Читать книгу History of Western Maryland - J. Thomas Scharf - Страница 4

After the termination of the Maryland campaign, the Army of the Potomac remained on the north bank of the river, in the vicinity of Sandy Hook, Sharpsburg, and Williamsport, with a large detachment thrown across at Harper's Ferry, occupying Loudon and Bolivar Heights.

Reconnaissances were made on the 16th and 17th of October from Sharpsburg in the direction of Reameysville, Leetown, and Smithfield, Va., and from Harper's Ferry to Charlestown. In the latter the Fifth Maryland participated. On the 21st of October a reconnaissance was also made from Loudon Heights to Lovettsville, in which the Third Maryland bore a part. On the 26th of October, Gen. McClellan began his second advance into Virginia from the line of the Potomac. Early on that day a cavalry force under Gen. Pleasonton crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and moved in the direction of Purcellville. Soon after the Ninth Corps began to cross in light marching order, and took position near Lovettsville. The First, Sixth, and Ninth Corps, the cavalry and the reserve artillery crossed at Berlin between the 26th of October and the 2nd of November. The Second and Fifth Corps crossed at Harper's Ferry between the 29th of October and the 1st of November. The Twelfth Corps was left in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, to guard against another invasion of Maryland. Attached to it at this time were the Third and Fifth Maryland Infantry Regiments, Purnell's Legion, and Cole's cavalry.

On the 7th of November an order was received from Washington relieving Gen. McClellan of command and appointing Gen. Burnside as his successor. On the 13th of December, Burnside made an assault upon the Confederate heights in the rear of Fredericksburg, when " a slaughter the most bloody and most useless of the war" took place. Gen. Jackson commanded on the right of the Confederate line, and Gen. Longstreet on the left. On the Federal side Franklin was on the left, Hooker occupied the center, and Sumner the right. The Federal attack was repulsed with a loss on the Union side of about fifteen thousand killed and wounded, and on the Confederate side of about five thousand. After the battle of Fredericksburg, Gen. Burnside was relieved of the command, and Gen. Hooker appointed in his stead. The Twelfth Corps, which had been left at Harper's Ferry when McClellan advanced towards the Rappahannock, again joined the main army in the latter part of December. During its stay on the upper Potomac several reconnaissances were made to ascertain the location and strength of the Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley. In one of these expeditions, made by the Second Division, under Gen. Geary, on the 9th of November, the Third Maryland and Purnell's Legion participated. The division moved from Bolivar Heights to Rippon, within six miles of Berryville, driving back the enemy, and capturing prisoners, arms, horses, and cattle.

From the 2nd to the 6th of December, Cole's cavalry and the Third Infantry formed part of a column under Gen. Geary, which marched to Winchester. En route Cole's cavalry skirmished with the enemy's cavalry at Charlestown, Berryville, and Ash Hollow. On the withdrawal of the Twelfth Corps from Harper's Ferry, Cole's cavalry and the Fifth Infantry were left in that vicinity, while the Purnell Legion was sent to Frederick City.

The First Maryland Cavalry did not accompany the Army of the Potomac in the Maryland campaign of 1862. It was given a more arduous duty in the defenses of Washington south of the Potomac. During the fall and winter months it made numerous reconnaissanees through the section of country lying between the Bull Run Mountains and the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. The regiment was kept almost incessantly in motion, picking up guerrillas, watching dangerous defiles, scouting across the country, always on the qui vive against attack or surprise.

On the 25th of October, 1862, while making one of these reconnaissanees, a detachment of the regiment was attacked near Manassas Junction by a superior force of the enemy, and had one man (Robert Starkey) killed, two officers (Lieuts. A. S. Dorsey and N. P. Patterson) wounded, and seven men captured. Again, on the 27th of December, a portion of the regiment, under Capt. Joseph H. Cook, aided in repulsing Stuart's attack upon the town of Dumfries. After a sharp and determined fight, lasting several hours, the enemy was driven off with considerable loss. Capt. Cook was highly commended by Col. Candy, commanding the post, for his efficient services on this occasion. In the morning a detachment of the First, commanded by Capt. J. K. Buckley, had been sent from Dumfries on a scout in the direction of Stafford Store and Springs. Next day, while en route from Fairfax Station to the relief of the garrison of Dumfries, the Third Maryland Infantry took part in a skirmish with the enemy at a point between Occoquan Creek and the town of Dumfries. Finally, on the 31st of January, 1863, the First Cavalry left Hall's Farm, four miles from Washington, and marched to Stafford Court-House, where it arrived on the 4th of February, and was attached to the cavalry brigade of the Eleventh Array Corps, Col. Kielmansegge, of the First, commanding. On the 12th of February it changed camp to Aquia Creek. Upon being assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps, Feb. 21, 1863, the First moved to near Belle Plain Landing. While here it performed picket duty on the Rappahannock.

In the meantime steps had been taken to reorganize the First Maryland Infantry, which had so greatly distinguished itself at Front Royal. On the 8th of June, 1862, the Secretary of War ordered the remnants of the regiment, then at Williamsport, to proceed without delay to Baltimore for reorganization, recruiting, and equipment. In accordance with this order the depleted regiment, under Capt. Thomas S. J. Johnson, proceeded to Baltimore, where Col. Kenly resumed command on the 15th of August. On the 22nd of the same month Col. Kenly was promoted brigadier-general of United States Volunteers for " gallant conduct at the battle of Front Royal," and on the 6th of September he was directed to organize and command a brigade of new troops. Two days after, on the 8th of September, 1862, Gen. Kenly assumed command of the " Maryland Brigade," which was composed of the First, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Regiments of Maryland Volunteers, then in process of formation in or near Baltimore, and Capt. Alexander's battery of Baltimore Light Artillery. On the morning after the battle of Antietam the Maryland Brigade, except the Sixth Infantry and Alexander's battery, left Baltimore for Hagerstown, which it reached at 2.30 a.m. on the 20th. It immediately marched towards Williamsport to reinforce the Pennsylvania militia, whom they found formed in line of battle about two and a half miles from the town, and engaged in a brisk skirmish with the advance cavalry of the enemy, who were approaching in the direction of Hagerstown. The brigade remained in line and under arms until the next day, when it marched in and occupied Williamsport, the enemy meantime having withdrawn to the Virginia side of the river.

The significance of this movement of the brigade is explained in the following extract from a letter of Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, addressed to Gen. Kenly:

"The enemy crossed at Williamsport in force, with cavalry, artillery, and infantry, on the afternoon of the 19th of September, 1862, and attacked the pickets of Gen. Reynolds between that place and Hagerstown. After night they approached his lines, then about three miles from the latter place. In the meantime large commissary and quartermaster stores and ammunition for the Army of the Potomac had arrived at Hagerstown. Gen. Reynolds had his men in line of battle, .and kept me informed as to the movements of the enemy. Between twelve and one o'clock the general came to Hagerstown, and a council was held in my room, composed of Gens. Andrew Porter and Herman Haupt, Maj. Vogdes, Capt. Gentry of Gen. Porter's staff, and Col. John A. Wright of my staff. It seemed to be the united judgment of the military gentlemen that the enemy would attack in the morning, if not before, and serious apprehensions were entertained as to the result.

"Our troops were raw and undisciplined, and we were without efficient artillery. Preparations were ordered to 'be made for the destruction of military stores and the removal of the troops, to be carried out if the enemy should attack in force, and if it should become apparent that we could not resist him. At two o'clock on the morning of the 20th you arrived with your command, the Maryland Brigade, en route to report to Gen. McClellan. I deemed the danger so imminent at that point that at my instance Gen. Reynolds was notified of your arrival and took command of yourself and troops. Your arrival relieved us all, and your troops marched directly to the front (notwithstanding the long and rapid march they had made and their need of rest and subsistence), where you remained until the enemy recrossed the Potomac, and Gen. Reynolds, by my direction, ordered the militia under his command to return to Pennsylvania. Although no battle was fought, your presence and the strength of your command encouraged us, and proved a material influence in compelling the enemy to withdraw to the right bank of the Potomac, and in checking the demonstration he was making on Hagerstown."

The brigade went into camp just outside of Williamsport, on the road leading to Hagerstown and Clear Spring. Company A of the Seventh Regiment, Capt. E. M. Mobley, was detailed as the provost-guard of the town.

The command now formed part of Gen. Franklin's Sixth Army Corps. The pickets of either army faced each other across the river, easily fordable and within comparatively short range. This led to an occasional interchange of compliments more spicy than courteous, but the practice was soon suppressed. Shortly after reaching Williamsport the brigade was again united by the arrival of the Sixth Infantry and Alexander's battery, which had been left behind when the other regiments moved from Baltimore. During the night of September 23rd the Eighth Infantry, under Col. Denison, marched to Clear Spring, reaching there about daybreak. When the inhabitants of the village awoke their profuse hospitality demonstrated that the regiment was among friends. In a short time the whole command was breakfasted, and often in after and more dangerous times the generous reception at Clear Spring was pleasantly recalled by the soldiers of the Eighth.

On the afternoon of the 24th the regiment fell back some three miles towards the river, and took position on Cowton's farm in support of a battery posted at Dam No. 5. It was relieved of this duty on the 10th of October, and returned to Williamsport. That day information was received by Gen. Kenly that Stuart's cavalry was crossing the river at McCoy's Ferry and moving towards Williamsport. The whole brigade was turned out under arms, the streets of the town barricaded, and every disposition made to hold the post. Capt. Russell's company of the First Maryland Cavalry was dispatched in the direction of Clear Spring to watch the movements of the enemy. It was soon discovered that he was heading for Pennsylvania. After remaining under arms for three rainy days and nights the brigade was ordered back to camp. During this period of excitement there were the usual flying rumors and false alarms, with frequent " falling in," as if the enemy was actually at hand, and reported demonstrations upon the advanced pickets, concluding with the intelligence that Stuart had finally succeeded in effecting his escape across the river near the mouth of the Monocacy. In the pursuit of Stuart, Fiery 's cavalry company marched from New Creek, Va., to Mercersburg, Pa., whence it returned to Clear Spring, where for some time it was employed in guard and picket duty along the river front from Dam No. 5 to Cherry Run. The other companies of Cole's battalion pursued the enemy vigorously on his return march, harassing him upon every occasion, and capturing seven men with horses and equipments of Wade Hampton's Legion, about the only loss that Stuart suffered in this raid around the Army of the Potomac. Towards the end of October everything about Williamsport in the military line quieted down for the time. On the 29th of October the Seventh Infantry marched to Four Locks, where its headquarters were established. The several companies (except Company A, which remained at Williamsport) were distributed along a front of some five miles, guarding the fords of the Potomac and the culverts and draw-bridges of the canal from a point above McCoy's Ferry to below Dam No. 5. On the 2nd of November, 1862, the Fourth Infantry, at the request of Governor Bradford, took its departure from Williamsport for Baltimore for service as guards at Camp Bradford, the general rendezvous of drafted men. On the 11th of December, Gen. Kenly marched with the First and Sixth Infantry for Maryland Heights, under orders to take post there. Next day the Seventh Infantry, under Lieut. -Col. Charles E. Phelps, marched back to William-sport, leaving; only Company I, Capt. Anderson, at Four Locks. Company G, Capt. Bragonier, continued its march to Dam No. 4. On the 13th of December four companies of the Seventh were ordered on provost duty at Hagerstown, and Capt. Bennett, of Company E, was appointed provost-marshal. On the 21st the Seventh Regiment (except Company B, left on provost duty in Hagerstown) was assembled at Williamsport, and in company with the Eighth and Alexander's battery, and a squadron of the First Cavalry under Capt. Russell, proceeded, via Sharpsburg, to Maryland Heights.

