I know there were 51 union regiments at the battle of the first bull run and 49 confederate regiments. I would like to find out the size of each regiment at the beginning of the battle. Can anyone point me through a list with this information? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Regiment size at first bull run
- Thread starter wmfan
- Start date
RedRover
1st Lieutenant
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2019
I don't know of specifics prior to the battle, but the regiments, being new, were rather full in the ranks, or the better part of 1,000 or more each. The month after the battle, Beauregard's return demonstrated a large average strength on the rolls for his regiments:
Thanks
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
The answer to your question is probably we will never ever know regimental strengths. The battle was a contact of amateur armies which were amateur in every sense of the word and included the relatively simple tasks of recording the numbers involved, casualties inflicted and even recording what happened in the context of the battle's main events. Added complications were that the battle was relatively fluid and involved forces dressed in the opposition's colours thereby telling friend from foe was an added problem. Adding the smoke and clamour of battle means that what was recorded is open to interpretation.
We have numbers for the different brigades but even here this is often different from the numbers engaged. Even when numbers were recorded it is often difficult to know exactly what is recorded - present for duty, present for duty equipped, numbers engaged. What we do know is the number of artillery manpower strengths from a Field Return of 21st July (dated 25th September) and the types of artillery in each battery as these were the guns they were originally issued with.
Can I take the opportunity to recommend what I think is the best account of First Bull Run which is Edward Longacre's 'The Early Morning of War'. A truly superb account.
I will look at what information I do have regarding brigade strengths and the occasional known regimental strengths and post them here if you are interested.
We have numbers for the different brigades but even here this is often different from the numbers engaged. Even when numbers were recorded it is often difficult to know exactly what is recorded - present for duty, present for duty equipped, numbers engaged. What we do know is the number of artillery manpower strengths from a Field Return of 21st July (dated 25th September) and the types of artillery in each battery as these were the guns they were originally issued with.
Can I take the opportunity to recommend what I think is the best account of First Bull Run which is Edward Longacre's 'The Early Morning of War'. A truly superb account.
I will look at what information I do have regarding brigade strengths and the occasional known regimental strengths and post them here if you are interested.
Last edited:
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
There are only three reports in O.R. volume 2 in which numbers are recorded for First Manassas.
They are Report No. 117 from a field return for First Army Corps, Army of the Potomac for 21st July 1861 (dated 25th September 1861), Report No.118 a field return of the troops (of First Corps) engaged in the battle of Manassas, again dated 25th September 1861 (both on p.568). Report No. 120 strength of the Union Army 21st July 1861 as reported by Confederate authority!
Interestingly the report in between these is No. 119 which lists the troops of the Army of the Shenandoah engaged in the battle, that ends with the immortal line 'I cannot furnish the strength of the regiments, companies, &c.'
The numbers I have originate from a whole variety of sources, in fact many from a time in my youth that I spent in the famous Picton Library in Liverpool, that in the late 1960s had a superb collection of books and texts on the American Civil War. Unfortunately, I was not in the habit of recording many of the references from which I obtained the information. So, these may be termed 'best estimates' and if I have several values, I will give the range and if applicable the reasoning. This also offers people the chance to review and update these figures if they have more reliable data, I for one would be very interested in any comments.
Let's begin with the Army of the Potomac.
1st Brigade BG Milledge L. Bonham [4,285 from Report No.117]
Report No.118 gives 1,527 men engaged but this only refers to 2nd and 8th South Carolina.
The regiments in the brigade with numbers shown [ ] are
11th North Carolina: Col. William W. Kirkland [805] (was not present)
2nd South Carolina: Col. Joseph B. Kershaw [753]
3rd South Carolina: Col. James H. Williams [787]
7th South Carolina: Col. Thomas G. Bacon [775]
8th South Carolina: Col. Ellerbe B.C. Cash [721]
Total for 2nd and 8th S.C. amounts to 753 + 721 =1,474 as opposed to 1,527 men engaged from Report No.118.
I do have a note of 7th South Carolina only having 581 engaged but do not know where this originates.
Attached to the brigade was
8th Louisiana: Col. Henry B. Kelly [846] given in O.R. Report No.117
but with only 6 companies engaged it falls to 508 men, the number given by O.R. Report No.118
Also attached were the following cavalry units:
Wickham's Cavalry Squadron: Capt. W.C. Wickham
Radford's Cavalry Squadron: Col. R.C.W. Radford
Munford's Cavalry Squadron: Lt-Col. T.T. Munford
Presumably these form part of the troops of cavalry listed in Report No.117 and in 118 but there is a note that not more than 500 were actually engaged.
Finally Artillery manpower strengths come from Field Return 21 July, dated 25 Sept and are reported separately from the brigade strengths.
Alexandria Light Artillery: Capt. Delaware Kemper [4 officers, 76 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
1st Company, Richmond Howitzer Battery: Capt. J.C. Shields [3 officers, 82 men]
1st Section 2 x 12pdr Army Howitzers
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
This corresponds to about 20 men per artillery piece.
They are Report No. 117 from a field return for First Army Corps, Army of the Potomac for 21st July 1861 (dated 25th September 1861), Report No.118 a field return of the troops (of First Corps) engaged in the battle of Manassas, again dated 25th September 1861 (both on p.568). Report No. 120 strength of the Union Army 21st July 1861 as reported by Confederate authority!
Interestingly the report in between these is No. 119 which lists the troops of the Army of the Shenandoah engaged in the battle, that ends with the immortal line 'I cannot furnish the strength of the regiments, companies, &c.'
The numbers I have originate from a whole variety of sources, in fact many from a time in my youth that I spent in the famous Picton Library in Liverpool, that in the late 1960s had a superb collection of books and texts on the American Civil War. Unfortunately, I was not in the habit of recording many of the references from which I obtained the information. So, these may be termed 'best estimates' and if I have several values, I will give the range and if applicable the reasoning. This also offers people the chance to review and update these figures if they have more reliable data, I for one would be very interested in any comments.
Let's begin with the Army of the Potomac.
1st Brigade BG Milledge L. Bonham [4,285 from Report No.117]
Report No.118 gives 1,527 men engaged but this only refers to 2nd and 8th South Carolina.
