JEFFBSOH COUNTY
VIRGINIA AND WEST VA.
1861-18!
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
M I L I TA R Y
OPE RAT IONS
N
JEFFERSON COUNTY
VIRGINIA (AND WEST VA.)
18611865
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY CAMP
U. C. V.
FARMERS ADVOCATE PRINT, 1911
INTRODUCTORY.
PV
^ A movement was started in 1910 to erect markers at
5
oe different points in the County of Jefferson, where skirmish-
es or battles took place. Through the liberality of the
?? people of the County, aided by a large contribution from
> the Jefferson County Camp, No. 123, the money was raised,
and the markers, twenty. five in number, erected. It was
d also thought best to have a history of each skirmish or bat-
o tie fought at or near the several markers, and for that pur-
o
pose this booklet was gotten up, in order to perpetuate the
3 memory of the gallant deeds of the officers and men
engaged.
448810
COUNTY MILITARY ORGANI-
ZATIONS.
There were Ten Companies of Infantry, Cavalry and
Artillery raised in Jefferson County, Virginia. A large ma-
jority of the people in Jefferson County were in sympathy
with the movement to separate from the Union, and the
flower of her men took up arms in defense of the Southern
cause. Five of the Companies raised in the County belong-
ed to the Second Virginia Infantry, ''Stonewall" Brigade.
They were Company "A" of Charles Town, Capt. John W.
Rowan; Company "B" of Shepherdstown, Capt. Vincent
Butler; Company "G", Charles Town, Capt. Lawson Botts,
Company "H" of Duffield's Depot, Capt, J. H. L. Hunter,
and Company "K", Harpers Ferry, Capt. Geo. W. Chambers.
There were Four Companies of Cavalry; Company
"F" of Shepherdstown, Capt. Wm. A. Morgan. This Com-
pany was attached to the First Virginia Cavalry. Capt.
Morgan was promoted until he became the Colonel of the
Regiment. This gallant officer served with the cavalry
with great distinction throughout the entire war.
Capt. Botts was promoted until he reached the Colon-
elcy of the Second Virginia Regiment. He was killed in
the second battle of Manassas. Col. Botts was an officer of
great courage and capacity.
The other three companies of Cavalry belonged to the
12th Virginia, They were Company "A" of Charles Town,
Capt. John Henderson; Company "B" Capt. R. W. Baylor;
Company "D" Moler's Cross Roads, Capt. John S. Knott.
This gallant officer was killed at High Bridge, April 7, ISO").
Chew's Battery was raised mainly in Jefferson County,
and was commanded by R. P. Chew as Captain and Milton
Rouss as First Lieutenant; James W. Thomson, 2nd Lieu-
tenant; John W. Carter, 2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant Rouss
was elected a Lieutenant in Co. B 12th Va. in 1H(>2, where he
served with great skill and gallantry. The men of this
battery were all mounted, being the first battery in the
Confederate army to be thus organized and equipped. It
served with Ashby's Cavalry until his death, and through-
out the famous campaign in the Valley took part in ;ill the
battles fought by Jackson. With four other companies, it
formed what was known as Stuarts Horse Artillery- Capt.
R. P. Chew was promoted to the rank of Major in the win-
ter of 1H(U. Later upon the re-organization of the Horse
Artillery into five battallions, Chew was promoted to the
command of the whole, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Thomson was promoted to Major of Artillery with Rosser's
Division of Cavalry, and John W. Carter succeeded Thom-
son as Captain of the Company. Major James W. Thomson
was killed at High Bridge 7th April, 18(v>. This Company
served with the army of Northern Virginia, in many of its
great battles, and perhaps was under fire oftener than any
battery in the Confederate Army.
No soldiers in any cause ever fought better than those
that went out from Jefferson County to fight the battles of
the South. Their reputation is interwoven with that of
Turner Ashby, "Stonewall Jackson", Jeb. Stuart, Wade
Hampton and Robert E. Lee, the matchless leaders of the
armies of the South.
COMPANY K, SECOND VIRGINIA
INFANTRY.
There was a Volunteer Company at Harpers Ferry at the^-be-
ginning of the war, of 1861-(>5, called the "Floyd Guards". This
company was mustered into the Confederate Service, as Company
K, Second Virginia Infantry regiment, in the spring of 1861. The
officers at the beginning of the war were : Gco. W. Chambers, Cap-
tain; William Engle, First Lieutenant; John B. Davis, Second
Lieutenant. Lieutenant Davis had been a non-commissioned officer
in the U. S. Army. He was killed at (he battle of Gettysburg. At
the reorganization of the army in the spring of 1862, the following
officers were elected : Charles H. Stewart, Captain; B. W. Moore,
1st. Lieutenant; Cleon Moore, 2nd. Lieutenant; and Jesse Fleming,
.'>rd. Lieutenant. Lieutenant Fleming was killed at the Second
Battle of Manassas.
Company K, served with General T. J. Jackson in the Shenan-
doah Valley Campaign; the fighting around Richmond, Antietam
Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and most of the
other campaigns in which the Army of Northern Virginia was en-
gaged. Greatly reduced in numbers it surrendered at Appomattox.
COMPANY H, SECOND VIRGINIA
INFANTRY.
Company H, Second Virginia Infantry, Stonewall Brigade, was
organized at Duffields, shortly after the Brown Raid; consequently
it was drilled and equipped when the war begun.
This Company has a record well worthy to be preserved.
In its first battle (First Manassas) it had twelve men wounded
and killed. In its second battle, (Kernstown) it had thirteen
wounded. None of these were killed, but about half of them were
disabled for life. It lost one of its best officers in this battle, Lieu-
tenant Link, who was shot in the thigh, and disabled for life.
In Jackson's Valley campaign. Port Republic, McDowell, and
continuous fighting up and down the Valley pike, it had losses.
On one occasion beyond Strasburg, a shell from a well aimed
gun struck the pike in the center of the Company, and tore two men
to pieces.
It participated in much of the seven days fighting below Rich-
mond, and had losses. At Second Manassas, it went into the fight
with fourteen men, and fix were wounded. It participated in all
the subsequent battles of the war wherever the regiment was engag-
e;l. As men got well from their wounds they would come back.
Some were wounded as many as four times. Scarcely a man es-
caped.
Sergeant Jenkins, at the reorganization, was elected Captain,
and was with the Company from the beginning to the end; and was
the ranking officer in the regiment at the surrender, and signed the
parole of the men of the regiment.
The Company, at the beginning, numbered about sixty-five men.
At the reorganization some joined the cavalry; and from time to
time a few recruits were sent to it, but the continuous battles stead-
ily reduced its numbers to the close of the war; and of the original
sixty-five who went out with it, only the following returned: Captain
Jenkins, Lieutenant John Foley, Captain J. S. Melvin, Commis-
sary of the Regiment, Privates Eskridge, Joseph McWilliams
( Marylander ) and Wid Shepherd.
"BOTTS GRKYS" BATALL1ON
John Brown's invasion of the territory of Virginia in October
1859, aroused the people of the South to the realization that there
was a large element of the population of the North that was deter-
mined to force the views of that section in regard to the relation of
the States to the General Government, upon them, whether willing
or not, and they did what any brave and spirited people would have
done under the circumstances determined to resist aggression to the
utmost of their ability.
As a result, volunteer military organixations sprang into ex-
istence all over the Southland, from the Potomac to the Gulf. One
of the first companies in Jefferson county after the Brown Raid,
was the "Botts Greys", so called in honor of its first Captain, Law.
son Botts. Edwin Moore, Chas. H. Stewart and R. M. English, were
the other Commissioned Officers of the Company. All these gentle-
men with the possible exception of English were educated at the V.
M. I. and were consequently well qualified to instruct raw troops in
the rudiments of military drill. A short time after its organization,
the "Botts Greys" together with several other companies from this
and the counties adjacent were formed into a Batallion and placed
under the command of Col. William Allen. The first duty performed
by this batallion was to inarch to Harpers Ferry and take posses-
sion of the Government Arsenal located at that place. A few days
after this Thos. J. Jackson was ordered to take command of the
post. Troops from other states soon began to come, and General
Joseph E. Johnston superceeded Col. Jackson. Gen. Johnston pro-
ceeded at once to bring order out of chaos, by organizing the troops
at hand into Regiments and Brigades, and the "Botts Greys" be-
came a company of the 2nd. Virginia Infantry, and so remained to
the end.
Col Jackson was assigned to the command of the 1st. brigade
composed of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th and Hord. Regiments of Infan-
try, and the Rockbridge Battery. It received its baptism of fire at
the first battle of Manassas where it lost heavily company G of the
2nd. coming in for its full share with a loss of 18 wounded, 3 of the
number mortally. In that battle the company was commanded by
p]dvvin Moore who had succeeded Capt. Botts as Captain, when the
latter was made a Major of the Regiment. The subsequent history
of the company is identified with that of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia in all of <those battles it participated up to the surrender at
Appomattox Court House. As a matter of fact but few of the old
company were left when the surrender took place. Messrs. Moore
and Stewart attained the rank of Major before the close of the war.
Geo. H. Flagg and C. W. Scheerer commanded the company at dif-
ferent periods, and David Howell became a Lieutenant.
Of those who were at different times officers of the company
Moore, Stewart, Flagg and Scherer survived the war. English was
killed at the battle of Port Republic, while acting as an aid to Gen.
Dick Taylor, and Botts at Sscond Manassas in command of the
Regiment.
JEFFERSON GUARDS.