Here the entire Maryland Brigade (the Fourth Regiment having rejoined it from detached service at Camp Bradford on the 17th of December) went into winter quarters, and the regular routine of drill and discipline was re-established.

The sojourn of the brigade in Western Maryland , was a bright page in its history. The feeling of the people towards the soldiers was, with very few exceptions, cordial and thoroughly sympathetic. When the brigade first entered Williamsport, upon the heels of the enemy's cavalry, they were welcomed as deliverers, and, so far as opportunity for intercourse was permitted, with hospitality. The Union sentiment seemed to increase in volume and intensity as you approached the border. It was in some measure doubtless owing to the spirit inspired by the Virginia Union refugees that the loyalty of this southern border of Maryland was of a flavor that the word bitter would but feebly characterize.

As the Confederates had lost all hopes of making these people their friends, there was no special motive for forbearance, and hence repeated raids and invasions had stamped desolation upon the face of the country, and upon the minds of the inhabitants many recollections of personal wrongs and losses.

After the withdrawal of McClellan's army from the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, Cole's cavalry remained in that neighborhood, scouting, picketing, and meeting the enemy in several minor conflicts. On the 20th of December, 1862, a detachment of sixty men from Companies A and C, under command of Capt. Vernon, left the Ferry on a reconnaissance. After proceeding about three miles up the left bank of the Shenandoah, it was learned that Capt. Baylor's guerrillas, one hundred and twenty strong, were at Charlestown, but it was subsequently understood they had gone to Halltown. Moving rapidly to that point, Capt. Vernon succeeded in capturing the guerrilla chief, who was visiting a farm-house nearby. On its return the detachment encountered a Confederate force drawn up in line on the crest of a hill. Receiving the enemy's fire, Vernon's command immediately charged upon him, breaking his ranks and putting him to flight. A running fight ensued, in which Lieut. W. W. Wilson, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, a private, and five riderless horses were captured. One of Vernon's men received a slight wound.

Shortly after the arrival of the Maryland Brigade at Maryland Heights, Companies A and B of the First Regiment were posted at Duffield Station, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, while Company K, with Companies F and H of the Seventh, were sent to garrison the " Stone Fort" and signal-station on the crest of the mountain. This fort was located on the ground upon which had occurred the fight preceding the surrender of Col. Miles. It was still in an unfinished condition. Heretofore the brigade had enjoyed little opportunity for target practice, from the fact that its operations had been mainly confined to picketing in the immediate presence of the enemy. At Maryland Heights this essential part of a soldier's practical education was systematically attended to, not only in the brigade, but throughout the entire command of all arms of the service. On some days there was noise enough for a regular battle.

The " naval battery" of Dahlgren guns threw " flour-barrel" shell with a noise like that of a locomotive and a long train of cars going through midair at the rate of several hundred miles an hour. Alexander's field battery and others in the vicinity were also busily engaged in practice, and musketry firing from all the regiments at the post added to the general din.

With the opening of spring some changes were made in the location of the regiments of the Maryland Brigade. On the 14th of March the camp of the Eighth on Maryland Heights was broken up, and the regiment crossed the river and pitched tents on Bolivar Heights, a fine plateau on the Virginia side above Harper's Ferry, stretching away from a steep bluff overlooking the Potomac. The Seventh followed on the 4th of April, and the First on the 9th of the same month.

On the 27th of March, 1863, the Maryland Brigade was officially designated the First Brigade, forming part of the First Division, Eighth Army Corps. The same order transferred the Sixth Regiment and Alexander's battery to Gen. Milroy's command, and they left for Berryville on the 28th of March. On the 27th of April the Fourth and Seventh Regiments, Cols. Bowerman and Webster commanding, were transferred by rail to Oakland, under orders which indicated a campaign in West Virginia, then alarmed by a dashing raid of Confederate cavalry under Imboden and Jones. Upon arriving at Altamont, it was found that the railroad track had been torn up the day before and hastily relaid. Several bridges had been burned and the telegraph wires cut. The fidelity of the engineer was questioned, and Col. Webster, who by reason of seniority commanded the force, took his position upon the leading locomotive, and at all doubtful places an advanced guard marched ahead of the train. Oakland was found in a state of intense excitement, created by the recent presence of the raiders, who had carried off with them a large number of valuable horses belonging to the citizens. The town and its approaches were at once picketed by the Seventh, supported by the Fourth, which came up during the day. The men were under arms all night, during almost the whole of which there was constant telegraphing of reports, rumors, and inquiries in all directions. The result of all this was that early on the morning of the 29th the Seventh left knapsacks behind at Oakland, in charge of the Fourth, and marched westward along the line of the railroad, or parallel with it. The bridge over the Youghiogheny, some two or three miles out, having been destroyed by the raiders a few hours before, some delay occurred before a crossing could be effected, the creek being high and the banks steep and miry. A march of ten miles brought the regiment to Cranberry Summit. This little town had made a spirited defense, but the Confederates were much too strong for the citizens and the few soldiers who were there, and the stores had been plundered and all the horses seized. The regiment left Cranberry about 7 p. m. in a thunder-storm, and made a forced march of thirteen miles farther to " No. 72," a water-station near Rowlesburg. The distance by the railroad between these points, passing through tunnels, was less, but the line of march was over rough country roads, climbing and descending the mountains. Nothing could be worse than the condition of these roads, or more trying than this march. The steep slippery roads were crossed and recrossed by Salt Lick and other creeks, through which the men waded a dozen times, sometimes almost waist-deep, and wound along the brink of precipices, up and down rough mountain-sides, and through the dense darkness of gloomy gorges. After marching all day and nearly all night, twenty-three miles in the rain over the Alleghanies, at two o'clock on the morning of the 30th of April a picket-guard was posted, and while these watched, their weary comrades slept. The memory of this forced march became the standard of comparison for the Seventh Regiment in all its future campaigns. At an early hour of the 30th the regiment resumed its march, following the railroad four miles to Rowlesburg. This place had been defended not only with spirit but success, and after a hot skirmish the enemy's cavalry had been repulsed with loss by a detachment of the Sixth Virginia Volunteers under Maj. Showalter. Singularly enough, these troops evacuated the town soon after the enemy's departure, leaving the important railroad structures unguarded.

Up to this point the orders were to watch and follow, intercept, and, if possible, capture the enemy. The Seventh had followed close upon their heels, but naturally without gaining on them. The companies were now so disposed as best to guard the railroad bridge over Cheat River and the elaborate trestles in the vicinity, and Capt. Bennett with his company (E) was sent on a scout to St. George, twenty miles distant.

On the 1st of May, Gen. Kenly, who had left Harper's Ferry the day before, passed up the road with the First and Eighth Regiments en route for Clarksburg, whither he had been ordered to the support of Gen. Roberts' command, which was hard pressed by the enemy. Large quantities of government stores were collected at Clarksburg, it being the supply depot for all the Federal forces operating in that section of country. Gen. Kenly reached Grafton at 1 p.m., May 1st, and upon receiving information that the bridge near Bridgeport, on the Parkersburg Railroad, had been burned, and that a large force of the enemy was near that town preparing to attack Gen. Roberts, he at once pushed on to the relief of that officer and his command. On arriving at Bridgeport, at 7 p.m., it was ascertained that the Confederates had retired, having doubtless been informed by telegraph from Grafton of the approach of the Federal troops with exaggerated numbers. Gen. Kenly, however, continued his march to Clarksburg, where he arrived at midnight, much to the relief of Gen. Roberts, who no doubt would have been attacked that night but for the opportune arrival of these reinforcements. The command remained at Clarksburg, watching the movements of the enemy, who threatened the Parkersburg Railroad and Wheeling, until the 11th of May, when it marched live miles on the road to Weston, bivouacking for the night near Janelen. On the 13th it proceeded through Weston, and camped near the bridge over Stone Coal Creek, where it remained until the 23rd, guarding the approaches to West Union, on the line of the Parkersburg road. On the last-mentioned date it resumed the march, and passing through Buchanan and Philippi, arrived at Webster on the 26th of May. Here the command took cars and returned to Harper's Ferry, reoccupying the old position on Bolivar Heights. The Seventh Regiment had already returned from Rowlesburg, and on the 2nd of June the Fourth Regiment came back from Oakland. Respecting the services of the Maryland Brigade in this campaign. Gen. Kelley, the division commander, in a letter to Gen. Kenly, says, —

" When the rebel Gens. Jones and Imboden, in April last, threatened to overrun the entire State of West Virginia, your prompt movement under orders to the support of Gen. Roberts at Clarksburg alone saved from destruction much valuable public property, as well as that of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Your services afterwards in aiding to drive the enemy from the State were not less valuable, and deserve great praise."

Upon returning to Harper's Ferry the daily routine of camp was re-established, and preparations were made for the summer campaign. About this time the Eighth Regiment was the recipient of a national ensign and a set of guidons, the gift of Marcus Denison, of Baltimore. Col. A. W. Denison presented the colors in the name of his father, and they were received on behalf of the regiment by Lieut.-Col. J. G. Johannes.

On the 30th of May the First Regiment recrossed the river and again occupied the site of the old camp on Maryland Heights. It was followed on the 9th of June by the Seventh. Company B of this regiment was still at Hagerstown, where it had been stationed since December.

Gen. Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac on the 26th of January, 1863, and at once proceeded to reorganize it. In his testimony before the Committee on the Conduct of the War, Gen. Hooker thus describes the condition of the army when he assumed command:

" It had recently returned from two unsuccessful efforts to cross the river and drive the enemy from his position, the first resulting so disastrously as to render a second effort soon after, even with propitious weather, almost futile. Before the second effort ended the winter rains set in, and all operations for a while were suspended, the army literally finding itself buried in mud, from which there was no hope of extrication before spring. With this prospect before it, taken in connection with the gloom and despondency that followed the disaster of Fredericksburg, the army was in a forlorn, deplorable condition. At the time the army was turned over to me desertions were at the rate of about two hundred a day. So anxious were parents, wives, brothers, and sisters to relieve their kindred that they filled the express-trains to the army with packages of citizen clothing to assist them in escaping from service. At that time perhaps a majority of the officers, especially those in high rank, were hostile to the policy of the government in the conduct of the war. The Emancipation Proclamation had been published a short time before, and a large element of the army had taken sides antagonistic to it, declaring that they never would have embarked in the war had they anticipated this action of the government. I may also state that the moment I was placed in command I caused a return to be made of the absentees of the army, and found the number to be 2922 commissioned officers and 81,964 non-commissioned officers and privates. These were scattered all over the country, and the majority were absent from causes unknown. When it was announced to me that I had been placed in command of the Army of the Potomac I doubted, and so expressed myself, if it could be saved to the country."

