Episode 47: PVT John O. Casler and the 33rd Virginia at the Battle of First Bull Run

At the First Battle of Bull Run, PVT Casler and the 33rd Virginia formed on the left flank of BG Thomas J. Jackson’s all Virginia 1st Brigade on Henry Hill. The Virginians stood like a Stonewall through several Union advances. During this time, PVT Casler and the 33rd Virginia charged and captured a Union Battery that unlimbered too close them but eventually returned to the line on Henry Hill. The Virginians became the anchor of the Confederate line, which brough in enough fresh troops to defeat the Union Army in their front. By the end of the battle, BG Thomas J. Jackson and the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th  and 33rd Virginia Regiments as well as the Rockbridge Artillery were cemented in American Military History as Stonewall Jackson and the Stonewall Brigade.

Sources used for this episode:

Casler, John O. Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade. 2nd ed. Girard: Appeal Publishing Company, 1906. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044012920278&seq=15.

Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 2. Washington: Government Printing Press, 1880. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077730186&view=1up&seq=3.

Transcript

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That morning. We had been given a signal to use in time of battle to distinguish friend from foe. Which was to throw the right hand to the forehead, palm outward, and say Sumpter. When this regiment, which was the 14th, Brooklyn, New York, appeared in view, Colonel Cummings gave the signal and it was returned by one of the officers. But how they got it was a mystery. So when the scattering shots were fired by some of our regiment, Colonel Cummings exclaimed cease firing. You are firing on friends and the volley came from them at the same time. And I know I remarked friends. Hell, that looks like it. hi, my name is Bill Coghlan and host the first person Civil War podcast. While the generals of both sides get most of the recognition, the Civil War was fought by the men in the ranks, and they told their stories during and after the war. Follow me as I reveal what these men witnessed in the battles of the Civil War. Episode 47 is entitled Private John Overton Kasler in the 33rd Virginia at the first Battle of Bull Run, and relies on his book Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade Second Edition, which he published in 1906. As the Civil War progressed, some regiments and brigades of both the union and Confederate armies became famous for their deeds upon the battlefield. I intend to bring you the story of how an all Virginia brigade under the command of Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson earned its famous moniker as the Stonewall Brigade through the lens of private Kessler of company a 33rd Virginia. John Overton Kassler was born in Gainesboro in Frederick County, Virginia on one December, 1838. And according to Census records, his family moved to neighboring Hampshire County by 1850. In 1859, John Kassler moved out to Missouri to make a living on his own, but his plans were cut short as southern states began to secede from the union. On eight. April, 1861. John Kassler boarded a Steamboat at St. Louis, headed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to eventually return to Virginia, which at that time had not yet seceded. The prevailing topic while on the journey was the impending war and Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops. Various opinions were indulged in by the passengers. Some saying that the north did not need that many troops and that it would all be settled in less than 90 days. But alas, vain hope how little we knew of the struggle that was before us. I parted with my fellow passengers at Parkersburg, West Virginia. Some were going into the Union Army and some of us into the Southern Army. After arriving home, John Kassler learned that the town of Springfield was forming a company of infantry. An answer to the governor of Virginia's call for troops and he decided to enlist there though a part of Virginia at the time, Springfield and all of Hampshire County would by 1863 be incorporated into the new state of West Virginia for the time being. However, the county provided men to form two infantry companies to fight for the south. John Kassler joined many of his old schoolmates in the Potomac Guards, and on 19 June, 1861, he mustered into service for one year as a private for the remainder of June. The Potomac Guards alongside two other infantry companies, served in Lee's Battalion where it skirmished and marched in opposition to union forces in the vicinity of Winchester. In early July, private Casler and the Potomac guards were assigned to the regiment forming under the command of Colonel Arthur Cummings, which only had eight companies now as company A 33rd