The regiments in the brigade with numbers shown [ ] are
11th North Carolina: Col. William W. Kirkland [805] (was not present)
2nd South Carolina: Col. Joseph B. Kershaw [753]
3rd South Carolina: Col. James H. Williams [787]
7th South Carolina: Col. Thomas G. Bacon [775]
8th South Carolina: Col. Ellerbe B.C. Cash [721]
Total for 2nd and 8th S.C. amounts to 753 + 721 =1,474 as opposed to 1,527 men engaged from Report No.118.
I do have a note of 7th South Carolina only having 581 engaged but do not know where this originates.
Attached to the brigade was
8th Louisiana: Col. Henry B. Kelly [846] given in O.R. Report No.117
but with only 6 companies engaged it falls to 508 men, the number given by O.R. Report No.118
Also attached were the following cavalry units:
Wickham's Cavalry Squadron: Capt. W.C. Wickham
Radford's Cavalry Squadron: Col. R.C.W. Radford
Munford's Cavalry Squadron: Lt-Col. T.T. Munford
Presumably these form part of the troops of cavalry listed in Report No.117 and in 118 but there is a note that not more than 500 were actually engaged.
Finally Artillery manpower strengths come from Field Return 21 July, dated 25 Sept and are reported separately from the brigade strengths.
Alexandria Light Artillery: Capt. Delaware Kemper [4 officers, 76 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
1st Company, Richmond Howitzer Battery: Capt. J.C. Shields [3 officers, 82 men]
1st Section 2 x 12pdr Army Howitzers
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
This corresponds to about 20 men per artillery piece.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
3rd Brigade Brig. Gen. David Rumph Jones [2,121 O.R. Report No.117]
17th Mississippi: Col. Winfield S. Featherston [630] [initial strength of 692]
18th Mississippi: Col. E.R. Burt [685]
5th South Carolina: Col. Micah Jenkins [675]
Attached to the brigade
Company H, 30th Virginia Cavalry, Appomattox Rangers: Capt. J.W. Flood [average company strength 60]
2nd Company (one section), Washington Battalion Artillery: Capt. Merritt B. Miller [probably c.55]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Numbers recorded gives a total of 1,990 for the infantry and if cavalry are included we obtain 2,050.
The problem is Washington Artillery as Report No.118 gives the strength of one company as 60 and then lists 5 artillery pieces. This amounts to only 12 men per piece i.e. impossible to man the battery effectively. I think the 60 refers to only 1 section of two pieces rather than one company. Even the usual company of two sections or 4 pieces would need a minimum of around 80 men to man all of the guns. These are the numbers given for Kemper's [80], Latham's [90] and the Loudon Battery [58] each consisting of 4 pieces.
I have seen the initial strength of 18th Mississippi as being in excess of 1,000 men, so they must have 'lost' a fair number on their journey to Virginia somewhere along the line!
17th Mississippi: Col. Winfield S. Featherston [630] [initial strength of 692]
18th Mississippi: Col. E.R. Burt [685]
5th South Carolina: Col. Micah Jenkins [675]
Attached to the brigade
Company H, 30th Virginia Cavalry, Appomattox Rangers: Capt. J.W. Flood [average company strength 60]
2nd Company (one section), Washington Battalion Artillery: Capt. Merritt B. Miller [probably c.55]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Numbers recorded gives a total of 1,990 for the infantry and if cavalry are included we obtain 2,050.
The problem is Washington Artillery as Report No.118 gives the strength of one company as 60 and then lists 5 artillery pieces. This amounts to only 12 men per piece i.e. impossible to man the battery effectively. I think the 60 refers to only 1 section of two pieces rather than one company. Even the usual company of two sections or 4 pieces would need a minimum of around 80 men to man all of the guns. These are the numbers given for Kemper's [80], Latham's [90] and the Loudon Battery [58] each consisting of 4 pieces.
I have seen the initial strength of 18th Mississippi as being in excess of 1,000 men, so they must have 'lost' a fair number on their journey to Virginia somewhere along the line!
Stryker65
Captain
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2023
- Location
- William & Mary
The site firstbullrun.co.uk appears to pull from a plethora of magazines and other news sources in giving troop strengths. For example, the following is given for the 2nd Maine:
I'd encourage you to look further into the FBR site; it's quite helpful.
I'd encourage you to look further into the FBR site; it's quite helpful.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
5th Brigade: Col. Philip St. George Cocke [3,276 men O.R. Report No.117 and 118]
8th Virginia (8 companies): Col. Eppa Hunton [425]
18th Virginia: Col. Robert Enoch Withers [619]
19th Virginia: Col. P. St. G. Cocke [606]
Lt-Col. John B. Strange
28th Virginia: Col. Robert Taylor Preston [617]
49th Virginia (3 companies B,E,H): Col. William 'Extra Billy' Smith [210]
Schaeffer's Battalion Infantry (3 companies): Capt. F.B. Schaeffer [225]
Report No.118 states that this total includes 1st Special Louisiana Battalion, which consisted of 5 companies of which I have two possible reported totals: 416 and 525. If we take the higher value of 525 for 1st Louisiana and omitting Schaeffer's Battalion as it was not engaged, the total for the brigade is 3,002 far short of the 3,276 in both Reports. However this is the only brigade that lists the same number in No.117 and No.118 whereas every other brigade reports larger numbers for the Field Return (No.117) than for those engaged (No.118). So one of these must be incorrect.
Assigned to the brigade on 21st July (date of the field return) however were three cavalry companies:
30th Virginia Cavalry: Companies B and D: Capt. G. W. B. Hale
30th Virginia Cavalry: Company D; Madison Cavalry/ Invincibles: Capt. W Thomas
Loudoun Cavalry: Capt. W. W. Mead
The cavalry companies averaged around 60 men per company, so this adds an additional 180.
Finally, two companies from 8th Virginia are missing in this total, adding a further 100.
