R. Saxton to BE. M. Stanton, May 24, 1862

May 24, 1862.

May 24, 1862—3.41 p. m. General SAxTon, Harper’s Ferry:

A fine battery of artillery will leave Baltimore for you at 4 o’clock. More will leave here this evening. Exercise your own judgment as to your defense. Whatever you do will be cordially approved, be the result what it may.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, May 25, 1862. (Received 10.45 a. m.) I arrived here at 9.15 a.m. The train is 1 mile behind, with the One hundred and ninth Regiment. The other Washington regiment has not arrived One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania is here, and will go on toward Winchester, taking every precaution against surprise. Five companies of the Maryland Cavalry are getting ready to go out on the turnpike toward Winchester to obtain information. Shall hold the One hundred and ninth Regiment here for the present. The telegraph says this morning that General Banks is retreating from Winchester. I do not think the information altogether reliable. It may be the enemy have got possession of the telegraph. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, May 25, 1862.

Heavy firing was heard near Winchester this morning. To obtain reliable information is difficult; there are so many reports in circulation, started undoubtedly by the enemy. Cavalry for scouting purpose is very much needed. The five companies here are in a shocking condition—horses not shod, and no saddles. The latter have arrived and will be issued at once and the scouts started. I fear it will be to-morrow before they will be ready. One regiment has gone this morning to re-enforce General Banks; the other regiment will go on as soon as I am _ satisfied it will be prudent to leave the railroad bridge unprotected. If

the whole movement of the enemy is not a feint in force to cover a movement on Manassas there is a possibility they may move on this

place. R. SAXTON. Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, May 25, 1862. (Received 12.20 p. m.) In case we are attacked two light batteries and two 8-inch howitzers

would be of great service to command the river and bridge. There is no artillery here. The facilities for obtaining accurate information are so limited, and so many rumors of danger are in circulation, that I find it difficult to estimate its exact extent. One of the most reliable reports is that General Banks is in full retreat on Martinsburg, the enemy in pursuit as far as Spencer [?] Station. Ishall stop the regiment sent forward to Winchester this morning at Charlestown, to fall back on this point if itis necessary. I think it would be of no service to General Banks, as I cannot yet inform myself of the strength or purpose of the enemy. I want all the assistance I can get. I cannot realize yet that we are in any immediate danger here.

Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

War DEPARTMENT, May 25, 1862—2.10.

General Saxton, Harper’s Ferry: I have ordered General Dix to send you some artillery from Balti628 OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA.. AND MD. = [Cuar. XXIV.

more. I will send some from here to-night. Put yourself in communication with General Dix, and call upon him as well as upon me for

anything you want. EDWIN M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 2.25.)

All the reports I receive go to show that General Banks is hotly pressed and in full retreat toward Martinsburg. There is a panic, and so few troops here I am satisfied that it is not best to send troops to Winchester, as it is now in the possession of the enemy. The troops have left Charlestown, and are falling back upon this place. This was done before the regiment I sent forward this morning reached there. I do not think, with our present force, it will be wise to reoccupy it. I shall send two regiments to occupy Bolivar Heights, a commanding position near this place, and the force here is too small to follow up the force before which General Banks is retreating, and at the same time defend this place, which I shall do to the last.

R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 3.20 p. m.) Stragglers have come in from Winchester and report that General Banks attacked the rebels this morning in front of Winchester and was driven back into the town. Our troops burned the town. General Banks’ army is disorganized and in full retreat on Martinsburg. The enemy is in full pursuit. It may be necessary for us to fight the enemy with the river in our rear or withdraw to the other side and defend the bridge and the crossing. We feel the want of artillery

severely. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. Hon. BE. M. STANTON.