Virginia. The Regiment joined Brigadier General Thomas j Jackson's first brigade on 15 July, which also consisted of the second, fourth. Fifth and 27th, Virginia Infantry and the Rockbridge Artillery in Brigadier General, Joseph e Johnston's, army of the Shenandoah. As the Union army of Northeastern Virginia began its advance south out of Washington dc the Confederates began to concentrate their forces around Manassas Junction, which included Brigadier General Johnston's Army, though the soldiers would eventually take the train toward Manasas. Private Kessler and the 33rd Virginia had to first march approximately 25 miles, which began on 18 July. It was general Johnston's wish that all the men would keep in ranks and not straggle if possible. Then we started on a quick march, marched all day and nearly all night, waiting the Shenandoah River at about 12 o'clock at night. Halted at a small village called Paris about two hours, then resumed the march about daylight, and arrived at Piedmont Station on the Manasas Gap Railroad. By 20 July, Brigadier General Jackson's brigade had arrived at Manassas Junction and marched north to reinforce brigadier general PGT Bo Guard's Army of the Potomac, which had already skirmished with the union forces along a stream called Bull Run. That night, the 33rd, Virginia went into Bival Whack. And private Kasler discussed with his comrades, specifically private William Blue, about the impending battle. While lying. Thus being nearly asleep. He roused me up and said that he wanted to make a bargain with me. Which was if either of us got killed the next day, the one who survived should see the other buried if we keep possession of the battlefield. I told him that I would certainly do that, and we pledged ourselves accordingly. I then remarked that perhaps we would escape unhurt or wounded. He said. No, I don't want to be wounded. If I'm shot at all. I want to be shot right through the heart. On the morning of 21 July, 1861, the Confederate Army had a raid itself along the Southern Bank of Bull Run, specifically along the various Fords that could provide the advancing union army from Centerville A means the cross and continue their advance toward Richmond. After probing the Confederates, the day before Brigadier General Irvin McDowell, the Union Army commander, decided to send his army north to Sudley Ford, which was unguarded, whereas troops successfully crossed and engaged with the Confederate right flank on Matthews Hill, which consisted of the brigades of Colonel Nathan G. Evans, Brigadier, general Bernard Elliot B, and Colonel Francis c Bartow. The weight of the union numbers began to tell, and all three Confederate brigades retreated south toward Henry Hill. Marching North toward Henry Hill to form. The next Confederate line of battle was private Kassler and the 33rd Virginia alongside the rest of Brigadier General Jackson's brigade. Our regiment marched up the hill and formed left in front on the left of the brigade and on the entire left of our army as we passed the other regiments meaning the retreating confederate regiments, the shells were bursting and cutting down the pines all around us, and we were shaking hands and bidding farewell to those we were acquainted with. Knowing that in a few moments, many of us would be stretched lifeless on the field. The Virginians of Brigadier General Jackson's brigade became the anchor of the confederate line on Henry Hill brigadier, general B retreating with his men. Notice Jackson's brigade forming in line. The following famous quote has several variations depending on the source, but according to private Kassler, brigadier General B turned to his men to rally them and shouted. Look yonder. There is Jackson and his brigade standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to die. Here. Die and we will conquer rally behind them. Brigadier, general Jackson Private Kassler, and the 33rd, second, fourth, fifth, and 27th Virginia regiments, as well as 13 pieces of artillery, which included the rock bridge artillery. Were about about to enter into American military history. Formed on the reverse slope of the hill. Private Kasler could not see the advancing union troops, and eventually one of his comrades got curious about what was in front of them. There seemed to be a lull in the firing just at this time, and Sergeant James p Daley of my company walked up to the brow of the hill, but soon returned with the exclamation. Boys. There's the prettiest site from the top of the hill you ever saw. They're coming up the other side in four ranks and all dressed in red. When we heard that, I saw several others jump up and start to see, but Colonel Cummings ordered us to stay in ranks and daily remarked. We will see them soon enough. The regiment dressed in red and advancing upon the 33rd Virginia. Was the 14th, Brooklyn, alongside several regiments from different brigades ordered to support union batteries