The total therefore for those engaged is now 3,002 + 180 + 100 = 3,282, close to the reported total. I think there has been some confusion when these statistics were compiled as it is odd that this brigade is the only one that has the same number recorded in both reports. I think that what has happened is that 1st Louisiana has not been included in the brigade total as technically it was from Evans' so called demi-brigade. This removes 400-500 from the brigade total, but as the cavalry companies were actually assigned to the brigade on 21st July, they are included alongside Schaeffer's Battalion thereby making up the missing 400+.
The artillery with the brigade are recorded separately and are:
Loudon (Leesburg) Artillery Capt. Arthur L. Rogers [3 officers, 55 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841 Lt. Henry Heaton
Lynchburg (Latham) Artillery Capt. H. Grey Latham [2 officers, 43 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The 2nd Section of the battery was assigned to Evans' Brigade
8th Virginia (8 companies): Col. Eppa Hunton [425]
18th Virginia: Col. Robert Enoch Withers [619]
19th Virginia: Col. P. St. G. Cocke [606]
Lt-Col. John B. Strange
28th Virginia: Col. Robert Taylor Preston [617]
49th Virginia (3 companies B,E,H): Col. William 'Extra Billy' Smith [210]
Schaeffer's Battalion Infantry (3 companies): Capt. F.B. Schaeffer [225]
Report No.118 states that this total includes 1st Special Louisiana Battalion, which consisted of 5 companies of which I have two possible reported totals: 416 and 525. If we take the higher value of 525 for 1st Louisiana and omitting Schaeffer's Battalion as it was not engaged, the total for the brigade is 3,002 far short of the 3,276 in both Reports. However this is the only brigade that lists the same number in No.117 and No.118 whereas every other brigade reports larger numbers for the Field Return (No.117) than for those engaged (No.118). So one of these must be incorrect.
Assigned to the brigade on 21st July (date of the field return) however were three cavalry companies:
30th Virginia Cavalry: Companies B and D: Capt. G. W. B. Hale
30th Virginia Cavalry: Company D; Madison Cavalry/ Invincibles: Capt. W Thomas
Loudoun Cavalry: Capt. W. W. Mead
The cavalry companies averaged around 60 men per company, so this adds an additional 180.
Finally, two companies from 8th Virginia are missing in this total, adding a further 100.
The total therefore for those engaged is now 3,002 + 180 + 100 = 3,282, close to the reported total. I think there has been some confusion when these statistics were compiled as it is odd that this brigade is the only one that has the same number recorded in both reports. I think that what has happened is that 1st Louisiana has not been included in the brigade total as technically it was from Evans' so called demi-brigade. This removes 400-500 from the brigade total, but as the cavalry companies were actually assigned to the brigade on 21st July, they are included alongside Schaeffer's Battalion thereby making up the missing 400+.
The artillery with the brigade are recorded separately and are:
Loudon (Leesburg) Artillery Capt. Arthur L. Rogers [3 officers, 55 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841 Lt. Henry Heaton
Lynchburg (Latham) Artillery Capt. H. Grey Latham [2 officers, 43 men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The 2nd Section of the battery was assigned to Evans' Brigade
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
6th Brigade: Col. Jubal A. Early 2,620 O.R. Report No.117
1,775 men engaged O.R. Report No.118
Again what has been included into each reported total is different! This is a real dog's breakfast of a brigade in terms of numbers.
First of all the numbers I have for each regiment are:
7th Louisiana: Col. Harry T. Hays [817 O.R. Report No.117, 827 O.R. Report No.118]
13th Mississippi: Col. William Barksdale [812] [could be as low as 659, see comments below]
7th Virginia: Col. James L. Kemper [400]
24th Virginia: Lt-Col. Peter Hairston [c.720]
NB. 24th Virginia is listed with Longstreet's Brigade by the NPS.
Six companies of the 24th Virginia Infantry were temporarily assigned to Brigadier General J Longstreet's brigade, at Blackburn's Ford.
Again a Mississippi regiment with an initial total of over 1,000 enlistments falls dramatically and this 812 may even be too high.
Report No.118 the number engaged refers only to 13th Mississippi [812], 4th South Carolina (from Evans' brigade) [716], and 7th Virginia [400] = 1,928 i.e. 153 over the total engaged. I am fairly confident about 716 for 4th South Carolina and 400 seems small for a Virginia regiment at this time of the war, so that only leaves 13th Mississippi to account for the difference, down to 659.
I have a figure of 451 for 24th Virginia but I think this refers to the 6 companies that were assigned to Longstreet, giving an average of around 75 men per company, therefore a total of around 720 for the whole regiment (Most Virginia regiments averaging around 600 at this time). I wonder if the 7th Louisiana has been counted twice in report No.117, otherwise it is difficult to reach the brigade total of 2,620. We are around 700 short, in other words a whole regiment in a brigade that would only consist of 3 regiments.
4th South Carolina reported 96 casualties, greater than that of Early's brigade total of 79, therefore suggesting a large regimental total.
Attached to Early's brigade were the following cavalry and artillery units (the numbers were reported separate from the brigade totals)
Scott's Squadron Cavalry: Maj. J. Scott
Company K Albemarle Light Horse, 30th Virginia Cavalry: Capt. E Davis
Unlettered Company Prince William Cavalry: Capt. W.W. Thornton
4th Company, Washington Battalion Artillery: Lt. Charles Winder Squires [probably c.100]
1st Section 3 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr 3" Report No.118
Squires' battery was the only one containing 5 pieces so is the one referenced in Report No.118 as a single 'company' yet the figure of 60 men is too low to man 4 artillery pieces.
1,775 men engaged O.R. Report No.118
Again what has been included into each reported total is different! This is a real dog's breakfast of a brigade in terms of numbers.
First of all the numbers I have for each regiment are:
7th Louisiana: Col. Harry T. Hays [817 O.R. Report No.117, 827 O.R. Report No.118]
13th Mississippi: Col. William Barksdale [812] [could be as low as 659, see comments below]
7th Virginia: Col. James L. Kemper [400]
24th Virginia: Lt-Col. Peter Hairston [c.720]
NB. 24th Virginia is listed with Longstreet's Brigade by the NPS.
Six companies of the 24th Virginia Infantry were temporarily assigned to Brigadier General J Longstreet's brigade, at Blackburn's Ford.
Again a Mississippi regiment with an initial total of over 1,000 enlistments falls dramatically and this 812 may even be too high.