Wak DEPARTMENT . May 25, 1862—4.15 p. m. General Saxton, Harper’s Ferry:

If Banks reaches Martinsburg is he any the better for it? Will not the enemy cut him off from thence to Harper’s Ferry? Have you sent anything to meet him and assist him at Martinsburg? This is ap inquiry, not an order.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 5.30 p. m.) Stragglers continue to come in in large numbers. General Banks’ column too much frightened to give a clear account of affairs. They represent his rout as complete. They report that 11,000 men are movCuap. XXIV.] OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY.

ing down upon Harper’s Ferry. I believe this is an exaggeration, but I think the rebel force is large—that they have a large amount of artillery. It was this which defeated General Banks. We have no artillery here yet. Have 2,500 men. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. K. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 6 p. m.) General Banks cannot reach Harper’s Ferry from Martinsburg. He had two lines of retreat—one to Harper’s Ferry, one to Martinsburg. He took the latter. The most intelligent man I have seen, who was in the battle at Winchester, reports that General Banks’ army fought for six hours and then retreated in great confusion—perfectly disorganized. Parts of companies have arrived here who ran away from his column. It is 19 miles from Winchester to Martinsburg, and 23 miles from here to Martinsburg, and 11 or 12 from Williamsport. His only chance is to go there. We could do nothing to assist him, as we could not ascertain line of retreat until it was too late. The whole force here does not amount to over 2,500 men, and 1,000 of these did not get ready to march before 12 o’clock to-day. I am anxiously looking for artillery. R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT.

Wak DEPARTMENT, May 25, 1862—6 p. m. Brigadier-General SAxTON, Harper’s Ferry:

You will have before morning a large force of artillery with officers and artillerymen. Hold firm and keep calm. Mr. Watson is on the road with a train of artillery from here besides that from Baltimore.

EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War.

Wak DEPARTMENT, May 25, 1862—6.50 p. m. General SAxTon, Harper’s Ferry:

One good six-gun battery, complete in its men and appointments, is now on its way to youfrom Baltimore. Hleven other guns, of different sorts, are on their way to you from here. Hope they will all reach you before morning. As you have but 2,500 men at Harper’s Ferry, where are the rest which were in that vicinity and which we have sent for ward? Have any of them been cat off?

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 9.20 p. m.)

I feel perfectly secure here for the present. The enemy cannot attack before to-morrow noon. If the promised re-enforcement arrives we can then afford to fight them, with the river in our rear. I have every reason to believe they are following General Banks, with a view to capture his army. I hope we shall have force enough to cut them off. Their treatment of prisoners and wounded is barbarous in the extreme. The women in Winchester fired upon our soldiers in the streets. Since I commenced this a dispatch has arrived giving information that General Banks was crossing the Potomac in retreat at Martinsburg [Williamsport]. R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

Wak DEPARTMENT, May 25, 1862—9.46 p. m. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Harper’s Ferry:

Your dispatch received, and your confidence gratifies us. General Hamilton, formerly of Banks’ division, was sent forward to join Banks and report to him for orders. He telegraphs that he is on the train with Mr. Watson. If he remains at Harper’s Ferry and can render any service I desire him to do so, but not to supersede you in command. By special assignment of the President you are assigned to the command of the forces and operations at Harper’s Ferry, without regard to seniority of rank. Please acknowledge the hour at which you receive this and report the state of affairs at that hour.

EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 10.10 p. m.) All the troops which were in this vicinity—one company and a half of the First Potomac Home Brigade and six companies Eighth New York Cavalry—are here. None of the troops which have arrived since 1 came here have been cut off, except one sergeant and one private at Winchester this morning, of the First Regiment District Volunteers. This regiment arrived at Winchester just as General Banks commenced retreating. Three companies only got out of-the cars. The train returned with the regiment, with the above-mentioned line of retreat, until it was too late. The whole force here does not amount to over 2,500 men, and 1,000 of these did not get ready to march before 12 o’clock to-day. Tam anxiously looking for artillery. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 25, 1862. (Received 10.24 p. m.)

Everything is now quiet. Pickets out 3 miles on the road toward Winchester and Charlestown. Three companies of cavalry near Charlestown. Six companies of infantry on Bolivar Hill, on outpost service. Three regiments of infantry on a commanding height in front of the village. The remainder of the forces are guarding the bridge and the passage of the river. I have had all the contrabands at work moving the stores across the river, to provide against a possible contingency. I feel sure that I have made the best disposition of the force here. Tomorrow, if sufficient re-enforcements arrive, I shall occupy Bolivar Heights in force. Your assignment to the command of operations was received at 10 o’clock. I will do all in my power to merit your confidence. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

Wak DEPARTMENT, : May 25, 1862. General SAxTon, Harper’s Ferry:

I fear you have mistaken me. I did not mean to question the correctness of your conduct; on the contrary, I approve what you have done. As the 2,500 reported by you seemed small to me I feared some had got to Banks and been cut off with him. Please tell me the exact number

you now have in hand. A. LINCOLN.