Having thoroughly reorganized his army and matured his plans for a campaign against Richmond, Gen. Hooker on the 27th of April, 1863, commenced his advance, and on the 2nd and 3rd of May fought the battle of Chancellorsville, in which he was defeated with dreadful loss. The Confederates under Lee gained a great victory, but this was more than counterbalanced by the death of Gen. " Stonewall" Jackson, who was mortally wounded by the fire of his own men in his attack on Howard's corps, and died on the 10th of Maj-. His loss was irreparable, and was deeply felt throughout the South.

" After the battle of Chancellorsville, the position occupied by the enemy," says Gen. Lee, " opposite Fredericksburg being one in which he could not be attacked to advantage, it was determined to draw him from it. The execution of this purpose embraced the relief of the Shenandoah Valley from the troops that had occupied the lower part of it during the winter and spring, and, if practicable, the transfer of the scene of hostilities north of the Potomac. It was thought that the corresponding movement on the part of the enemy, to which those contemplated by us could probably give rise, might offer a fair opportunity to strike a blow at the army then commanded by Gen. Hooker, and that in any event that army would be compelled to leave Virginia, and possibly to draw to its support troops designed to operate against other parts of the country. In this way it was supposed that the enemy's plan of campaign for the summer would be broken up, and part of the season of active operations be consumed in the formation of new combinations and the preparations that they would require. In addition to these advantages, it was hoped that other valuable results might be attained by military success."

Having arranged his plan of campaign, Gen. Lee proceeded with great energy to put it into execution. The infantry were organized into three corps, under Longstreet, Ewell, and A. P. Hill, each of these corps containing three divisions, the cavalry under J. E. B. Stuart, consisting of the brigades of Fitzhugh Lee, Hampton, and W. H. F. Lee, which were concentrated at Culpeper Court-House. All his preparations having been made, on June 3, 1863, McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps left Fredericksburg for Culpeper Court-House, and Hood's division of the same corps was ordered to the same place. On the next day Ewell marched in the same direction, leaving A. P. Hill to occupy the lines at Fredericksburg. On the 11th and 12th, Hooker broke up his encampments on the line of the Rappahannock and moved cautiously northward, followed by Hill. Meanwhile Gen. Lee had continued his march to the north.

On the 14th of June, Milroy was attacked near Winchester by the Confederates under Ewell, and on the next day was defeated with the loss of nearly his whole command. After their return to Harper's Ferry, the Sixth Maryland (Federal) Regiment and Alexander's battery were permanently attached to Gen. Milroy's command in the valley, and in the defense of Berryville and Winchester bore the brunt of the heavy fighting, and suffered severely, the latter losing their guns at the battle of Winchester. The remnant of Milroy's force after this disastrous engagement retreated to Maryland Heights, where with the Maryland Brigade they strengthened the fortifications, and observed the movements of the Confederate forces.

During these operations Cole's cavalry had come in for its usual share of hard service. On the 12th of June, when Rodes' Confederate division was approaching Berryville, Company A, under Capt. Vernon, made a scout into Loudon County to ascertain the enemy's movements. Next day it boldly attacked a superior force of Confederate infantry at Berryville, which proved to be a part of Rodes' division. The company was compelled to retreat with the loss of several men, but the object of the reconnaissance was accomplished. Having ascertained that the enemy was pushing in the direction of the Winchester and Martinsburg pike, in rear of the Union forces at Winchester, Capt. Vernon dispatched a scout through the Confederate lines to apprise Gen. Milroy of his danger. On the 14th the company skirmished all day with the enemy on the roads leading from the Potomac to Winchester.

Capt. Summers' company ran into a large body of the enemy's cavalry near Berryville. After losing one man wounded and two men captured, the company fell back to Charlestown and then to Halltown, contesting every inch of the ground, and inflicting some punishment on its pursuers.

On the 15th of June, Vernon's company was at Charlestown and on the roads beyond, covering the retreat of remnants of Milroy's command, then endeavoring to effect their escape to Harper's Ferry. On the 16th it skirmished with the enemy's advance, then moving on the roads from Winchester to the Potomac. At Charlestown, Capt. Vernon's squadron, consisting of his own and Capt. Summers' company, was summoned to surrender. To this demand Capt. Vernon responded, "I did not come to Charlestown to surrender, but to fight to the best of my ability, and I propose to do it." By skillful maneuvering he succeeded in extricating his command, and at night fell back within easy striking distance of the Federal lines at Harper's Ferry. On the 14th and 15th, Company C scouted the country from Kearneysville to Shepherdstown, Hallstown, and Harper's Ferry.

On Sunday, the 14th of June, about 4 p.m.. Gen. Rodes, who had been instructed, after dislodging the force at Berryville, to cut off the communication between Winchester and the Potomac, appeared before Martinsburg, held by two regiments of infantry, Fiery's company of Maryland cavalry, and one battery of artillery, the whole commanded by Col. B. F. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers. Gen. Jenkins, commanding the Confederate advance, demanded the surrender of the town, which was refused, and an attack was then made, which Col. Smith resisted until dark, when he began to evacuate the position. The cavalry and artillery moved towards Williamsport, and the infantry towards Shepherdstown. The enemy followed on the Williamsport road, and succeeded in capturing the battery and about seven hundred prisoners. After crossing the river at Shepherdstown, Col. Smith marched his infantry to Maryland Heights.

In this affair Capt. Fiery 's company acquitted itself with its accustomed gallantry. Having skirmished nearly all day with the enemy's cavalry, it was confronted in the evening by a heavy force massed on the Winchester road to turn the right of the Federal line. With great impetuosity the enemy charged up the pike, and despite a stubborn resistance by the company and some infantry (not over one hundred in all) he pushed forward, and a running fight was kept up through the town, Capt. Fiery bravely contesting every inch of the ground. Taking the Williamsport road, the company hurried in retreat towards the river, which was crossed before midnight. Next morning learning that the enemy would cross at Dam No. 5, Capt. Fiery started for that point with twenty-five men to harass him. On the road he met a small squad of Confederate cavalry and dashed after them. He soon ran into a large force concealed behind a hill and the fences close by. In this encounter Lieut. Jacob A. Metz, of Washington County, was killed, and Capt. Fiery was taken prisoner, but soon after escaped. The rest of the detachment escaped unharmed. From this point the company kept constant watch on the enemy as far as Harrisburg, and on his return followed him back to the river, capturing nearly two hundred prisoners in the course of the campaign.

Upon receipt of the first news of the attack on Winchester every preparation was made by the garrison of Maryland Heights and Harper's Ferry to give the enemy a warm reception should he again try the stronghold which he had once assailed with success.

The fortifications were greatly strengthened, heavy and light artillery advantageously posted, and strong picket-lines established. The troops remained on the alert, performing heavy fatigue and guard duty for two weeks, with rainy days and nights disagreeably frequent.

But the attack, which was so confidently expected by the military authorities, did not occur.

On the 13th of June, when Bodes' division appeared in front of Berryville, the First and Seventh Maryland were on Maryland Heights, and the Fourth and Eighth Maryland, with Miner's Indiana Battery, under the personal direction of Gen. Kenly, occupied Bolivar Heights. With these troops Gen. Kenly strengthened the line of works on Camp Hill, between the Potomac and the Shenandoah, picketed Loudon Heights, and reconnoitered almost daily into Loudon County and towards and beyond Charlestown. Holding this outpost until the night of June 17th, Gen. Kenly was then ordered by Gen. Tyler (who had just arrived and assumed command, relieving Gen. Kelley) to abandon Harper's Ferry and remove his troops to Maryland Heights. At nine p.m. the command withdrew from the Virginia side (all the army stores having been previously removed from Harper's Ferry), the Eighth Maryland being the last regiment to cross.

Before daybreak of the 15th the Seventh was marched about a mile west of its camp on the heights and thrown into line with the First Maryland and the Sixth New York Artillery, its left resting on the Sharpsburg road.

The report was that the enemy had appeared on the river opposite Sharpsburg. This was the beginning of a long and exciting day. About sunrise the line was heavily reinforced, and during the day the tongue of rumor was busy with a thousand startling reports, all of which centered around the one established fact that Milroy's command at Winchester had been crushed before an overwhelming force of the enemy on their march to transfer the seat of war to the Northern States. It was with especial regret that the soldiers of the Maryland Brigade heard that their old comrades of the Sixth Maryland and Alexander's battery had shared in the general disaster.

A very gratifying incident, and one which aroused the enthusiasm of the Seventh Maryland, was the arrival this day of Company B from Hagerstown. Capt. Makechney had been charged with the collection of government property, and had a train of fifteen loaded wagons and about two hundred horses. By strenuous exertions he succeeded in getting all this property away in safety before the enemy crossed over from opposite Williamsport and occupied Hagerstown.

On the 16th the First and Seventh were relieved from their position of the day before and moved up to the crest of the heights. Here they were joined by the Fourth and Eighth Regiments from Bolivar Heights, and the entire brigade threw up timber breastworks and abatis.

A private letter, written by an officer of the Seventh Maryland, thus describes the condition of affairs on the heights at this time:

" Our position here is impregnable and supplies abundant. We are nearly on the summit of the heights, overlook the surrounding country for miles, cannot be taken by surprise, and cannot be whipped. Our men were never in better trim for service, confident and impatient. Although not actually engaged as yet, we have been by no means idle. It would not be proper to state what has been done towards strengthening the natural defenses of this position. Suffice it to say that we have done enough in that way to make it very desirable that we should be attacked here. All we fear is that Lee is too old and too cunning a rat to nibble at our cheese."

On the 25th of June the same correspondent wrote as follows:

" The evidences of a heavy force in front of us and around us continue to be visible. For several days past we have seen trains of wagons of almost endless length creeping along our front from left to right, and crossing the Potomac at Shepherdstown and perhaps Williamsport. Lee's headquarters are reported at Berryville, and in that direction, along the base of the Blue Ridge, we see heavy columns of dust and the smoke of campfires. Yesterday a train of cars arrived from Baltimore, an event which caused an agreeable excitement."

On the 27th of June, Gen. Hooker came and directed the heights to be abandoned, and orders were issued for the troops to be ready to move in light marching order at 6 a.m. of the 28th. It was intended by Gen. Hooker that the force on the heights, in conjunction with the Twelfth Corps, then in the vicinity, should march upon the enemy's line of communication at Williamsport, destroy his pontoon-bridge at that point, and stop the enormous quantities of provisions, horses, and cattle which were steadily flowing from Pennsylvania and Maryland into Virginia. But Gen. Halleck would not consent to the abandonment of the heights, and this order to march was soon countermanded.

Gen. W. H. French, a regular army officer and a Marylander, was now in command of the heights, having relieved Gen. Tyler on the 26th. His command at this time consisted of four brigades, commanded by Gens. Elliott, Morris, and Kenly and Col. Smith.

On the last day of June, after some previous preparations, Maryland Heights was evacuated. All unmovable property was rendered useless, the heavy ordnance was dismounted, and the ammunition, commissary stores, camp equipage, etc., destroyed. Some property — artillery, forage, stores, etc. — was loaded upon canal-boats for shipment to Washington via the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, under escort of Gen. Elliott's and Col. Smith's brigades, which had been specially assigned to that duty. The Sixth Maryland accompanied this force as a part of Gen. Elliott's brigade. The remainder of Gen. French's command, comprising the brigades of Gens. Kenly and Morris, marched to Frederick City.

During the evacuation of the heights rain was pouring in sheets, and the mountain roads were becoming the beds of torrents. As the Maryland Brigade moved down the mountain, it found the road blockaded with wagons, and the march was interrupted at intervals of about five minutes by halts of fifteen.