Jefferson Guards, which when the Second Regiment of Virgin-
ia Infantry came into existence becoming Company "A", was or-
ganized by electing officers on the 1st day of May 1858 when John
W. Rowan was elected Captain, Henry B. Davenport, 1st Lieut.,
Chas. H. Stewart, 2nd Lieut., James A. Hurst, 3rd Lieut, Edwin
H. Campbell, 1st Sergt., Edward R, Harrell, 2nd Sergt,, E. S. Har-
rell, 3rd Sergt., John H. Hurst, 4th Sergt., and Benjamin F. Beall,
Ensign, was a well drilled company, equipped for service when the
emergency for the use of soldiers arose on the occasion of the John
Brown Raid at Harpers Ferry on the 17th day of October, 1859;
that morning the Company was assembled in front of the Court
House in Charles Town and marched to Harpers Ferry and some-
time during that Monday undertook to dislodge Brown and his
party from the Engine House by a charge down the street to the
iron fence which separated it from the street, but in consequence of
the gate being locked and eight or ten feet high, which prevent-
ed them getting into the armory yard, their effort was in vain and
accomplished nothing, and was forced to retire to shelter from the
murderous fire from the Sharp's Rifles of the Brown party. In this
movement of the Company Mr. Samuel C. Young, Sr., who was not a
member of the Company, but had patriotically attached himself to
it for the occasion was badly wounded in the shoulder by a shot
from one of the Brown party, and permanently disabled him.
After the capture of Brown's party by Col. Robert E. Lee
(afterwards the Immortal General Robert E. Lee of the Army of
Northern Virginia) and his Company of United States Marines, they
were brought to the Jail in Charles Town and the Jefferson Guards
assigned to quarters on the first floor of the Market House building
then occupying the ground upon which Charles Washington Hall
now stands and opposite to the Jail, and remained there as regular
soldiers until about April 1st 18(>0, when it was discharged from the
service of the State. During that summer it was re-organized, John
W. 'Rowan, Captain; Henry B. Davenport, 1st Lieut.; David H.
Cockrell, 2nd Lieut.; Edwin R. Harrell, 3rd Lieut.; M. 8. B.
Robertson, 1st Sergt.; Henry D. Rust, 2nd Sergt.; Geo. A. S.
Davis, 3rd Sergt.; Thos. B. Mclntyre, 4th Sergt.; and uniformed
at the expense of the State of Virginia, when it assisted in organiz-
ing the Second Regiment of Virginia Infantry, of which William
Allen was made Colonel.
On the 18th day of April 1861 between 1 and 2 o'clock p. m.
Jefferson Guards (Co. "A") was ordered to fall in by Captain
Rowan and the 84 men having been previously notified to assemble
at the Market House, promptly obeyed the Captain's order, the
right of the Company resting about where the street crossing now is
from Washington Hall to the Jail corner; as soon as the company
was formed the march for Harpers Ferry was begun and reached
a little after midnight amid the smouldering ruins of the Govern-
ment Buildings which had been set fire to by the Company of United
States Regulars there before they retreated across the Potomac
bridge, as we entered the town, company "A" being in the advance.
The first week in May 1861 company "A" was detached from
the Regiment and ordered to take up position on Maryland Height?,
the location of which was about 300 yards from the top where Col.
Blanton Duncan had been previously placed in position with his
First Kentucky Regiment of Infantry, and was reached by a road
through the barn yard of Mr. Colin Unseld, the company was kept
in its position for a week or ten days without tents or cooking uten-
sils and rations were carried for more than a mile up the mountain
side from the low land barn yard of Mr. Unseld, the meat cooked on
flat rocks and the dough baked by wrapping around the ram rods of
the guns and holding it over the fires, when the company was re-
lieved and ordered to report to the regiment.
In the latter part of June 1861 Harpers Ferry was evacuated
by the army marching to Winchester, Va., and from there on the
18th day of July 1861 started for Manassas, which we readied on
the evening of the 19th in time to participate in the battle of the
21st where our loss (the company's) was two mortally wounded and
six others seriously, among them our Captain who was permanently
disabled, though continuing in the service until the close of the War.
The next engagement was at Kernstown, Va., on the 23rd day
of March 1862, where Ephriam B Crist and James W. Campbell
were killed and ten of the men captured and made prisoners of war
by the Yankees.
On the 25th day of May 1862 was the driving of General
Banks from Winchester and the company escaped injury", but on
the 9th day of June following in the battle of Port Republic two
were badly wounded and several slightly, then the march to Rich-
mond in the fight at Gaines' Mill, with some slightly wounded, then
to Cedar Mountain on the 9th day of August, none injured, then
Second Manassas on the 29th, 30th and 31st of August '62, where
Tom Mclntyre and Albert Pendleton were killed and six wound-
ed, then on the 13th day of December at Fredericksburg, two
wounded; at Chancellorsville, May 3rd '63, one killed, (Dolphin
Rawlins) and none injured; then on to Winchester, Va. on the 12th
and 13th of June '63, the force of Gen. Milroy was surrounded and
on the 15th day of June '63 a short while after day light the com-
pany being at the head of the flanking column at Stephenson's Depot
to intercept the fleeing portion of Milroy's that had been surrounded
in Winchester the three days previous. T\vo members of company
"A" being on the skirmish line advancing towards the Yankee po-
sition came in contact with two members of the 18th Connecticut In-
fantry, one of them surrendering to William H. Moore and the
other to the writer, who relieved the Yankees of their arms and
turned them over to the Provost Guard, then moving on to Gettys-
burg, Pa., where on the 2nd day of July one man (Willis Magaha)
lost a leg; then back to Virginia in the engagement at Mine Run
(Paynes Farm; on the 27th of Nov., the company again escaped
injury.
On the 5th, 6th and 7th days of May '64 in the Wilderness
engagements, the company had five or six slightly wounded, but on
the 12th day of May in the charge made by Gen. Hancock's corps
upon our lines at the "Bloody Angle" near Spottsylvania Court
House where the company was posted there were 24 of the company
captured and two badly wounded, and the company was so badly
depleted that when the army surrendered at Appamattox Court
House on the 9th day of April 1865, not more than 6 or 7 of it
were permitted to witness the closing events of that dark and gloomy
j>eriod.
MARKERS ONK, SIX AND EIGHT
Kearneysville, Uvilla, Crossing of Uvilla and
Charles Town Roads.
On the Sixteenth of October, 1802, Brigadier General
Humphreys crossed the Potomac at Butler's Ford, with
Six Thousand Infantry, Five Hundred Cavalry, and Six
pieces of artillery, and advanced on the roads leading to
Kearneysville. Another force, commanded by Brigadier
General W. S. Hancock, with his own brigade, fifteen hun-
dred from other brigades, four regiments of cavalry, and
four pieces of artillery, advanced from Harpers Ferry at
the same time, in the direction of Charles Town. We had,
at the time, a line of pickets extending from the North
Mountain to the Shenandoah River. The advance was so
sudden that it cut off some of the pickets.
Company D, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was pick-
eting from Engle's Hill to the Shepherdstown road. The
reserve was near where Marker No. 8 stands, at the inter-
section of the Uvilla and Charles Town roads. A sharp en-
counter took place between the Federal advance and com-
pany D, a little south of this point in Rocky Lane. Captain
Knott was wounded in the shoulder. Many of the company
were from this section, and knew every road. They easily
made their way through the enemy's lines and joined the
Regiment. Thus they played even; for about a month
previous, our line of pickets were being advanced, and com-
pany D struck their pickets at Duffields, and chased
them back on their company reserve at Marker 8. They
held their own until the company had closed up, when a
charge was made and they were driven to Lucas' woods,
where a regiment was stationed. They all decamped and
crossed the Potomac.
Humphrey's advance guard went as far as Smithiield,
and his main body a little south of Kearneysville. The Con-
federates had been destroying the railroad in this section,
and some of General Winder's Infantry was near. They,
with Fitz Lee and Hampton's Brigades of Cavalry, com-
manded by General Stuart, attacked late in the evening of
H
the Sixteenth of October, (Marker No. 1), and, after some
severe fighting, drove him from his position. They were
steadily driven back on the Seventeenth, but made a deter-
mined stand two miles south of Shepherdstown, on the
Shepherdstown and Duffields road at what is called the
Forks. A brigade of regulars, commanded by Major
Lovell, U. S. A. occupied this part of the field, and the im-
portance of holding it was apparent. Back of him was the
Trough road which led to the ford on the Potomac and also
the road leading to Shepherdstown. If the position were
carried his retreat was endangered. Trees were felled
across the road to impede the artillery and cavalry, but
Winder's infantry forced them back slowly, and the whole
force crossed into Maryland.
The losses on both sides were considerable. No esti-
mate of the losses could be found. Our badly wounded were
taken to the Uvilla churches and neighboring farm houses,
and cared for. Many wounded had been left at these
churches after the battle of Sharpsburg, and those unable
to get away were paroled by the Federals. At this point
is planted Marker No. 6. -
MARKERS TWO, FIVE AND SEVEN
Butler's Woods, Moler's Cross Roads, and
Uvilla.
After the Gettysburg Campaign, with Lee back in Vir-
ginia and Harpers Ferry in the hands of the enemy, the
situation in Jefferson County was about as follows: The
enemy's pickets extended about 2 miles out from Harpers
Ferry, with signal and spy stations on Maryland Heights.
Any movement of troops in day time could be seen by them.
Even many of the picketposts were under their observation.
The Shenandoah River was high, hardly fordable. Lee's
army was in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties until after
the middle of the month. The Potomac- and Shenandoah
Rivers were carefully picketed, and the army uncertain
what the next move would be. On the Sixteenth, the Fed-
erals, crossing at Shepherdstown and driving in the pick-
ets, advanced a large force of cavalry as far as Kearneys-
ville. Here Fitz Lee and Chambliss' brigades of cavalry
confronted them and steadily drove them back. The fed-
erals were amply supplied with artillery, and at every fav-
orable position, made stubborn resistence. Late in the
evening, Stuart came on the field and took command, hav-
ing ordered General Jenkins, with his brigade of cavalry
from near Martinsburg to his assistance, who arrived later
in the evening.
