Washington D.C. July 22nd 1861
Monday Evening 6 o’clock P.M.
My dear father,
It becomes my painful duty to write you of the disaster of yesterday. Our Army has been unfortunate, that the results amount to a defeat we are not willing to admit, but we have been severely repulsed, and our troops returned in part to their former quarters in, and around the city. This has been a hard day to witness, sad, painful, and mortifying, but whether in the aggregate it shall sum up a defeat, or a victory, depends (in my poor judgment) entirely upon circumstances the tone and spirit in which it leaves our men, if sad and disheartened, we are defeated, the worst, and sorest of defeats, if roused to madness, and revenge, it will yet prove victory. But no mortal could look in upon this scene tonight, and judge of effects, how gladly would I close my eyes to it if I could. I am not fit to write you now. I shall do you more harm than good. (Continued on July 26)