Wak DEPARTMENT, May 25, 1862—12 p. m. General SAxTon, Harper’s Ferry: Banks appears to have reached the vicinity of the Potomac safely and intends to cross at Williamsport to-night. He does not know how you stand at Ferry. Have you opened communications with him? You

should send a messenger immediately. EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

Wak DEPARTMENT, 8 May 26, 1862.

Brigadier-General SAxTON Harper’s Ferry 5 Artillery will be forwarded in the course of an hour from here. Please report the present condition of things. EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of Wa.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862.

If the artillery arrives in time, so that we can command the bridge, &c., we can hold it with less disaster. The want of artillery is the only thing that would make me think of withdrawing to the other side.

R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862.

I have had as careful an estimate made of the force here as is possible at present. It amounts to 6,700 men. Many more are on the way. A portion of the artillery has arrived, including one light battery. No signs of the enemy yet.

Brigadier-General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT.

HABPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862. (Received 1.35 a. m.) Yes.* I sent scout out 3 miles on Winchester road. No enemy this side of Charlestown. Ashby’s cavalry, 1,500 strong, are near Charlestown. Is it better, if we are attacked to-morrow, to risk an engagement on this side of the river, with the river in our rear, or retreat to the other side and guard the bridge? R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. BR. M. STANTON.

WASHINGTON, May 26, 1862. General SAXxTON, Harper’s Ferry:

You must judge of that yourself, as the emergency arises, and act according to the circumstances in which you are yourself placed. Whatever you do will be approved. You should be on the watch and expect an attack at an early hour in the morning, and be sure to hold your position until artillery arrives. Mr. Watson thinks they will arrive about daylight.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862. (Received 2.10 p. m.) I can get no reliable information to-day of the locality of the enemy. Many reports are circulated that we are to be attacked at this place, and that they mean to force their way into Maryland by way of Har.

“Probably anewers inquiry in Stanton’s dispatch of May 25, 12 p. m., p. 631.

per’s Ferry. Everything is quiet here now. I have not been able to communicate with General Banks yet. Have heard nothing of Jackson’s movements, except a report that he was marching on this place. R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. Hon. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862. (Received 6 o’clock.)

Everything is quiet. The Third Delaware arrived this morning. No artillery yet. I shall keep the main body of troops on the Maryland side until the artillery arrives, with the exception of the three regiments in front of the town. Mr. Watson has not yet arrived. There are great delays on the railroad. I have not been able to get any additional news from General Banks.

Brigadier-General. EK. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 26, 1862. (Received 9 p. m.)

Four companies of cavalry, which I have had out in the vicinity of Charlestown, have just come in. They were followed for some distance this side of Charlestown by the rebels, and had 1 horse shot. The commanding officer of the party says that Jackson is in Charlestown, and is moving down here to attack us. I have Reynolds’ light battery in position, and expect to hold him in check if he should come. While 1 am satisfied the rebels are in Charlestown in some force, I believe that Jackson is not there.

Brigadier- General. Hon. HE. M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 27, 1862. (Received 7.35 a. m.) Everything is quiet. I shall put the greater portion of the forces here on Bolivar Heights, beyond Harper’s Ferry, to-day, and extend my pickets as far as possible. Almost all of the regiments are new and not well instructed. Our movements are consequently slow. If they were old soldiers I would take Winchester in a very short time, and hold it. Cannot a large amount of transportation be sent here? I could use it to very great advantage. R. SAXTON,

Brigadier-General, Oommanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 27, 1862.

The enemy are in some force in the immediate vicinity of this place.