Report No.118 the number engaged refers only to 13th Mississippi [812], 4th South Carolina (from Evans' brigade) [716], and 7th Virginia [400] = 1,928 i.e. 153 over the total engaged. I am fairly confident about 716 for 4th South Carolina and 400 seems small for a Virginia regiment at this time of the war, so that only leaves 13th Mississippi to account for the difference, down to 659.
I have a figure of 451 for 24th Virginia but I think this refers to the 6 companies that were assigned to Longstreet, giving an average of around 75 men per company, therefore a total of around 720 for the whole regiment (Most Virginia regiments averaging around 600 at this time). I wonder if the 7th Louisiana has been counted twice in report No.117, otherwise it is difficult to reach the brigade total of 2,620. We are around 700 short, in other words a whole regiment in a brigade that would only consist of 3 regiments.
4th South Carolina reported 96 casualties, greater than that of Early's brigade total of 79, therefore suggesting a large regimental total.
Attached to Early's brigade were the following cavalry and artillery units (the numbers were reported separate from the brigade totals)
Scott's Squadron Cavalry: Maj. J. Scott
Company K Albemarle Light Horse, 30th Virginia Cavalry: Capt. E Davis
Unlettered Company Prince William Cavalry: Capt. W.W. Thornton
4th Company, Washington Battalion Artillery: Lt. Charles Winder Squires [probably c.100]
1st Section 3 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr 3" Report No.118
Squires' battery was the only one containing 5 pieces so is the one referenced in Report No.118 as a single 'company' yet the figure of 60 men is too low to man 4 artillery pieces.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
The final 'Brigade' to be actively engaged is the oft called 'Demi-brigade' of Col. Nathan G. Evans which was broken up during the battle but I have listed it here for completeness.
Demi-Brigade: Col. Nathan G. Evans
1st Special Battalion Louisiana Infantry: Maj. Chatham Roberdeau Wheat (w) [416 to 525]
(5 companies) Capt. Robert A. Harris
attached to Cocke's 5th brigade.
4th South Carolina: Col. John E.B. Sloan [716]
included in the totals for Early's 6th brigade
Attached
Terry's Texas Rangers Cavalry: Capt. W.R. Terry [190]
Some orders of battle list the various companies of 30th Virginia Cavalry that were attached to different brigades.
30th Virginia Cavalry, Campbell Rangers: Capt. J.D. Alexander
30th Virginia Cavalry, Clay Dragoons: Capt. W.R. Terry
The ten companies of the 30th Virginia Cavalry had a combined total of 676 (Report No.118), hence the average company strength of around 60 men.
Lynchburg Artillery: First Lt. G.H. Davidson [c.50]
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The 1st Section of the battery was attached to Cocke's 5th Brigade.
Also unattached were the following:
Hampton Legion South Carolina: Col. Wade Hampton [627 men engaged Report No.118]
(5 companies)
Harrison's Virginia Cavalry Battalion: Maj. J. Harrison [209 Report No.117]
(3 companies)
This basically completes the engaged forces of the Army of the Potomac. I'll cover the missing brigades after the Army of the Shenandoah for which there is even less information available from the O.R.
Demi-Brigade: Col. Nathan G. Evans
1st Special Battalion Louisiana Infantry: Maj. Chatham Roberdeau Wheat (w) [416 to 525]
(5 companies) Capt. Robert A. Harris
attached to Cocke's 5th brigade.
4th South Carolina: Col. John E.B. Sloan [716]
included in the totals for Early's 6th brigade
Attached
Terry's Texas Rangers Cavalry: Capt. W.R. Terry [190]
Some orders of battle list the various companies of 30th Virginia Cavalry that were attached to different brigades.
30th Virginia Cavalry, Campbell Rangers: Capt. J.D. Alexander
30th Virginia Cavalry, Clay Dragoons: Capt. W.R. Terry
The ten companies of the 30th Virginia Cavalry had a combined total of 676 (Report No.118), hence the average company strength of around 60 men.
Lynchburg Artillery: First Lt. G.H. Davidson [c.50]
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The 1st Section of the battery was attached to Cocke's 5th Brigade.
Also unattached were the following:
Hampton Legion South Carolina: Col. Wade Hampton [627 men engaged Report No.118]
(5 companies)
Harrison's Virginia Cavalry Battalion: Maj. J. Harrison [209 Report No.117]
(3 companies)
This basically completes the engaged forces of the Army of the Potomac. I'll cover the missing brigades after the Army of the Shenandoah for which there is even less information available from the O.R.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
Army of the Shenandoah: Brig. Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON
The only figure recorded in the O.R. comes from Johnston's Report stating that 8,334 were engaged, of all arms. He also states that A.P. Hill's regiment, 13th Virginia, of 550 men, from what would become Elzey's 4th brigade is not included in this total. And as previously mentioned Report No. 119 whilst it lists the troops of the Army of the Shenandoah engaged in the battle, the report ends with the line 'I cannot furnish the strength of the regiments, companies, &c.' With so little to go on, we have to rely on 'best estimates' and in some cases, 'guestimates' and then see if we get anywhere near the total of 8,334.
1st Brigade: Col. Thomas J. Jackson (w)
For many years, the number most often associated with Stonewall's brigade at Bull Run was 2,171, but I am unsure where this number originated. However, this is now regarded as too low and modern estimates put the number at around 2,600 (which I think is the number used in the Staff Ride Guide). These are the figures I have:
2nd Virginia: Col. James W. Allen (w) [c.600]
Lt-Col. Francis Lackland
4th Virginia: Col. James F. Preston (w) [556]
5th Virginia: Col. Kenton Harper [c.500]
27th Virginia: Col. W.W. Gordon [490]
Sibley and NPS lists Lt-Col. John Echols
33rd Virginia: Col. Arthur C. Cummings [460]
Attached to the brigade:
1st Rockbridge Artillery: Lt. John B. Brockenbrough [70]
1st Section 1 x 6pdr smoothbore M1841
1 x 12pdr Field Howitzer M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr light 'Cadet' smoothbores
The numbers, including the attached artillery, give a total of 2,676 for the brigade, in line with the Staff Ride Guide.
