I gloried in being useful to the land that had done so much for me, and worked, I can truly say, night and day, to open communication to the South.
I soon removed my headquarters to Alexandria,[20] Virginia, and was stationed there when the unfortunate battle of Bull Run was fought.

We could not believe the reports that came to us, but it soon became evident that we must rush every engine and car to the front to bring back our defeated forces.

The closest point then was Burke Station.

I went out there and loaded up train after train of the poor wounded volunteers.

The rebels were reported to be close upon us and we were finally compelled to close Burke Station, the operator and myself leaving on the last train for Alexandria where the effect of panic was evident upon every side.