Any research project on the military dimensions of the Civil War must rely on the O.R.
This extensive collection of printed primary source documents, titled collectively The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, and known to historians simply as the "O.R", is the principal body of official orders and correspondence that document the course of military operations in all theaters of the American Civil War. It is essential for researchers in Civil War history, and learning about its value and use is a fundamental aspect of learning about the military history of the conflict
There are multiple ways to access it. Several online versions of the entire O.R. are available:
The volume that contains a substantial amount of reports, correspondence, etc. pertaining to the 2nd Bull Run campaign is Series I, Volume XII, Part 2.
The Internet Archive database, worth exploring in its own right, has an electronic copy of Series I, Vol. XII, Part 2. Although its contents are of course identical to any of the other online copies above, Internet Archive offers the advantage of a download of the whole volume as a single .pdf. Although the resulting file will be large, some researchers may find the .pdf easier to use.
Cadets should note that although the above volume does contain many reports from units and personnel engaged at the Second Battle of Bull Run, some material relevant to the battle may be found in other parts of the O.R. and therefore cadets may need to consult other volumes.
Print copies are available in the Jefferson Library 2nd Floor Reading Room and the History Department Library collection.
