May 21, 2025 • 24 mins
At the First Battle of Bull Run, PVT Casler and the 33rd Virginia formed on the left flank of BG Thomas J. Jackson’s all Virginia 1st Brigade on Henry Hill. The Virginians stood like a Stonewall through several Union advances. During this time, PVT Casler and the 33rd Virginia charged and captured a Union Battery that unlimbered too close them but eventually returned to the line on Henry Hill. The Virginians became the anchor of the Confederate line, which brough in enough fresh troops to defeat the Union Army in their front. By the end of the battle, BG Thomas J. Jackson and the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th and 33rd Virginia Regiments as well as the Rockbridge Artillery were cemented in American Military History as Stonewall Jackson and the Stonewall Brigade.
Sources used for this episode:
Casler, John O. Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade. 2nd ed. Girard: Appeal Publishing Company, 1906. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044012920278&seq=15.
Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 2. Washington: Government Printing Press, 1880. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077730186&view=1up&seq=3.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
That morning.
We had been given a signal touse in time of battle to
distinguish friend from foe.
Which was to throw the righthand to the forehead, palm
outward, and say Sumpter.
When this regiment, which wasthe 14th, Brooklyn, New York,
appeared in view, ColonelCummings gave the signal and it
was returned by one of theofficers.
(00:24):
But how they got it was amystery.
So when the scattering shotswere fired by some of our
regiment, Colonel Cummingsexclaimed cease firing.
You are firing on friends andthe volley came from them at the
same time.
And I know I remarked friends.
(00:45):
Hell, that looks like it.
(01:11):
hi, my name is Bill Coghlan andhost the first person Civil War
podcast.
While the generals of both sidesget most of the recognition, the
Civil War was fought by the menin the ranks, and they told
their stories during and afterthe war.
Follow me as I reveal what thesemen witnessed in the battles of
(01:31):
the Civil War.
Episode 47 is entitled PrivateJohn Overton Kasler in the 33rd
Virginia at the first Battle ofBull Run, and relies on his book
Four Years in the StonewallBrigade Second Edition, which he
published in 1906.
(01:53):
As the Civil War progressed,some regiments and brigades of
both the union and Confederatearmies became famous for their
deeds upon the battlefield.
I intend to bring you the storyof how an all Virginia brigade
under the command of BrigadierGeneral Thomas J.
Jackson earned its famousmoniker as the Stonewall Brigade
(02:15):
through the lens of privateKessler of company a 33rd
Virginia.
John Overton Kassler was born inGainesboro in Frederick County,
Virginia on one December, 1838.
And according to Census records,his family moved to neighboring
Hampshire County by 1850.
(02:36):
In 1859, John Kassler moved outto Missouri to make a living on
his own, but his plans were cutshort as southern states began
to secede from the union.
On eight.
April, 1861.
John Kassler boarded a Steamboatat St.
Louis, headed to Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania to eventually
(02:58):
return to Virginia, which atthat time had not yet seceded.
The prevailing topic while onthe journey was the impending
war and Lincoln's call for75,000 troops.
Various opinions were indulgedin by the passengers.
Some saying that the north didnot need that many troops and
(03:20):
that it would all be settled inless than 90 days.
But alas, vain hope how littlewe knew of the struggle that was
before us.
I parted with my fellowpassengers at Parkersburg, West
Virginia.
Some were going into the UnionArmy and some of us into the
Southern Army.
(03:42):
After arriving home, JohnKassler learned that the town of
Springfield was forming acompany of infantry.
An answer to the governor ofVirginia's call for troops and
he decided to enlist therethough a part of Virginia at the
time, Springfield and all ofHampshire County would by 1863
(04:02):
be incorporated into the newstate of West Virginia for the
time being.
However, the county provided mento form two infantry companies
to fight for the south.
John Kassler joined many of hisold schoolmates in the Potomac
Guards, and on 19 June, 1861, hemustered into service for one
(04:24):
year as a private for theremainder of June.
The Potomac Guards alongside twoother infantry companies, served
in Lee's Battalion where itskirmished and marched in
opposition to union forces inthe vicinity of Winchester.
In early July, private Caslerand the Potomac guards were
(04:46):
assigned to the regiment formingunder the command of Colonel
Arthur Cummings, which only hadeight companies now as company A
33rd Virginia.
The Regiment joined BrigadierGeneral Thomas j Jackson's first
brigade on 15 July, which alsoconsisted of the second, fourth.