The enemy, having fallen back to Butler's woods, made
a final stand. The cavalry could not well operate, and so
both sides dismounted their men and fought until dark.
The Confederates remained on the field, expecting to renew
the engagement in the morning^ but the enemy moved off
in the night.
There is no official account of the losses on either side.
Colonel Drake, of the first Virginia Cavalry, was mortally
wounded, and died that night at Mr. Marshall's. About
40 feet from Marker No. 2, measuring west, is the place
where he was shot. He was an able officer.
This movement of the enemy had been made to ascer-
tain Lee's position, but failed. This force was to have been
supported by a brigade from Harpers Ferry, but they fail-
ed to arrive on time, as will be shown. Company I>, of the
Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was picketing from near Shep-
herdstown to Engle's Hill; and when the advance was made,
they stayed within the enemy's lines to operate. A cour-
ier was captured at Uvilla on the evening of the fifteenth,
and sufficient information obtained to justify our watching
this road.
Early on the morning of the sixteenth, Captain Kear-
ney took position in the timber adjoining the Uvilla store,
put a picket in either direction, and awaited events. It
was not long until a squad appeared. They were taken in.
The company would divide, and charge front and rear.
This was continued until thirty-three prisoners, their
horses and equipments, and the General's head-quarter's
wagon with his extra clothing, camp fixtures, and bedding,
and two fine horses and harness, and servant were captur-
ed. Several escaped and gave the alarm. Marker No. 7,
on the hill north of the Uvilla store, is where most of the
captures were made.
10
Major Knott, joining the company at this time, sent the
prisoners back to safety, and moved the company to
Holer's Cross Roads, two and one-half miles east of U villa.
When they neared the place, they saw the advance guard
of some force. They charged and captured one. The
others ran into their column, closely followed by our com-
pany. They were over the hill and could not be seen. The
company wheeled about and exchanged some shots and re-
tired. It was a brigade of cavalry with artillery on their
way to reinforce their forces at Shepherdstown. They,
supposing that a heavy force was in their front, placed
their artillery in position, threw out skirmishers, put their
squadrons in line of battle and awaited developments. Full
three hours time was lost. Every citizen that happened
along was held by them until near midnight.
They finally moved on, and joined forces near Shep-
herdstown; but too late. This timely check of this brigade
for three hours undoubtedly saved the day on the pike at
Butler's woods. Our forces were very many less than
theirs.
Marker No. 5 at Moler's Cross Roads, is a few hundred
yards west of where the brigade was checked.
MARKER NUMBER THREE
Shepherdstown Through Four Years of War
Marker No. 3, planted on the pike south of Shepherds-
town near the cemetery, marks no particular battle, but
we record some incidents worthy of notice. After the bat-
tle of Sharpsburg, the town was literally filled with woun-
ded Confederates. Every available house was occupied and
many private residences as well. Hospital flags seemed
to float everywhere. At the time of Lee's retreat, the Fed-
eral artillery threw many shells over the town, a few fall-
ing in it, but not much damage was done.
Frequent raids were made into the town by the Con-
federates, and some captures made by either side. Occa-
sionally a Reb would steal into the town to see the homo
folks, or the (/irl maybe, and be gobbled up and taken to
Fort Delaware or Point Lookout.
The country was without law for the four years, and
robbery was frequent by men claiming to be sent by the
Federal government, which, in some instances, was true.
There was no recourse.
Several cold-blood murders were committed by scala-
wag army followers, and no investigation made. Most of
this was in the vicinity of Shepherdstown.
Two companies, from the town and surrounding neigh-
borhood, served in the Confederate army from the begin-
ning to the close of the war one a cavalry, and the other,
an infantry company.
The infantry company, known as the Hamtranck Guards,
was organized by Colonel Hamtranck of Mexican War fame.
The organization was kept up, and did service in the Brown
Raid; and when the war came on it was assigned to the
Second Virginia Infantry as Company B, and did its part
in all the battles where the regiment was engaged. They
were as well drilled as regulars, and as loyal to the South
as any troops in the Confederate Army.
Very few escaped wounds or death.
Company F, First Virginia Cavalry, organized in peace
times before the Brown Raid, and commanded by Captain
Jacob Reinhart at the time of the Raid, was afterward reor-
ganized and recruited to about one hundred and twelve men,
commanded by Captain Morgan. This Company was as-
signed to First Virginia Cavalry at the beginning of the
war. Most of the men were fine horsemen and at home in
the saddle well drilled and equipped.
In justice to this Company, it can be said without ques-
tion, that no cavalry company in the Army of Northern
Virginia did more or better service than the First Virginia
Cavalry, which included company F, commanded by Colonel
Stuart, afterward General in command of all the cavalry in
Lee's army. They did service for the whole army, for a
short while, at the beginning. They were drilled and
schooled by Stuart in person, in military duties, discipline,
endurance, bravery, and patriotism which could be seen to
the end of th.e war. It suffered heavily in killed, wounded,
and in prisoners taken.
12
Jefferson County furnished to the Confederacy five
infantry companies, viz A, B. G, H and K, to the Second
Virginia Infantry; four Cavalry Companies, viz A, B and
D, to the Twelfth, and company F to the First Virginia
Cavalry; and Chew's Battery. Many joined other com-
mands. The county was about depopulated of young men.
These companies did active service in the field, cut off
from home the greater part of the time.
MARKER NUMBER FOUR
Slaughter at the Cement Mill on the Potomac
Confederate Marker No. 4, is planted at the crossing
of the Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry and the Trough
roads, locally called Showman's Shop. At this point A. P.
Hill, on the early morning of the Twentieth of September,
1862, placed his division in line of battle, with skirmishers,
to the front, extending east and west and on the north side
of the Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry road. Three
brigades of the division were advanced to the front, and
the other forces followed in reserve. There was little op-
portunity for artillery on the Confederate side, as these
three brigades were advanced at the double quick, and
never halted until the field was won.
The Battle of Sharpsburg was fought on the Seven-
teenth of September; both armies lay inactive on the Eigh-
teenth, and Lee recrossed the Potomac on that night.
Lawton's and Armisted's brigades, with forty-four can-
non were posted on the Virginia bluffs to guard the ford.
Lee's withdrawal was accomplished without loss. By early
dawn of the Nineteenth, the Federals had placed cannon on
every available position on the Maryland bluffs, and heavy
cannonading commenced and continued for several hours,
with some losses on both sides. The infantry sharpshoot
ers exchanged shots across the river with little effect. The
artillery was withdrawn, and the infantry quietly followed.
Two disabled cannon and caisson were abandoned (not cap-
tured). Brigadier-General Griffin, with four regiments of
infantry, crossed over to the Virginia side after the with-
drawal of the Confederates, with no opposition except from
the rear guard. They remained several hours, then re-
crossed, taking the disabled guns with him.
13
Longstreet's Corps moved on to the Valley pike, some
twenty miles away. Jackson's Corps was near Charles
Town, with the exception of A. P. Hill's Division which had
been left in a large body of timber about three and one-half
miles from the Potomac River, with Early 's Brigade in
supporting distance, if needed.
The plan was well conceived and carried out, as after
events proved.
Hill was informed of every movement of the enemy.
Scouts crossed the river and obtained information from
known citizens; and the rumble of artillery wheels on the
Maryland side was heard by our pickets along the Potomac,
and word sent to Hill. Troops soon began to cross. Cour-
ier after courier kept him informed of these events; and,
when they were ready to advance, Hill was on the field and
ready.
The Federal forces that crossed over, and Hill had to
oppose were Major General Lovell's Brigade, the First,
Second, Sixth, Tenth, Eleventh and Seventeenth United
States Infantry. Syke's Division, Fifth Corps. They
moved up the Trough road and fronted Hill's right; and
Barnes's Brigade took position on the cliffs along the river
road. His command consisted of the following regiments:
Eighteenth and Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry,
Second Maine, First Michigan, Thirteenth and Twenty-
fifth New York, One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvan-
ia, one company of Sharpshooters, 1 regiment of Cavalry,
which had crossed with Sykes, and three batteries of Ar-
tillery posted on the Maryland bluffs commanded by Weed,
Randol and VanReed.
The Federal forces were rapidly driven toward the
Potomac, and hurriedly crossed over. That portion of
Barnes's command whose line of retreat was toward the
high precipitous bluffs, directly above the Cement Mill,
suffered heaviest loss. Those that did hot surrender were
driven over the bluffs at places from fifty to eighty feet high.
Some reached the bottom in safety, some hung on snags
and rock ledges, and some that fell clear were crushed.
The One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, known as the Corn Exchange Regiment, suffered
14
most. It crossed the river with seven hundred and thirty-
seven officers and men, and recrossed it with four hundred
and sixty-eight (their account). Numbers were shot in the
river. The entire Federal loss for the day can not be ob-
tained. The Confederate loss was thirty-four killed and
two hundred and thirty-one wounded.
A. P. Hill's Division, at this time, did not number over
4000 men. It was one of the strongest divisions in the
early spring of '62, but the Seven Days Battle below Rich-
mond, where they did some of the hardest fighting, their
losses at Cedar Mountain and Second Manassas also, were
great; and the long march around Pope to Manassas and to
Williamsport, and back to Harpers Ferry, made hundreds
of them shoeless and foot sore. Then at Sharpsburg they
had losses, making their numbers in the three brigades
that were engaged about 2500 men. This estimate is made
by responsible men who served in the Division.
