Duncan Stoddard page 1

The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia.  It was the first major land battle of the Civil War.  Both the Norhtern and Southern sides were sobered by the violence and casualties of the battle. This letter, written on the eve of the Battle, speaks of the "noble cause" in which he is engaged.