on Limbing against the Confederate line. As the 14th Brooklyn advanced. They noticed the 33rd Virginia lying on the ground and an officer asked what regiment they were and was met with several shots from the Virginians. What happened next was unexpected by private kaler and the 33rd Virginia. That morning. We had been given a signal to use in time of battle to distinguish friend from foe. Which was to throw the right hand to the forehead, palm outward, and say Sumpter. When this regiment, which was the 14th, Brooklyn, New York, appeared in view, Colonel Cummings gave the signal and it was returned by one of the officers. But how they got it was a mystery. So when the scattering shots were fired by some of our regiment, Colonel Cummings exclaimed cease firing. You are firing on friends and the volley came from them at the same time. And I know I remarked friends. Hell, that looks like it. The Union Army by this time was not only sending infantry toward Henry Hill, but also bringing artillery into position, and Colonel Cummings took the initiative on the battlefield as the New Yorkers continued their steady advance private casler and the 33rd Virginia prepared for a charge. Then came the command. Attention forward March. Charge bayonets, double quick and away we went. Sweeping everything before us, but the enemy broke and fled. We were soon in possession of the guns, nearly killed all the horses, and a great portion of the men were killed or wounded, and we were none too soon for one minute more. And four guns would've belched forth into our ranks carrying death and destruction, and perhaps been able to have held their position. Private kassler and the 33rd Virginia had just captured the guns of battery. D fifth US. Artillery commanded by Captain Charles Griffin, who was ordered to a position precariously close to the Confederate line. To engage the artillery that brigadier General Jackson had masked upon Henry Hill. The battery opened upon the enemy's battery amidst the galling fire from his artillery, and continued firing for nearly half an hour. It then changed position to the right and fired two rounds when it was charged by the enemy's infantry from the woods on the right of our position. This infantry was mistaken for our own forces. This was the second time that the 33rd Virginia was mistaken as they were wearing blue uniforms in this charge of the enemy. Every canner was cut down and a large number of horses killed leaving the battery perfectly helpless. Colonel Andrew Porter, commander of the First Brigade, second division, and the brigade commander of the 14th, Brooklyn Obliquely summarized the charge of the 33rd Virginia upon his infantry. The 14th, though it had broken, was soon rallied in rear of Griffin's battery. By this time, elements of the first brigade, third division arrived to reinforce Colonel Porter and forced private Kessler and the 33rd Virginia to return to their original position under heavy fire while the abandoned artillery remained between the, lines of. Battle. In this action, our regiment being on the extreme left was a loan. The balance of the brigade not charging until later, and we were terribly cut up and had to fall back. General Jackson said he could afford to sacrifice one to save the day. It was the first check and repulse the enemy had received, and during the remainder of the day, the battle turned in the favor of the confederates. Brigade, air General Jackson and his brigade stowed on Henry Hill like a stone wall through repeated union assaults and the Confederate Army rushed regiments and brigades there to extend their line. Brigadier General Jackson, sensing an opportunity ordered his brigade to charge. At 3:30 PM the advance of the enemy having reached a position which called for the use of the bayonet, I gave the command for the charge of the more than brave fourth and 27th. And under commanders worthy of such regiments. They, in order in which they were posted, rushed forward obliquely to the left of our batteries, and through the blessing of God who gave us the victory, pierced the enemy center. And by cooperating with the victorious fifth and other forces, soon placed the field essentially in our possession. The Union Army broke and fled the field. While several commands of the Confederate army joined in the immediate pursuit. Private Kassler and the 33rd. Virginia stayed in his position on Henry Hill. We did not follow them far for fresh troops we're coming in all the time. We had lost severely and were considerably demoralized. I then took a stroll over the battlefield to see who of my comrades were dead or wounded, and I saw my friend William Blue lying on his face dead. I turned him over to see where he was shot if shot at all. He must have been killed instantly for he was in the act of loading his gun. One hand was grasping around his gun. In the other, he held a cartridge with one end of it in his mouth, in the