Some companies had not more than ten men, and some
few had less.
This battle is known as the battle of Cement Mill, or
Butler's Ford. It was fought without cannon on the Con-
federate side; and the Federals would have fared better if
they had not used any; for, when the Confederates had
closed upon the Federals, they did about equal execution
to both.
After the battle was over, A. P. Hill wanted to know
the situation on the other side, and Major Gilmore volun-
teered to ride up the river road, within range of thousands
of muskets and about forty cannon, and not a shot was fired
at him, the distance being about three-quarters of a mile.
After this repulse, the Confederates picketed at this
ford unmolested.
A. P. Hill issued the following address to the Division
after this battle:
"Soldiers of the Light Division, you have done well.
I am well pleased with you. You have fought in every bat-
tle from Mechanicsville to Shepherdstown, and no man can
say the Light Division was ever broken. You held the left
at Manassas against overwhelming numbers and saved the
army. You saved the day at Sharpsburg and at Shepherds-
town. You were selected to face a storm of round shot,
shell, and grape, such as I have never before seen.
I am proud to say to you that your services are appre-
ciated by your General; and that you have a reputation in
the army which should be the object of every officer and
private to sustain. A. P. HILL, MAJOR-GENERAL.
MARKER NUMBER NINE
Capture By Mosby Sharp Encounter at
Melvin's Hill.
Duffields, on the B. & O. R. R., where Marker No. 9 is
located, was always occupied by the Federals when they
had possession of the lower valley, thus guarding the rail-
road, one of the principal feeders of the army of the Po-
tomac. They also picketed the roads to guard against raids
of the Confederates. There were times when the railroad
was guarded from Harpers Ferry to the North Mountain,
in hailing distance of each other, and yet Confederates
would pass through frequently. One favorite crossing was
about one and one-half miles east of Duffields. Kephart
and Melvin's woods was on either side of the railroad, on
elevated ground, and the guard could be flanked unobserved.
In July, 1864, Colonel Mosby surprised and captured
the whole force at this place (Duffields), numbering about
100 men. On July 25th, 1864, George Cook of Company D,
Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was mortally wounded about one
mile east of Duffields, and died the following day.
A sharp encounter occurred at Melvin's Hill, about one
and one quarter miles east of Duffields, between three rebs
and three yanks, in July '63. The three rebs had been
sent to establish a picket post on Engle's Hill, not knowing
that the Federals were advancing. After crossing the
Halltown and Shepherdstown road, a citizen informed them
that the Federals were advancing, and that a company had
just passed. The Confederates wheeled about to investi-
gate. The Federal company had sent three scouts up the
road towards Duffields, and the Confederates, being in-
formed of that fact, prepared for it. The yanks saw the
rebs coming, raised their carbines, and waited until the
16
rebs were within seventy-five yards, and fired, but missed.
Both sides used their revolvers. The rebs drove the yanks
back to the stone house, killing one, wounding one, and lib-
erating one prisoner they had captured. In the melee, a
horse of one of the rebs fell, and disabled its rider.
The Federal cavalry, hearing the firing, wheeled and
come back at full tilt. Reb No. 2, getting too close with an
empty revolver, was taken in. Reb No. 3, with two loads
in his second revolver, could not shoot, for fear of killing
his comrade; and the company, almost on him, he gave the
spur to his horse, jumped the cap fence, and reported to
his company.
MARKER NUMBER TEN
Engagement On And Near the Leetown
Road.
On the 21st of August 1864 General Early had formed
his line of battle in front of Charles Town, W. Va. with
General Rhodes on his left. General Lomax, with his di-
vision of cavalry, protected their left flank. Harry Gilmor
with the two Maryland batallions and the 19th and 20th
Virginia regiments of Jackson's brigade were on the ex-
treme left, and were ordered to hold the Leetown road.
Gilmor dismounted the 19th regiment near the house
then owned by Mrs. Daniel and now the property of James
E. Watson. They were at once charged by a regiment of
cavalry. Awaiting until they approached very near, the
19th opened a steady fire upon them, which threw them
into confusion, when Gilmor ordered Captain Welsh to
charge them with the First Maryland. They retreated, the
regiment driving them back to their reserves, taking some
prisoners, and killing and wounding a small number.
A brigade of cavalry attempted to move around the left
of Gilmor's line, there they formed the 19th and 20th in
the woods near the house. This line was attacked by
Duffle's brigade, led by the 12th Pennsylvania, commanded
by Colonel Bell. Gilmor ordered his men to withhold their
fire until the enemy got within a hundred yards. When
the word to fire was given, a good many saddles were emp-
tied. Among those who were shot was Colonel Bell, who
fell mortally wounded.
17
Tho enemy retreated then to their reserves. The ar-
tillery kept up a furious and incessant fire on the woods.
Later in the afternoon a desperate charge was made on the
two Virginia regiments. The men had thrown up a barri-
cade of rails, and gallantly held their position. About 50
Federals cut their way through and were captured by a
squadron from the 1st Maryland under Lieutenant William
Dorsey and Gilmor. Colonel Bell's adjutant, a son of Gov-
ernor Curtin of Pennsylvania, mounted on Col. Bell's horse
was captured. Gilmor presented the horse to General
Lomax. This ended the fight and the enemy, during the
night retreated in the direction of Harpers Ferry.
The enemy's loss was heavy, in killed, wounded and
prisoners.
MARKER NUMBER ELEVEN
Fighting At Wageley's Shop And In Woods
Near Leetown.
General Early, leaving Anderson in front of Chiiies
Town marched on the 25th of August 1H6 4 towards Leetown,
intending to go to Shepherstown. Wharton's division was
in front and encountered a small force of cavalry near
Wageley's Shop, which was quickly disposed of with a loss
to the enemy of both men and horses. Marching by way
of Leetown he encountered unexpectedly t"o divisions of
Federal cavalry, Wilson's and Merrits, which were started
on a reconnoisance up the valley, and had halted in a piece
of woods a short distance from Leetown to feed and rest.
The enemy at first gained some advantage but Early
quickly formed a line of battle, and advancing boldly, for-
ced the enemy back. Early was not, however, met with
any serious opposition until he reached Kearneysville,
where the enemy made a determined stand, a part of their
force fighting on foot and some mounted. Being unable
to dislodge the enemy from the railroad embankment by
frontal attack, Gordon's division was sent around to the
Federal flank, where this gallant fighter and his worthy
men made advantageous charges, finally driving them from
their strong position and pursuing them through Kearneys-
ville and on towards Shepherdstown.
18
In one of the charges made by Gordon and his men
that General was wounded in the face by a sabre slash.
General Early continued the pursuit until he reached Shep-
herdstown. The enemy escaped and a part crossed the
Potomac and the balance in the direction of Harpers Perry.
MARKER NUMBER TWELVE
Successful Exploits of Confederate Forces
About Smithfield.
In August 1862 Lieutenant Rouss with Lieut. Baylor,
Lieutenant Rowland and thirty men marched down the
valley intending to attack the train between Summit Point
and Wade's Depot. In each of these places the enemy had
stationed eighty infantry and five cavalry. The distance
between the depots was four miles. At four o'clock in the
afternoon the road was reached, and soon after the whistle
of the engine was heard. Obstructions were placed across
the track to bring the train to a stand-still. This proved
effectual and when the engine struck the obstruction, the
train was halted. It was then boarded by our men and
eight yankee soldiers were captured. The express car was
opened, where they found baskets of champagne and boxes
of fruit. It is needless to say, as the men were thirsty and
hungry, they proceeded to partake of these good things.
The express safe was opened and 4, OCX) in U. S. money
was taken out. Nothing remained to be dona but to burn
the car. This was done effectually and a full head of steam
was put on the engine and it was started in the direction of
Winchester. The telegraph wire was cut for two hundred
yards.
Lietenant Rowland with thirteen men took charge of
the prisoners, and started back over the route they came,
while Lieutenants Rouss and Baylor, with the seventeen
men remaining, determined to penetrate farther into Jef-
ferson County.
Lieutenant Rouss with these men moved in the direc-
tion of Smithfield, iive miles distant. When they arrived
within half a mile of the town the blue uniforms of the Yan-
kee pickets were discovered.
Thinking we were a scouting party of their own men,
Rouss and his party approached within twenty yards of
them before they discovered who they were. The com-
mand was given to charge, and before they could fire a shot,
our men were upon them and captured all three with their
arms and equipment.
These pickets informed our men that there were four-
teen of their companions in town. A charge was made and
the fourteen yankees were captured, being taken complete-
ly by surprise. The spoils amounted to 17 horses, 20 re-
volvers, 5 Sharpe's carbines, saddles, bridles and other
trappings.
After the capture Lieut. Rouss led his men safely back
into our lines.
February, 1H63, Lieut. Rouss with Lieut. Baylor, John
Chew, Billie Manning, Charlie Henderson, John Yates,
John Coleman, George Crayton, Billie Gibson, Up Manning
Joe Crane and Duck English, marched to Summit Point
where information was received that a small scouting party
of about 21 men had passed that place in the direction of
Smithfield.
Rouss immediately started in pursuit of this party.
Just before entering the town of Smithfield there is a long
straight stretch of road, probably a mile long. There our
party came in full view of the foe.
The Confederates approached the enemy, who were en-
tirely unmindful of our presence, and dashed into their rear
and shot down some of their party before they were aware
of any danger. No resistance was made, but pell-mell
down through the town they ran, with Confederates be-
hind them, yelling like hyenas.
Summing up the result of the fight, four were found
killed, three wounded, 7 men and 11 horses captured, with-
out a casualty on our side.
A negro man by the name of Redmond, a resident of
Jefferson county, who had guided the yankees to people's
homes was shot by Lieut. Rouss and died in a stable north
of the town.
