"General MeLuws, with his own division and from such sources quite superfluous. It is as that of General R. H. Anderson, will follow follows:

General Longstreet. On reaching Middletown, 'By a reference to the evidence it will be he will take the route to Harper's Ferry, and by seen that at the very moment Colonel Ford Friday morning possess himself of the Mary-abandoned Maryland heights, his little army land heights, and endeavor to capture the enemy was in reality relieved by General Franklin's at Harper's Ferry and vicinity.. and Sumner's corps at Crampton's gap, within seven miles of his position.

"The commands of Generals Jackson, Mc-"Major General H. W. HALLECK, Laws and Walker, after accomplishing the objects for which they have been detached, will join the main body of the army at Boonsboro' or Hagerstown.

"Each regiment on the march, will habitually "There is no way for Colonel Miles to join carry its axes in the regimental ordnance wag-you at present, his only chance is to defend his ous, for use of the men at their encampments to works till you can open communication with procure wood, &c.

It seems necessary for a distinct understanding of this matter, to state that I was directed on the 12th to assume command of the garrison of Harper's Ferry, as soon as I should open In the report of a military commission, of communication with that place, and that when which Major General D. Hunter was President, I received this order all communication from which convened at Washington, for the pur- the direction in which I was approaching was pose of investigating the conduct of certain offi- cut off. Up to that time, however, Colonel cers in connection with the surrender of Harp-Miles could, in my judgment, have marched er's Ferry, I find the following:

it is possible, reoccupy the Maryland heights
with your whole force. If you can do that, I
will certainly be able to relieve you. As the
Catoctin valley is in our possession you can
safely cross the river at Berlin or its vicinity,
so far as opposition on this side of the river is
Hold out to the last.
"G. B. MCCLELLAN,

I accordingly directed artillery to be fired by
our advance at frequent intervals, as a signal
that relief was at hand. This was done, and,
as I afterwards learned, the reports of the can-
non were distinctly heard at Harper's Ferry.
It was confidently expected that Colonel Miles
would hold out until we had carried the moun- concerned.
tain passes, and were in condition to send a de-
tachment to his relief. The left was therefore
ordered to move through Crampton's pass in
front of Burkettsville, while the centre and
right marched upon Turner's pass in front of
Middletown.

༡་

"Major General Comd'g.

"Colonel D. S. MILES.”

On the previous day I had sent General
Franklin the following instructions:

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
"CAMP NEAR FREDERICK,

་

It may be asked by those who are not acquainted with the topography of the country in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, why Franklin, instead of marching his colnmn over the cir"September 13, 1862-6.20 p. m. cuitous road from Jefferson via Burkettsville "GENERAL: I have now full information as and Brownsville, was not ordered to move to movements and intentions of the enemy. along the direct turnpike to Knoxville, and Jackson has crossed the upper Potomac to capthence up the river to Harper's Ferry. It was ture the garrison at Martinsburg, and cut off for the reason that I had received information Miles's retreat towards the west. A division on that the enemy were anticipating our approach the south side of the Potomac was to carry Louin that direction, and had established batteries don heights, and cut off his retreat in that dion the south side of the Potomac which com- rection. McLaws, with his own command and manded all the approaches to Knoxville; more- the division of R. H. Anderson, was to move over, the road from that point winds directly by Boonsboro' and Rohrersville to carry the along the river bank at the foot of a precipitous Maryland heights. The signal officers inform mountain, where there was no opportunity of me that he is now in Pleasant valley. The forming in line of battle, and where the enemy firing shows that Miles still holds out. Longcould have placed batteries on both sides of the street was to move to Boonsboro', and there river to enfilade our narrow approaching col- halt with the reserve trains, D. H. Hill to form umns. The approach through Crampton's the rear guard, Stuart's cavalry to bring up pass, whica debouches into Pleasant Valley in stragglers, &c. We have cleared out all the rear of Maryland heights, was the only one cavalry this side the mountains, and north of which offered any reasonable prospect of carry- us. The last I heard from Pleasanton he occuing that formidable position. At the same time pied Middleton after several sharp skirmishes. the troops upon the road were in better relation A division of Burnside's started several hours to the main body of our forces. ago to support him. The whole of Burnside's On the morning of the 14th a verbal message command, including Hooker's corps, march this reached me from Colonel Miles, which was the evening and early to-morrow morning, followed first authentic intelligence I had received as to by the corps of Sumner and Banks's and Sykes's the condition of things at Harper's Ferry. The divisions upon Boonsboro', to carry that posimessenger informed me that on the preceding tion. Couch has been ordered to concentrate afternoon Maryland heights had been aban- his division and join you as rapidly as possible. doned by our troops after repelling an attack of Without waiting for the whole of that division the rebels, and that Colonel Miles's entire force to join you, you will move at day-break in the was concentrated at Harper's Ferry; the Mary-morning by Jefferson and Burkettsville upon land, Loudon, and Bolivar heights having the road to Rohrer'sville; I have reliable inforbeen abandoned by him, and occupied by the mation that the mountain pass by this road is enemy. The messenger also stated that there practicable for artillery and wagons. If this pass was no apparent reason for the abandonment of the Maryland heights, and that Colonel Miles instructed him to say, that he could hold out with certainty two days longer. Idirected him to make his way back, if possible, with the information, that I was approaching rapidly, and felt confident I could relieve the place.

