overwhelming numbers, though the horses were shot down, and I have now an artillery bit, cut from one of the horses, which I have used ever since.
"The 33d suffered more in the first battle of Manassas than any regiment in our army.
"I regretted very much Captain Lee's death. My acquaintance with him was short, but I esteemed him very highly. He was a true and gallant man, and being from the old army, and experienced, was of great service to me. My friend Barton is also of the true blue order. I have long cherished the hope of visiting the Valley, where I would meet some of the survivors of the 33d, but suppose I must be content to remember them with the greatest kindness.
"I am now in my 75th year, and feel the heavy weight of years. Very truly your friend,
"ARTHUR C. CUMMINGS,
"Colonel 33d Virginia Infantry."
"Manassas Junction, July 24, 1861.
"Dear Father and Mother: I seat myself once more to write you a few lines, to let you know where I am and that I am still alive.
"Last Sunday was such a day as I had never seen, and I hope to God I never will see another such a time. We had one of the hardest battles that ever was fought in the United States. I have not power to describe the scene. It beggars all description.
"We left Winchester on Thursday, and traveled that day and night, and Friday, about 9 o'clock, we arrived at Piedmont Station, and that evening we got on the cars and arrived at the Junction that night. The next morning we marched about four miles east, where they had had a battle on Thursday. We stayed there all that day and night, expecting an attack every hour.
"On Sunday morning our forces were attacked four miles higher up, and we made a quick march from there to the battle-field, where we arrived about 12. They had been fighting all morning, but about 10 they got at it in
