On the 29th, the Regiment, with the Division, was on the right flank of
the Army, at Groveton.
On the morning of the 30th, the second day of the battle, the Regiment
was exposed to a severe fire of grape and canister.
In the afternoon, Ricketts' Division was attacked by the enemy with
masses of troops, but held its part well until ordered back by Pope
about 7 P.M., after the final break along the Union line.
From that part of the line which had been so successfully held during
the latter half of the day, and night being yet an hour off, there was
afforded a clear view of flying Artillery and flying Infantry, all
moving to a common center--Centerville.
While it was not strictly a walk, yet, in view of the situation, in
good order the Regiment went back about a mile and took position, with
other Regiments of the Brigade, in an open field, in fact facing the
enemy, yet not knowing whom we faced. Here occurred the incident which
almost (a minute of time made the difference) disposed of the 84th.
Just daylight enough left to discern a line, a full brigade front,
advancing, yet not enough to distinguish the color of the uniform, or
to make sure the flag.
On they came, a perfect line, marching as if on review. "Who are you?"
thrice repeated, brought no response. Not a word was spoken in their
ranks, but on they came.
A few minutes before, Lieutenant Nixon had been ordered to post a
detail of pickets, but had not had time to go out. "I will learn who
they are," said Nixon. Twenty-five steps to the front, and he was half
way. Then came from him the words which seem to sound upon my ear every
time the incident occurs to me, "They are the enemy, boys!" And then,
for it was dark now, upon the instant was seen that flash of light
along the whole line of that rebel brigade. I see it now as I saw it
then. With the flash came the whirr of the thousands of bullets, but
the darkness in the aim saved the objects for which they were intended.
The fire was the vengeance of the failure to capture.
Night being fully on, our small force had accomplished all that it had
been left on the field for--the checking of pursuit--and was now not
long in getting to the Centerville side of Bull Run.
On the night of September 1st, the Regiment was at Fairfax Station.