Battles & Leaders of the Civil War: General McDowell’s Advance to Bull Run (Illustrated)

James Barnet Fry ( February 22, 1827 - July 11, 1894 ) was an American soldier and prolific author of historical books. He graduated from West Point in 1847 and served for a time as assistant instructor of artillery there. He was stationed successively in Oregon, Louisiana, and Texas, and at West point in 1853–54. He was adjutant of the Academy from 1854 to 1859. In 1861 he acted as chief of staff to General Irvin McDowell in the American Civil War, and in 1862 held a similar position under Don Carlos Buell.

After the war, Fry wrote an account of the Battle of First Manassas which became part of the well known Battles & Leaders of the Civil War Series, discussing the preparations for and fighting during the first major battle of the war, which would eventually result in an important Confederate victory. As chief of staff to McDowell, who commanded Union forces at the battle, Fry was an important and knowledgeable primary source of the battle.

This edition is specially formatted with images of McDowell and the battle.