The party with their prisoners and horses, returned
to Summit Point and from there to Locke's shop, where a
stop was made to have a horse shod. The smith had hard-
ly completed the job when the yankees were seen approach-
ing from Charles Town, and a handful of our men w T ere
sent to make a dash on the head of the column. This charge
was led by John Chew and Charles Crane and was so suc-
cessful that the head of the columli was broken and thrown
into confusion. The balance of 'the party retreated down
Locke's lane.
The enemy pursued rapidly and, captured Frank Man-
ning, John Coleman, and Lieut. Baylor. The rest of the
party made their escape.
SMITHFIELD.
On the 2Hth of August, 1*3--, Early 's cavalry that had
been located near Charles Town, was driven back through
Middleway and compelled to cross the Opequon, Fitz Lee
retreating towards Brucetown and Lorn ax towards Bunker
Hill.
The enemy occupied Middleway, where they burned
several barns and houses. To put a stop to this fiendish
work Ramsey crossed the Opequon and drove back the
Federal cavalry. General Early also crossed the Opequon
with infantry and artillery and drove the federals from
some rude works they had constructed in front of the town.
He then returned to camp over the Opequon leaving the
cavalry behind. The enemy attacked this later in the af-
ternoon and drove them back across the stream. There
was considerable loss in these actions.
In February, 1K(>4, General Rosser, with all his com-
mand except a small portion which w r ere picketing the out-
posts down the valley, was west of the mountains on his
celebrated cattle raid.
Captain Kearney, with a part of his company engaged
in picket duty at the time, and being relieved too late to
join Rosser, asked permission to make a scout to Jefferson.
The request was granted. He got together nineteen of his
company and started, early on the 4th of February, 1H(U,
from New Market; and by '2 a. in. of the fifth, eighteen of
his men were hidden in the pines and cedars along the
pike, a short distance north of Smithtield.
A picket was placed on the Charles Town pike, and one
on the Shepherdstown pike, with instructions to report in
haste, the approach of the enemy, and count the number, if
possible. It was known that every day a squad came from
Shepherdstown or Kearneysville on that pike to Smithfield,
and a battalion came from Charles Town three times each
week. About sunrise, both pickets came at a gallop, and
reported that 22 federals were advancing from Kearneys-
ville. Kearney kept nine of his men to charge down Main
street, and sent nine in charge of a sergeant, down a back
street, to meet in the centre of the town; and he started
these nine a moment ahead to allow for distance. Just at
this stage, with the nine gone on their mission, some one
exclaimed, "Look there on the Charles Town pike, there
comes the battalion, " which unfortunately, was true. Kear-
ney, equal to the emergency, said, "boys, we will charge
through the yanks in the town, but don't stop." Forward
and away we went. We were on them so suddenly, and
the surprise was so great, that nearly all surrendered with-
out a shot, not knowing that several hundred of their own
men were at hand. We had not time to disarm them. A
few took our direction ahead of us; and as soon as we pas-
sed those in the street, they, seeing the situation, with the
whole battalion, gave chase, and began firing with their
carbines, killing one of our best men, David Hoffman. The
squad that tried to escape ahead of us on Main street had
one killed and several wounded. Two of our squad, want-
ing a remount, stopped long enough to disarm and dis-
mount two yanks, and, taking as they thought, a near cut
to overtake the company, were captured. The horses
would not jump fences.
We were thirty-five miles outside our lines. A ruse
saved the rest of the company. The Major inquired, "how
many men had you in that command:"' the reb thought
quickly, "the truth will be the best answer," and replied,
"Eighteen", "you are lying", he said, "Eighteen men would
not come so far out of their lines"; and he would not follow.
Our horses were nearly worn out from hard service and
the long ride from New Market the day and night before,
they could have easily overtaken, at least, some of the men.
Our scout was a failure, as was Captain Baylor's the
year previous.
February 12th, 1853, 21 men of the Twelfth Pennsyl-
vania cavalry were scouting in that section, and so was
Baylor with 13 of his company. Baylor completely sur-
prised and routed them, killing four, wounding three, and
capturing seven men and eleven horses. But on their re-
turn south of Charles Town, they encountered a large body
of federal cavalry, and lost all they had captured, and Bay-
lor and two of his men were made prisoners.
In August, 1882, Lieutenant Rouss and Baylor; with
seventeen men, captured seventeen yankees with their
horses and equipments complete, in the Main street of
Smithfielcl, not losing a man.
MARKER NUMBER THIRTEEN
An Account by Col. Harry Gilmor of His
Fight with Somers Near Summit Point.
About the close of September, 1863, 1 took 50 men from
my camp at Mt. Jackson with the intention of crossing the
Potomac to capture a lot of government horses and mules
which my scouts had reported to be grazing in the neigh-
borhood of Hagerstown. Their picket lines extended to
and beyond Charles Town, where a regiment of infantry
and two companies of cavalry were stationed. Captain
Somers commanded the cavalry, and Col. Benjamin Simp-
son the 9th Maryland. I crossed the line without being
detected, but when I reached the river I found it past ford-
ing, and had to return.
I camped in the woods on William Washington's place,
and, being determined not to go back without some game,
sent scouts to watch the road leading out of Charles Town.
I had not slept more than two hours when I learned that 27>
cavalry had gone up the road leading to Smithtield. The
men were soon mounted, and, striking out across the
country, we got into the road in the rear of this squad, and
followed on their trail to Smithfield. Soon after reaching
the turnpike we met a man whom I knew to be a Unionist,
but, expecting to capture the party ahead of mo before
they could reach Charles Town in my rear, I let him pass.
What a change it would have made in subsequent events
had I taken him along with us! We continued at a trot
until we gained. the hill immediately above Smithfield, when
I closed up the column, drawing sabres, charged into the
town, expecting to find the enemy there; but to my chagrin,
learned that they had passed through without halting, tak-
ing the road to Summit Point, and were now a considerable
distance ahead. I followed on at a good swinging trot,
with four or five well mounted men in advance, until we
got nearly to Summit Point, when my scouts returned,
saying the enemy had passed through that place also a
short time previous, and were now on the road back to
Charles Town.
My horses were by this time much jaded, and some
hardly able to keep up; still, determined not to abandon
the enterprise, I struck across the fields, hoping to cut
them off before they could reach Charles Town. In this I
did not succeed; but three of my men ran into their rear
guard just as they were entering the place. One of them,
Charles Forman, was captured. I dismounted half my
men, put them in position, and tried to draw out the enemy,
but they had their own plan in view, and refused to follow.
This made me rather suspicious, so putting twelve men un-
der Captain Blackford as a rear guard, I started for Sum-
mit Point and camp.
I had reached the "White House, owned by Mr. Mor-
row, two miles from Summit Point, had halted to let the
men dismount and get water from the large spring about
fifty yards off, and was the only mounted man left in the
road. I had ridden up to the yard fence, and was talking
to the ladies, when I heard a voice exclaim, "Here they are
boys by God, we've got them now: 1 " At the same instant a
bullet whistled through a lilac bush between the ladies and
myself. I wheeled around and saw the head of a cavalry
column on the rocky hill above, and between me and Sum-
mit Point.
Here was a perilous position. Seeing only the first
section of fours, I knew not how many were behind them.
I could not retreat, and therefore determined to make the
best light possible under the circumstances. I ordered ten
of my men who had carbines to get behind the ruins of an
old stone stable, and fight them to the last. Seeing my
horses without their riders, the others thought we were
apprized of their coming, and had prepared an ambuscade;
and though Captain Somers, whom I recognized, begged,
implored, and cursed them, they would not charge, but
stood still on the hill, popping away at us with theircarbines.
One of my men Ford, from Baltimore came up with
a rifle and putting his hand on my thigh, asked what he
should do. I told him to get behind the stone wall, and take
a r^ood aim every time he fired, ''all right, Major." Just
as he spoke the word a ball pierced his head, killing him
instantly.
At that moment Captain Somers. who I must say was
a brave man, spurred his horse down the hill, and engaged
me with his pistol, firing wildly, for I saw he was much ex-
cited. I reserved my fire till he came within twenty paces,
steadied my horse with the bit, took a long sure aim, and
Somers fell from his horse. The ball entered the side of
his nose, and came out back of his head.
By this time nine of my men had mounted, and, as the
sharpooters had been doing good work. I thought I could
risk a charge, but it was unnecessary to give the order, for
I heard Read or Bosley say, ''come, boys it's a shame to
leave the major there by himself;" and by the time I had
returned the pistol and drawn my sabre, the boys were at
my side, so on w^ went.
Wh^n \\v gained the hill top, I saw, to my amazement,
that there were about sixty before me, but, as there was a
good post and rail fence on either side, they could show no
more front than my ten men. To whip the foremost was
to whip all. As I passed by the stone stable I ordered the
rest to mount and follow. Captain Somers was lying across
the road. I "as obliged to jump my horse over his dead
body; four others lying near were either dead or wounded.
Settling myself in the saddle, I dashed in among the
blue jackets, cutting and thrusting right and left, and parry-
ing a blow when necessary. They were from Michigan and
Maryland, and for a while fought well. Observing an
officer fighting like a Turk and cheering his men on, I made
for him. He was a man of my own size, "ore a very heavy
beard, and looked, I thought very savage as he. yelled out,
'Vome on you damned rebel, I'll soon fix your flint." This
promised good sport. I closed with him, making a power-
ful front cut, which he parried, and at the same instant
made a right cut at my neck. By bringing my sabre do"n
in time, my side caught the blow. Now I had the advan-
tage. Quick as a flash I cut him across the cheek, inflict-
ing a large gash, and he fell to the ground. I gave him in
charge of one of my men, and then followed after my first
ten, who had pushed the column back two hundred yarcis
while the lieutenant and I were busy with our affair. The
latter soon after escaped by jumping a stone wall and run-
ning into a thick woods. We soon got them on the run, nor
did w e give them time to stop and reform until they had
passed through and beyond Summit Point.