An accidental explosion in the magazine of the thirty-pounder battery filled the air with fragments of shell, rock, and timber, and human bodies also. Limbs without bodies and bodies without limbs flew in all directions, and the wounded and the dead, horribly mutilated, were borne away on stretchers. There were nine killed and twelve wounded by the accident. Among the number were some members of the Sixth and Eighth Regiments.

On Monday, June 15th, Jenkins' brigade of Confederate cavalry crossed the Potomac at Williamsport without opposition, and immediately moved through Hagerstown to Greencastle, and thence to Chambersburg. Pa., arriving there on Tuesday night. No Federal troops were at either of these places to oppose this force, and its only hostile acts were the seizure of horses, cattle, and forage. Goods were purchased at the stores, and paid for in Confederate scrip.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 16th, a small force of! Confederate infantry crossed the Potomac at Williamsport for the purpose of guarding the passage until the return of the cavalry expedition.

On the 17th, Jenkins, having already gathered a large number of horses and cattle from the Pennsylvania farmers, evacuated Chambersburg and retired' to the vicinity of Hagerstown, there to await the arrival of the main army.

In his official report Gen. Rodes says, —

"As soon as possible after arriving at Williamsport a strong guard was placed over it, and the necessary instructions were given to Gen. Jenkins about obtaining supplies of cattle and horses. In obedience to orders the command remained at Williamsport during the 16th, 17th, and 18th (of June), in which time, with the aid of Gen. Jenkins' cavalry, the commissaries and quartermasters obtained in a proper manner large supplies in their respective departments. The pioneers, under Capt. Chichester, were busy during our rest here trying to destroy the aqueduct over the Conococheague. Some five thousand pounds of leather were bought by Maj. Paxton at Williamsport and sent to the rear. At Hagerstown and Williamsport thirty-five kegs of powder were purchased and sent back. I may as well mention here that at Williamsport, Hagerstown, Chambersburg, etc., large quantities of such articles as were suitable for government use were obtained by purchase or certificate and sent back by Quartermasters Paxton, Rogers, and Harman. During the march into Pennsylvania some two or three thousand head of cattle were taken, and either appropriated for the command or sent to the rear for the other divisions. Some twelve or fifteen hundred were thus sent back. The horses were almost all seized by the cavalry of Gen. Jenkins, and were rarely accounted for. My best efforts were made to suppress all irregularities, and being very generally and cheerfully seconded by officers and men, they succeeded satisfactorily. Some few cases of fraud and some (at Greencastle) of violence to property — the latter traceable to the cavalry — were heard of. A few instances of forced purchases were reported, but never established. I believe that one quartermaster seized such articles as velvet, etc., but I could not find him out. In all cases of purchase that came before me the parties were fully paid and satisfied."

Upon the invasion of the State the citizens of Western Maryland were thrown into the greatest excitement. In Frederick hundreds of the citizens left the city, while many more made preparations to do so. The free negroes were thrown into the greatest perturbation, fearing that they would be carried South and sold as slaves by the Confederates. They crowded the freight-trains to Baltimore, and in a short time there was a general flight of them towards the Pennsylvania line and other directions. The government on the 15th of June removed its surplus commissary and quartermaster stores from Frederick, and cleared the hospitals of all patients who could be moved.

On the 16th of June it was reported that the Confederates were rapidly approaching Cumberland in force, whereupon a number of citizens retired hastily towards Pennsylvania. Early the next morning a small squad of men on the brow of the hill east of the city, on the Williams road, were discovered; several of Milroy's escaped cavalry advanced to ascertain who they were, and were saluted by the discharge of two small field-pieces, the shells dropping in the vicinity of McKaig's foundry, and putting the Federal scouts to flight. In a short time two Confederate soldiers rode into the town with a flag of truce, and after consultation with acting Mayor V. A. Buckoy and a deputation of citizens, obtained the formal surrender of the place. About three hundred and fifty of Imboden's cavalry with two pieces of artillery soon appeared, and after securing such horses as they could find, induced some of the merchants to open their stores, paying for their purchases with Confederate money. No damage was done to either public or private property, beyond the partial destruction of the telegraph-lines. The invading force soon departed, doing no violence to anyone except in the case of Griffin Twigg, Sr., living near Murley's Branch. The particulars are involved in some doubt, but the old man was killed, after having killed two of his assailants and wounded another. Gen. Kelley and staff had arrived in Cumberland from Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, and left for New Creek about the time of the arrival of Imboden's men next morning. Discovering a portion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad torn up a short distance from the city the train returned, and proceeded over the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad to Piedmont, and thence to New Creek. On the following day a force of Federal cavalry from New Creek arrived in Cumberland and captured several of Imboden's command who had remained with friends in town.

On the 24th, Gen. Ewell, with Rodes' and Johnson's divisions, had reached Chambersburg, and Early was at Greenwood. On this day Hill and Longstreet crossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown and Williamsport, and moved towards Hagerstown. The Confederate scouts penetrated as far as the line of the Susquehanna, which was defended by militia hastily summoned from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Strong foraging parties were sent out, and Ewell's corps occupied Carlisle, York, and the intervening country. A force under Gen. Gordon, sent by Gen. Early from York, captured Wrightsville, on the Susquehanna, where a sharp skirmish for the possession of the bridge at that point occurred. Some Pennsylvania militia, with Capt. McGovern's company of Maryland infantry, were driven across the river, but succeeded in burning the bridge. On the 22nd of June the Union army lay stretched from Leesburg, through Centerville and Gainesville, to Thoroughfare Gap and Bristoe Station.

Lee's movements had been conducted with so much skill that Gen. Hooker was kept for some time in doubt as to his real designs. Having at length learned that Lee's whole force had crossed into Maryland, on the morning of June 25th he sent over Stahl's cavalry, followed by Gen. Reynolds with the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps, at Edwards' Ferry. On the next day he crossed over with the Twelfth, Fifth, Second, and Sixth Corps, the cavalry bringing up the rear. The main army was concentrated near Frederick, while the Twelfth Corps was advanced towards the passes in the South Mountain leading to Hagerstown, and Stahl's cavalry thrown forward to scour the country in the neighborhood of Gettysburg. On the 28th, Gen. Hooker, at his request, was relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac at Frederick, and Gen. George H. Meade was appointed in his stead. On the same day Lee. with the corps of Longstreet and Hill, reached Chambersburg.

In the meantime, on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail! road all trains ceased to be run farther than Harper's Ferry. A vast quantity of freight and locomotives were sent to Baltimore, the bridges over Patterson's Creek, Evett's Creek, North Branch, South Potomac country road. Great and Little Cacapon, and Opequan were all destroyed, and the railroad between Harper's Ferry and Cumberland was very much damaged. On June 29th telegraphic communication with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ceased beyond Marriottsville at an early hour, the Confederate cavalry doing much damage along the line in that vicinity. At this point, which is only thirty-one miles from Baltimore, the telegraph wires were cut, the rails torn up, bridges burned, and other damage done. The Confederates also spread themselves over Montgomery County, but for the most part abstained from plunder, except seizing all the horses they could find. A large body of cavalry also carried on their operations undisturbed at Rockville, and a small body also appeared at Colesville, a few miles from Beltsville, on the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At Westminster, Carroll Co., a body of about one hundred of the First Delaware Regiment of Federal cavalry, being surrounded by the Confederates under Maj. Harry Gilmor, were nearly all captured, and others were chased by the Confederates beyond Pikesville,; eight miles from Baltimore. A newspaper correspondent, speaking of the occupation of Westminster, says, —

" During ten days previous to July 9, 1863, this usually quiet town was the scene of the wildest excitement and unanticipated events, the people having had the opportunity of witnessing warlike measures in a manner quite new to them, experiencing some of its horrors in their own streets that before they had only read of elsewhere.

" On Sunday morning, June 28th, the citizens and the congregations at the different churches were considerably startled by a squad of cavalry suddenly dashing into town, and as a Confederate raid had for some time been anticipated, many readily supposed it to be their advance. They, however, proved to be a portion of the First Delaware Cavalry, about one hundred and fifteen strong, under command of Maj. N. B. Knight, who had been detailed for special duty at this place. Late on Sunday evening some of the pickets who had been stationed on the different roads leading into town came hurrying in, reporting the advance of a heavy Confederate force from the direction of Littlestown, and soon all were in the saddle, and repaired to a position a short distance below town, and within reach of reinforcements, to await events. The alarm, however, proved causeless, and within a few hours they returned and quiet was again restored.

''About four o'clock on Monday afternoon, however, affairs assumed a more serious aspect. A number of rebel cavalry dashed suddenly into the east end of town, and succeeded in capturing three of the Delaware boys, who were having their horses shod at a blacksmith-shop. Information being at once taken to their camp, they immediately started in pursuit, supposing the Confederate force to be merely a small raid: in this they were mistaken, as it proved to be the brigades of Fitzhugh Lee and Stuart. They met the advance at the junction of the Washington road, and actually held them in check for a few moments, fighting most desperately, being armed as they were with only revolvers and sabers: but observing the overpowering numbers which menaced -them, they retired. Their loss was two privates killed and some five or six wounded, and, as far as we can learn, some thirty captured. The rebel loss was two lieutenants killed and some eight wounded. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon this mere handful of men for their bravery in this attack. Lieutenant Bowman, the provost-marshal, with twelve of his men were soon after captured, only two making their escape.

" The Confederates immediately afterwards occupied the town. In some cases Confederate scrip was offered in payment, and in others no equivalent whatever was made. Several citizens were arrested, some of whom were paroled, while others were taken with them. A large number of horses were taken off with them, and the merchants suffered heavily. Some few private residences were searched by them, but with these exceptions private property was not molested.

''Their force was variously estimated at from five to eight thousand, the greater portion of which made no halt, but pushed steadily forward. By seven o'clock on Tuesday morning the rear-guard passed out of the west end of town, and simultaneously Gen. Gregg with a brigade of Federal cavalry entered at the east end. Advance-guards were thrown out by the Federals, and some twenty stragglers of the Confederates captured, among whom was the clerk of Gen. Lee. The cavalry followed close upon the heels of the Confederates in the direction of Littlestown, and had hardly cleared the town when the advance of Gen. Sedgwick's Sixth Army Corps entered the town, and continued passing through until a late hour in the evening. The number composing the corps was quite large and appeared very formidable. The Confederates mostly were jaded and fatigued, while the Federal troops exhibited the very best of spirits. The citizens without exception tendered to them the kindest hospitalities, for which all appeared greatly thankful, many of them offering payment for the most trifling articles.

"On Wednesday the citizens enjoyed a rather quiet day, but few incidents transpiring to remind them of the close proximity ', to the two contending armies, until the afternoon, when heavy . cannonading was heard in the direction of Gettysburg, where a most sanguinary contest was raging. On Thursday the wagon-trains from the different army corps began to arrive under heavy escorts, and to encamp in the fields in and around town, and it was soon ascertained that this place was to be a grand center for supplies, as the government had taken possession of the railroad for the emergency, and trains were running day and night. During the balance of the week the streets presented a continual mass of moving wagons, horses, and train-guards, with all the paraphernalia requisite for a large army passing and repassing. Headquarters of the different departments were established, and for the time all business was suspended. Little of moment was heard during this time from the contending armies in front, save by the large numbers of rebel prisoners arriving, and a considerable number of sick and wounded which arrived during Friday. Hospitals were hastily and temporarily established at the Union church, and the large school-house near it, and also on the Catholic chapel grounds, where the patients received all the time and care the citizens could bestow. Quite a number were sent to Baltimore on Sunday evening, I where they received more prompt and necessary attention.