I sent out two companies about dark this evening to scour the woods on Albion Heights, back of the town, where it was reported the enemy had a body of cavalry. After proceeding about 2 miles they were fired upon; 1 of our men killed and 1 wounded.

Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

WASHINGTON, May 28, 1862—12.45.

Brigadier-General SAXTON:

Direction has been given General Banks to get his force in order to establish a communication with you for the purpose of reoccupying his former lines. He has also been directed to supply you with transportation. Shields is moving toward Front Royal and Strasburg. It is designed to leave at Harper’s Ferry a sufficient force to make that

place secure. EDWIN M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, May 28, 1862. (Received May 28, 1 p. m.) Information from Martinsburg as late as 1 p. m. yesterday. The rebels had burnt Opequon Bridge and the trestle work at Martinsburg. R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

HABPER’S FERRY, VA., May 28, 1862. (Received 1.05 p. m.)

I sent out a strong party toward Martinsburg this morning. General Banks sent me a telegram this morning, informing me that two regiments of cavalry and some infantry were there; also that a prisoner says that Ashby was ordered to Winchester yesterday morning, and withdrew with a portion of his cavalry and some artillery. General Banks says he shall occupy Falling Waters to-day. He believes that the enemy is still strong at Winchester. Lieutenants Daniels and Dahlgren have their battery in position on the heights, commanding all the points in this vicinity, and had some splendid practice with the larger Dahlgren, shelling the woods and heights across the Shenandoah, where our scouting party was killed.

Brigadier-General. Hon. BE. M. Stanton, Seoretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 31, 1862. (Received 8.45 a. mn.) The enemy moved up in force last evening about 7 o’clock, in a shower of rain, to attack. I opened on them from the position which

the troops occupy above the town and from the Dahlgren battery on the mountains. The enemy then retired. Their pickets attacked ours twice last night within 300 yards of our works. A volley from General Slough’s breastworks drove them back. We lost 1 man killed. Enemy had signal-lights on the mountains in every direction. Their system of night-signals seems to be perfect. They fire on our pickets in every case. My men are overworked. Stood by their guns all night in the rain. What has become of Generals Frémont and McDowell? R. SAXTON Brigadier- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Seoretary of War.

(Copies to Frémont and McDowell 9 a. m.)

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 31, 1862. (Received 9.30 a. m.) Hon. E. M. STANTON:

Telegraph General McDowell to press on with all possible haste. All my pickets driven in last night. Enemy in force in front and I believe on both flanks. My position is strong. Shall try to hold it.

, R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

(Telegraphed to McDowell 9.40 a. m.)

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862—9.50 a. m. General SAxTON, Harper’s Ferry:

Shields has already surprised and captured the enemy’s rear guard at Front Royal. Shields is close after them. Frémont will be in line to-day. Keep cool and hold your ground.

EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862—10.30 a. m.

General Saxton, Harper’s Ferry:

General McDowell telegraphs me to say to you that he is pushing everything ahead; and if you hold on you won’t have to do so long, for the enemy will be on the retreat soon and you will be the pursuer.

EDWIN M. STANTON Secretary of War.

: WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Commanding Harper’s Ferry: , Report immediately by telegraph the particulars of the disgraceful conduct of Maulsby’s regiment in abandoning their post night before

eee EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., May 31, 1862. (Received 3.45 p. m.)

I was absent upon a reconnaissance when your dispatch came. Colonel Maulsby’s regiment left their post when in a position to which I had assigned them, and moved down into the town of Harper’s Merry without any authority, and wished to cross the river to the Maryland side, away from the enemy. Oolonel Miles, my chief of staff, ordered the colonel to take his regiment back to its position. He informed Colonel Miles and myself that he could not make his men go back; that they were utterly demoralized, and he begged me to allow his regiment to cross the river. Convinced that they would be useless I told them to go, and left their place to a braver regiment. At the time this affair occurred the action of this regiment came near causing a panic while I was changing the position of the entire command by a night march. The entire occupation of my time since the affair occurred has prevented me from sending you a report of it sooner. The regiment has been in a safe position since and has performed its required duty well. There are many brave men in the regiment, but I think the colonel lacks that force and energy of character necessary to the good commander. The regiment did not enlist to serve out of Maryland, which with some might be looked upon as an extenuation of their conduct. R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, 31st. (Received 4.20 p. m.)