We had taken eighteen prisoners, and were unable to
pursue them farther until my men had come up, for the
federals had formed and turned upon the two or three men
who were still in pursuit, but by the time they had pushed
these back again to Summit Point I had dismounted ten or
fifteen men, who easily checked them. We charged again,
took five more prisoners, and the rest made their escape.
After collecting my prisoners and men, I left by a
private route for the Upper Valley, with twenty three pris-
oners and twenty nine horses, leaving four of their dead
and three wounded on the field. My loss was one man kill-
ed, three wounded, and one taken prisoner. I reached
camp safely with every thing I had captured.
It seems the Unionist went immediately to Charles
Town and gave information of what he had seen, and Som-
ers followed me all the way round. A sad affair it turned
out for him, but "such are the fortunes of war". Captain
Somers was highly esteemed by his commanding officers,
as shown by a long article, highly complimentaoy to him,
that appeared a few days after. The same paper also al-
leged that I had murdered him! Indeed! Then not a few
were murdered on both sides.
MARKER NUMBER FOURTEEN
Repulse of Federals by Imboden at Rippon
The Retreat.
On the IKth of October, 1H08 General Imboden after
capturing Charles Town, retreated along the Berryville
pike. He was hotly pursued by a large force of the enemy,
and at Rippon was compelled to form a line of battle to pro-
tect his captures.
He had with him as prisoners the Ninth Maryland In-
fantry, eight or nine hundred.
The enemy advanced and commenced a serious attack.
They were after a sharp engagement, repulsed by General
Imboden and his command, and retreeated toward Charles
Town. There were a number of killed and w r ounded on each
side in this action.
Imboden then continued his retreat and made good his
escape with his captures.
MARKER NUMBER FIFTEEN
Slaughter and Capture of Blazer's Men at
Myerstown.
Richards started on November 17, 1K(H, with 100 Rang-
ers to look for Blazer. Most of his men were especially
anxious to set eyes on the Northerner. They were not
picked men, however, but just plain, ordinary, every-day
guerilKs.
When Richards reached Castleman's Perry he heard
that Blazer was on a raid looking for Mosby, having fully
made up his mind to finish the contract about which Sheri-
dan had wired Augur nearly three months before. We lo-
cated him in camp near Kabletown, in Jefferson county,
West Virginia. Richards prefering a daylight fight, camp-
ed near him. In the morning our men were so anxious for
a settlement with Blazer's command that they did not wait
for breakfast, but at sunrise galloped into Kabletown, only
to find that Blazer had left but a few moments before, "look-
ing for them."
It didn't take very long to find the blue column, which
presently appeared across a tiekl. Richards turn. eel his
men from the road to draw Blazer on, but Blazer was busy
taking down a fence and dismounting his cavalry, so as
to use his Spencers at long range. Richards instantly di-
vided his command and started with half his men, as though
retreating. Blazer bit and ordered a charge. When his
men got clear of the woods and into the open, where there
was no furniture in the way of our little game of tag, Rich-
ards turned on him and our two divisions charged simul-
taneously.
Blazer's men used their Spencers until we got close up
to them, when they dropped their rifles and drew revolvers.
Richards 'attack was very much in the nature of a dynamite
explosion at close range, and while there is no doubt that
Blazer counted on a fight and really wanted one, he had
made no preparations for a massacre. His "picked 100
men" broke before our onslaught, defying all their com-
manders efforts to rally them, and the flight became a panic
and a rout.
Captain Blazer was overtaken by "Syd" Furguson, who
rode one of the best mares in our command. Blazer, was
knocked from his horse with the butt of a pistol and picked
up blind and bleeding from the ground. He came to the
scratch cheerfully even in defeat, and took his medicine
like a man. His loss was mor,e than 20 men killed, many
more wounded, most of them mortally, and about 30 of his
command were taken prisoners. General Stevenson dis-
patched on November 19, "two of Captain Blazer's men
came in this morning Privates Harris and Johnson. They
report that Mosby attacked Blazer near Kabletown yester-
day about 11 o'clock. They say the entire command, with
the exception of themselves, was either captured or killed . "
MARKER NUMBER SIXTEEN
Engagement at Myers Ford, Sunday, Sept.
5, 1864 Blazer's and Mosby's Men.
Early Sunday morning, Sept. 5, 1H64, Col. John S.
Mosby, with companies A and B, of his command, broke
camp in Loudoun county, near Hillsboro, and started for
the Shenandoah Valley to reconnoiter in the vicinity of
28
Charles Town. They passed through the Blue Ridge at
Lewis' Gap. On reaching the river at Myers Ford, Mosby
with six of his men crossed the river to ascertain the
strength of the enemy in and about Charles Town, leaving
the remainder of the rangers in camp at the ford under
Lieutenant Joseph Nelson. The men unsaddled their
horses, and made themselves comfortable until they should
have a report from Col. Mosby.
Capt. Richard Blazer, of the 91st Ohio Infantry, tem-
porarily in command of a company of picked men armed
with long range seven shooters, pistols and sabers, the
men being designated in the War Records, as Independent
Scouts, on the morning of the same day, going from the
direction of Charles Town, in search for Mosby 's men,
crossed the river at Backus' ford, above Shannondale, and
proceeded over the mountain. They found the deserted
camp of Mosby's men near Hillsboro, where they were in-
formed that Mosby had started with his men to the Valley.
By a forced march, Blazer's men followed the route taken
by Mosby's command, and surprised the camp at Myers
ford. The men in camp being totally unprepared for an
attack, scattered when the attack was made in all direc-
tions, the most of them having no time to saddle and mount
their horses. Blazer's report of the engagement that en-
sued states that one commissioned officer and four privates
of the Confederate force were killed; one officer and six
privates captured, and four wounded. In a later report he
made the statement that 18 Confederates were killed, six
wounded, five captured. Col. Mosby's report showed that
he lost one man killed, three wounded and three captured,
while of Blazer's command, one man was killed, three
wounded and three were captured. Among the wounded
Confederates was Lieut. Joseph Nelson, who was tempor-
arily in command. After the fight Mosby's command re-
treated into Loudoun county, and Blazer's withdrew to the
west side of the river.
MARKER NUMBER SEVENTEEN
General Bradley T. Johnson Repulses The
Enemy Near Kabletown.
In the latter part of August, 1864, General Bradley T.
Johnson, with his brigade of cavalry and a force of infan-
try, moved to Kabletown and encountered a large force of
infantry of the enemy. An engagement followed, in which,
after a good deal of severe fighting, a charge was made by
Johnson, and the enemy, were driven down the Shenandoah
river. The result of this engagement was considerable
killed and wounded.
MARKER NUMBER EIGHTEEN
Charles Town The Scene of Many En-
gagements.
After Gen. William E. Jones had left New Market on
his West Virginia raid in May, 1863, Lieutenant G. B. Phill-
pott and Captain R. P. Chew gathered together about 45
men of Company "Q", and crossing the mountain, went
down the Luray Valley through Front Royal, crossing the
Shenandoah river at Myers Ford about 11 o'clock at night,
May loth.
They pursued their way to Tate's woods, about three
quarters of a mile from Charles Town. They dismounted
here and tied their horses, and marched behind the house
of Andrew Hunter, down the back street. Thence in front
of Hawks' Factory to George and turning moved in the
direction of the Court House. Phillpott and Chew reached
the old cattle scales where a sentinel challenged them and
raised his gun. They both fired on him and he fled into
the Court House yard and fell.
Summers' Company was quartered in the Court House
and the Carter House. They numbered about ninety men.
A lieutenant and ten men stationed in the parlor of the
Carter House opened fire upon us as soon as Phillpott and
Chew fired upon the sentry. They kept up a constant
fussilade.
It had been arranged that Lieutenant J. W. Carter of
Chew's Battery should attack and capture the soldiers in
the Carter House. He was assigned six men for this pur-
pose. When the Company reached the corner of the Court
House yard, Carter with his men moved swiftly up the walk
in front of the Court House, and crossing the street oppo-
site the Carter House threw open the hall door and entered
the parlor.
Striking the lieutenant over the head with the butt of
his pistol he demanded a surrender. The guard threw down
their arms and were taken prisoners.
In the meantime Phillpott and Chew, with the remain-
ing men, had entered the Court House and captured, with-
out trouble, the balance of the company of Capt. Summers.
Summers, who happened to be out at the time of the
attack, hid in the wood pile of Major Hawks, whose house
was nearby.
The horses in the hotel stable were captured, and the
men were mounted with the prisoners behind them.
Summers company numbered about ninety men, sixty
of whom were captured with their arms, and about seventy
five horses.
Returning through Tate's woods the prisoners were
mounted on the broken down horses, and at daylight the
whole party recrossed the river at Myers' Ford.
This capture was made without a single man being
killed or wounded on either side. The Federals seemed
dazed by the night attack and offered but feeble resistence.
On October 18, 18(38, Gen. John D. Imboden marched
to the vicinity of Charles Town for the purpose of captur-
ing the enemy, who were posted there in large force. The
9th Maryland Regiment of Infantry and Capt, Summer's
Cavalry Company were quartered, the first in the Court
House, and the latter in the Jail.
Imboden formed a line of battle on the Hanson farm
west of the town, and extending his line to the east to the
Kabletown road. He located a battery near the house of
Robert Brown but found, after firing a few shots, he could
not reach the Court House. He then extended his line
across the Harpers Ferry road to the farm of James M.