" Orders were received from headquarters on Saturday evening, July 4th, for a removal from here to Gettysburg, and a movement was at once commenced, the trains leaving in an almost unbroken line. Subsequently orders for a portion of the troops and trains to remove to Middletown and Frederick were received, and during Sunday night and Monday morning many moved in that direction, rather indicating an attempt of the rebels to retreat towards the Potomac. On Tuesday afternoon Lieut.-Col. Butler, provost-marshal, with his guard left for the front, and with the exception of a small number of sick and wounded and a few stragglers, the town, after a week's occupation, once more assumed its usual quiet serenity. The streets were rendered almost impassable by the recent rains and extraordinary travel."

All the operations of the Confederate cavalry were under the direction of Stuart, who had crossed the Potomac from Loudon County, Va., into Montgomery County, Md., pushed through Rockville, crossing; the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Marriottsville, and passed up through Carroll by Westminster to Carlisle, in Pennsylvania. His flanking and scouting parties extended over a wide stretch of country on each side of his line of march, and spread terror and confusion by the impression this produced of the presence of overpowering forces.

Gens. Hill and Longstreet on the 29th moved towards Gettysburg from Chambersburg, and Ewell was directed to march from Carlisle to the same place. These marches were conducted slowly, the position of Gen. Meade being unknown, and Gen. Lee, in the absence of any information from Stuart, his cavalry leader, did not know that the Federal army was so near him. The concentration of Lee's army was so admirably ordered that Ewell from Carlisle, Early from York, and Hill from Chambersburg all reached Gettysburg within a few hours of each other on July 1st.

Although the change of command in the Army of the Potomac was made on the march, and almost in the very face of the enemy, it caused no hindrance to the onward movement, no loss of confidence on the part of the army. The appointment of Gen. Meade was received with unusual satisfaction, and under his leadership the veteran troops hurried forward to meet the Confederate forces. The Federal army was put in motion on the 29th of June, and on the night of the 30th, after two days' marching. Gen. Meade arrived at Taneytown; the First Corps was at Marsh Run, near Gettysburg, the Second at Uniontown, the Third at Bridgeport, the Fifth at Union Mills, the Sixth at Manchester, the Eleventh at Emmittsburg, supporting the First at Marsh Run, and the Twelfth at Littlestown. The cavalry was kept well to the front and on both flanks, and the night of the 30th found Gamble's and Devin's brigades of Buford's division at Gettysburg, Gregg's division at Manchester, and Kilpatrick's division at Hanover.

Gettysburg, the capital of Adams County, Pa., at which the two armies were soon to meet in the most desperate and best-fought battle of the war, lies on the northern slope of a gentle eminence known as Cemetery Hill. On the west of the town, one mile distant, is another eminence called Oak, or Seminary Ridge. This ridge slopes to the west into a little open valley of plowed fields and meadows, interspersed with clumps of timber. Beyond this valley is another ridge, thickly wooded, along the western base of which flows Willoughby Run. The distance between these two ridges is one-half mile. Southeast from Cemetery Hill, between the Baltimore turnpike and Rock Creek, is Gulp's Hill, and beyond the creek in that direction is Wolf's Hill, a rugged wooded eminence. Between these two hills, extending from the Baltimore pike to Rock Creek, is Spangler's meadow, partially wooded. Spangler's spring lies near the eastern debouch of this swale. Two miles southwest of Cemetery Hill is a knob of considerable elevation, called Round Top, and adjoining it on the north, with only a narrow valley intervening, is a rocky hill of less altitude called Little Round Top. This extends in diminished altitude to Zeigler's grove, on Cemetery Ridge, the general name for the entire eminence lying between Little Round Top and Cemetery Hill proper. North of the town the country is a rolling plain. Beginning on the right at Gulp's Hill, as one faces the north, and bending around Cemetery Hill and following the ridge south to Round Top is a distance of four miles. The whole ridge is shaped somewhat like a fish-hook, the barb being Gulp's Hill, and the shank ending in the rocky peak of Round Top. In the town a number of roads converge, making it easy of access from every direction. Here on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of July was fought the great battle of Gettysburg, in which the Confederacy virtually received its death-blow.

In this, as in all the great contests of the war, the sons of Maryland, under either flag, bore a distinguished part. The Second Maryland Confederate Infantry, under Lieut. -Col. James R. Herbert, which was the pride and the boast of the Confederate army, made an assault on the Federal breastworks on Gulp's Hill. On the first day it captured the first line of works, but on the next, in attempting to storm the hill in the face of heavy masses of infantry and artillery, they were compelled to fall back with heavy loss. Nearly all the commissioned officers were killed or wounded, and of the five hundred of the command who went into the fight only two hundred escaped unhurt. In this terrible conflict the commander of the Chesapeake Maryland Artillery, Capt. William H. Brown, was killed. Capt. Dement's battery of First Maryland Artillery also suffered greatly. On the Federal side. Col. Maulsby's First Potomac Home Brigade displayed conspicuous gallantry, and suffered severely in killed and wounded. When the invasion commenced this command was stationed on the lower Potomac, and on the 17th of June, the very day that Jenkins' cavalry entered Chambersburg, Pa., Gen. Lockwood received orders to move all his forces to Baltimore, and in obedience to these orders they were immediately concentrated at Point Lookout. The First Potomac Home Brigade, under Col. Maulsby, was put on board the steamer " John A. Warner" early on the morning of June 21st, and landing at Baltimore about noon, immediately marched to Druid Hill Park, where it bivouacked for the night. The regiment remained in Baltimore until the 25th, when Gen, Lockwood received orders to march his command, consisting of the First Potomac Home Brigade, First Eastern Shore and One Hundred and Fiftieth New York Volunteers, to Monocacy Junction, for assignment to the Army of the Potomac. Gol. Maulsby's regiment, in company with the One Hundred and Fiftieth New York, left Baltimore during the afternoon, and on the 27th reached Monocacy Junction, where it passed the 28th, moving thence on the 29th to Boyd's Lot, north of Frederick. Leaving the latter place on the morning of the 30th, in the midst of a rain-storm, the First took up the line of march towards Pennsylvania, reaching Bruceville late in the evening. The next morning the men were astir at early light, and soon the regiment was again upon the march, hurrying on through Taneytown towards Gettysburg. That night it bivouacked near Two Taverns, on the Baltimore pike, about four miles from Gettysburg. While on the march this day sounds of the battle between the Union advance and that of the Confederates could be distinctly heard, and late in the afternoon the wounded, on foot and in ambulances, carriages, and every kind of vehicle that could be used, were met coming from that desperate encounter.

At 2.30 a.m. of July 2nd the regiment was moved to the front, and at 8 a.m. was placed in position, with Ruger's first division of the Twelfth Corps, along the west bank of Rock Creek, near McAllister's mill. Here the regiment threw up breastworks of rails and earth, behind which it remained until six in the evening, when the brigade, consisting of the First Potomac Home Brigade and One Hundred and Fiftieth New York (the First Eastern Shore not having yet arrived), was ordered to the left of the Union line, then the scene of a heavy action. Lockwood's brigade led the advance of the reinforcements sent from the Twelfth Corps, and upon reaching the summit of Cemetery Ridge was immediately formed in two lines, the First Potomac Home Brigade in front. With a shout of defiance the brigade rushed down the declivity, and sweeping obliquely to the left across the plain, amid a most terrific fire of artillery and musketry, continued its rapid advance without pause until it reached the vicinity of Sherfy's peach-orchard, where the severest contest of the day had occurred. Before this impetuous charge the enemy fell back, leaving his dead and wounded within the Federal lines. Reaching the line originally held by the Third Corps, the men of the First Potomac Home Brigade raised a shout of triumph which rang through the valley and over the hills, and it was with the utmost difficulty they could be restrained from following the enemy farther. While advancing the First Regiment recovered from the enemy three guns of Bigelow's Massachusetts battery that had been lost during the fearful onset of the Confederates. After dark the regiment returned by a circuitous route to the Baltimore pike, near the cemetery, where the men stretched their weary limbs to rest, and slept regardless of the skirmishing of the pickets, which was kept up, with brief intermissions, all night. Before daybreak of the 3rd, Col. Maulsby was ordered to post his regiment in position to support Knapp's Pennsylvania battery, posted on a slight ridge west of the Baltimore pike and opposite Spangler's house.

At daylight the artillery opened a rapid fire, which was continued for more than an hour. But, although severe, it failed to dislodge the enemy, who still held the captured breastworks. At about six o'clock orders were given Col. Maulsby's regiment to advance across Spangler's meadow and carry the position held by the enemy at the base of Culp's Hill, near Spangler's spring. It seemed certain destruction, but such were the orders, and Col. Maulsby gave the command, " Forward, double quick!" With deafening cheers the line sprang forward and advanced as rapidly as the nature of the ground would allow. Maj. Steiner, with the left wing of the regiment, moved directly through a tongue of woods jutting out from Gulps Hill, and extending half-way across the meadow, while the right wing, under Col. Maulsby, advanced across the open swale, and then into the woods. From behind every tree and rock the enemy's fire was poured in, but the regiment with undaunted courage pushed forward towards the stone wall, from which the adversary sent death-dealing missiles. The fire of his sharpshooters, posted in trees on the other side of the creek, was also very close and annoying. Already many had fallen and the regiment seemed devoted to destruction, but onward it went, its officers leading and cheering the men. Gaining a position within twenty yards of the stone wall, and while preparing for a final charge, orders were given for the regiment to return to the turnpike, as a movement of another regiment on the enemy's flank would expose it to an enfilading fire from its friends. Collecting its dead and wounded, the regiment retired to an orchard near the pike, where it was held in reserve for a short time. During the charge at Spangler's spring. Company I, under Capt. Walter Saunders, had a lively skirmish with the enemy at Culp's Hill. After resting in the orchard until about nine o'clock the regiment was advanced to the front on Culp's Hill, where it occupied rifle-pits and engaged the enemy. Here, too, it fought earnestly and bravely, and not a man faltered or displayed the least sign of fear. Its loss in this last engagement was severe, but the heaviest loss was sustained at Spangler's spring. Among the killed were Lieut. James T. Smith, Company C, and Lieut. John S. Willman, Company D. In the action at Culp's Hill, Lieut. Charles E. Eader, Company I, was killed. These officers were all citizens of Frederick County. Lieut. Smith was a young lawyer of Frederick City, and one of the editors of the Maryland Union. Lieut. Eader, also of Frederick City, was an educated mechanic of brave and generous impulses. Lieut. Willman, who was from Mechanicsburg, was a young officer of great gallantry, accomplishments, and promise.

The total loss of the regiment at Gettysburg was three officers and twenty-two enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, three officers and sixty-nine men wounded, and one man missing. Capt. Joseph Groff, Company B, Lieut. George H. Wain, Company C, and Lieut. Frank II. Hardesty, Company G, were among the wounded.