As this is such a famous unit, I am sure more knowledgeable members may be able to confirm or correct the numbers shown.
When a c. is shown in front of the number it means I have no definitive recorded figure for the regiment or battery.
The only figure recorded in the O.R. comes from Johnston's Report stating that 8,334 were engaged, of all arms. He also states that A.P. Hill's regiment, 13th Virginia, of 550 men, from what would become Elzey's 4th brigade is not included in this total. And as previously mentioned Report No. 119 whilst it lists the troops of the Army of the Shenandoah engaged in the battle, the report ends with the line 'I cannot furnish the strength of the regiments, companies, &c.' With so little to go on, we have to rely on 'best estimates' and in some cases, 'guestimates' and then see if we get anywhere near the total of 8,334.
1st Brigade: Col. Thomas J. Jackson (w)
For many years, the number most often associated with Stonewall's brigade at Bull Run was 2,171, but I am unsure where this number originated. However, this is now regarded as too low and modern estimates put the number at around 2,600 (which I think is the number used in the Staff Ride Guide). These are the figures I have:
2nd Virginia: Col. James W. Allen (w) [c.600]
Lt-Col. Francis Lackland
4th Virginia: Col. James F. Preston (w) [556]
5th Virginia: Col. Kenton Harper [c.500]
27th Virginia: Col. W.W. Gordon [490]
Sibley and NPS lists Lt-Col. John Echols
33rd Virginia: Col. Arthur C. Cummings [460]
Attached to the brigade:
1st Rockbridge Artillery: Lt. John B. Brockenbrough [70]
1st Section 1 x 6pdr smoothbore M1841
1 x 12pdr Field Howitzer M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr light 'Cadet' smoothbores
The numbers, including the attached artillery, give a total of 2,676 for the brigade, in line with the Staff Ride Guide.
As this is such a famous unit, I am sure more knowledgeable members may be able to confirm or correct the numbers shown.
When a c. is shown in front of the number it means I have no definitive recorded figure for the regiment or battery.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
2nd Brigade: Col. F. S. Bartow (k)
Col. Lucius J. Gartrell
Bartow's brigade consisted of 3 Georgia regiments and a further 2 detachments from Kentucky. Pope's Kentucky Battalion was being organised as a sharpshooter battalion. This battalion consisted of two companies for a total of 236 men. The second unit was Duncan's Kentucky Battalion with a known recorded strength of 450.
With a brigade total of 2,546, subtracting the knowns (236 + 450 = 686) leaves us with 1,860 for the 3 remaining regiments, or around 600 men per regiment. This can be confirmed by the quote of a member of the 8th Georgia who stated at Bull Run 'we had about 600 men'. The problem is only two regiments, 7th and 8th Georgia were present and it is often stated that Bartow's brigade numbered 1,500 but there is no reference how this number is arrived at. If the 8th Georgia contained around 600 men, this would mean that the 7th Georgia would number 900 men. The 1,500 may be a guestimate as the strength of the 9th Georgia is quoted at 411, this is subtracted from the 1,900 (1,860) to arrive at around 1,500. This seems logical until one realises the 411 comes from a return in April 1862 - 8 months distant from First Bull Run! One can assume that the number of combatants for the 9th Georgia would be considerably larger in July 1861 at the start of the war. It seems far more likely that each Georgia regiment was roughly of the same size especially when we have a first hand quote regarding 8th Georgia.
Finally if Bartow had 1,200 men in total for these regiments and a further 80 artillerymen from the attached Wise Artillery, this would give the brigade a casualty rate of 353/1,280 X 100 = 27.6% which seems a fair reflection of its participation in the battle - the highest casualty rate of any Confederate brigade at Bull Run.
In Summary:
7th Georgia: Col. Lucius J. Gartrell [c.600]
8th Georgia: Col. F.S. Bartow [c.600]
Lt-Col. William M. Gardner (w)
9th Georgia: Col. E.R. Gouldin [not present] [c.600]
Duncan's Kentucky Battalion: Maj. B. Duncan [not present] [450]
Pope's Kentucky Battalion (two companies): Maj. J.D. Pope [not present] [236]
9th Georgia and both Kentucky Battalions were detained at Piedmont Station, Fauquier County, Virginia due to a railroad collision.
Attached
Wise Artillery: Lt. J. Pelham [81] (referred to in the O.R. as Alburtis' battery)
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Excluding the artillery attached to the brigade, these figures give a total of 2,486.
Including the artillery attached to the brigade, these figures give a total of 2,567.
I am including the artillerymen in totals in these brigades as Johnston gives a combined total for the Army of the Shenandoah as 'all arms', so I am assuming this means all infantry, cavalry and artillerymen.
Col. Lucius J. Gartrell
Bartow's brigade consisted of 3 Georgia regiments and a further 2 detachments from Kentucky. Pope's Kentucky Battalion was being organised as a sharpshooter battalion. This battalion consisted of two companies for a total of 236 men. The second unit was Duncan's Kentucky Battalion with a known recorded strength of 450.
With a brigade total of 2,546, subtracting the knowns (236 + 450 = 686) leaves us with 1,860 for the 3 remaining regiments, or around 600 men per regiment. This can be confirmed by the quote of a member of the 8th Georgia who stated at Bull Run 'we had about 600 men'. The problem is only two regiments, 7th and 8th Georgia were present and it is often stated that Bartow's brigade numbered 1,500 but there is no reference how this number is arrived at. If the 8th Georgia contained around 600 men, this would mean that the 7th Georgia would number 900 men. The 1,500 may be a guestimate as the strength of the 9th Georgia is quoted at 411, this is subtracted from the 1,900 (1,860) to arrive at around 1,500. This seems logical until one realises the 411 comes from a return in April 1862 - 8 months distant from First Bull Run! One can assume that the number of combatants for the 9th Georgia would be considerably larger in July 1861 at the start of the war. It seems far more likely that each Georgia regiment was roughly of the same size especially when we have a first hand quote regarding 8th Georgia.
Finally if Bartow had 1,200 men in total for these regiments and a further 80 artillerymen from the attached Wise Artillery, this would give the brigade a casualty rate of 353/1,280 X 100 = 27.6% which seems a fair reflection of its participation in the battle - the highest casualty rate of any Confederate brigade at Bull Run.
