U.S. Infantry Battalion

At 11:00 a.m. on July 21, 1861, the U.S. Infantry Battalion under Maj. George Sykes, serving in 1st Brigade under Porter, Second Division under Hunter, Army of Northeastern Virginia, opened fire as soon as it was formed, using long-range rifles that the opposing force did not welcome. Lt. Eugene Carter recalled that the men fired badly because they were excited, with some recruits firing at the stars. Despite confusion, the battalion formed a line of battle, marched across the field in splendid order, passed through woods full of dead bodies, formed line again, and then came under fire from two regiments, suffering many casualties.

Virginia · United States