(05:06):
Fifth and 27th, VirginiaInfantry and the Rockbridge
Artillery in Brigadier General,Joseph e Johnston's, army of the
Shenandoah.
As the Union army ofNortheastern Virginia began its
advance south out of Washingtondc the Confederates began to
concentrate their forces aroundManassas Junction, which
(05:29):
included Brigadier GeneralJohnston's Army, though the
soldiers would eventually takethe train toward Manasas.
Private Kessler and the 33rdVirginia had to first march
approximately 25 miles, whichbegan on 18 July.
It was general Johnston's wishthat all the men would keep in
(05:50):
ranks and not straggle ifpossible.
Then we started on a quickmarch, marched all day and
nearly all night, waiting theShenandoah River at about 12
o'clock at night.
Halted at a small village calledParis about two hours, then
resumed the march aboutdaylight, and arrived at
Piedmont Station on the ManasasGap Railroad.
(06:15):
By 20 July, Brigadier GeneralJackson's brigade had arrived at
Manassas Junction and marchednorth to reinforce brigadier
general PGT Bo Guard's Army ofthe Potomac, which had already
skirmished with the union forcesalong a stream called Bull Run.
That night, the 33rd, Virginiawent into Bival Whack.
(06:36):
And private Kasler discussedwith his comrades, specifically
private William Blue, about theimpending battle.
While lying.
Thus being nearly asleep.
He roused me up and said that hewanted to make a bargain with
me.
Which was if either of us gotkilled the next day, the one who
survived should see the otherburied if we keep possession of
(06:59):
the battlefield.
I told him that I wouldcertainly do that, and we
pledged ourselves accordingly.
I then remarked that perhaps wewould escape unhurt or wounded.
He said.
No, I don't want to be wounded.
If I'm shot at all.
I want to be shot right throughthe heart.
(07:20):
On the morning of 21 July, 1861,the Confederate Army had a raid
itself along the Southern Bankof Bull Run, specifically along
the various Fords that couldprovide the advancing union army
from Centerville A means thecross and continue their advance
toward Richmond.
After probing the Confederates,the day before Brigadier General
(07:43):
Irvin McDowell, the Union Armycommander, decided to send his
army north to Sudley Ford, whichwas unguarded, whereas troops
successfully crossed and engagedwith the Confederate right flank
on Matthews Hill, whichconsisted of the brigades of
Colonel Nathan G.
Evans, Brigadier, generalBernard Elliot B, and Colonel
(08:04):
Francis c Bartow.
The weight of the union numbersbegan to tell, and all three
Confederate brigades retreatedsouth toward Henry Hill.
Marching North toward Henry Hillto form.
The next Confederate line ofbattle was private Kassler and
the 33rd Virginia alongside therest of Brigadier General
(08:24):
Jackson's brigade.
Our regiment marched up the hilland formed left in front on the
left of the brigade and on theentire left of our army as we
passed the other regimentsmeaning the retreating
confederate regiments, theshells were bursting and cutting
(08:46):
down the pines all around us,and we were shaking hands and
bidding farewell to those wewere acquainted with.
Knowing that in a few moments,many of us would be stretched
lifeless on the field.
The Virginians of BrigadierGeneral Jackson's brigade became
the anchor of the confederateline on Henry Hill brigadier,
(09:08):
general B retreating with hismen.
Notice Jackson's brigade formingin line.
The following famous quote hasseveral variations depending on
the source, but according toprivate Kassler, brigadier
General B turned to his men torally them and shouted.
Look yonder.
(09:29):
There is Jackson and his brigadestanding like a stone wall.
Let us determine to die.
Here.
Die and we will conquer rallybehind them.
Brigadier, general JacksonPrivate Kassler, and the 33rd,
second, fourth, fifth, and 27thVirginia regiments, as well as
(09:51):
13 pieces of artillery, whichincluded the rock bridge
artillery.
Were about about to enter intoAmerican military history.
Formed on the reverse slope ofthe hill.
Private Kasler could not see theadvancing union troops, and
eventually one of his comradesgot curious about what was in
front of them.
(10:13):
There seemed to be a lull in thefiring just at this time, and
Sergeant James p Daley of mycompany walked up to the brow of
the hill, but soon returned withthe exclamation.
Boys.
There's the prettiest site fromthe top of the hill you ever
saw.
They're coming up the other sidein four ranks and all dressed in
(10:34):
red.
When we heard that, I sawseveral others jump up and start
to see, but Colonel Cummingsordered us to stay in ranks and
daily remarked.
We will see them soon enough.