On the same afternoon I wrote the following letter to Col. Miles, and despatched three copies by three different couriers, on different routes. I did not, however, learn that any of these men succeeded in reaching Harper's Ferry.

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"Middletown, Sept. 14, 1862. COLONEL: The army is being rapidly concentrated here. We are now attacking the pass on the Hagerstown road over the Blue Ridge. A column is about attacking the Burkettsville and Boonsboro' pass. You may count on our making every effort to relieve you; you may rely upon my speedily accomplishing that object. Hold out to the last extremity.

is not occupied by the enemy in force, seize it
as soon as practicable, and debouch upon Roh-
rersville in order to cut off the retreat of or de-
stroy McLaw's command.
If you find this pass
held by the enemy in large force, make all your
dispositions for the attack, and commence it
about half an hour after you hear severe firing
at the pass on the Hagerstown pike, where the
main body will attack. Having gained the
pass, your duty will be first to cut off, destroy
or capture McLaw's command, and relieve
Colonel Miles. If you effect this you will order
him to join you at once with all his disposable
troops, first destroying the bridges over the Po-
tomac, if not already done, and leaving a suffi-
cient garrison to prevent the enemy from passing
the ford; you will then return by Robrersville on
the direct road to Boonsboro', if the main col-
umn has not succeeded in its attack. If it has
succeeded, take the road from Rohrersville to
Sharpsburg and Williamsport, in order either to
cut off the retreat of Hill and Longstreet to-

wards the Potomac, or to prevent the repassage of Jackson. My general idea is to cut the enemy in two, and beat him in detail. I believe I have sufficiently explained my intentions. I ask of you at this important moment all your intellect, and the utmost activity that a general can exercise.

“G. B. MCCLELLAN,
"Major General.

"Major General W. B. FRANKLIN,
Commanding 6th Corps."

Again on the 14th I sent him the following:

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POtomac, Frederick, Sept. 14, 1862-2 p. m. "Your despatch of 12.30 just received. Send back to hurry up Couch. Mass your troops and carry Burkett ville at any cost. We shall have strong opposition at both passes. As fast as the troops come up, I will hold a reserve in readiness to support you. If you find the enemy in very great force at the pass, let me know at once, and amuse them as best you can, so as to retain them there. In that event I will probably throw the mass of the army on the pass in front of here. If I carry that it will clear the way for you, and you must then follow the enemy as rapidly as possible.

"G. B. MCCLELLAN,

"Major General Comdg." 'Major General FRANKLIN."

General Franklin pushed his corps rapidly forward towards Crampton's pass, and at about 12 o'clock on the 14th arrived at Burkettsville, immediately in rear of which he found the enemy's infantry posted in force on both sides of the road, with artillery in strong positions to defend the approaches to the pass.

The enemy's

my's loss was about the same.
position was such that our artillery could not
be used with any effect.

The close of the action found General Franklin's advance in Pleasant valley on the night of the 14th, within three and a half miles of the point on Maryland heights (where he might on the same night, or on the morning of the 15th, have formed a junction with the garrison of Harper's Ferry, had it not been previously withdrawn from Maryland heights), and within six miles of Harper's Ferry.

On the night of the 14th the following des patch was sent to General Franklin:

"BOLIVAR, September 15-1 a. m.

