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CHAPTER II.

These companies constituted the regiment that was to cover itself with so
much glory on that hot and fateful July afternoon at Manassas, but it was subse-
quently increased by two other companies, I and C (Second), of which mention
will be made hereafter.

The regiment numbered some seven hundred men, but only two of the
companies were uniformed — those of Murray and Dorsey, from Richmond. The
rest were clad in the garb in which they had left home, but it was sadly changed.
Sleeping out in the mud and rain had despoiled the citizens' dress, and worn it
threadbare, and in many cases it was in tatters. Looking at these men, Sir John
Falstaff might have said : "I'll not march through with them, that's flat," but
there all resemblance ends between them and the fat knight's motley company.
They were yeomen's sons, brave and warm-hearted; many of them were men of
education and refinement; they never murmured or complained, and they cheer-
fully responded to the call to their various camp duties.

Lieutenant-Colonel George H. Steuart took virtual command of the camp,
and through his unceasing and tireless energy they soon became proficient in
company movements.

But at this time a good angel appeared in the camp in the person of a
woman — Mrs. Bradley T. Johnson.

Seeing the condition of affairs, this noble and unselfish woman set out for
North Carolina, her native State, escorted by Captain Nicholas and Lieutenant
George M. E. Shearer, and reached Raleigh in safety after overcoming many
difficulties. The morning after her arrival she made her appearance before
Governor Ellis and the Council of State, stated the necessities of the Maryland
troops, and in a feeling manner appealed to them for assistance. The Governor
and Council immediately presented her with five hundred Mississippi rifles and
ten thousand rounds of cartridges.

Before Mrs. Johnson left Raleigh a public meeting was called under the
auspices of the Honorable W. E. Edwards, Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin, and
other distinguished men. In addressing the meeting the Honorable Kennith
Raynor said :

"If great events produce great men, so, in the scene before us, we have proof
that great events produce great women. It was one that partook more of the
romance than of the realities of life. One of our own daughters, raised in the lap
of luxury, blessed with the enjoyment of all the elements of elegance and ease,
had quit her peaceful home, followed her husband to the camp, and, leaving him