The regiment dressed in red andadvancing upon the 33rd
Virginia.
Was the 14th, Brooklyn,alongside several regiments from
(10:57):
different brigades ordered tosupport union batteries on
Limbing against the Confederateline.
As the 14th Brooklyn advanced.
They noticed the 33rd Virginialying on the ground and an
officer asked what regiment theywere and was met with several
shots from the Virginians.
What happened next wasunexpected by private kaler and
(11:18):
the 33rd Virginia.
That morning.
We had been given a signal touse in time of battle to
distinguish friend from foe.
Which was to throw the righthand to the forehead, palm
outward, and say Sumpter.
When this regiment, which wasthe 14th, Brooklyn, New York,
appeared in view, ColonelCummings gave the signal and it
(11:42):
was returned by one of theofficers.
But how they got it was amystery.
So when the scattering shotswere fired by some of our
regiment, Colonel Cummingsexclaimed cease firing.
You are firing on friends andthe volley came from them at the
same time.
(12:03):
And I know I remarked friends.
Hell, that looks like it.
The Union Army by this time wasnot only sending infantry toward
Henry Hill, but also bringingartillery into position, and
Colonel Cummings took theinitiative on the battlefield as
the New Yorkers continued theirsteady advance private casler
(12:24):
and the 33rd Virginia preparedfor a charge.
Then came the command.
Attention forward March.
Charge bayonets, double quickand away we went.
Sweeping everything before us,but the enemy broke and fled.
We were soon in possession ofthe guns, nearly killed all the
(12:47):
horses, and a great portion ofthe men were killed or wounded,
and we were none too soon forone minute more.
And four guns would've belchedforth into our ranks carrying
death and destruction, andperhaps been able to have held
their position.
Private kassler and the 33rdVirginia had just captured the
(13:09):
guns of battery.
D fifth US.
Artillery commanded by CaptainCharles Griffin, who was ordered
to a position precariously closeto the Confederate line.
To engage the artillery thatbrigadier General Jackson had
masked upon Henry Hill.
The battery opened upon theenemy's battery amidst the
(13:30):
galling fire from his artillery,and continued firing for nearly
half an hour.
It then changed position to theright and fired two rounds when
it was charged by the enemy'sinfantry from the woods on the
right of our position.
This infantry was mistaken forour own forces.
This was the second time thatthe 33rd Virginia was mistaken
(13:55):
as they were wearing blueuniforms in this charge of the
enemy.
Every canner was cut down and alarge number of horses killed
leaving the battery perfectlyhelpless.
Colonel Andrew Porter, commanderof the First Brigade, second
division, and the brigadecommander of the 14th, Brooklyn
(14:16):
Obliquely summarized the chargeof the 33rd Virginia upon his
infantry.
The 14th, though it had broken,was soon rallied in rear of
Griffin's battery.
By this time, elements of thefirst brigade, third division
arrived to reinforce ColonelPorter and forced private
(14:37):
Kessler and the 33rd Virginia toreturn to their original
position under heavy fire whilethe abandoned artillery remained
between the, lines of.
Battle.
In this action, our regimentbeing on the extreme left was a
loan.
The balance of the brigade notcharging until later, and we
(14:58):
were terribly cut up and had tofall back.
General Jackson said he couldafford to sacrifice one to save
the day.
It was the first check andrepulse the enemy had received,
and during the remainder of theday, the battle turned in the
favor of the confederates.
(15:18):
Brigade, air General Jackson andhis brigade stowed on Henry Hill
like a stone wall throughrepeated union assaults and the
Confederate Army rushedregiments and brigades there to
extend their line.
Brigadier General Jackson,sensing an opportunity ordered
his brigade to charge.
(15:39):
At 3:30 PM the advance of theenemy having reached a position
which called for the use of thebayonet, I gave the command for
the charge of the more thanbrave fourth and 27th.
And under commanders worthy ofsuch regiments.
They, in order in which theywere posted, rushed forward
(15:59):
obliquely to the left of ourbatteries, and through the
blessing of God who gave us thevictory, pierced the enemy
center.
And by cooperating with thevictorious fifth and other
forces, soon placed the fieldessentially in our possession.
The Union Army broke and fledthe field.
(16:21):
While several commands of theConfederate army joined in the
immediate pursuit.
Private Kassler and the 33rd.
Virginia stayed in his positionon Henry Hill.
We did not follow them far forfresh troops we're coming in all
the time.
We had lost severely and wereconsiderably demoralized.