In Summary:
7th Georgia: Col. Lucius J. Gartrell [c.600]
8th Georgia: Col. F.S. Bartow [c.600]
Lt-Col. William M. Gardner (w)
9th Georgia: Col. E.R. Gouldin [not present] [c.600]
Duncan's Kentucky Battalion: Maj. B. Duncan [not present] [450]
Pope's Kentucky Battalion (two companies): Maj. J.D. Pope [not present] [236]
9th Georgia and both Kentucky Battalions were detained at Piedmont Station, Fauquier County, Virginia due to a railroad collision.
Attached
Wise Artillery: Lt. J. Pelham [81] (referred to in the O.R. as Alburtis' battery)
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Excluding the artillery attached to the brigade, these figures give a total of 2,486.
Including the artillery attached to the brigade, these figures give a total of 2,567.
I am including the artillerymen in totals in these brigades as Johnston gives a combined total for the Army of the Shenandoah as 'all arms', so I am assuming this means all infantry, cavalry and artillerymen.
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
3rd Brigade: Brig. Gen. Barnard E. Bee (k)
The numbers associated with Bee's brigade are a strength total of 2,790 with 2,360 being engaged. Let's first consider the 430 difference between these two totals. This arises from the fact that 11th Mississippi only had 2 companies engaged, the 8 missing companies would give an average of around 53 men per company. With possibly the two larger companies that were engaged being slightly larger at 130 men in total. This gives the total of 655 for 11th Mississippi.
4th Alabama: Col. E.J. Jones (k) [700]
Lt-Col. E. M. Law (w- left arm)
Maj. C.L. Scott (w)
Col. States Rights Gist
In a letter written on 24th July, Capt. Dawson from 4th Alabama reported when referring to his regiment that 'about 700 went into battle'. I do have a second figure of 611 but unfortunately no reference for it and I think this is too low given Dawson's account.
2nd Mississippi: Col. William C. Falkner (w) [748 at 'full strength']
Obviously here I cannot clarify what 'at full strength' actually means but this seems reasonable as we have examples of other Mississippi regiments enlisting over 1,000 men but have only 600 to 700 men by the time they reach Virginia. Obviously illness could account for some of these dramatic falls as there is evidence of epidemics of common ailments sweeping through the newly formed regiments in this period of the war.
11th Mississippi (2 companies, A and F): Lieut.-Col. G.H. Steuart [655 with 130 engaged]
6th North Carolina: Col. Charles F. Fisher (k) [634]
Lt-Col. Charles Edward Lightfoot (w)
1st Tennessee: Col. P. Turney [281] The regiment was in Bee's brigade but was not engaged so should be included in the difference between the brigade strength and engaged strength, but this would leave only 150 for the 8 companies of 11th Mississippi. I think they have not been included in the brigade total but could account for the reporting of Bee's brigade containing 3,000 men - i.e. 2,790 + 281 = 3,071.
These figures result in a brigade total of 700 + 748 + 655 + 634 = 2,737
Engaged figures are therefore 700 + 748 + 130 + 634 = 2,212 if the artillery are included this becomes 2,319.
Attached to brigade
Staunton Artillery: Capt. John D. Imboden [107 officers and men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The numbers associated with Bee's brigade are a strength total of 2,790 with 2,360 being engaged. Let's first consider the 430 difference between these two totals. This arises from the fact that 11th Mississippi only had 2 companies engaged, the 8 missing companies would give an average of around 53 men per company. With possibly the two larger companies that were engaged being slightly larger at 130 men in total. This gives the total of 655 for 11th Mississippi.
4th Alabama: Col. E.J. Jones (k) [700]
Lt-Col. E. M. Law (w- left arm)
Maj. C.L. Scott (w)
Col. States Rights Gist
In a letter written on 24th July, Capt. Dawson from 4th Alabama reported when referring to his regiment that 'about 700 went into battle'. I do have a second figure of 611 but unfortunately no reference for it and I think this is too low given Dawson's account.
2nd Mississippi: Col. William C. Falkner (w) [748 at 'full strength']
Obviously here I cannot clarify what 'at full strength' actually means but this seems reasonable as we have examples of other Mississippi regiments enlisting over 1,000 men but have only 600 to 700 men by the time they reach Virginia. Obviously illness could account for some of these dramatic falls as there is evidence of epidemics of common ailments sweeping through the newly formed regiments in this period of the war.
11th Mississippi (2 companies, A and F): Lieut.-Col. G.H. Steuart [655 with 130 engaged]
6th North Carolina: Col. Charles F. Fisher (k) [634]
Lt-Col. Charles Edward Lightfoot (w)
1st Tennessee: Col. P. Turney [281] The regiment was in Bee's brigade but was not engaged so should be included in the difference between the brigade strength and engaged strength, but this would leave only 150 for the 8 companies of 11th Mississippi. I think they have not been included in the brigade total but could account for the reporting of Bee's brigade containing 3,000 men - i.e. 2,790 + 281 = 3,071.
These figures result in a brigade total of 700 + 748 + 655 + 634 = 2,737
Engaged figures are therefore 700 + 748 + 130 + 634 = 2,212 if the artillery are included this becomes 2,319.
Attached to brigade
Staunton Artillery: Capt. John D. Imboden [107 officers and men]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
4th Brigade: Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith (w)
Col. Arnold Elzey
This is probably the brigade which has the most conformity concerning numbers. I think this is partly due to the fact that it was engaged late in the day and Johnson specifically mentions the number of men from 13th Virginia that was omitted from his total.
The strength if the brigade is given as 2,262 with 1,712 engaged, the 550 difference being due to 13th Virginia with a recorded strength in his report of 550 men. The regiments and numbers I have for each are:
1st Maryland (Battalion): Col. Arnold Elzey [530]
Lt-Col. George H. Steuart
The battalion consisted of 8 companies.
3rd Tennessee: Col. John C. Vaughn [561]
10th Virginia: Col. Simeon B. Gibbons [623]
I have a report of the regiment taking about 600 into the battle.
