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Doc. 108. the battle of Monocacy, Md


Major-General Wallace's report.

headquarters Middle Department, Eighth Army corps, Baltimore, August--, 1864.
Colonel E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Colonel — I beg leave to furnish the War Department with the following report in full of the operations of my command in the vicinity [614] of Frederick City, Maryland, which resulted in the battle of Monocacy, fought ninth July last. The informal report telegraphed Major-General Halleck from Ellicott's Mills, during the retreat, is appended hereto, and will serve to make the record complete.

The situation in the department of West Virginia about the beginning of July was very uncertain. Major-General Hunter had retreated westwardly from Lynchburg, leaving open the Shenandoah Valley, up which a column of rebels of unknown strength had marched, and thrown General Sigel back from Martinsburg to Williamsport, thence down the left bank of the Potomac to Maryland Heights, where, with his command, he was supposed to be besieged. The strength of the invading column, by whom it was commanded, what its objects were, the means provided to repel it — everything, in fact, connected with it — were on my part purely conjectural. All that I was certain of was that my own department was seriously threatened.

July fifth, information was brought to my headquarters in Baltimore that a column of rebel cavalry — the same that had been raiding in the border counties of Pennsylvania--was in the Middletown Valley, moving eastwardly. Taking this report as true, the enemy had turned his back upon the department of Major-General Couch, and reduced his probable objectives to Washington, Baltimore, or Maryland Heights.

In this situation I felt it my duty to concentrate that portion of my scanty command available for field operations at some point on the Monocacy river, the western limit of the Middle Department. With an enemy north of the Potomac, and approaching from the west, having in view any or all the objectives mentioned, the importance of the position on which I ultimately gave battle, cannot be over-estimated. There, within the space of two miles, converge the pikes to Washington and Baltimore, and the Baltimore and Ohio railroad; there, also, is the iron bridge over the Monocacy, upon which depends railroad communication to Harper's Ferry. Moreover, as a defensive position for an army seeking to cover the cities above named against a force marching from the direction I was threatened, the point is very strong; the river covers its entire front: in a low stage of water, the fords are few, and particularly difficult for artillery; and the commanding heights are all on the eastern bank, while the ground on the opposite side is level and almost without obstructions. At all events, I was confident of ability to repel any ordinary column of cavalry that might be bold enough to attack me there; and if the position should be turned on the right, I was not necessarily disabled from defending Baltimore; in that contingency, I had only to take care of the railroad, and use it at the right time. Accordingly, I went out and joined General Tyler at the railroad bridge. The information received in Baltimore was confirmed; rebel cavalry had seized Middletown; their scouting parties had even advanced to within three miles of Frederick City. By the evening of the sixth all my available troops were concentrated under General Tyler, making a force of scant twenty-five hundred men of all arms, and composed as follows: Third regiment (Md.) Potomac Home Brigade, Colonel Charles Gilpin; Eleventh (Md.) infantry, Colonel Landstreet; seven companies of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth, and three companies of the Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio National Guard, consolidated, temporarily, under Colonel A. L. Brown; Captain Alexander's (Md.) battery, and one hundred men of the Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio National Guard, serving as mounted infantry, and commanded by Captain E. H. Lieb, Fifth United States Cavalry, and Captain N. S. Allen. In addition, I had the service of Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin's squadron of cavalry, two hundred and fifty men, and four companies of the First regiment (Md.) Potomac Home Brigade, about two hundred strong, under Captain Brown. Of this force, it is proper to add, the Eleventh Maryland, and all the Ohio troops, were “hundred-days men.”

On the night of the sixth Colonel Clendenin received my order to take the pike to Middletown, and follow it until he found the enemy, and ascertained the strength and composition of his column. Leaving Frederick City at daybreak next morning (the seventh) with his cavalry, and a section of Alexander's battery, he drove in a rebel outpost stationed in the mountain pass, and gained Middletown, where he was stopped by a body of cavalry largely superior to his own, commanded by General Bradley T. Johnson. After a smart skirmish, in which both sides used artillery, Clendenin was forced back by movements on his flanks. About ten o'clock he reported the rebels one thousand strong, pushing him slowly to Frederick City, which they would reach in two hours, unless I intended its defence. Though out of my department, it had become my duty to save the town, if possible, and as it was but three miles distant, I thought that could be done without jeopardizing the position at the railroad bridge. By direction, therefore, General Tyler sent Colonel Gilpin, with his regiment and another gun, to support Clendenin, and engage the enemy. The company of mounted infantry also went forward. In this movement the railroad was very useful.

Colonel Gilpin reached the town in good time, and deployed his command in skirmish order across the Hagerstown pike, half a mile west of the suburbs. Clendenin fell back and joined him. About four o'clock P. M. the enemy opened the fight with three pieces of artillery. The lines engaged shortly after. At six o'clock Captain Alexander, personally in charge of his pieces, dismounted one of Johnson's guns. A little before dark Gilpin charged, and drove the rebels, who, under cover of night, finally withdrew to the mountain.