(16:43):
I then took a stroll over thebattlefield to see who of my
comrades were dead or wounded,and I saw my friend William Blue
lying on his face dead.
I turned him over to see wherehe was shot if shot at all.
He must have been killedinstantly for he was in the act
(17:04):
of loading his gun.
One hand was grasping around hisgun.
In the other, he held acartridge with one end of it in
his mouth, in the act of tearingit off.
I sat down by him and took ahearty cry and then think sigh.
It does not look well for asoldier to cry, but I could not
help it.
(17:25):
I then stuck his gun in theground by his side, marked his
name, company, and regiment on apiece of paper, pinned it to his
breast and went off.
As the 33rd Virginia prepared todepart the battlefield, private
kassler went to bury WilliamBlue's body while digging a
(17:46):
grave under an apple tree nextto the Henry House.
A soldier from Georgia asked touse the tools when he was done
to bury his brother who hadfallen on the field.
Private Kassler made a deal withthe Georgian.
In exchange for his help, thetwo men would widen the grave
for William Blue and thebrother.
(18:07):
After finishing private, Kasslermarked the grave and the two men
parted ways.
By the end of the first Battleof Bull Run, Brigadier General
Thomas J.
Jackson, and the second, fourth,fifth, 27th, and 33rd Virginia
regiments as well as the RockBridge Artillery had cemented
(18:30):
their names in history from thattime and even after his death.
Thomas J.
Jackson earned the nickname ofStonewall Jackson and the first
brigade became the StonewallBrigade.
The man who coined the termbrigadier General B successfully
rallied his men behind theStonewall Brigade, but he never
(18:52):
knew how important his words ofencouragement became as he
received a mortal wound to thestomach that afternoon and died
the next day.
For standing like a stone wallon Henry Hill.
The 33rd Virginia suffered heavycasualties.
The regiment at the time wasonly eight companies and had an
(19:13):
unidentified amount of menabsent due to measles.
This meant that the 33rdVirginia went into battle with
about 450 men according toprivate kassler, and lost 43
killed and 140 wounded acasualty rate of 41%.
(19:34):
Private Kassler remained incompany a 33rd Virginia
throughout most of the war wherethe Stonewall Brigade saw
action.
So too did private kassler atplaces such as Malvern Hill,
second Manasas and TeemFredericksburg Chancellorville.
Gettysburg, the WildernessSpotsylvania Courthouse and Cold
(19:58):
Harbor.
The Stonewall Brigade thenconsolidated with two other
brigades and saw further serviceduring the Valley campaign of
1864.
While on the march towardWinchester Private Kassler came
down with cholera and had tospend an extended time in
hospitals and at home when hewas finally fit for service
(20:21):
again.
In December, 1864, privateCasler learned that company A of
the 33rd, Virginia, no longerexisted.
He subsequently enlisted in the11th Virginia Cavalry and was
captured in February, 1865.
John o Kassler spent theremainder of the war in a
(20:43):
prisoner of war camp andeventually took the oath of
allegiance.
After General Lee surrendered atAppomattox Courthouse after
fighting for so long, JohnKassler did not hold ill will
toward the Victorious UnionArmy.
In his second edition of hisbook, four Years in the
Stonewall Brigade, which hepublished in 1906, he opened
(21:06):
with the following dedication.
This work is respectfullydedicated to the boys who wore
the gray and the boys who worethe blue, and who fought and
suffered for what they conceivedto be right.
No more shall the war cry.
S.
Or the winding rivers be red.
They benish our anger foreverwhen they laurel, the graves of
(21:30):
the dead under the saw and dewwaiting.
The judgment day, love and tearsfor the blue tears and love for
the gray.
John o Kassler continued withvarious thoughts on the outcome
of the Civil War Such as thecreation of West Virginia, but
(21:51):
he firmly desired that a secondwar be averted.
But thank God the secessionmovement and the slavery
agitation is settled forever andour country is once more united.
If it ever has any more rupturesor disunion, it will not be on
either of those lines.
(22:12):
And let us hope that neveragain.
While time lasts, will our faircountry be involved in another,
what they call a civil war?
Thank you for listening to the47th episode.
Links to private caster's bookand social media accounts are
now available on the podcastwebsite.
(22:33):
First person Civil Warpodcast.com.
On Facebook, Instagram, X andLinkedIn This week you'll find a
picture of John o Kasslersometime after the war.
I'd like to thank everyone foryour patience as I had to delay
the release of the episode byone week.
(22:56):
Just to let everyone in on theproduction of each episode.
It's all done by me.