Rauson, and placing his gun on the hill novth of town fired
several shots through the Court House.
The enemy immediately evacuated the Court House
and attempted a retreat towards Harpers Perry but were
intercepted by the Confederates and the entire command
captured, excepting Summers' company which effected its
escape towards Leetown.
He then commenced to retreat by the pike to Berry -
ville. He was pursued by a large force of the enemy and
had a number of engagements between that point and Rip-
pon. Here he formed in line to check the advance of the
enemy and a serious engagement took place in which a
number of men on both sides were killed and wounded.
The enemy discontinued their pursuit at that point and
Imboden retreated unmolested with his prisoners and cap-
tures.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHT OF BAYLOR'S COM-
PANY AT CHARLES TOWN, NOVEMBER 29, 1864.
By Captain George Baylor.
On the night of the 29th of November, 1804, with JJO
men of Company B, we attacked the camp of the Twelfth
Pennsylvania Cavalry at Charles Town. Passing through
the enemy's picket line, through a hollow just east of town,
under cover of a fog such as usually hangs on autumn
nights over the little valleys near the river and unobserved
by the sentry on the adjacent hills, we reached in safety
the north side of the town and the rear of the enemy's
camp, and rode quietly to a point near the block house,
about twenty jards from the camp. Here the men dis-
mounted, leaving the horses in charge of the fourth man
in each file of fours, and noiselessly gained the block house.
Steathily moving on, the sleeping camp was entered,
and the occupants awoke to find themselves prisoners.
There was sudden confusion and scampering among the
enemy. Some twenty of their number, lodged in a stone
house nearby, opened fire on us. Recognizing the gravity
of the situation, we rushed upon the house, and, seizing the
doors and windows, poured several volleys into the build-
ing. Just as George Crayton, my brother Robert W. Bay-
lor, Jr. (a boy of seventeen) and myself entered the door,
several shots were fired by the inmates, one mortally injur-
ing my brother and another severely injuring Crayton.
After a few minutes the cry of surrender came from the
group huddled together in the building, and the firing
ceased. My brother and Crayton were removed to the
house of Dr. Mason, who had been for years our family
physician, and where I knew they would be well cared for.
My brother died in a few hours, but Crayton rallied for a
while and died soon after the close of the war. The loss of
these two gallant soldiers was deeply deplored by their
comrades, and especially by myself. In this engagement
we killed and wounded 11 of the enemy, captured 27 pris-
oners and 37 horses and equipments.
It seems a little strange in the light of recent publica-
tion of the War Records that success attended us in this
attack, for we find that as early as November 23d, the day
after the attack at Keyes' Ford, General Sheridan dispatch-
ed General Stevenson at Harpers Ferry as follows:
KERNSTOWN, VA., NOVEMBER 23, 1H64.
General: It is reported that Major Congdon, of the
Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, reports the enemy in force
at or near Charles Town. Find out if he has made this un-
truthful report. If the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry can-
not keep that country clear of guerillas, I will take the
shoulder straps off every officer belonging to the regiment
and dismount the regiment in disgrace.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General.
And on the 2Hth of the same month he wires the com-
manding officer at Charles Town:
KERNSTOWN, VA., NOVEMBER 2*, 1*(>4.
Commanding Officer, Charlestown, Va.
Lookout for Mosby tonight.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General.
And Captain Paine, Commanding the Twelfth Penn-
sylvania on the night of the attack in his report, says:
I have the honor to report that in accordance with in-
formation of yesterday, our reserve post was attacked by
the rebels last night between the hours of 1 1 and 12 o'clock.
killing two men, wounding one, and capturing five of our
men and H) horses. The enemy lost in killed, one man (a
young Baylor) and three wounded. They were about 200
strong, and attacked the post from different directions,
dismounted. They were commanded by a Major. Lieuten-
ant Baylor was also with them, as his name was frequently
mentioned by them at the time of the attack.
NATHANIEL PAYNE, Captain Commanding.
LIEUTENANT S. F. ADAMS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General,
Harpers Ferry, W. Va.
The eyes of the Captain on that night evidently had
large magnifying powers when viewing our little band of
30 men, and corresponding minimizing powers when re-
counting his loss on that occasion. He was afraid of Gen-
eral Sheridan's threat.
After the fight at Charles Town, we retired to the
neighborhood of Milldale, and got rid of our prisoners and
booty. The enemy, it seems, took a scout around, as usual
after a fight, and reported as follows :
Headquarters Second Cavalry Division,
December 1, 1864.
Major William Russell, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant General Cavalry:
Major: The reconnoissance sent out yesterday under
Major T. Gibson, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, has re-
turned, having thoroughly scouted the country between
Milldale and Summit Point to near Charles Town. No
enemy was seen. Mosby was reported to have been
in Berryville on the 29th. Baylor, who commanded the
party of rebels which fought the Twelfth Pennsylvania
Cavalry at Charles Town, was killed, with one man. The
party dispersed after the fight.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. B. TIBBITTS,
Brevet Brigadier General Commanding.
34
MARKER NUMBER NINETEEN
General Winder's Repulse of Federals at
Cooke's Hill.
After defeating Banks at Winchester, Winder with the
Stonewall Brigade and some Artillery was ordered to
Charles Town. The enemy had formed a line of battle on
Potato Hill in Charles Town.
General Winder planted his artillery near Cooke's
house, and deploying his infantry commenced an attack at
once. The enemy soon gave way and retreated in great
confusion through the town.
The Market House and Railroad Station had been des-
troyed by the enemy the day before.
General Winder pursued to the vicinity of Harpers
Ferry, but was ordered back on the 30th, and made his
wonderful march to Strasburg.
On the 7th of September 1H(32, Baylor's Company took
a position near Charles Town on Cooke's Hill, and remained
there until the morning of the 18th.
The four companies of the First New York Cavalry at-
tacked it, and a very sharp encounter took place in which
Lieutenant Rouss and Gary Seldon were wounded.
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY
Engagement Between Early and Sheridan
at Packett's Farm.
On August 21st, 1H(H, Gen. Early marched from the
vicinity of Bunker Hill toward Charles Town, driving the
Federal Cavalry before him until he reached Cameron's
Station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, where he encoun-
tered the infantry. He engaged them about nine o'clock
in the morning, and drove them toward Charles Town. The
Federals threw up fortifications in front of his line and pre-
pared to resist his advance. The cavalry under Vaughn,
Johnson and Jackson advanced by way of Leetown and
joined Early in front of Charles Town. McCausland inarch-
ed by way of Summit Point and Fitz Lee by way of Berry
ville and engaged the enemy on that road. Early planted
his cannon on the hill around the house of John R. Flagg,
and formed his line of battle north and south of this point,
while Sheridan formed his line a short distance east, the
center being around the house of John B. Packett. Severe
skirmishing and cannonading took place at this point, and
quite a number of Federals were killed and wounded in and
around Mr. Packett's house. The house was occupied at
the time by Mr. Packett and his family and quite a number
of visitors, among them several of the Misses Washington,
whose home was about two miles distant. The Federals
declined to allow them to leave until the shelling became
too serious, with Lieutenant H. G. Nickols, they made
their escape, under fire, across the fields towards the Fed-
eral lines and in the direction of Charles Town. Fortunate-
ly they all escaped without injury. The house of Mr. Pack-
ett to this day bears the evidence of the cannonading and
musketry firing, a number of shells being lodged in the
walls. It was expected a large engagement would take
place here but the Federals, although largely outnumbering
Early's army, declined to attack. On the night of the 21st,
Sheridan withdrew and retired to Harpers Ferry, pursued
by Early's army. While Sheridan occupied Charles Town
he had his famous conference with Gen. Grant at the house
of Thos. Rutherford and the destruction of the resources
of the Shenandoah Valley was agreed upon.
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY-ONE
Artillery Duel at Old Fair Grounds Near
Charles Town.
After the battle of Sharpsburg, McClellan remained
north of the Potomac for about thirty days, when he cros-
sed below Harpers Ferry with his artillery on October 16,
1863. To screen that movement he sent Hancock with a
large force of infantry, cavalry and artillery to make a re-
connaissance in the direction of Charles Town. Our caval-
ry under the command of General T. T. Munford retired
before this force until they reached a point about half a
mile below Charles Town, known as the Old Fair Grounds.
Here a section of Chew's Battery under Lieutenant J. W.
Carter and two guns of the Richmond Howitsers, third
company under Captain B. H. Smith were placed in position,
and opened on the enemy, who had planted their batteries
on the hill about three quarters of a mile below, known as
Butler's Hill.
A severe engagement between the artillery on either
side took place at this point, although the enemy were
greatly superior in number and guns. The Confederate
guns soon got the range and inflicted serious damage upon
the enemy. The resistance on their part was so bold and
determined that the Federals were delayed for several hours,
and after the retirement of the guns they occupied Charles
Town until the next day when they retired to Harpers Ferry.
Lieutenant J. W. Carter, who was greatly distinguish-
ed as an artillery officer and a man of superb courage and
daring, was noticed in Official Report by General Munford,
and recommended for promotion. Our forces retired to-
wards Berryville undisturbed by the enemy.
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY-TWO
Stonewall Jackson's Capture of Federal
Army at Harpers Ferry.
On the 14th of September 1H62, General Stonewall Jack-
son invested Harpers Ferry. Genl. McLaws occupied the
Maryland Heights, Genl. Walker on the Loudoun Heights
and the School House Hill was lined with artillery.
Genl. A. P. Hill in command was formed on the right
of our line extending to the Shenandoah river, prepared to
charge.
These batteries opened on the night of the 14th and the
blaze of the artillery fires lighting up the heavens in every
direction made a beautiful sight. The next morning the
infantry advanced and the artillery resumed their fire.