"GENERAL:

"The commanding general directs that you occupy with your command the road from Rohrersville to Harper's Ferry, placing a sufficient force at Rohrersville to hold that position, in case it should be attacked by the enemy from Boonsboro'. Endeavor to open communication with Colonel Miles at Harper's Ferry, attacking and destroying such of the enemy as you may find in Pleasant valley. Should you succeed in opening communication with Colonel Miles, direct him to join you with his whole command, with all the guns and public property he can carry with him. The remainder of the guns will be spiked or destroyed; the rest of the public property will also be destroyed. You will then proceed to Boonsboro'-which place the commanding general intends to attack to-morrow-and join the main body of the army at that placc. Should you find, however, that the enemy has retreated from Boonsboro' towards Sharpsburg, you will endeavor to fall upon him and cut off his retreat.

"By command of Major Gen. MCCLELLAN.
"GEORGE D. RUGGLES,
"Colonel and Á. D. C

"General FRANKLIN."

On the 15th the following were received from General Franklin:

Slocum's division was formed upon the right of the road leading through the gap, and Smith's upon the left. A line formed of Bartlett's and Torbert's brigades, supported by Newton, whose activity was conspicuous, advanced steadily upon the enemy at a charge on the right. The enemy were driven from their position at the base of the mountain, where they were protected"AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN IN PLEASby a stone wall, and steadily forced back up the ANT VALLEY, THREE MILES FROM ROHRERSslope until they reached the position of their VILLE, September 15-8,50 a. m. battery on the road, well up the mountain. GENERAL: My command started at dayHere they made a stand. They were, however, light this morning, and I am waiting to have it driven back, retiring their artillery in echelon, closed up here. General Couch arrived about until, after an action of three hours, the crest 10 o'clock last night. I have ordered one of his was gained, and the enemy hastily fled down brigades and one battery to Rohrersville, or to the mountain on the other side. the strongest point in its vicinity. The enemy is drawn up in line of battle about two miles to our front-one brigade in sight. As soon as I am sure that Rohrersville is occupied I shall move forward to attack the enemy. This may be two hours from now. If Harper's Ferry has fallen-and the cessation of firing makes me fear that it has-it is my opinion that I should be strongly reinforced.

On the left of the road Brooke's and Irwin's brigades of Smith's division, formed for the protection of Slocum's flank, charged up the mountain in the same steady manner, driving the enemy before them until the crest was carried. Four hundred prisoners from seventeen different organizations, seven hundred stand of arms, one piece of artillery and three colors, were captured by our troops in this brilliant action.

It was

"W. B. FRANKLIN, "Major General Comd'g Corps, "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN."

conducted by General Franklin in all its details. These details are given in the report of General Franklin, herewith submitted, and due credit awarded to the gallant officers and men engaged. The loss in General Franklin's corps was one hundred and fifteen killed, four hundred and sixteen wo inded, and two missing. The ene- Capt. O'Keefe. The enemy is in large force in

Sept. 15-11 A. M. "GENERAL:—I received your despatch by

my front, in two lines of battle stretching across
the valley, and a large column of artillery and
infantry on the right of the valley, looking to-
wards Harper's Ferry. They outnumber me
two to one. It of course will not answer to
pursue the enemy under these circumstances.
I shall communicate with Burnside as soon as
possible. In the meantime I shall wait here
until I learn what is the prospect of reinforce-
ment. I have not the force to justify an attack
on the force I see in front. I have had a very
close view of it, and its position is very strong.
"Respectfully,
"W. B. FRANKLIN,
"Major General.
"Major General G. B. MCCLEllan,
“Commanding.”

Col. Miles surrendered Harper's Ferry at 8 A. M. on the 15th, as the cessation of the firing indicated, and Gen. Franklin was ordered to remain where he was, to watch the large force in front of him, and protect our left and rear, until the night of the 16th, when he was ordered to join the main body of the army at Kendysville, after sending Couch's division to Maryland heights.

While the events which have just been described were taking place at Crampton's gap, the troops of the centre and right wing, which had united at Frederick on the 13th, were engaged in the contest for the possession of Turner's gap.

the turnpike at the Mountain House near the summit of the pass.

On the night of the 13th the positions of the different corps were as follows:

Reno's corps, at Middletown, except Rodman's division at Frederick.

Hooker's corps, on the Monocacy, two miles from Frederick.

Sumner's corps, near Frederick.
Banks's corps, near Frederick.
Sykes's division, near Frederick.
Franklin's corps, at Buckeystown.
Couch's division, at Licksville.