Researching, transcribing,recording, editing, and
publishing the episode.
So when something happens and Ihave to step away from the
computer for a few days, theresult is a delay in publishing.
I did announce the delay acrosssocial media, so please follow
(23:18):
on one of those platforms tostay in the loop.
In two weeks time.
Sergeant Edward p Toby ofCompany G.
First Main cavalry provides nextepisode's first person account
at the Battle of Brandy Station.
(23:41):
My name is Bill Coghlan, andthank you for listening to First
Person Civil War podcast.
That morning.
We had been given a signal touse in time of battle to
distinguish friend from foe.
Which was to throw the righthand to the forehead, palm
outward, and say Sumpter.
When this regiment, which wasthe 14th, Brooklyn, New York,
appeared in view, ColonelCummings gave the signal and it
was returned by one of theofficers.
(00:24):
But how they got it was amystery.
So when the scattering shotswere fired by some of our
regiment, Colonel Cummingsexclaimed cease firing.
You are firing on friends andthe volley came from them at the
same time.
And I know I remarked friends.
(00:45):
Hell, that looks like it.
(01:11):
hi, my name is Bill Coghlan andhost the first person Civil War
podcast.
While the generals of both sidesget most of the recognition, the
Civil War was fought by the menin the ranks, and they told
their stories during and afterthe war.
Follow me as I reveal what thesemen witnessed in the battles of
(01:31):
the Civil War.
Episode 47 is entitled PrivateJohn Overton Kasler in the 33rd
Virginia at the first Battle ofBull Run, and relies on his book
Four Years in the StonewallBrigade Second Edition, which he
published in 1906.
(01:53):
As the Civil War progressed,some regiments and brigades of
both the union and Confederatearmies became famous for their
deeds upon the battlefield.
I intend to bring you the storyof how an all Virginia brigade
under the command of BrigadierGeneral Thomas J.
Jackson earned its famousmoniker as the Stonewall Brigade
(02:15):
through the lens of privateKessler of company a 33rd
Virginia.
John Overton Kassler was born inGainesboro in Frederick County,
Virginia on one December, 1838.
And according to Census records,his family moved to neighboring
Hampshire County by 1850.
(02:36):
In 1859, John Kassler moved outto Missouri to make a living on
his own, but his plans were cutshort as southern states began
to secede from the union.
On eight.
April, 1861.
John Kassler boarded a Steamboatat St.
Louis, headed to Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania to eventually
(02:58):
return to Virginia, which atthat time had not yet seceded.
The prevailing topic while onthe journey was the impending
war and Lincoln's call for75,000 troops.
Various opinions were indulgedin by the passengers.
Some saying that the north didnot need that many troops and
(03:20):
that it would all be settled inless than 90 days.
But alas, vain hope how littlewe knew of the struggle that was
before us.
I parted with my fellowpassengers at Parkersburg, West
Virginia.
Some were going into the UnionArmy and some of us into the
Southern Army.
(03:42):
After arriving home, JohnKassler learned that the town of
Springfield was forming acompany of infantry.
An answer to the governor ofVirginia's call for troops and
he decided to enlist therethough a part of Virginia at the
time, Springfield and all ofHampshire County would by 1863
(04:02):
be incorporated into the newstate of West Virginia for the
time being.
However, the county provided mento form two infantry companies
to fight for the south.
John Kassler joined many of hisold schoolmates in the Potomac
Guards, and on 19 June, 1861, hemustered into service for one
(04:24):
year as a private for theremainder of June.
The Potomac Guards alongside twoother infantry companies, served
in Lee's Battalion where itskirmished and marched in
opposition to union forces inthe vicinity of Winchester.
In early July, private Caslerand the Potomac guards were
(04:46):
assigned to the regiment formingunder the command of Colonel
Arthur Cummings, which only hadeight companies now as company A
33rd Virginia.
The Regiment joined BrigadierGeneral Thomas j Jackson's first
brigade on 15 July, which alsoconsisted of the second, fourth.
(05:06):
Fifth and 27th, VirginiaInfantry and the Rockbridge
Artillery in Brigadier General,Joseph e Johnston's, army of the
Shenandoah.
As the Union army ofNortheastern Virginia began its
advance south out of Washingtondc the Confederates began to
concentrate their forces aroundManassas Junction, which
(05:29):
included Brigadier GeneralJohnston's Army, though the
soldiers would eventually takethe train toward Manasas.
Private Kessler and the 33rdVirginia had to first march
approximately 25 miles, whichbegan on 18 July.