The enemy commenced their retreat last night soon after I shelled them from Battery Stanton, and their last company passed through Halltown about 9 o’clock thisa.m. Iam convinced that they had heard of McDowell’s advance, and the attack last night at so unseasonable an hour was a last effort to break through our lines. I have learned that the signals which I mentioned in my last dispatch were made to General R. Taylor’s brigade, which was advancing behind Loudoun Heights to cut off our line of communication.

There is no doubt but that the enemy fully expected to cut us off. His force is large and active. It is not best for me to follow him with my present force where he is driven back by Generals Frémont and McDowell. If I move out of my intrenchments he is strong enough to escape me in the open field.

I cannot speak too highly of the services of Lieutenant Daniels, U.S. Volunteers, and his splendid rifled 9-inch Dahlgren. Both he and they did their work well. I have reliable information that fifty cannon passed through Charlestown yesterday with the retreating army. The heaviest portion were with Taylor’s brigade, from Loudoun County, which passed behind Loudoun Heights. Taylor impresses everybody, old and young, into service as he goeson. General McDowell has some work before him.

Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. (Copy sent General McDowell 5.55 p. m.)

Omar, XXIV.) OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., June 1, 1862.

l have many reports of heavy firing to-day on the east side of the Blue Ridge. I have reliable information that on Thursday Jackson had ordered his army to storm this place, but the shells from our batteries were so destructive that he drew back out of their range and endeavored to draw us out to attack him.

R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General.

WASHINGTON, June 1, 1862. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Harper’s Ferry: ;

Your dispatch announcing that the enemy has not reappeared is received. Make a reconnaissance as far as Charlestown to ascertain whether the enemy is there or thereabouts. See that the reconnoitering force maintains strict discipline. Let couriers report the progress and discoveries of the reconnaissance from time to time to your headquarters, and forward the reports here promptly by telegraph.

; EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, June 1, 1862. (Received 6.20 p. m.)

My scouts, who have just come in from Charlestown, bring a rumor that Jackson is falling back from Winchester before the advance of our forces. There has been heavy firing there. I shall send out a strong

reconnaissance. R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General.

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., June 1, 1862.

A reconnaissance commanded by Captain Cole, which was sent to Charlestown, has just returned. Scoured the country on both sides of the road. Nosigns of theenemy. The inhabitants say the rebel force, 15,000 strong, retreated in great haste yesterday morning. Captain Cole reports heavy firing in the direction of Winchester. Our forces are undoubtedly there.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., June 1, 1862—8 p. m.

My scouts have returned from Loudoun Mountain. The enemy had been there, but have gone. A shell thrown at night from our batteries passed over the mountain and exploded directly in their camp. All reports are that Jackson is falling back. He may try to get out across General Geary’s lines. I can see no other chance.

R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General.

WASHINGTON, June 1, 1862. Brigadier-General SAXTON:

The forces at Harper’s Ferry have been assigned to General Banks’ corps, and Major-General Sigel has been placed in command, with directions to report to General Banks and assume active operations against the enemy. You will please report to General Sigel on his arrival, and remain in such command as he may assign to you.

EDWIN M. STANTON. Secretary of War.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., June 1, 1862.

I have received your dispatch announcing the assignment of General Sigel to the forces here. I beg that you will not forget your promise when I left Washington that my assignment to duty was but temporary and relieve me from further duty with this command on the arrival of General Sigel.

Respectfully, R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON, June 1, 1862. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Harper’s Ferry:

I shall not forget my promise, but wish you to remain until General Sigel gets the troops in hand. You can render him very important service in that way until he comes in communication with General Banks and can arrange hiscommand. I will give instructions to relieve you as soon as that takes place. I have reserved to say to you personally what I feel concerning the important service you have rendered the Government and the high sense I have of your skill and ability in the performance of your arduous duties, which have fulfilled my expectations. EDWIN M. STANTON.

HARPER’S FERRY, VA., June 2, 1862.