The orders from headquarters, for the march on the 14th, were as follows:

13th, 11.30 P. M.-Hooker to march at daylight to Middletown.

13th, 11.30 P. M.-Sykes to move at 6 A. M., after Hooker, on the Middletown and Hagers town road.

14th, 1 A. M.-Artillery reserve to follow Sykes closely.

13th, 8.45 P. M.-Sumner to move at 7 P. M. 14th, 9 A. M.-Sumner ordered to take the Shookstown road to Middletown.

13th, 6.45 P. M.-Couch ordered to move to Jefferson with his whole division.

On the 14th General Pleasanton continued his reconnoissance. Gibson's battery, and afterwards Benjamin's battery (of Reno's corps), were placed on high ground to the left of the turnpike, and obtained a direct fire on the enemy's position in the gap.

On the morning of the 13th, Gen. Pleasanton General Cox's division, which had been orwas ordered to send McReynolds's brigade and dered up to support General Pleasanton, left a section of artillery in the direction of Gettys-its bivouac near Middletown at 6 A. M. The burg, and Rush's regiment towards Jefferson, to communicate with Franklin, to whom the 6th U. S. cavalry and a section of artillery had previously been sent, and to proceed with the remainder of the force in the direction of Middletown in pursuit of the enemy.

first brigade reached the scene of action about 9 A. M., and was sent up the old Sharpsburg road by General Pleasanton, to feel the enemy and ascertain if he held the crest on that side in strong force. This was soon found to be the case, and General Cox having arrived with the After skirmishing with the enemy all the other brigade, and information having been remorning, and driving them from several strong ceived from General Reno that the column positions, he reached Turner's Gap of the South would be supported by the whole corps, the Mountain in the afternoon, and found the en-division was ordered to assault the position. emy in force, and apparently determined to defend the pass. He sent back for infantry to Gen. Burnside, who had been directed to support him, and proceeded to make a reconnoissance of the position.

The South Mountain is at this point about one thousand feet in height, and its general direction is from northeast to southwest. The National road from Frederick to Hagerstown crosses it at nearly right angles through Turner's gap, a depression which is some four hundred feet in depth. The mountain on the north side of the turnpike is divided into two crests or ridges by a narrow valley, which, though deep at the pass, becomes a slight depression at about a mile to the north. There are two country roads, one to the right of the turnpike, and the other to the left, which gives access to the orests overlooking the main road. The one to the left, called the "old Sharpsburg road," is nearly parallel to, and about half a mile distant from the turnpike, until it reaches the crest of the mountain, when it bends off to the left.

The other road, called the "old Hagerstown road," passes up a ravine in the mountain, about a mile from the turnpike, and, bending to the left over and along the first crest, enters

Two 20-pound Parrotts of Simmons's battery and two sections of McMullin's battery were left in the rear in position near the turnpike, where they did good service during the day against the enemies batteries in the gap.

Colonel Scammon's brigade was deployed, and, well covered by skirmishers, moved up the slope to the left of the road, with the object of turning the enemy's right if possible. It succeeded in gaining the crest and establishing itself there in spite of the vigorous resistance of the enemy, who was posted behind stone walls and in the edges of timber, and the fire of a battery which poured in canister and caseshot on the regiment on the right of the brigade.

Colonel Crooke's brigade marched in column, at supporting distance. A section of McMullin's battery, under Lieutenant Croome (killed while serving one of his guns), was moved up with great difficulty, and opened with canister at very short range on the enemy's infantry, by whom (after having done considerable execution) it was soon silenced and forced to withdraw.

One regiment of Crooke's brigade was now deployed on Scammon's left, and the other two in his rear, and they several times entered the

first line and relieved the regiments in front of them when hard pressed. A section of Simmons's battery was brought up and placed in an open space in the woods, where it did good service during the rest of the day. The enemy several times attempted to retake the crest, advancing with boldness, but were each time repulsed. They then withdrew their battery to a point more to the right, and formed columns on both our flanks.

der General Rodman's personal supervision on the right.

My order to move the whole line forward, and take or silence the enemy's batteries in front, was executed with enthusiasm. The enemy made a desperate resistance, charging our advancing columns with fierceness, but they were everywhere routed, and fled. Our chief loss fell on Wilcox's division. The enemy's battery was found to be across a gorge and beyond the reach of our infantry, but its position was made untenable, and it was hastily removed and not again put in position near us. But the batteries across the gap still kept up a fire of shot and shell.