It was general Johnston's wishthat all the men would keep in
(05:50):
ranks and not straggle ifpossible.
Then we started on a quickmarch, marched all day and
nearly all night, waiting theShenandoah River at about 12
o'clock at night.
Halted at a small village calledParis about two hours, then
resumed the march aboutdaylight, and arrived at
Piedmont Station on the ManasasGap Railroad.
(06:15):
By 20 July, Brigadier GeneralJackson's brigade had arrived at
Manassas Junction and marchednorth to reinforce brigadier
general PGT Bo Guard's Army ofthe Potomac, which had already
skirmished with the union forcesalong a stream called Bull Run.
That night, the 33rd, Virginiawent into Bival Whack.
(06:36):
And private Kasler discussedwith his comrades, specifically
private William Blue, about theimpending battle.
While lying.
Thus being nearly asleep.
He roused me up and said that hewanted to make a bargain with
me.
Which was if either of us gotkilled the next day, the one who
survived should see the otherburied if we keep possession of
(06:59):
the battlefield.
I told him that I wouldcertainly do that, and we
pledged ourselves accordingly.
I then remarked that perhaps wewould escape unhurt or wounded.
He said.
No, I don't want to be wounded.
If I'm shot at all.
I want to be shot right throughthe heart.
(07:20):
On the morning of 21 July, 1861,the Confederate Army had a raid
itself along the Southern Bankof Bull Run, specifically along
the various Fords that couldprovide the advancing union army
from Centerville A means thecross and continue their advance
toward Richmond.
After probing the Confederates,the day before Brigadier General
(07:43):
Irvin McDowell, the Union Armycommander, decided to send his
army north to Sudley Ford, whichwas unguarded, whereas troops
successfully crossed and engagedwith the Confederate right flank
on Matthews Hill, whichconsisted of the brigades of
Colonel Nathan G.
Evans, Brigadier, generalBernard Elliot B, and Colonel
(08:04):
Francis c Bartow.
The weight of the union numbersbegan to tell, and all three
Confederate brigades retreatedsouth toward Henry Hill.
Marching North toward Henry Hillto form.
The next Confederate line ofbattle was private Kassler and
the 33rd Virginia alongside therest of Brigadier General
(08:24):
Jackson's brigade.
Our regiment marched up the hilland formed left in front on the
left of the brigade and on theentire left of our army as we
passed the other regimentsmeaning the retreating
confederate regiments, theshells were bursting and cutting
(08:46):
down the pines all around us,and we were shaking hands and
bidding farewell to those wewere acquainted with.
Knowing that in a few moments,many of us would be stretched
lifeless on the field.
The Virginians of BrigadierGeneral Jackson's brigade became
the anchor of the confederateline on Henry Hill brigadier,
(09:08):
general B retreating with hismen.
Notice Jackson's brigade formingin line.
The following famous quote hasseveral variations depending on
the source, but according toprivate Kassler, brigadier
General B turned to his men torally them and shouted.
Look yonder.
(09:29):
There is Jackson and his brigadestanding like a stone wall.
Let us determine to die.
Here.
Die and we will conquer rallybehind them.
Brigadier, general JacksonPrivate Kassler, and the 33rd,
second, fourth, fifth, and 27thVirginia regiments, as well as
(09:51):
13 pieces of artillery, whichincluded the rock bridge
artillery.
Were about about to enter intoAmerican military history.
Formed on the reverse slope ofthe hill.
Private Kasler could not see theadvancing union troops, and
eventually one of his comradesgot curious about what was in
front of them.
(10:13):
There seemed to be a lull in thefiring just at this time, and
Sergeant James p Daley of mycompany walked up to the brow of
the hill, but soon returned withthe exclamation.
Boys.
There's the prettiest site fromthe top of the hill you ever
saw.
They're coming up the other sidein four ranks and all dressed in
(10:34):
red.
When we heard that, I sawseveral others jump up and start
to see, but Colonel Cummingsordered us to stay in ranks and
daily remarked.
We will see them soon enough.
The regiment dressed in red andadvancing upon the 33rd
Virginia.
Was the 14th, Brooklyn,alongside several regiments from
(10:57):
different brigades ordered tosupport union batteries on
Limbing against the Confederateline.
As the 14th Brooklyn advanced.
They noticed the 33rd Virginialying on the ground and an
officer asked what regiment theywere and was met with several
shots from the Virginians.
What happened next wasunexpected by private kaler and
(11:18):
the 33rd Virginia.
That morning.
