Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 03.djvu/297

Rh a view to ascertain what the nature of this movement was, I had, before leaving Frederick, sent instructions to Brigadier-General Fitz. Lee to gain the enemy's rear from his position on the left.

On the morning of the 13th, I moved forward all of Hampton's command to the support of Colonel Martin. Foiled in their attack on the preceding evening, the enemy appeared in front of Colonel Martin, at daylight on the 13th, and endeavored to force their way through the mountain. Their advance guard was driven back, when they posted artillery on the turnpike and opened fire on Colonel Martin, who held the mountain crest. This was responded to by a section of rifle guns under Captain Hart, whose fire was so effective that the enemy's battery was forced several times to change its position. The skirmishers on both sides had meanwhile become actively engaged, and the enemy was held in check until he had marched up to the attack two brigades of infantry, which was the only force we were yet able to discover, so well did he keep his troops concealed. About 2 P. M. we were obliged to abandon the crest, and withdrew to a position near Middletown. All this was duly reported in writing by me through General D. H. Hill, to the Commanding General.

In the engagemtsengagements [sic] at the gap in the Catoctin and near Middletown, the Jeff. Davis Legion and First North Carolina cavalry, respectively under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Martin and Colonel Baker, conducted themselves with the utmost gallantry, and sustained a hot fire of artillery and musketry without flinching or confusion in the ranks. Captain Siler, a gallant officer of the First North Carolina cavalry, had his leg broken during the engagement.

The enemy soon appeared in force crossing the mountain, and a spirited engagement took place, both of artillery and sharpshooters, the First North Carolina, Colonel Baker, holding the rear and acting with conspicuous gallantry. This lasted for some time, when, having held the enemy in check sufficiently long to accomplish my object, I withdrew slowly toward the gap in the South mountain, having given General D. H. Hill ample time to occupy that gap with his troops, and still believing that the capture of Harper's Ferry had been effected. On reaching the vicinity of the gap near Boonsboro', finding General Hill's troops occupying the gap, I turned off General Hampton with all his cavalry, except the Jeff. Davis Legion, to reinforce Munford at Crampton's gap, which was now the weakest point of the line. I remained myself at the gap near Boonsboro' until night, but the enemy did not attack the position. This was