General Wilcox praises very highly the conduct of the 17th Michigan in this advance regiment which had been organized scarcely a month, but which charged the advancing enemy in a manner worthy of veteran troops; and also that of the 45th Pennsylvania, which bravely met them in front.

Cook's battery now re-opened fire, Sturgis's division was moved to the flank of Wilcox's, occupying the new ground gained on the further side of the slope, and his artillery opened on the batteries across the gap. The enemy made an effort to turn our left about dark, but were repulsed by Fairchild's brigade and Clark's battery.

It was now about noon, and a lull occurred in the contest, which lasted about two hours, during which the rest of the corps was coming up. General Wilcox's division was the first to arrive. When he reached the base of the mountain, General Cox advised him to consult General Pleasanton as to a position. The latter indicated that on the right, afterwards taken up by General Hooker. General Wilcox was in the act of moving to occupy this ground when he received an order from General Reno to move up the old Sharpsburg road, and take a position to its right, overlooking the turnpike. Two regiments were detached to support General Cox, at his request. One section of Cook's battery was placed in a position near the turn of the road (on the crest), and opened fire on the enemy's batteries across the gap. The division was proceeding to deploy to the right of the road when the enemy suddenly opened (at 150 yards) with a battery which enfiladed the road at that point, drove off Cook's cannoneers with their limbers, and causing a temporary panic, in which the guns were nearly lost But the 79th New York and 17th Michigan promptly rallied, changed front under a heavy fire, and moved out to protect the guns, with which Captain Cook had remained. Order was soon restored, and the division formed in line on the right of Cox, and was kept concealed as much as possible under the shelter of the hill- In General Reno the nation lost one of its best side until the whole line advanced. It was ex-general officers. He was a skillful soldier, posed not only to the fire of the battery in front, but also to that of the batteries on the other side of the turnpike, and lost heavily.

At about 7 o'clock the enemy made another effort to regain the lost ground, attacking along Sturgis's front and part of Cox's. A lively fire was kept up until nearly 9 o'clock, several charges being made by the enemy and repulsed with slaughter, and we finally occupied the highest part of the mountain. General Reno was killed just before sunset, while making a reconnoissance to the front, and the command of the corps devolved upon General Cox.

brave and honest man.

There was no firing after 10 o'clock, and the troops slept on their arms, ready to renew the fight at daylight; but the enemy quietly retired from our front during the night, abandoning their wounded and leaving their dead in large numbers scattered on the field.

Shortly before this time Generals Burnside and Reno arrived at the base of the mountain; and the former directed the latter to move up the divisions of Generals Sturgis and Rodman to the crest held by Cox and Wilcox, and to move upon the enemy's position with his whole force as soon as he was informed that General Hooker (who had just been directed to attack on the right) was well advanced up the mountain. General Reno then went to the front and assumed the direction of affairs, the posi-ward to examine the ground, tions having been explained to him by Gen eral Pleasanton.

Shortly before this time I arrived at the point occupied by General Burnside, and my headquarters were located there until the conclusion of the action.

While these operations were progressing on the left of the main column, the right, under General Hooker, was actively engaged. His corps left the Monocacy early in the morning, and its advance reached the Catoctin creek about 1 P. M. General Hooker then went for

At about 1 o'clock General Meade's division was ordered to make a diversion in favor of Reno. The following is the order sent:

"September 14—1 p. my

"GENERAL: General Reno requests that division of yours may move up on the right (north) of the main road. General McClellan desires you to comply with this request, holding your whole corps in readiness to support the movement, and taking charge of it yourself. Sumner's and Banks's corps have commenced arriving. Let General McClellan be informed as soon as you commence your movement.

General Sturgis had left his camp at 1 P. M., and reached the scene of action about 31⁄2 P. M.. Clark's battery of his division was sent to assist Cox's left, by order of General Reno, and two regiments (2d Maryland and 6th New Hampshire) were detached by General Reno and sent forward a short distance on the left of the turnpike. His division was formed in rear of Wilcox's, and Rodman's division was divided, Colonel Fairchild's brigade being placed on the extreme left, and Colonel Harland's un- "Major General HOOKER."

“GEO. D. RUGGLES, "Colonel, A. A. G. & A. D. O.