that a gentleman who had seen service must be a great general. Hence
it was that General McDowell, being a gentleman and a scholar, and
ready enough to square his political sentiments with the predominant
ideas, was accepted as just the soldier who would lead our gallant
militiamen to victory, and never think of running from the enemy.
Indeed, according to our military politicians, we were to get no end
of glory through General McDowell's success. And Mr. Beauregard was
to be driven back to his master, bag and baggage.






CHAPTER IV.

THE BATTLE OF BULL-RUN, AND HOW IT ENDED.





I CONSIDER it of the greatest importance, my son, to present you
with an exact portrait of the very distinguished general who led our
gallant militiamen to battle at Bull-Run, and followed them home
without gaining a victory. Greater battles than this of Bull-Run
have been fought, as well in modern as in ancient times; but it is
my honest opinion that it has never had its equal in the small
number killed and wounded, as compared to the very large number that
got frightened and ran away. But I shall speak of this more