Str: Ihave the honor to report that, in obedience to your instructions of May 24, 1862, I assumed command of the forces at Harper’s Ferry on the 26th of May. I found Colonel Miles occupying the place with one company of the Maryland Potomac Home Brigade. He had pushed forward that morning a battalion, composed of the First District of Columbia Regiment and One hundred and eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, on the cars to Winchester, to re-enforce General Banks. They were too late, he having retreated, and they returned to Harper’s Ferry. The same evening re-enforcements arrived, consisting of the Seventy-eighth New York, One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania, a naval battery of Dahlgren guns, under Lieutenant Daniels, U. 8. Navy, and four companies of the Fifth New York Cavalry, from Winchester. On the 27th other troops arrived, with Captain Crounse’s and Reynolds’ battery of the First New York Artillery. I occupied Bolivar Heights with my troops and Maryland Heights with the naval battery. On the same evening I sent two companies of Colonel Maulsby’s First Maryland Regiment, under Major Steiner, to make a reconnaissance of Loudoun Heights, where it was reported the enemy were in position.

They were fired upon whilst ascending, between 9 and 10 o’clock in the morning, by dismounted rebel cavalry concealed in the bushes on both sides of the road. Sergeant Mehrling, of Company I, was killed.

‘ The fire was returned, with what effect was not known. Owing to the

darkness of the night Major Steiner returned.

On Wednesday I shelled the Heights from Battery Stanton, compelling the enemy to retire, as was proved by a subsequent reconnaissance. In the course of the morning a reconnaissance in force was made toward Charlestown by the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Schlaudecker, and the First Maryland Cavalry, Major Deems, and one section of Reynolds’ battery. Our cavalry drove the enemy out of Charlestown, but they were immediately re-enforced, and opening fire from a battery of nine guns, compelled our forces to retire, with a loss of 1 captain and 8 men captured by the enemy. The Seventyeighth New York and the remaining pieces of Reynolds’ battery were at once dispatched to cover their retreat, which was effected in good order without further injury, the enemy’s battery following them to a point 2 miles distant from Charlestown. They reported on their return the enemy advancing. Our troops were immediately formed in line of battle, extending along the crest of Bolivar Heights across the peninsula from the Potomac to the Shenandoah.

A body of the enemy’s cavalry was seen occasionally emerging from a point of woods about 2 miles distant, a little on the left of the road to Charlestown. Clouds of dust were visible in various directions, as if the enemy were advancing. Our guns shelled the woods in front. The enemy made no response, but seemed, from their movements, desirous of drawing us out from our position. Our men slept on their arms.

On the morning of the 29th the Fifth New York Cavalry was sent out to reconnoiter, and was fired upon by the enemy’s infantry and artillery. Our pickets being driven in, our forces were again formed in order of battle, General Cooper’s brigade on Bolivar Heights to the right, and General Slough’s brigade to the left of the road leading to Charlestown. After two or three hours, the enemy not appearing, a squadron of cavalry was sent out toward Halltown, before reaching

which they vere suddenly fired upon by a battery occupying a position on the verge of the woods to the left of the road. A body of cavalry and some infantry were seen stationed under cover of the woods in position to support the battery. Having accomplished their object, our cavalry returned. It, became evident that the enemy were seeking, as on the preceeding day, to allure us from our strong defensive position to one of their own selection, where their greatly superior force could attack us with certain success. :

Learning in the course of the evening from various reliable sources that the enemy, failing in this, contemplated a flank movement—crossing the Potomae with one division above and another occupying Loudoun Heights, so as to command our naval battery and cut off our communication below Harper’s Ferry, while the remaining force menaced us in front—it was determined to withdraw our troops from Bolivar Heights and take up a second line of defense on the height known as Camp Hill, immediately above the town of Harper’s Ferry. The occupation of this inner line presented a twofold advantage: First, that being much less extended it could be held by a smaller force, the enemy from the nature of the ground being unable to bring into action a larger force than our own; secondly, that it would enable us to bring our naval battery on the Maryland Heights to bear upon the enemy as they advanced down the declivity of Bolivar Heights into the valley which separates it from Camp Hill. They would thus be exposed for a considerable time to a heavy fire from this formidable battery, whose great elevation would enable it to throw shells directly over the heads of our own forces on Camp Hill into the faces of the advancing foe. With the force rendered by this contraction of our front available for other purposes it was deemed prudent to occupy the crest of the hill above the naval battery on the Maryland shore, to frustrate any attempt of the enemy to take this hill in the rear and turn out batteries against us.