You will find the locality of this action indicated [615] on the map herewith forwarded. The forces opposed, it is worthy remark were about equal in number, yet Johnson had the advantage; his men were veterans, while Gilpin's. with the exception of Clendenin's squadron, had not before been under fire, a circumstance much enhancing the credit gained by them.

Relying upon intelligence received the evening the above affair took place, that a division of veterans of the Sixth corps was coming by rail to my reinforcement, about midnight General Tyler was sent to Frederick City with Colonel Brown's command, to prepare for what might occur in the morning. About daybreak a portion of the First brigade of the veterans arrived under Colonel Henry, which was also sent to Frederick.

The reports of the enemy continued conflicting as before; some stated that Johnson's cavalry, already whipped by Colonel Gilpin, were all the rebels north of the Potomac; others that McCausland, with a like column, was marching to join Johnson; others again represented Early and Breckinridge behind the Catoctin mountain, with thirty thousand men, moving upon Frederick City. In short, the most reliable intelligence was of a character that reduced the defence of that town to a secondary consideration; if the enemy's force was correctly reported, his designs were upon Washington or Baltimore.

In the hope of evolving something definite out of the confusion of news, I went in person to Frederick City, leaving my Inspector-General, Lieutenant-Colonel Catlin, at the railroad bridge to stop such of the veteran regiments as arrived there. The Eleventh Maryland remained with him. My purpose was to conduct a reconnoissance over the mountain, to brush aside, if possible, the curtain that seemed to overhang it.

In the midst of preparation for this movement, a telegram from Major-General Sigel reached me, stating that the enemy had that morning retired from before Maryland Heights, and was marching with his main body up the Middletown Valley toward Boonesboro. The question then was — were the rebels marching for Pennsylvania, or coming eastward by the Jefferson or Middletown pikes? I concluded to await events in Frederick City, satisfied they would not be long delayed.

As Johnson still held the mountain pass to Middletown, the day (eighth) was spent in trying to draw him into the valley, with such reinforcements as he might have received. A feigned retreat from the town was but partially successful; he came down, but under fire of Alexander's guns, galloped back again.

About six o'clock in the afternoon, Colonel Catlin telegraphed me that a heavy force of rebel infantry was moving toward Urbana by the Buckeystown road. This threatened my lines of retreat and the position at Monocacy bridge; what was more serious, it seemed to disclose a purpose to obtain the pike to Washington, important to the enemy for several causes, but especially so if his designs embraced that city, then in no condition, as I understood it, to resist an army like that attributed to Early by General Sigel. I claim no credit for understanding my duty in such a situation; it was self-apparent. There was no force that could be thrown in time between the capital and the rebels but mine, which was probably too small to defeat them, but certainly strong enough to gain time, and compel them to expose their strength. If they were weak, by going back to the bridge I could keep open the communication with General Sigel; on the other hand, if they were ever so strong, it was not possible to drive me from that position, except by turning one of my flanks; if my right, retreat was open by the Washington pike; if my left, the retirement could be by the pike to Baltimore.

I made up my mind to fight, and accordingly telegraphed General Halleck: “I shall withdraw immediately from Frederick City, and put myself in position to cover road to Washington, if necessary.” This was done by marching in the night to the railroad bridge, where Brigadier-General Ricketts was in waiting. I had then the following regiments of his division:

First brigade, Colonel W. S. Truax commanding, seventeen hundred and fifty strong: One Hundred and Sixth New York, Captain Payne commanding; One Hundred and Fifty-first New York. Colonel Emerson; Fourteenth New Jersey, Lieutenant-Colonel Hall; Tenth Vermont, Colonel Henry; Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Stahl.

Second brigade, sixteen hundred men, Colonel MaClannan commanding; One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania,----; Ninth New York, Colonel Seward; One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Ebright; One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Binkley. The residue of the division it was reported would be up next day.

Early in the morning of the ninth disposition for battle was made. The right, forming an extended line from the railroad, was given General Tyler, who, by direction, had left Colonel Brown at the stone bridge on the Baltimore pike, with his command and the company of mounted infantry.

Upon the holding that bridge depended the security of my right flank, and the line of retreat to Baltimore. Three companies of Colonel Gilpin's regiment were posted to defend Crum's ford, midway the stone bridge and railroad; Landstreet and Gilpin were held in reserve at the railroad.

The battery was divided-Ricketts and Tyler each received three guns.

On the left, as it was likely to be the main point of attack, I directed General Ricketts to form his command in two lines across the Washington pike, so as to hold the rising ground south of it and the wooden bridge across the river.