13th Virginia: Col. A.P. Hill [550] [not present]
550 is supported as it is mentioned in Johnston's report, but he excludes them from the total engaged.
I think the numbers for 1st Maryland may have been arrived at by subtraction as the figures add up almost exactly.
That is 530 + 561 + 623 + 550 = 2,264
Again we have the problem as to whether the artillerymen are included in these totals.
The battery assigned to the brigade was:
Attached
Newtown Battery: Lt. Robert F. Beckham [c.70]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The question here is where did Robert F. Beckham come from? One thing for certain is that this battery is not the Culpeper (Virginia) battery given by Wikipedia and NPS as this is merely adding Beckham's place of birth in naming the battery. The only Culpeper battery was from South Carolina. Company C of Palmetto Light Artillery Battalion led by Capt. James Culpeper.
I think this is the Newtown (Virginia) battery of Groves Battery (commanded by Capt. George A. Groves, that after the battle was temporarily commanded by Lt. John Pelham before being officially disbanded 26th October 1861). Robert Beckham would be transferred to Jeff Davis (Alabama) Artillery on 14th October 1861.
The correct name for the battery perhaps at this time of the war should be 1st Virginia Artillery, Company C. There is a record card in the National Archives for 1st Virginia Artillery, Company C with Captain George A. Groves name and a note stating that the battery was disbanded in the fall of 1861. The reason why this name is not used is that Pendleton's attempt to form the so-called 1st Virginia Artillery Regiment came to nought in April 1861.
There were originally 3 companies of 1st Virginia Artillery (A, B, and C) that Pendleton was trying to form in April 1861.
Company A morphed into the Rockbridge Artillery that was assigned to Jackson's 1st Brigade. The Rockbridge battery is sometimes referred to as Pendleton's at this time.
Company B became Wise Artillery that was assigned to Bartow's 2nd Brigade.
Company C was assigned to Bee's 3rd Brigade, but I do not know what happened to George A. Groves except we know he was discharged with the rank of captain in the fall of 1861 (there is no date on the card).
Col. Arnold Elzey
This is probably the brigade which has the most conformity concerning numbers. I think this is partly due to the fact that it was engaged late in the day and Johnson specifically mentions the number of men from 13th Virginia that was omitted from his total.
The strength if the brigade is given as 2,262 with 1,712 engaged, the 550 difference being due to 13th Virginia with a recorded strength in his report of 550 men. The regiments and numbers I have for each are:
1st Maryland (Battalion): Col. Arnold Elzey [530]
Lt-Col. George H. Steuart
The battalion consisted of 8 companies.
3rd Tennessee: Col. John C. Vaughn [561]
10th Virginia: Col. Simeon B. Gibbons [623]
I have a report of the regiment taking about 600 into the battle.
13th Virginia: Col. A.P. Hill [550] [not present]
550 is supported as it is mentioned in Johnston's report, but he excludes them from the total engaged.
I think the numbers for 1st Maryland may have been arrived at by subtraction as the figures add up almost exactly.
That is 530 + 561 + 623 + 550 = 2,264
Again we have the problem as to whether the artillerymen are included in these totals.
The battery assigned to the brigade was:
Attached
Newtown Battery: Lt. Robert F. Beckham [c.70]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
The question here is where did Robert F. Beckham come from? One thing for certain is that this battery is not the Culpeper (Virginia) battery given by Wikipedia and NPS as this is merely adding Beckham's place of birth in naming the battery. The only Culpeper battery was from South Carolina. Company C of Palmetto Light Artillery Battalion led by Capt. James Culpeper.
I think this is the Newtown (Virginia) battery of Groves Battery (commanded by Capt. George A. Groves, that after the battle was temporarily commanded by Lt. John Pelham before being officially disbanded 26th October 1861). Robert Beckham would be transferred to Jeff Davis (Alabama) Artillery on 14th October 1861.
The correct name for the battery perhaps at this time of the war should be 1st Virginia Artillery, Company C. There is a record card in the National Archives for 1st Virginia Artillery, Company C with Captain George A. Groves name and a note stating that the battery was disbanded in the fall of 1861. The reason why this name is not used is that Pendleton's attempt to form the so-called 1st Virginia Artillery Regiment came to nought in April 1861.
There were originally 3 companies of 1st Virginia Artillery (A, B, and C) that Pendleton was trying to form in April 1861.
Company A morphed into the Rockbridge Artillery that was assigned to Jackson's 1st Brigade. The Rockbridge battery is sometimes referred to as Pendleton's at this time.
Company B became Wise Artillery that was assigned to Bartow's 2nd Brigade.
Company C was assigned to Bee's 3rd Brigade, but I do not know what happened to George A. Groves except we know he was discharged with the rank of captain in the fall of 1861 (there is no date on the card).
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
To complete the Army of the Shenandoah we have two unbrigaded units.
1st Virginia Cavalry: Col. J.E.B. Stuart [334]
"June 1861, numbered only twenty-one officers and three hundred and thirteen men present for duty."
Thomas Artillery: Capt. Philip B. Stanard [c.70]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Stanard's Battery arrived late on the evening of 20 July and during the battle was under the command of General Jackson on Henry Hill.
1st Virginia Cavalry: Col. J.E.B. Stuart [334]
"June 1861, numbered only twenty-one officers and three hundred and thirteen men present for duty."
Thomas Artillery: Capt. Philip B. Stanard [c.70]
1st Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
2nd Section 2 x 6pdr smoothbores M1841
Stanard's Battery arrived late on the evening of 20 July and during the battle was under the command of General Jackson on Henry Hill.
Josh The Lighthouse Guy
Major
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Location
- Jupiter, FL
I'm surprised how many regiments, which should have had 1000ish men, were already down to 700-800 men.
Stryker65
Captain
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2023
- Location
- William & Mary
Didn't a company only need 64 privates to qualify as being a company?
Hannover
Corporal
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
To summarise:
Harrison's Battalion is not listed in Report No.118 so presumably they are included in the 10 troops?