We had been given a signal touse in time of battle to
distinguish friend from foe.
Which was to throw the righthand to the forehead, palm
outward, and say Sumpter.
When this regiment, which wasthe 14th, Brooklyn, New York,
appeared in view, ColonelCummings gave the signal and it
(11:42):
was returned by one of theofficers.
But how they got it was amystery.
So when the scattering shotswere fired by some of our
regiment, Colonel Cummingsexclaimed cease firing.
You are firing on friends andthe volley came from them at the
same time.
(12:03):
And I know I remarked friends.
Hell, that looks like it.
The Union Army by this time wasnot only sending infantry toward
Henry Hill, but also bringingartillery into position, and
Colonel Cummings took theinitiative on the battlefield as
the New Yorkers continued theirsteady advance private casler
(12:24):
and the 33rd Virginia preparedfor a charge.
Then came the command.
Attention forward March.
Charge bayonets, double quickand away we went.
Sweeping everything before us,but the enemy broke and fled.
We were soon in possession ofthe guns, nearly killed all the
(12:47):
horses, and a great portion ofthe men were killed or wounded,
and we were none too soon forone minute more.
And four guns would've belchedforth into our ranks carrying
death and destruction, andperhaps been able to have held
their position.
Private kassler and the 33rdVirginia had just captured the
(13:09):
guns of battery.
D fifth US.
Artillery commanded by CaptainCharles Griffin, who was ordered
to a position precariously closeto the Confederate line.
To engage the artillery thatbrigadier General Jackson had
masked upon Henry Hill.
The battery opened upon theenemy's battery amidst the
(13:30):
galling fire from his artillery,and continued firing for nearly
half an hour.
It then changed position to theright and fired two rounds when
it was charged by the enemy'sinfantry from the woods on the
right of our position.
This infantry was mistaken forour own forces.
This was the second time thatthe 33rd Virginia was mistaken
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as they were wearing blueuniforms in this charge of the
enemy.
Every canner was cut down and alarge number of horses killed
leaving the battery perfectlyhelpless.
Colonel Andrew Porter, commanderof the First Brigade, second
division, and the brigadecommander of the 14th, Brooklyn
(14:16):
Obliquely summarized the chargeof the 33rd Virginia upon his
infantry.
The 14th, though it had broken,was soon rallied in rear of
Griffin's battery.
By this time, elements of thefirst brigade, third division
arrived to reinforce ColonelPorter and forced private
(14:37):
Kessler and the 33rd Virginia toreturn to their original
position under heavy fire whilethe abandoned artillery remained
between the, lines of.
Battle.
In this action, our regimentbeing on the extreme left was a
loan.
The balance of the brigade notcharging until later, and we
(14:58):
were terribly cut up and had tofall back.
General Jackson said he couldafford to sacrifice one to save
the day.
It was the first check andrepulse the enemy had received,
and during the remainder of theday, the battle turned in the
favor of the confederates.
(15:18):
Brigade, air General Jackson andhis brigade stowed on Henry Hill
like a stone wall throughrepeated union assaults and the
Confederate Army rushedregiments and brigades there to
extend their line.
Brigadier General Jackson,sensing an opportunity ordered
his brigade to charge.
(15:39):
At 3:30 PM the advance of theenemy having reached a position
which called for the use of thebayonet, I gave the command for
the charge of the more thanbrave fourth and 27th.
And under commanders worthy ofsuch regiments.
They, in order in which theywere posted, rushed forward
(15:59):
obliquely to the left of ourbatteries, and through the
blessing of God who gave us thevictory, pierced the enemy
center.
And by cooperating with thevictorious fifth and other
forces, soon placed the fieldessentially in our possession.
The Union Army broke and fledthe field.
(16:21):
While several commands of theConfederate army joined in the
immediate pursuit.
Private Kassler and the 33rd.
Virginia stayed in his positionon Henry Hill.
We did not follow them far forfresh troops we're coming in all
the time.
We had lost severely and wereconsiderably demoralized.
(16:43):
I then took a stroll over thebattlefield to see who of my
comrades were dead or wounded,and I saw my friend William Blue
lying on his face dead.
I turned him over to see wherehe was shot if shot at all.
He must have been killedinstantly for he was in the act
(17:04):
of loading his gun.
One hand was grasping around hisgun.
In the other, he held acartridge with one end of it in
his mouth, in the act of tearingit off.
I sat down by him and took ahearty cry and then think sigh.
It does not look well for asoldier to cry, but I could not
help it.
