If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it, especially if you are a Civil War re-enactor!

July 21 was the 150^th anniversary of the first battle of Bull Run or Manassas. The re-enactment of the battle was held on Saturday. It is no secret that we are experiencing a staggering heat wave. The heat extends down to Virginia. Thousands of re-enactors gathered at the battle site. Each wearing his or her authentic period clothing. (WOOL!) Those portraying soldiers also carried Civil War equipment.

As unpleasant as this must have been for re-enactors and spectators it did duplicate the environment of the original battle. The original battle also had its fair share of spectators.
The Union Armies march from Washington and the ensuing battle took place in extreme heat and that heat played an important part in the battle. Many soldiers fell out on the march. This was a three day march that could have been made in one day later in the war, but both armies were still very green. Add to this the already mentioned wool uniforms, heavy packs and guns and heat stroke becomes an important factor in war. A general may leave his base with a much larger army and a much better equipped army than his opponent, but if he cannot get it all to the field battle of battle everything can change. Even if you still have an advantage on paper, heat may render the army so exhausted that the numerical advantage will fade.
In this battle the Union Army also had another odd factor that depleted their troops. Some of the regiments that made the march were ninety-day troops. Their enlistment ended on the march and they turned around and went home. None of these troops were from Massachusetts.
First Manassas started out in favor of the Union. A victory was even reported back to Washington via telegraph. As the afternoon drew on and the Union advance petered out the Confederate sent in the last reserves and the Union advantage turned into a complete route.  
Camp Cameron regiments, the First and Eleventh Infantry came under fire in this battle. The Fifth Infantry was also involved. It  did not go through Camp Cameron but its Company “I” was from Somerville.

DAN SULLIVAN