The Union spent so long positioning itself about thirty miles southwest of Washington that Confederate troops could arrive by rail. McDowell had already warned that his soldiers were unseasoned, untrained, and unready. He also distrusted several politically appointed officers placed in battalion command. About 15,000 other Union troops remained nearby without joining the fight, leaving a nominal manpower advantage outside the battle.
Chapter · 5:57-7:39
Unready armies meet at Bull Run
McDowell warns that his troops are unseasoned and his politically appointed officers unreliable, but the advance proceeds after delays allow Confederate rail reinforcement.