this wood, we poured our volleys though. Wholly ignorant, whether our efforts were of any use or not. But still we worked with a will. Smoke on the battlefield may explain why private Bignell could not see the Confederates, but his leadership possibly at a better vantage point. Did see them. And ordered the regiment to open fire. Captain Goldsboro and the first Maryland we're in the woods on bald hill. And received the fifth. mains musket fire. As they perceived us. Poured into our ranks, a terrific volley of musketry that took effect upon several of the men of the brigade. Private John Swisher of company, a first Maryland. Fell from a musket ball in the head. And died soon after being the first man from Maryland killed in the actual battle. Colonel LZ immediately prepared to attack. Holding the 13th, Virginia and reserve. He formed the first Maryland 10th, Virginia. And third Tennessee and undercover have a hot fire from the new town battery of light artillery. Ordered a charge. Private big Nell and the rest of the fifth main continue to fire at the first Maryland. Everyone was desirous of doing his whole duty, a special illustration of which was seen in the action of a captain firing his revolver at a battery, at least three quarters of a mile distant. Here we were probably in full view of the enemy. Well, not one of their infantry was to be seen. Remarkable strategy. Yet. I have no doubt. The woods were well bombarded. We could see our own batteries wheeling off in the distance. Yet in our own simplicity, we deemed it. All right. And worked on. Though, still under direct fire from the fifth Maine. Captain Goldsborough in the first, Maryland, along with the rest of their brigade charged. The enemy held a strong position on a Ridge, difficult of a scent. And immediately in front of a dense pine thicket. At least 300 yards separated us. And the charge was to be across a wheat field. And of course, without shelter of any description. It was a desperate undertaking. At the command with one wild deafening yell. The Confederates emerged from the woods and amidst the perfect storm of bullets. The gallon fellows rushed across the field. But they never wavered nor hesitated. And dashing up the It drove the enemy, Pell Mell from their strong position into the thicket in their rare. Colonel Oliver. Oh, Howard. The brigade commander recognized that his right, the fifth main included. Cannot hold their position against the charge of the first Maryland and several other Confederate regiments. And ordered the right wing to retreat. Soon this line began to break and fall back. An order for a wing to retire. being understood for the whole. Private Bucknell still holding his position against the first Maryland's charge. I heard this order and the confusion it brought to the fifth Maine and the rest of the brigade. But what is that clear? Rings. The words cease firing about face in retreat, March. And now my pen seems like a balloon soaring at this point. Not at once collapsing. Confusion disorder seized us at once. How we traveled. Nobody tired now. Everyone for himself and having due regard for individuality. Each gave a special attention to the rapid movement of his legs. As private Bucknell in the brigade, retreated from the battlefield. The battle of first Manassas. Also known as first bull run. Ended. And the union army retreated in confusion. Back to Washington DC. Those smaller engagements came before it, the battle of first Manassas was the first major engagement of the civil war and the belief in a short war ended. President Lincoln the next day. Called for half a million volunteers. To further prosecute the war. And the Confederacy made a similar call for men. William w Goldsborough stayed in the first Maryland for its one year enlistment. And following the end of the seven days battles outside of Richmond, the regiment disbanded. He published his book and titled. The Maryland line in the Confederate states army in 1869. Which included histories of the first and second Maryland infantry regiments, the first Maryland battalion of cavalry, along with several other Maryland formations. William Goldsborough seemingly chomping at the bit in his dedication. Explained why he wrote the book. Almost four years have elapsed since the surrender of general Lee at Appomattox courthouse. And as yet, nothing has been presented to the world to show the prominent partaken in the great rebellion by the sons of Maryland. Thus believing the author has yielded to the importunity. Of many of the officers and men of the several commands that can pose the young Maryland line. And presents to the public, the little book describing briefly the operations during those four eventful years. George w Bucknell became an officer in the fifth Maine in 1862. Wounded in the 1863 assaults upon Fredericksburg during the Chancellorsville campaign. He was discharged in March of 1864, due to complications from the wound. After the war, uh, Lieutenant Frank G. Patterson originally decided to write the regimental history, but he died before beginning the work. The men of the regiment then selected George Becknell to write their history. The work has been written under rather unfavorable circumstances. Amid the cares and labors of a large charge. And at times compelled to suspend work from the effects of a wound received in the service. These pages have been somewhat hastily prepared. At 404 pages, George.Nell's still believed the book was only a brief history of the fifth Maine. Thank you for listening to the 22nd episode. The link to William w gold Spiros and George w.Nell's books are now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn this week. You will find a sketch of William w Goldsborough from his book. And a picture of George w Bucknell generously provided by the collections of the fifth main museum. Peaks island, Maine. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a review. Follow the podcast on social media. And also consider supporting the podcast by following the link at the top of the website. Just as a reminder, special episodes are not scheduled and will happen. When I find accounts of men whose regiments met on the battlefield. Colonel James Cooper. Nisbett. Commander of the 66 Georgia. Provides next week's first person accounts at the battle. Of Peachtree Creek. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening to first person civil war podcast.
