Falling waters, skirmish near.
Embarrassing telegraphic despatches were received by
Gen. Robert Patterson, near
Harper's Ferry, late in June, 1861.
He was eager to advance, though
Johnston had a greatly superior force.
He made a reconnoissance on July 1, and on the 2d, with the permission of
Scott, he put the whole army across the river at
Williamsport, and pushed on in the direction of the camp of the
Confederates.
Near Falling Waters, 5 miles from the ford they had crossed, the advanced guard, under
Col. John J. Abercrombie, which had arrived at 4 A. M., fell in with
Johnston's advance, consisting of 3,500 infantry, with
Pendleton's battery of field-artillery, and a large force of cavalry, under
Col. J. E. B.
[
309]
Stuart, the whole commanded by “
Stonewall”
Jackson.
Abercrombie, with a section of
Perkins's battery, under
Lieutenant Hudson, supported by the 1st Troop of
Philadelphia cavalry, advanced to attack the foe with a warm fire of musketry.
A severe conflict ensued, in which
McMullen's Philadelphia Independent Rangers participated.
In less than half an hour, when
Hudson's cannon had silenced those of the
Confederates, and
Col. George H. Thomas was coming up to the support of
Abercrombie,
Jackson, perceiving his peril, fled, and was hotly pursued for about 5 miles, when, the
Confederates being reinforced, the pursuit ceased.