Who are included in the ten troops of cavalry is unknown. It may therefore be the following:
Scott's Squadron Cavalry: Maj. John Scott
Unlettered Company Prince William Cavalry: Capt. W.W. Thornton
Munford's Cavalry Squadron: Lt-Col. T.T. Munford
Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B: Capt. W B Ball
Fauquier Black Horse Troop: Capt. William H. Payne
Loudon Cavalry
Loudoun Cavalry: Captain W. W. Mead
Madison Cavalry: Capt. W. Thomas
Wickham's Cavalry Squadron
Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W C Wickham; served with 1st Brigade.
Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry: Capt. E B Powell
Harrison's Battalion: Maj. J. Harrison
Goochland Light Dragoons, First Lieutenant G F Harrison
Governor's Mounted Guards, Captain J G Cabell
Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball
Cavalry is not my speciality especially at the start of the war when companies were formed, merged and ended up with several names! I will admit to one mistake when I listed Evan's Demi-brigade I included 'Terry's Texas Rangers' but at the time Terry was serving in the Clay Dragoons of 30th Virginia Cavalry (which was not called that at the time!). He went on to form his Texas Rangers afterwards. In my defence I did list both companies of the 30th Virginia Cavalry that were assigned to Evans yet 190 seems high for 2 companies of cavalry that average was only around 65. As I have said cavalry is not my forte!
There is a good element of agreement between the figures I have given and those in the Official Report. The difference is largely due to my inclusion of D.R. Jones' brigade. Why this brigade was not included in the O.R. table is unknown as they reported 75 casualties!
These numbers suggest that the idea that regiments contained 1,000 or more men is quite frankly incorrect. Our use of the Official Records clearly demonstrate this, especially when you consider the individual regiments from each brigade and what is known about them. Several regiments did not have all of their companies engaged which reduced the overall total.
With many regiments numbering between 600 and 800 there would still be difficulty in commanding regiments of that size, particularly for individuals who were not accustomed in controlling this number of men. This helps to explain the command issues that both sides experienced.
As some have already noted, why was there such a drop in numbers when most enlistment registers number above 800 men?
What is known is that placing large numbers of people together helped the spread of disease and infection and we know many were incapacitated by the spread of what would be considered 'childhood diseases' as they would not exposed to these infections as many individuals came from a largely rural background. We also know that some individuals absconded after receiving their 'bounty', only to re-enlist again elsewhere. There were obviously also some that had second thoughts after enlisting. However considering that the war was to claim more casualties as a result of disease (in an era before infection control) than any other circumstances I think it is safe to assume that disease was the major reason for the significant drop in numbers of many regiments.
Commands | Report No.118 | Number | Notes | |
Army of the Potomac | ||||
| 1st Bonham | 1,527 | 1,474 | ||
| 2nd Ewell | | | ||
| 3rd D.R. Jones | | 2,050 | ||
| 4th Longstreet | | | ||
| 5th Cocke | 3,276 | 3,282 | ||
| 6th Early | 1,775 | 1,775 | 7th La removed (below) 4th S.C. added 24th Va. omitted | |
| 7th Louisiana | 827 | 827 | ||
| 8th Louisiana (6 coys) | 508 | 508 | ||
| Hampton Legion (6 coys) | 627 | 627 | ||
| 30th Virginia Cavalry | 676 | 651 | ||
| Cavalry 10 troops | 473 | 473 | See below | |
| Washington Artillery | 60 | 220 | Squire's only | |
| Kemper's | 80 | 80 | ||
| Latham's | 90 | 90 | ||
| Loudon's | 58 | 58 | ||
9,977 | 12,115 |
Who are included in the ten troops of cavalry is unknown. It may therefore be the following:
Scott's Squadron Cavalry: Maj. John Scott
Unlettered Company Prince William Cavalry: Capt. W.W. Thornton
Munford's Cavalry Squadron: Lt-Col. T.T. Munford
Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B: Capt. W B Ball
Fauquier Black Horse Troop: Capt. William H. Payne
Loudon Cavalry
Loudoun Cavalry: Captain W. W. Mead
Madison Cavalry: Capt. W. Thomas
Wickham's Cavalry Squadron
Hanover Light Dragoons, Captain W C Wickham; served with 1st Brigade.
Washington's Home Guards/ Fairfax Cavalry: Capt. E B Powell
Harrison's Battalion: Maj. J. Harrison
Goochland Light Dragoons, First Lieutenant G F Harrison
Governor's Mounted Guards, Captain J G Cabell
Chesterfield Light Dragoons, Company B, Captain W B Ball
Cavalry is not my speciality especially at the start of the war when companies were formed, merged and ended up with several names! I will admit to one mistake when I listed Evan's Demi-brigade I included 'Terry's Texas Rangers' but at the time Terry was serving in the Clay Dragoons of 30th Virginia Cavalry (which was not called that at the time!). He went on to form his Texas Rangers afterwards. In my defence I did list both companies of the 30th Virginia Cavalry that were assigned to Evans yet 190 seems high for 2 companies of cavalry that average was only around 65. As I have said cavalry is not my forte!
There is a good element of agreement between the figures I have given and those in the Official Report. The difference is largely due to my inclusion of D.R. Jones' brigade. Why this brigade was not included in the O.R. table is unknown as they reported 75 casualties!
These numbers suggest that the idea that regiments contained 1,000 or more men is quite frankly incorrect. Our use of the Official Records clearly demonstrate this, especially when you consider the individual regiments from each brigade and what is known about them. Several regiments did not have all of their companies engaged which reduced the overall total.
With many regiments numbering between 600 and 800 there would still be difficulty in commanding regiments of that size, particularly for individuals who were not accustomed in controlling this number of men. This helps to explain the command issues that both sides experienced.
As some have already noted, why was there such a drop in numbers when most enlistment registers number above 800 men?
What is known is that placing large numbers of people together helped the spread of disease and infection and we know many were incapacitated by the spread of what would be considered 'childhood diseases' as they would not exposed to these infections as many individuals came from a largely rural background. We also know that some individuals absconded after receiving their 'bounty', only to re-enlist again elsewhere. There were obviously also some that had second thoughts after enlisting. However considering that the war was to claim more casualties as a result of disease (in an era before infection control) than any other circumstances I think it is safe to assume that disease was the major reason for the significant drop in numbers of many regiments.
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