During the night of the 3rd the regiment lay in the works near its original position at McAllister's mill, on Rock Creek.

On the 4th of July, Lee took a position to receive an attack, but as Meade showed no disposition to disturb him, be began to retreat on the night of the 4th, and reached Hagerstown on the 6th and 7th. Finding the river too full to cross, he took up a position covering the Potomac from Williamsport to Falling Waters. While at Hagerstown he issued the following address to his army:

"Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,

"July 11, 1863.

" General Order, No. 16:

"After long and trying marches, endured with the fortitude that has ever characterized the soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia, you have penetrated to the country of our enemies, and recalled to the defense of their own soil those who were engaged in the invasion of ours. You have fought a fierce and sanguinary battle, which, if not attended with the success that has hitherto crowned your efforts, was marked by the same heroic spirit that has commanded the respect of your enemies, the gratitude of your country, and the admiration of mankind.

" Once more you are called upon to meet the enemy from whom you won, on so many fields, names that will never die. Once more the eyes of your countrymen are turned upon you. Again do wives and sisters, fathers and mothers, helpless children lean for defense on your strong arms and brave hearts. Let every soldier remember that on his courage and fidelity depend all that makes life worth having, — the freedom of his country, the honor of his people, and the security of his home. Let each heart grow strong in the remembrance of our glorious past, and in the thought of the inestimable blessings for which we contend; and, invoking the assistance of that benign power which has so signally blessed our former efforts, let us go forth in confidence to secure the peace and safety of our country. Soldiers, your old enemy is before you. Win from him honor worthy of your right cause, worthy of your comrades dead on so many illustrious fields.

" R. E. Lee,

" General Commanding."

The pursuit by the Union army is thus stated by Gen. Meade in his report:

"The 5th and 6th of July were employed in succoring the wounded and burying the dead. Maj.-Gen. Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Corps, having pushed the pursuit of the enemy as far as the Fairfield Pass, in the mountains, and reporting that the pass was a very strong one, in which a small force of the enemy could hold in check and delay for a considerable time any pursuing force, I determined to follow the enemy by a flank movement, and accordingly, leaving Mcintosh's brigade of cavalry and Neill's brigade of infantry to continue harassing the enemy, put the army in motion for Middletown, Md. Orders were immediately sent to Maj.-Gen. French at Frederick to reoccupy Harper's Ferry, and send a force to occupy Turner Pass, in South Mountain. I subsequently ascertained Maj.-Gen. French had not only anticipated these orders in part, but had pushed a cavalry force to Williamsport and Falling Waters, where they destroyed the enemy's pontoon-bridge and captured its guard. Buford was at the same time sent to Williamsport and Hagerstown. The duty above assigned to the cavalry was most successfully accomplished, the enemy being greatly harassed, his trains destroyed, and many captures of guns and prisoners made. After halting a day at Middletown to procure necessary supplies and bring up the trains, the army moved through the South Mountain, and by July 12th was in front of the enemy, who occupied a strong position on the heights of Marsh Run, in advance of Williamsport. In taking this position several skirmishes and affairs had been had with the enemy, principally by the cavalry and the Eleventh and Sixth Corps. The 13th was occupied in reconnaissances of the enemy's position and preparations for attack, but on advancing on the morning of the 14th it was ascertained he had retired the night previous by a bridge at Falling Waters and the ford at Williamsport. The cavalry in pursuit overtook the rear-guard at Falling Waters, capturing two guns and numerous prisoners."

Speaking of the recrossing of the Potomac by the Confederate army, John Esten Cooke, in his " Life of Gen. Lee," says, " Towards dawn on the 14th the army commenced moving, in the midst of a violent rainstorm, across the river at both points, and Lee, sitting his horse upon the river's bank, superintended the operation, as was his habit on occasions of emergency. Loss of rest and fatigue, with that feeling of suspense unavoidable under the circumstances, had impaired the energies of even his superb physical constitution. As the bulk of the rear-guard of the army safely passed over the shaky bridge, which Lee had looked at with some anxiety as it swayed to and fro, lashed by the current, he uttered a sigh of relief, and a great weight seemed taken from his shoulders. Seeing his fatigue and exhaustion, Gen. Stuart gave him some coffee. He drank it with avidity, and declared, as he handed back the cup, that nothing had ever refreshed him so much." The last of the Confederate troops did not cross the river at the bridge until 1 p.m. on the 14th, and in the skirmish of the rear-guard with the Federal cavalry the gallant Pettigrew fell, who had supported Pickett in the great charge at Gettysburg, where in spite of a painful wound he had done all in his power to rally his troops.

" The pursuit," says Gen. Meade, " was renewed by a flank movement, the army crossing the Potomac at Berlin and moving down the Loudon Valley. The cavalry were immediately pushed into the several passes of the Blue Ridge, and having learned from scouts the withdrawal of the Confederate army from the lower valley of the Shenandoah, the army, the Third Corps, Maj.-Gen. French, in advance, was moved into the Manassas Gap, in the hope of being able to intercept a portion of the enemy. The possession of the gap was disputed so successfully as to enable the rear-guard to withdraw by way of Strasburg, the Confederate army retiring to the Rapidan. A position was taken up with this army on the line of the Rappahannock, and the campaign terminated about the close of July."

The organizations from Maryland actually engaged on the Federal side in the battle of Gettysburg were the First Cavalry, Company A, Purnell's Legion, Cole's battalion of cavalry (in detached bodies, as guides, orderlies, etc.), Rigby's battery, First Potomac Home Brigade Infantry, First Eastern Shore Infantry, and the Third Infantry.

The First Cavalry, under Lieut. -Col. Deems, with Mcintosh's first brigade of Gregg's (second) cavalry division, broke camp at Aldie on the 26th of June, and marched to Leesburg, covering the rear of the army advancing into Maryland. Thus was commenced that series of rapid, continuous, and exhausting marches which brought it upon the field of Gettysburg, and continued with scarcely an intermission until the opposing armies were once again confronting each other on the line of the Rappahannock. In the pursuit of the Confederates after the battle of Gettysburg, the First Maryland Cavalry did valuable service, capturing many stragglers, participating in a skirmish near Emmittsburg, in which one man was wounded, and encountering the enemy in a spirited engagement on the 10th of July at Old Antietam Forge.

On the 5th of July the First Potomac Home Brigade, whose gallant conduct at the battle of Gettysburg has already been described, started with the army in pursuit of the enemy, marching, via Littletown, Frederick City, and Crampton's Gap, to the neighborhood of Bakersville, where it arrived on the 10th, threw up breastworks, and remained four days. Advancing on the 14th, the enemy's works were found deserted. On the 16th the regiment reached Sandy Hook, where its connection with the Army of the Potomac ceased.

In this campaign the officers and men of the First Potomac Home Brigade were subjected to the severest hardships, besides trials and dangers of every description, yet throughout the trying ordeal all behaved with a nobility of spirit well worthy of record. Each and every one seemed aware of the great issues involved and the importance of the struggle in which they were engaged. From the time the regiment left Baltimore, on the 25th of June, until it reached Sandy Hook, on the 16th of July, it marched more than one hundred and fifty miles, engaged the enemy on three occasions at Gettysburg, built breastworks and other fortifications, suffered great hardships of every character, and under all circumstances exhibited the greatest fortitude and courage.

On the 19th of June the Second Potomac Home Brigade was ordered, with the First Virginia Volunteers and a section of artillery, to Cumberland. On the 6th of July, Gen. Kelley, who was in command, moved these forces from Cumberland to co-operate with the Army of the Potomac, then in pursuit of the Confederates. The Second Potomac Home Brigade was attached to Col. Mulligan's brigade, Department of West Virginia. Leaving Cumberland at 9.30 a.m., July 6th, Col. Bruce marched his regiment, the Second Potomac Home Brigade, eastward over the National pike. One mile from Cumberland, Company B, Capt. Morrow, was detailed to return to town and proceed down the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, for the purpose of repairing the telegraph-line along that route. At 6 p.m. the regiment halted for the night at Gilpintown. Marching all day of the 7th, and until 2.30 a.m. of the 8th, it reached a point one mile east of Hancock. After daylight the regiment returned one mile west of Hancock, where it encamped through the night, and where it was joined by Company B. Continuing the movement eastward, the Second bivouacked the night of the 10th at Indian Spring, and the night following at Clear Spring, where it remained until the 14th, when the march was renewed to Williamsport, at which place a junction was effected with Gen. Meade's army.

The Confederate army having retired into Virginia, Gen. Kelley's command on the 15th of July moved to Cherry Run, where it crossed the Potomac and advanced to Hedgesville, where skirmishing with the enemy was maintained until the 20th. During the night Gen. Kelley learned through a loyal citizen of ', Martinsburg that the enemy in force was moving on his rear, and immediately retreated into Maryland. , The enemy approached and threw a few shells across the river, but soon withdrew. At North Mountain,! during the advance into Virginia, the Second Potomac Home Brigade supported a heavy skirmish line. On the 24th of July the regiment again crossed the river with Gen. Kelley's command, and marched to Hedgesville. Leaving this place on the 1st of August, it arrived at New Creek on the 7th, having marched via Shanghai, Pughton, Great Cacapon Bridge, Blue's Gap, Romney, Mechanicsburg Gap, and Burlington. At New Creek the Second remained some time, performing heavy guard and picket duty, also furnishing escorts to government supply trains to Romney and Petersburg. The frequent details for this service allowed little or no respite from duty.

The Third Potomac Home Brigade Infantry, commanded by Col. W. Gilpin, embarked on transports at Annapolis, June 27th, and moved to Baltimore, whence it proceeded next day by rail to Elysville, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Two important iron bridges, crossing the Patapsco at this point, were threatened with destruction by Stuart's cavalry, then advancing on the right flank of the Army of the Potomac towards Pennsylvania. The preservation of these bridges was of great importance to the government, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad being the principal route of supply and communication between Washington, Baltimore, and Gen. Meade's army. The service, therefore, rendered by the Third at Elysville and vicinity, although not of a nature involving much personal danger or hardship, like that in the field, was of vast importance, and the most valuable of all the railroad arteries upon which the Union army depended for supplies was successfully guarded at this vital point. The regiment, with detachments posted at different stations from Ellicott's Mills to the Monocacy Junction, remained on railroad guard duty during the ensuing fall and winter and the following spring.