The movement having been decided upon, orders were immediately given for its prompt execution. This was about midnight. General Cooper’s brigade was at once set in motion, and by daylight had succeeded in crossing the river and occupying the heights on the Maryland side. General Slough’s brigade at the same time fell back to the new position on Camp Hill, and when morning dawned our batteries (Companies K and L, of the First New York Artillery), supported by a heavy force of infantry, were in position to command all the approaches in our front and flanks, the remainder of the infantry being posted as reserves along the brow of the hill, under cover of the town and houses. The weak portions of this line were subsequently strengthened by breastworks hastily erected.

On Friday morning Major Gardner, with the Fifth New York Cavalry, was sent to the front to feel the enemy’s position and watch his movements. He was later in the day re-enforced by a piece of artillery and 200 sharpshooters. The enemy opened upon him with a scattered fire of musketry along his whole front.” The first fire of grape from our piece caused the enemy’s skirmishers to fall back in disorder. He then brought six pieces of artillery into action. Major Gardner, having most gallantly accomplished the object of his expedition, retired. The enemy now advanced with his artillery and shelled our former position on Bolivar Heights. Having done this, he withdrew.

General Jackson, the commander of the rebel forces, having given the order to his army to storm our position, they advanced beyond Bolivar Heights in force to attack us. About dark on Friday evening, in the ‘torm, General Slough opened upon them from Camp Hill with Crounse’s and part of Reynolds’ battery, and Lieutenant Daniels from Battery Stanton, on Maryland Heights. The scene at this time was very impressive. The night was intensely dark; the hills around were alive with the signal-lights of the enemy; the rain descended in torrents; vivid flashes of lightning illumined at intervals the grand and magnificent scenery, while the crash of thunder, echoing among the mountains, drowned into comparative insignificance the roar of our artillery. After an action of about an hour’s duration the enemy retired. He made another unsuccessful attack at midnight with regiments of Mississippi and Louisiana Infantry, and after a short engagement disappeared. Signal-lights continued to be seen in every direction.

On Saturday morning, ignorant of the enemy’s movements, I sent out a reconnaissance in force to discover his whereabouts, and found that he had retreated. I pushed forward as far as Charlestown and found the enemy’s rear guard had left an hour before. Fifty pieces of his cannon passed through Charlestown that morning, the enemy being in strong force, variously estimated at from 18,000 to 25,000, and many reports in circulation that he had repulsed our forces sent to attack him in the rear; and my own forces, of not more than 7,000 effective men, being completely worn-out by fatigue and exposure, I deemed it not prudent to advance, at least until the men rested. On Sunday General Sigel arrived, and on Monday he assumed command. I have not yet received the reports of the subordinate commanders, and cannot par’ ticularize individual instances of good conduct. As a general thing the troops bore their fatigue and hardships with cheerfulness.

Great credit is due to Brigadier-Generals Cooper and Slough, commanding the First and Second Brigades respectively, for their untiring exertions during the five days and night siege. Also to Col. D.S. Miles, commanding the Railroad Brigade, and his aides, Lieutenants Binney and Reynolds, as well as my own personal staff, Capt. George Merrill, assistant adjutant-general; Capts. J. C. Anderson and Ulric Dahlgren, additional aides-de-camp; Maj. George W. Brum, volunteer aide, and Mr. Thorndyke, of the Eighth Missouri Regiment, who volunteered his services on this occasion. Lieutenant Daniels, with his naval battery of Dahlgren guns on Maryland Heights, 2,000 feet above the level of the sea, did splendid service throughout the entire siege.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

Secretary of War.

Wak DEPARTMENT,

Washington, June 17, 1862.

* GENERAL: The thanks of this Department are cordially tendered to