(17:25):
I then stuck his gun in theground by his side, marked his
name, company, and regiment on apiece of paper, pinned it to his
breast and went off.
As the 33rd Virginia prepared todepart the battlefield, private
kassler went to bury WilliamBlue's body while digging a
(17:46):
grave under an apple tree nextto the Henry House.
A soldier from Georgia asked touse the tools when he was done
to bury his brother who hadfallen on the field.
Private Kassler made a deal withthe Georgian.
In exchange for his help, thetwo men would widen the grave
for William Blue and thebrother.
(18:07):
After finishing private, Kasslermarked the grave and the two men
parted ways.
By the end of the first Battleof Bull Run, Brigadier General
Thomas J.
Jackson, and the second, fourth,fifth, 27th, and 33rd Virginia
regiments as well as the RockBridge Artillery had cemented
(18:30):
their names in history from thattime and even after his death.
Thomas J.
Jackson earned the nickname ofStonewall Jackson and the first
brigade became the StonewallBrigade.
The man who coined the termbrigadier General B successfully
rallied his men behind theStonewall Brigade, but he never
(18:52):
knew how important his words ofencouragement became as he
received a mortal wound to thestomach that afternoon and died
the next day.
For standing like a stone wallon Henry Hill.
The 33rd Virginia suffered heavycasualties.
The regiment at the time wasonly eight companies and had an
(19:13):
unidentified amount of menabsent due to measles.
This meant that the 33rdVirginia went into battle with
about 450 men according toprivate kassler, and lost 43
killed and 140 wounded acasualty rate of 41%.
(19:34):
Private Kassler remained incompany a 33rd Virginia
throughout most of the war wherethe Stonewall Brigade saw
action.
So too did private kassler atplaces such as Malvern Hill,
second Manasas and TeemFredericksburg Chancellorville.
Gettysburg, the WildernessSpotsylvania Courthouse and Cold
(19:58):
Harbor.
The Stonewall Brigade thenconsolidated with two other
brigades and saw further serviceduring the Valley campaign of
1864.
While on the march towardWinchester Private Kassler came
down with cholera and had tospend an extended time in
hospitals and at home when hewas finally fit for service
(20:21):
again.
In December, 1864, privateCasler learned that company A of
the 33rd, Virginia, no longerexisted.
He subsequently enlisted in the11th Virginia Cavalry and was
captured in February, 1865.
John o Kassler spent theremainder of the war in a
(20:43):
prisoner of war camp andeventually took the oath of
allegiance.
After General Lee surrendered atAppomattox Courthouse after
fighting for so long, JohnKassler did not hold ill will
toward the Victorious UnionArmy.
In his second edition of hisbook, four Years in the
Stonewall Brigade, which hepublished in 1906, he opened
(21:06):
with the following dedication.
This work is respectfullydedicated to the boys who wore
the gray and the boys who worethe blue, and who fought and
suffered for what they conceivedto be right.
No more shall the war cry.
S.
Or the winding rivers be red.
They benish our anger foreverwhen they laurel, the graves of
(21:30):
the dead under the saw and dewwaiting.
The judgment day, love and tearsfor the blue tears and love for
the gray.
John o Kassler continued withvarious thoughts on the outcome
of the Civil War Such as thecreation of West Virginia, but
(21:51):
he firmly desired that a secondwar be averted.
But thank God the secessionmovement and the slavery
agitation is settled forever andour country is once more united.
If it ever has any more rupturesor disunion, it will not be on
either of those lines.
(22:12):
And let us hope that neveragain.
While time lasts, will our faircountry be involved in another,
what they call a civil war?
Thank you for listening to the47th episode.
Links to private caster's bookand social media accounts are
now available on the podcastwebsite.
(22:33):
First person Civil Warpodcast.com.
On Facebook, Instagram, X andLinkedIn This week you'll find a
picture of John o Kasslersometime after the war.
I'd like to thank everyone foryour patience as I had to delay
the release of the episode byone week.
(22:56):
Just to let everyone in on theproduction of each episode.
It's all done by me.
Researching, transcribing,recording, editing, and
publishing the episode.
So when something happens and Ihave to step away from the
computer for a few days, theresult is a delay in publishing.
I did announce the delay acrosssocial media, so please follow
(23:18):
on one of those platforms tostay in the loop.
In two weeks time.
Sergeant Edward p Toby ofCompany G.
First Main cavalry provides nextepisode's first person account
at the Battle of Brandy Station.
(23:41):
My name is Bill Coghlan, andthank you for listening to First
Person Civil War podcast.
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