As has already been stated, Vernon and Summer's companies of Cole's cavalry crossed the Potomac from Virginia into Maryland at Harper's Ferry on the 16th of June. Next day White's battalion of Confederate cavalry (mostly Marylanders) made the passage of the river at Point of Rocks and captured a small squad of Mean's Virginia (Union) cavalry. It afterwards intercepted a train of freight-cars, and captured a number of men belonging to Alexander's battery en route from Harper's Ferry to Baltimore. They were all sent South as prisoners of war. Vernon's and Summer's companies, while marching from Harper's Perry to Point of Rocks, for the purpose of guarding the fords of the Potomac, encountered White's command at Catoctin Creek. Mistaking the enemy for friends, both companies were at first surprised and thrown into confusion by his attack, but after the loss of a few men they rallied and drove back the foe, capturing one prisoner. In Capt. Summer's company one man (Joseph L. Michael) was killed, three wounded, and four captured. Capt. Vernon also lost several men taken prisoner. On the 18th of June three of Summer's men, sent with some of Vernon's company on a scout to Frederick, were captured in the town after a lively resistance. Summer's company then went to Berlin, where it remained until the 30th of June, on which date it moved by way of Maryland Heights to Frederick City. At this place it was employed in scouting through the surrounding country and doing patrol duty in the city. Two of its members (couriers) were captured near Emmittsburg on the 5th of July by Stuart's cavalry. Meantime, from the 18th to the 21st of June, Companies A, C, and D of Cole's battalion were kept constantly in motion watching the movements of the Confederate army. The former operated east of the mountains, and the two latter on the west. As a central point from which to direct the movements of his command, Maj. Cole established his headquarters at Burkettsville. On the 22nd, Company A, Capt. Vernon, numbering but thirty men, entered Frederick by the Manor road, and dashing along Market and Patrick Streets, drove out the First Maryland (Confederate) Cavalry Battalion, commanded by Maj. Harry Gilmor. Boldly charging through the streets, Company A, with Lieut. Link leading the advance, pushed the enemy beyond the city limits on the Hagerstown road. Discovering a larger force outside the city preparing to re-enter, Capt. Vernon prudently withdrew his company towards Point of Rocks. One of the Confederates was badly wounded and taken prisoner. He was paroled and left in the hospital. This brilliant dash was executed amid the plaudits of the parents, wives, and friends of many of the men. While the bullets whistled, these patriotic friends waved their handkerchiefs and cheered the men on to victory. Next day the entire battalion, under Maj. Cole, moved on a reconnaissance over South Mountain to Boonsboro'. On the 24th it skirmished with the enemy's column advancing into Pennsylvania, and captured quite a number of prisoners. From this point Company C, Lieut. W. A. Homer, pushed forward on the right flank of the Confederate army, through Wolfsville and Sabillasville, into Pennsylvania, making some effective dashes at the enemy and capturing a number of prisoners, among them a bearer of dispatches from Gen. Lee to Gen. Ewell. At Fountaindale, on the 28th of June, it had a lively skirmish with a small body of the enemy's cavalry, capturing the lieutenant in command, three sergeants, and eight privates, with their arms and equipments and twenty horses. Companies A and D had returned from Boonsboro' to Knoxville, where they were rejoined on the 30th of June by Company C. On the 1st of July these companies established camp at Frederick, where they performed provost duty and operated in different directions as occasion required through the month of July. On the 4th of July a squad of the enemy's cavalry, which dashed into Frederick on the Harper's Ferry road, was driven back and pursued to Knoxville by the battalion. Next day it drove a party of Confederates from Sandy Hook across the bridge at Harper's Ferry and burnt the bridge.

From the time the enemy entered until he withdrew from the State, many of Maj. Cole's command, both officers and men, were detailed as guides, couriers, etc., to the various corps commanders of the Army of the Potomac. In this capacity they rendered most valuable service, their familiarity with the country being thus turned to good account.

After the evacuation of Maryland Heights by the Maryland Brigade, as described at the beginning of the Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign, it proceeded to Frederick City, where it arrived on the afternoon of July 1st. The command bivouacked just outside the city in a clover-field, with the exception of the Seventh Regiment, which, having had the advance on the march, was detailed for picket duty. Next day, July 2nd, the great battle of the war raged at Gettysburg, within hearing of the troops at Frederick, and Gen. French, commanding the Federal forces, fully appreciated the responsibility of his position. On the morning of that day he issued a ringing order, concluding with the announcement that " any officer, no matter how high his rank, or soldier who fails to do his duty at this moment will be made to suffer death under immediate trial before a Drum-Head Court." Gen. French followed this up in a way that showed he meant business. He visited the outposts and camps, found fault with everything, reprimanded everybody, and put under arrest men and officers of all grades. Upon the whole, it had a capital effect.

At night the Seventh was relieved on picket by the Eighth, and the next morning the entire force was paraded through town in column of platoons (equalized), field-music playing, on the march to Monocacy Junction. The brigade never appeared to better advantage.

At the corner of Market and Patrick Streets the column passed Gen. French in review, and at all points was loudly cheered. When Gen. Meade ordered the evacuation of Maryland Heights, he directed Gen. French to march his column rapidly northward and unite with the main army. He was, however, subsequently directed to hold Frederick, camping his troops in the immediate vicinity, to guard the rail and turnpike bridges over the Monocacy. He was further directed to guard the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Frederick to a junction with Gen. Schenck, and in the event of the Federal array being compelled to retire before the enemy, to fall back into the defenses of Washington. At Monocacy Junction the brigade guarded the bridges over the Monocacy and the approaches from Nolan's and other ferries of the Potomac, and kept open the line of communication between Washington and Meade's army.

Soon the news of a victory at Gettysburg flew like wildfire. There was, however, no time for a Fourth of July celebration. All was activity and vigilance, constant marching and countermarching, posting of pickets and calling them in again, and hourly expectation of something important to happen. During the afternoon of the 4th the brigade was countermarched back to its old bivouac on Rizer's farm, west of Frederick, on the Harper's Ferry road.

At reveille on the morning of the 6th, when the men paraded for roll-call, they descried an object swinging from the limb of a tree in an adjoining field. It was soon learned that it was the body of an alleged Confederate spy, caught with the evidences in his boots, and hung by order of Gen. John Buford, who commanded a brigade of Union cavalry, which had arrived during the night from Gettysburg. The deceased was recognized as a visitor to the camps of the Maryland Brigade on Maryland and Bolivar Heights, offering various small articles for sale, and getting up ornamented company rolls.

On the afternoon of the 6th of July, Gen. Kenly was ordered to march with the First, Fourth, and Eighth Regiments and Miner's Indiana battery to retake and occupy Maryland Heights. Starting immediately, and making a forced march, Gen. Kenly reached Knoxville early next morning. It was here learned that the enemy was in full possession of Harper's Ferry, and engaged in repairing the railroad bridge, which had been partially destroyed by Cole's cavalry the day previous, and that they had been and were still employed in collecting the ammunition and stores which were left on the evacuation of the heights.

Upon receiving this information Gen. Kenly pushed forward, and when the column reached the mouth of Pleasant Valley, he detached Lieut.-Col. Wilson, with the First Maryland, instructing him to ascend the heights by way of the eastern slope, and to carry and hold them.

Gen. Kenly then moved with two companies of the Fourth Maryland, followed by the remainder of the Fourth and Eighth Regiments, by the road leading along the canal.

As the advance-guard neared the bridge they found the road obstructed, and the enemy at the same time opened upon them a sharp fire. The advance immediately dashed forward in gallant style, turned the point of the precipice which abuts on the road, and, taking cover, by their rapid firing soon materially lessened that of their opponents.

The balance of the command was then brought up the road and placed in position on the western slopes of the mountain. A section of Miner's battery was also placed in position on the points of the heights overlooking Harper's Ferry, and a few well-directed shots soon dispersed a body of Confederate cavalry which made its appearance on Bolivar Heights.

About this time a detachment of troops, with several pieces of light artillery, mounted on an iron-plated car, under command of Lieut. John R. Meigs, U.S.A., which had been sent up from Baltimore by Maj.-Gen. Schenck, arrived, and assisted in silencing the Confederate sharpshooters, who were annoying the Federal column from the Virginia side of the river.

The heights gained, a picket-line was at once established, extending from the river to Solomon's Gap, and before dark several squads of the enemy's cavalry came down the road from Sharpsburg and the Shepherdstown ferry; but after remaining a short time, and being apparently surprised at finding the position occupied by Federal troops, they withdrew.

The great importance of this movement may be more fully appreciated on reading the following acknowledgment from Gen. French:

" Headquarters Third Army Corps,

"Jan. 22, 1864.

"Brig.-Gest. John R. Kenly,

" Commanding Third Division First Army Corps:

" General, — My sudden and unexpected transfer to the command of the Third Army Corps prevented me from making the recognition of the important services of yourself and the Maryland Brigade, under your command, to which you and it are eminently entitled.

" The fact that Maryland Heights had been reoccupied after a forced march, surprising the enemy and compelling him to abandon the bridgehead and the heights, is a part of the history of the Gettysburg campaign of which you and your troops may be justly proud.

" I am, general,

" Very truly yours,

" Wm. H. French, Maj.-Gen. Vols."

When Gen. Kenly started from Frederick the Seventh Regiment was on picket, and did not accompany the brigade. As soon as the Seventh was relieved by its namesake, the Seventh New York Militia, it marched back and rejoined the brigade on Maryland Heights. At an early hour on the 10th of July the brigade left the heights in the care of the Ninth and Tenth Maryland Regiments, which had arrived from Baltimore, and moved out through Pleasant Valley, passing Locust Grove and Rohrersville, to a point near Boonsboro', where it arrived at nine p.m. The march was directly towards the sound of cannon, which was heard early in the day. It was necessarily a forced march, and the day becoming excessively hot, there was much straggling from sheer exhaustion. Men dragged themselves along until they dropped down in their tracks.

Next day the brigade was assigned to the First Corps, and became the Third Brigade of its Third Division. Gen. John Newton commanded the corps, Gen. Kenly the division, and Col. Dushane, of the First Regiment, the brigade.

On the following day (July 12th), about noon, the corps moved from Beaver Creek, through Funkstown, which Lee's army had evacuated in the morning, and took position fronting the enemy's line, formed on the south of the town, and extending from Falling Waters, on the Potomac, along the Salisbury Ridge to the Conococheague, six miles west of Hagerstown.

All this day the rain poured, and the fields were heavy with the tenacious clay of this limestone country, so that the order, " Close up, men; close up your files," was constantly in the mouth of every officer from colonel to file-closers.

Suddenly the sharp crack of rifles and whistle of bullets indicated the immediate presence of the foe. The men of the Maryland Brigade closed up with a spring and formed in line. Skirmishers were advanced across the fields towards the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown pike, held by the enemy, and a lively fire was kept up until after dark. Just about dark the brigade skirmish line went forward with a rush and cleared the enemy out of Stover's barn, from which their fire had been somewhat annoying.

Skirmishing was renewed with daylight of the 13th, and for some time became quite brisk. About five o'clock Private Scoffin, of Company I, Seventh Maryland, was sent to the rear in a blanket, shot through the thigh. The skirmish-line was gradually pushed forward until within easy point-blank range of the enemy's main works. The firing of musketry was scattering but incessant until midday, when the enemy opened with artillery and fired several rounds of spherical case-shot. They put four shot into Stover's barn, but hit nobody. All day there was skirmishing and some cannonading along the whole line, but no severe fighting, although the two armies were in close proximity to each other.

During the night it was evident to the pickets on certain portions of the line that Lee was withdrawing his army. One of the first to discover this movement was a member of the First Maryland, who, about midnight, stealthily approached the enemy's rifle-pits and found them deserted. He at once reported the fact to the officer in charge of the brigade picket-line, Maj. Faehtz, of the Eighth Regiment, who promptly communicated the intelligence to the division commander, and by him was directed to push forward his line as far as he could go. This was done forthwith, and the line advanced without opposition to within one mile of Williamsport, capturing twenty-nine Confederate stragglers on the way.

