The Daily Dispatch: August 10, 1861., [Electronic resource]

The Thirtieth Virginia Regiment

Early in the morning of the 21st, and indeed during the previous night, the approach of the enemy was known in the Southern camp; but at what point on Bull Run creek the attack would be made, was unknown; therefore, every point was guarded by infantry and cavalry. For this reason, the 30th Regiment was stationed in squads at different points on the creek. At 10 A. M., it was evident that the design of the enemy was to attack the left wing of our army, at the point known as Stone Bridge. Near this point Col. Radford had concentrated, and remained much exposed to the enemy's artillery and infantry during the engagement of six or eight hours, at the end of which time, however, the enemy's column began to give way and Col Radford was ordered to charge. This order was properly obeyed, and with such terrific valor as to cause a perfect stampede with the enemy. They broke their lines and run in every direction, throwing down their arms and divesting themselves of everything that would render their escape doubtful. Many surrendered themselves prisoners of war, and begged our brave soldiers not to shoot them. In this charge we succeeded in taking from 40 to 60 prisoners, killed 25 artillery horses, captured 15 or 20 wagons, and left from 60 to 100 of the enemy killed and wounded on the field. Then it was, in the foremost of the fight, the gallant and intrepid Capt. Winston Radford, of the ‘"Radford Rangers,"’ received a mortal wound, from which he died an hour afterwards, in the arms of a stranger friend, upon the soil of his own native State; and truly 'tis a proud legacy to those who mourn his loss to say that the last sound that greeted the ears of the brave, dying man, was the tramp of the retreating foe. Truly, Capt. Radford died a hero, as did, at the same time, his companion in arms, the lamented Irvine. Shortly afterward, and but a few hundred yards further down the road, a second charge was made, which resulted, without the loss of a man of this regiment, in the capture of 60 prisoners, 14 pieces of artillery, 30 wagons and ambulances, a large number of horses, besides various other articles of value belonging to the enemy. At this point 42 invaders were killed, and a large number wounded. From this it maybe seen why it is the Northern press attribute their great loss of artillery and other Federal property to the Confederate cavalry, in their retreat from Bull Run. And it is no disparagement to other regiments and companies, who did their duty nobly, to say that the 30th Regiment, Mounted Rangers, under their daring and fearless commander, Colonel Radford, did their whole duty.