act of tearing it off. I sat down by him and took a hearty cry and then think sigh. It does not look well for a soldier to cry, but I could not help it. I then stuck his gun in the ground by his side, marked his name, company, and regiment on a piece of paper, pinned it to his breast and went off. As the 33rd Virginia prepared to depart the battlefield, private kassler went to bury William Blue's body while digging a grave under an apple tree next to the Henry House. A soldier from Georgia asked to use the tools when he was done to bury his brother who had fallen on the field. Private Kassler made a deal with the Georgian. In exchange for his help, the two men would widen the grave for William Blue and the brother. After finishing private, Kassler marked the grave and the two men parted ways. By the end of the first Battle of Bull Run, Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson, and the second, fourth, fifth, 27th, and 33rd Virginia regiments as well as the Rock Bridge Artillery had cemented their names in history from that time and even after his death. Thomas J. Jackson earned the nickname of Stonewall Jackson and the first brigade became the Stonewall Brigade. The man who coined the term brigadier General B successfully rallied his men behind the Stonewall Brigade, but he never knew how important his words of encouragement became as he received a mortal wound to the stomach that afternoon and died the next day. For standing like a stone wall on Henry Hill. The 33rd Virginia suffered heavy casualties. The regiment at the time was only eight companies and had an unidentified amount of men absent due to measles. This meant that the 33rd Virginia went into battle with about 450 men according to private kassler, and lost 43 killed and 140 wounded a casualty rate of 41%. Private Kassler remained in company a 33rd Virginia throughout most of the war where the Stonewall Brigade saw action. So too did private kassler at places such as Malvern Hill, second Manasas and Teem Fredericksburg Chancellorville. Gettysburg, the Wilderness Spotsylvania Courthouse and Cold Harbor. The Stonewall Brigade then consolidated with two other brigades and saw further service during the Valley campaign of 1864. While on the march toward Winchester Private Kassler came down with cholera and had to spend an extended time in hospitals and at home when he was finally fit for service again. In December, 1864, private Casler learned that company A of the 33rd, Virginia, no longer existed. He subsequently enlisted in the 11th Virginia Cavalry and was captured in February, 1865. John o Kassler spent the remainder of the war in a prisoner of war camp and eventually took the oath of allegiance. After General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse after fighting for so long, John Kassler did not hold ill will toward the Victorious Union Army. In his second edition of his book, four Years in the Stonewall Brigade, which he published in 1906, he opened with the following dedication. This work is respectfully dedicated to the boys who wore the gray and the boys who wore the blue, and who fought and suffered for what they conceived to be right. No more shall the war cry. S. Or the winding rivers be red. They benish our anger forever when they laurel, the graves of the dead under the saw and dew waiting. The judgment day, love and tears for the blue tears and love for the gray. John o Kassler continued with various thoughts on the outcome of the Civil War Such as the creation of West Virginia, but he firmly desired that a second war be averted. But thank God the secession movement and the slavery agitation is settled forever and our country is once more united. If it ever has any more ruptures or disunion, it will not be on either of those lines. And let us hope that never again. While time lasts, will our fair country be involved in another, what they call a civil war? Thank you for listening to the 47th episode. Links to private caster's book and social media accounts are now available on the podcast website. First person Civil War podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn This week you'll find a picture of John o Kassler sometime after the war. I'd like to thank everyone for your patience as I had to delay the release of the episode by one week. Just to let everyone in on the production of each episode. It's all done by me. Researching, transcribing, recording, editing, and publishing the episode. So when something happens and I have to step away from the computer for a few days, the result is a delay in publishing. I did announce the delay across social media, so please follow on one of those platforms to stay in the loop. In two weeks time. Sergeant Edward p Toby of Company G. First Main cavalry provides next episode's first person account at the Battle of Brandy Station. My name is Bill Coghlan, and thank you for listening to First Person Civil War podcast.