Gabriel De Korponay to Reports, Etc, December 20, 1861
December 20, 1861.
; Fort Lyon, December 20, 1861. This detachment of the New Jersey cavalry behaved very well in this –
attack upon them. The officer is, however, mistaken as to the injury
done the enemy. He severely wounded 1 man and disabled 1 horse. Respectfully forwarded. E
S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
DECEMBER 109, 1861.—Skirmish at Point of Rocks, Maryland.
Report of Lieut. Col. Gabriel De Korponay, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry. $ j
Hpqns. TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT PA, VOLS., Point of Rocks, Md., December 19, 1861.
GENERAL: At 10 o’clock this morning the rebels opened a battery of – two pieces (guns, brass mounted) from a point near summit of Catoctin Mountain, opposite here, upon our encampment. They were supported with from 150 to 200 infantry. They threw about 20 fuse and percussion shells and solid shot into our midst with great precision in rapidly succeeding shots. The six companies of my command in camp were deployed in places of security, and the section of our battery stationed here opened upon the enemy from an elevation on the margin of the camp with great accuracy of aim. The first shot disabled one of their – guns, and the succeeding ones fell so rapidly in their midst that they ceased firing in twenty minutes and retreated precipitately under our
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— Omar XIV] ENGAGEMENT AT DRANESVILLE, VA. ATS
fast-continued fire to the reverse side of the mountain out of view. After firing about twelve shots from the first position our guns were advanced to a point back of the village, where they poured successive shots into the enemy’s ranks. The whole engagement lasted over half an hour. A third gun advancing by a side road on the mountain to strengthen them was driven back. :
Finding that about 150 rebels were secreted in a number of old huts near the “Furnace,” their intention being to concert with forces above, our guns were directed from the river bank towards them, driving them out and forcing them to retire.
I have not ascertained how many of the attacking party were killed © or wounded, nor of the loss sustained by those in the houses, but I am satisfied it is considerable. Our men behaved with admirable coolness and bravery, and the guns were well served. None of our men were injured, although many narrow escapes were made. The majority of the enemy’s shells imbedded themselves in the ground without exploding, and were afterwards dug out. Everything is now quiet, and no enemy are in view.
i have the honcr to be,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Laieutenant- Colonei, Comdg. Twenty-cighth Regiment Pa. Vols.
The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. $. A., Washington, D. O.
DECEMBER 20, 18C1.—Engagement at Dranesville, Va.
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No. 1.—Brig. Gen. George A. McCall, U. S. Army, with congratulatory response and
orders.