About 10 o'clock Col. Miles commanding the Federals
concluded to surrender and the capture amounted to 1 1,(X)()
prisoners, 1 )>,()()() small arms, 73 pieces of artillery and a
numerous amount of stores of all kinds.
Genl. Jackson left A. P. Hill to parole the prisoners,
and to gather up the spoils and hurried away to the battle-
field of Sharpsburg.
448810
This wonderful soldier, in two short years had advan-
ced from the position of a plain professor at the Virginia
Military Institute to the exalted standing of the greatest
Lieut. Genl. of all time. Col. Henderson, who wrote his life
said that he was superior to Ney, Napoleon's right arm, be-
cause while he was as grand on the battle field as Ney, he
was superior to him in this; that he could plan a brilliant
campaign which was beyond the capacity of the great Mar-
shal. He was master of all that was skillful in war and his
splendid genius enabled him to "easily climb the step
whence fame's proud temple shines afar".
SCHOOL HOUSE HILL NEAR HALLTOWN.
This point was the scene of frequent action through
the war. It was here that Ashby formed his line of battle
when he fought Geary in '61, and on this hill Jackson plant-
ed his artillery. These guns did effective work and the
cannonades from this point and the mountains secured the
surrender of Miles.
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY-THREE
Col. Turner Ashby's Brilliant Exploit at
Bolivar Heights.
The following is a report by Col. Turner Ashby of the
fight of the 16th of October 1861 with Federals on Bolivar
Heights.
CAMP EVANS, HALJ/TOWN, VA., OCT. 17, 1H61.
MY DEAR SIR:
I herewith submit the result of an engagement had
with the enemy on the 16th at Bolivar Hill. The enemy
occupying that position for several days, had been commit-
ting depredations in the vicinity of the camp. Having at my
disposal three hundred militia armed with flint lock mus-
kets and two companies of cavalry, Turner's and Mason's
of Colonel McDonald's regiment. I wrote to Genl. Evans
to cooperate with me, taking position on Loudoun Heights
and thereby prevent reenforcements from below, and at
the same time to drive them out of the Ferry where they
were under cover in the buildings. On the evening of the
loth I was reenforced by two companies of Colonel Mc-
Donald's regiment (Captain Wingfield), fully armed w r ith
miaie rifles and mounted. Captain Miller's about 30 men
mounted, the balance on foot and with flint lock guns. I
had one rifled four-pound gun and one 24-pound gun badly
mounted which broke an axle in Bolivar, and I had to spike
it. My force on the morning of the attack consisted of 300
militia, part of two regiments commanded by Colonel Albert
of Shenandoah and Major Finter of Page. I had 180 of
Colonel McDonald's cavalry (Captain Henderson's men)
under command of Lieut. Glenn, Capt. Baylor's mounted
militia, Capt. Hess about 25 men.
The rifled gun was under command of Capt. Averitt,
the 24-pound gun under command of Capt. Canlield. I
made the attack in three divisions and drove the enemy
from their breast works without the loss of a man, and took
position upon the hill, driving the enemy as far as low r er
Bolivar. The large gun broke down and this materially
effected the result. The detachment from the large gun
was transferred to the rifled piece, and Captain Averitt was
sent to Loudoun Heights with a message to Colonel Griffin.
The enemy now formed and charged with shouts and yells,
which the militia met like veterans. At this moment I or-
dered a charge of cavalry, which was handsomely done,
Captain Turner's in the lead. In this charge live of the
enemy were killed. After holding this position for four
hours the enemy were re-enforced by infantry and artillery,
and we fell back in order to the position their pickets oc-
cupied in the morning. The position Colonel Griffin held
upon Loudoun Heights was such as to be of very little as-
sistance to us, being so elevated as to prevent them from
controlling the crossing. My main force is at Camp Evans
while I hold all of the intermediate ground. The enemy
left the ferry last night and encamped on the first plateau
on Maryland Heights. My loss w r as one killed and nin>
wounded. Report from the ferry states the loss of the
enemy at 2"> killed and a number wounded. We have two
Yankee prisoners and eight Union men co-operating with
them. We took a large number of blankets, overcoats, and
about a dozen guns. I cannot compliment my officers too
highly for their gallant bearing during the whole light, con-
sidering the bad arms with which they were supplied and
their inexperience.
I cannot impress too forcibly the necessity of the per-
fect organization of my artillery and the forwarding at a
very early day of the other guns promised. These guns
are drawn by horses obtained for the occasion, and are
worked by volunteers. We are in want of cavalry arms and
long range guns, and would be glad to have an arrangement
made to mount my men. I herewith submit Surgeon N.
G. West's report, and cannot compliment him too highly,
and respectfully submit his name as one worthy of an ap-
pointment. He is temporarily employed by me as surgeon.
Casualties, wounded KJ.
Your obedient servant,
TC T RNEI* ASHBY.
Lieut. Col. C. S. Army, Com'd'g. in Jefferson county.
HON. MR. BENJAMIN, ACTING SEC'Y. OF WAR.
P. S. I am without ammunition for rifled cannon (4-
pounders rifled to Parrott), also without friction primers.
I am without a regular quartermaster, and consequently
have my movements greatly embarrassed. If I am to con-
tinue with this command I would be glad to have the privi-
lege to recommend for appointment, so that I can organize
according to what I believe most efficient conditions.
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY-FOUR
The Point Where Federals Surrendered at
Harpers Ferry.
This stone was planted opposite the field in which the
surrender of Miles took place. Miles was shot and killed
opposite this stone near the summit of Bolivar Heights.
He was struck just before the surrender and the command
turned over to Genl. White. The surrender was remark-
able because of the fact that Miles then had about 14,000
men. This great force capitulated almost without a strug-
gle. Perhaps it was just as well for Miles that he met
his death rather than to have to b i branded with the dis-
grace of having made such poor resistance.
40
MARKER NUMBER TWENTY-FIVE
Surprise for Loudoun Rangers at Key's
Switch.
On April 5th, 1865, Col. John S. Mosby organized Com-
pany "H", with George Baylor as Captain; E. P. Thompson,
1st Lieutenant; J. G. Wiltshire, 2nd Lieutenant; Jas. B.
Carter, 3rd Lieutenant. On the day following, Baylor with
his company crossed the Shenandoah river at Snickers
Ferry and marched in the direction of Charles Town. In
his report of this expedition he says:
''On the way I learned that the Loudoun Rangers were
camped near Millville (Keye's Switch, as it was then called),
and that most of the Federal cavalry had gone up the Val-
ley. The Loudoun Rangers were two companies of men
from Loudoun county and the neighboring country, and
Mosby's men had long been desirous of capturing them.
Here was the opportunity; a regiment of infantry was
camped just east of Halltown, picketing down to the river,
and it was necessary to pass through this line of infantry
pickets to reach the Ranger's Camp. The infantry picket
was approached about 10 a. m., saluted, and passed without
molestation, our men keeping perfectly in rank, and mak-
ing no effort to capture or disturb them. This picket very
politely gave us the usual military salute "present arms"
but some of our boys, who took a sly glance at them, say
it was the most tremulous salute they ever witnessed.
Having safely passed the infantry picket line, we rode quiet-
ly to within fifty yards of the Rangers' Camp, and seeing
them in their cavalry tents, horses tied to stakes and en-
gaged in various diversions, ordered a charge. They out-
numbered our force two to one, but we were playing a bold
game, and the bold game generally wins in war as well as
in cards. \\ ith two jacks and the poker in our hands, our
oppon3nts must yield. A general flurry and commotion
followed our charge. A few seemed disposed to tight, but
some to surrender. A few shots soon quieted the more
pugilistic. Some ran for the bushes and made good their
escape, but the greater part were made prisoners. The
H
loss of the enemy was '2 killed, 4 wounded, ('>."> prisoners, HI
horses equipments; our loss, one wounded, Frank Helm of
Warrenton. This was a pretty good beginning for com-
pany H, yet scarce two days old, and it felt proud of its
achievement. Gathering up the prisoners, horses and
equipments, the tents and wagons were fired, and company
H rode off, while the Federal infantry in full view were
sounding the "long roll" and falling into line. The river
was crossed at Keyes' Ford, and pursuit was not attempted
by the enemy."
KEYES' FORD,
On the night of March ~2'2, 1H64, George Baylor with
seven men passed unnoticed through the enemy's infantry
picket at Halltown, and got in rear of cavalry force at Keyes
Ford, giving the Rebel yell they charged along the river
road and dashed into the enemy's camp, where they found
fifty horses and 13 men. The party consisted of 50 cavalry,
the rest had taken to their heels and concealed themselves.
Baylor and his party gathered up thirteen prisoners and
26 horses, leaving the other horses because they could not
well manage them. Then they crossed the river and made
their escape along the Blue Ridge Mountain road. This re
markable skirmish illustrates the terror troops feel when
surprised and attacked in the night.
42
NDEX
Butler's Woods 10
Butler's Ford IT)
Bolivar 38-40
Charles Town 3'2
Cement Mill IT)
Cooke's Hill 35
Duffields 1C)
Daniel's House 17
Fair Ground 3(>--37
Harpers Ferry 37- -40
Kabletown 30
Kearneysville 8-9
Key's Switch 41
Leetown 17-- 18
Myer's Ford !>8
Military Organizations 1
Moler's Cross Roads 1 1
Melvin'sHill Hi
Myerstown '27
Packett's Farm 35
Rippon 1*7
Shepherdstown 1 1
Showman's Shop U>
Smithfield 19-iM
Summit Point L'3
School House Hill 38
Uvilla 0-10
Wageley's Shop 18
White House '24
43
