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.
Arlington Heights.—Arrival of Recruits.
On September 2d, back to the defences of Washington, a part of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 3d Corps. At first in camp at Alexandria. Then a long march on the Virginia side, across the Potomac, on through Georgetown, and back, locating on Arlington Heights, where the Regiment awaited the 350 recruits, the outcome of Colonel Bowman's efforts inaugurated at Camp Pope.