The main body of the Confederate army was already over the Potomac, having effected a successful escape under cover of the night; but their rear-guard was overtaken by Kilpatrick's cavalry at Falling Waters and severely punished. Meade's entire army was then put in motion towards the river. The First Corps, following the Sixth, marched through the two strong lines of earthworks just abandoned by the enemy, the men of the Maryland Brigade noticing the fresh graves of a number of the Confederates who fell in their front during the two days' skirmish. They also soon found themselves traveling over the same ground that was familiar as the scene of their operations in September, 1862, and at night bivouacked near Williamsport. For the First Regiment this was the fifth time it had encamped in that vicinity.

The next morning the march was resumed, and, passing through Smoketown, Keedysville, and Rohrersville, the First Corps bivouacked for the night at the foot of South Mountain, near Crampton's Gap. From Crampton's Gap another day's march brought the corps to a resting-place between Petersville and Knoxville, the Maryland Brigade bivouacking on Hilleary's farm. Here it remained, refitting and reclothing generally, until the 18th, when the corps crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and marched through Lovettsville and bivouacked just outside of Waterford, a neat and loyal little Quaker village. From Waterford the next march was to Hamilton, where the Maryland Brigade slept in Janney's woods. Marching thence on the 20th, via Middleburg, White Plains, Warrenton, Warrenton Junction, and Bealton Station, the brigade finally reached Rappahannock Station on the 1st of August, and crossing the river threw up intrenchments. Here the Gettysburg campaign ended.

While these military operations were in progress intense excitement prevailed in Maryland. Upon the invasion of the State, the people of the western counties were greatly alarmed. In Frederick, Hagerstown, Boonsboro', Williamsport, Cumberland, and other towns hundreds of the citizens left their homes, while many more made preparations to do so. The panic also spread wildly through the country. Valuable stock of all descriptions was put en route northward, and did not halt in its flight until some haven of safety was reached. Horses, wagons, and cattle crowded every avenue leading to the mountains and other safe hiding-places.

During the Confederate retreat a brisk skirmish occurred at Hagerstown on the 6th of July between Stuart and Kilpatrick.

The Hagerstown Herald and Torch of the 22nd of July, 1863, says,

" Before our people had completely settled down after the entry of Stuart, leading the advance of the rebel retreat on Monday, the 6th, they were again aroused by the cry, 'The Yankees are coming!' About half-past one o'clock the advance of Kilpatrick's division appeared, and formed in line of battle on the crest of the hill near Funkstown. Stuart seemed thunderstruck, and wild hurry and bustle characterized all his movements. Approaching gradually line after line was formed, until the advance line of the Federal forces rested near Mr. A. Hager's mill. From here, led by Capt. Snyder, of the First Michigan Cavalry, a charge of not more than fifty men was made about half-past two o'clock. Hastily advancing, they met and received the fire of the enemy, about one hundred and fifty strong, posted on Potomac Street, just where the road to Frederick breaks off to the left, and rushing on them, sabre in hand, they drove the rebels pell-mell up Potomac Street to beyond the Reform church, where the main body of the force rested. Here they fell back in an orderly manner to meet the skirmishers, deployed and led forward by Capt. Dahlgren (son of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren), of Gen. Kilpatrick's staff, who advanced beyond the town hall. Capt. Dahlgren was wounded in the right ankle by a pistol-ball from the market-house as he led his skirmishers up. The main column was soon deployed, part of them dismounted and put in ambuscade, and a general charge prepared for. In the meanwhile the rebel battery opened with shell, which proved inefficient to move or check the gradual advance of the Federals. Eider's battery was quickly put In position on the north of the seminary and replied, while Gen. Custer, with his brigade, was sent to the right, to work to the enemy's flank and rear. An ambuscade of the rebels on Grove's farm, a mile north of town, being discovered, Kilpatrick made dispositions to attack it in the rear, while he led a charge of two regiments in person into the front of the main body of the rebels. All his arrangements were made, Gen. Custer had reached a petition where he could attack the left flank of the enemy, and Kilpatrick himself actually moving off to lead the charge, when Custer, whose skirmishers had reached the Leitersburg road, in the rear of the rebel column, discovered the advance of a brigade of rebel infantry, the beginning of the retreat of the shattered columns which Lee had so triumphantly led through an unarmed valley but two weeks before, and with which he was to conquer and bring back a treaty of peace. Thereupon Gen. Kilpatrick ordered his men to draw off gradually, to go to the assistance of Buford at Williamsport, who was attacking the enemy's trains. His loss was not over five killed and twenty wounded during this spirited skirmish. On his route to Williamsport he was pursued by cavalry and mounted infantry, about six thousand strong, and there met and out up at least five hundred of their men with but slight loss, notwithstanding he was hemmed in between two columns, one of infantry, the other of cavalry and infantry mounted."

When Gen. Lee reached Hagerstown on his retreat from Gettysburg, and discovered that the Potomac was too high to effect a crossing, he took a position west of the town and proceeded to protect it by fortifications. His line of intrenchments extended about twelve miles, his extreme left resting on the farm of Frederick Bryan, a mile northwest of Hagerstown, and a few miles from the Pennsylvania line, and his right reaching the Potomac River in the vicinity of Falling Waters. These works were thrown up in about two days, and, together with the great natural strength of the positions chosen for them, were formidable in the extreme. A contemporaneous writer, speaking of the spectacle presented after the passage of the two armies, says, —

" The rebel line of intrenchments, as well as our own, which were hastily thrown up opposite to them, extend for a distance of twelve miles through one of the most fertile portions of Washington County. Along these lines farms have been terribly devastated. Fences have been destroyed, timber cut down, embankments thrown up, ditches dug, wheat, corn, and clover-fields destroyed, the whole presenting a scene of desolation and destruction painful to behold. Some farmers estimate their losses at six, eight, and ten thousand dollars, and renters and others say that they are entirely ruined."

During the skirmish at Hagerstown on the 6th of July John F. Stemple, a citizen of the place, was instantly killed. He had ascended to the roof of Marshall & Cranwell's business house to witness the fight, and was killed by a ball from the neighborhood of the market-house. On the 1st of July, when the Confederate forces occupied Hagerstown, someone reported to them that Andrew Boward, Sr., a respectable citizen living in the suburbs of the town, had on the previous day displayed the national flag while Kilpatrick's forces occupied the place; whereupon a squad of Confederates at once repaired to his residence and demanded its surrender. Mr. Boward, being slightly deaf, did not understand the nature of the demand and did not comply with it, upon which, it is said, one of the Confederates leveled his carbine and fired at him, the ball entering his left arm below the elbow. On Monday, the 13th of July, during a skirmish between Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry and the Confederates, Andrew Hagerman, a well-known citizen of Hagerstown, seized his gun, rushed into the streets, and commenced firing upon the Confederates. He was mortally wounded in the skirmish, and died a few days afterwards. After the retreat of the Confederate army large bodies of Pennsylvania militia were encamped for some time in the vicinity of Hagerstown. The Washington House and Lyceum Hall of Hagerstown were used after the battle of Gettysburg as hospitals for Union soldiers, and the seminary as a hospital for Confederate soldiers.

On the 25th of August an affray occurred at Clear Spring, in which Capt. Isaac T. Prather, a highly respectable citizen of that district, lost his life. The affair, it is said, grew out of an assault by a paroled soldier, named Samuel Masters, upon some colored men whom Capt. Prather had recruited for the United States service, and who had assembled preparatory to being sent to join the colored regiment then being formed in Baltimore. During the melée Capt. Prather was shot in the abdomen, and died in about forty-eight hours afterwards. On the 27th of August the First Maryland Cavalry was paid off, and on the 29th its members forwarded by express to their families at home over seven thousand dollars. Company I, of Washington County, alone forwarded over two thousand. Altogether the regiment sent home over ten thousand dollars of the money received on the last pay-day.

On the 20th of August, by order of Brig.-Gen. Lockwood, Col. Benjamin L. Simpson was directed by his brigade commander. Col. George D. Wells, to proceed with the forces under him from Loudon Heights and encamp in the woods on the east side of the village of Charlestown, W. Va. Col. Simpson's command consisted of portions of seven companies of the Ninth Maryland Volunteers, amounting to about three hundred and fifty men, and a cavalry force of about eighty men. His instructions from his brigade commander were that the holding of Charlestown itself was of no importance, but to watch the movements of the Confederate forces, scout the country thoroughly, and if attacked to resist or retire as the force opposed to him should suggest. At half-past five o'clock on the morning of the 18th of October a Confederate force under Imboden attacked and drove in the pickets on the different roads about Charlestown, planted a battery north and south of the town, and sent in a flag of truce demanding the surrender of the place. This was refused, and the attack was soon after begun by the Confederates.

When the presence of the enemy in the vicinity was first discovered by the attack on the Federal pickets, Col. Simpson posted his men in the courthouse, the jail, and another building, making loopholes for muskets. The Confederate batteries were so planted behind buildings at a distance of two or three hundred yards that their fire was very effective, while the cannoneers were completely protected from the musketry of Col. Simpson's force. The first shot fired struck the courthouse, and several others followed, killing and wounding several men and an officer. Col. Simpson then ordered the men to evacuate the building, and form column by company in the street, and ordered the cavalry force, consisting of about eighty men, under Lieut. Moore, to reconnoiter the roads and find the weak points of the enemy. Lieut. Moore led his men out on the road leading to Harper's Ferry, and finding the enemy ordered a charge, which resulted in the killing or capture of all but the lieutenant and seventeen men. Col. Simpson had in the meantime learned the force of the enemy and the number of pieces of artillery, and his men, who had been organized but two months, and had never been in action before, became panic-stricken, could not be kept in line, broke in confusion, destroyed their arms, and were very soon all made prisoners.

Col. Simpson was remarkably cool, and at the head of his column, assisted by his officers, endeavored to rally his men, that an orderly retreat might be effected; but all efforts to do so failing, and the command having scattered in every direction, he struck off through the fields in company with his mounted officers and succeeded in escaping capture. In consequence of this disaster a court of inquiry was convened to investigate the case, and acquitted Col. Simpson of all blame, the court expressing the opinion " that the surprise and capture of the greater part of the forces under command of Col. Benjamin L. Simpson, Ninth Maryland Infantry, at Charlestown, on the morning of the 18th of October ult., were inevitable, because of the peculiar location of the place, which, surrounded by an open country for several miles on all sides, and approached by a large number of roads from all directions, was easy to be flanked and surrounded, and because of the superior force by which it was attacked, and of the inferior force for its defense. The rebel attacking force was two thousand men, with six pieces of artillery. The defending force, under command of Col. Simpson, consisted of three hundred and seventy-five infantry and seventy-five cavalry."

Gen. Kelley forwarded the record of the case, with the statement that he did not concur in the findings of the court, but believed that Col. Simpson was derelict in allowing himself to be surprised, and that he should have maintained himself in his position until the reinforcements reached him, which started from Harper's Ferry as soon as the cannonading was heard. He therefore recommended that Col. Simpson should be dismissed the service. The War Department, however, approved the finding of the court, and the judge-advocate-general, in declining to concur in Gen. Kelley's recommendation, said, " After a disaster of this kind has occurred it is much less difficult for a military commander to review the details, and remark what should or should not have been done, than for a subordinate to anticipate the strength, position, and design of the enemy, and to successfully have met or withstood their attack."

Among the officers who escaped capture were Lieut-Col. Thomas Clandeley, Maj. George Church, Surgeon Morgan, Asst. Surgeon Kemp, Chaplain G. T. Gray.