Still further to the left, Colonel Clendenin took [616] post, to watch that flank, and guard the lower fords with such detachments as he could spare.

On the western bank of the river, Captain Brown's detachment, of the First regiment Potomac Home Brigade, was deployed as skirmishers, in aline three quarters of a mile to the front.

A twenty-four-pound howitzer was left in a rude earthwork near the blockhouse by the railroad, where it could be used to defend the two bridges, and cover the retirement and crossing of the skirmishers.

While this disposition was going on, the railroad agent informed me that two more troop trains were on the road, and would arrive by one o'clock. These were the residue of General Ricketts' division, three regiments-making a very important reinforcement.

About eight o'clock A. M., the enemy marched by the pike from Frederick, and threw out skirmishers, behind whom he put his guns in position, and began the engagement. His columns followed a little after nine o'clock. Passing through the fields, just out of range of my pieces, without attempting to drive in my skirmishers, they moved rapidly around to the left, and forced a passage of the river at a ford about one mile below Ricketts. From nine o'clock to half-past 10 the action was little more than a warm skirmish and experimental cannonading, in which, however, the enemy's superiority in the number and calibre of his guns was fully shown. Against my six three-inch rifles he opposed not less than sixteen Napoleons. In this time, also, the fighting at the stone bridge assumed serious proportions.

Colonel Brown held his position with great difficulty.

About half-past 10 o'clock the enemy's first line of battle made its appearance, and moved against Ricketts, who, meantime, had changed front to the left, so that his right rested upon the river bank. This change unavoidably subjected his regiments to an unintermitted enfilading fire from the batteries across the stream, So great was the rebel front, also, that I was compelled to order the whole division into one line, thus leaving it without reserves. Still the enemy's front was greatest. Two more guns were sent to Ricketts. Finally, by burning the wooden bridge and the blockhouse at its further end, thus releasing the force left to defend them, I put into the engagement every available man, except Tyler's reserves, which, from the messages arriving, I expected momentarily to have to despatch to Colonel Brown's assistance.

The enemy's first line was badly defeated. His second line then advanced and was repulsed, but after a fierce and continuous struggle. In the time this occupied I could probably have retired without much trouble, as the rebels were badly punished; the main objects of the battle, however, were unaccomplished — the rebel strength was not yet developed. At one o'clock the three reinforcing regiments of veterans would be on the ground; and then the splendid behavior of Ricketts and his men inspired me with confidence. One o'clock came, but not the reinforcements; and it was impossible to get an order to them — my telegraph operator, and the railroad agent, with both his trains, had run away. An hour and a half later I saw the third line of rebels move out of the woods, and down the hill behind which they made their formation; right after it came the fourth. It was time to get away. Accordingly, I ordered General Ricketts to make preparation, and retire to the Baltimore pike. About four o'clock lie began the execution of the order.

The stone bridge held by Colonel Brown now became all-important; its loss was the loss of my line of retreat; and I had reason to believe that the enemy, successful on my left, would redouble his efforts against the right. General Tyler had already marched with his reserves to Brown's assistance; but on receipt of notice of my intention, without waiting for Gilpin and Landstreet, he galloped to the bridge, and took the command in person. After the disengagement of Ricketts' line, when the head of the retreating column reached the pike, I rode to the bridge, and ordered it to be held at all hazards by the force then there, until the enemy should be found in its rear — at least, until the last regiment had cleared the country road by which the retreat was being effected. This order General Tyler obeyed. A little after five o'clock, when my column was well on the march toward New Market, an attack on his rear convinced him of the impracticability of longer maintaining his post. Many of his men then took to the woods, but, by his direction, the greater part kept their ranks, and manfully fought their way through. In this way Colonel Brown escaped. General Tyler, finding himself cut off, dashed into the woods, with the officers of his staff, and was happily saved. His gallantry and self-sacrificing devotion are above all commendation of words.

The enemy seems to have stopped pursuit at the stone bridge. A few cavalry followed my rear guard to within a couple of miles of New Market, where they established a picket post. The explanation of their failure to harass my column lies in facts that have since come to my knowledge, viz.: Johnson's cavalry was marching, at the time of the battle, toward Baltimore, via the Liberty road, while McCausland's was too badly cut up in the fight for anything like immediate and vigorous action after it.

To have cut my column off at New Market the rebels had only to move their cavalry round my right by way of Urbana and Monrovia; suspecting such was his plan, I used the utmost expedition to pass the command beyond that point. The danger proved imaginary. The reinforcements, for which I waited so anxiously the last two hours of the engagement reaching Monrovia in good time to have joined me, halted there — a singular proceeding, for which no explanation has as yet been furnished me. Monrovia is but eight miles from the battle-ground. The commanding officer at that place [617] must, therefore, have heard the guns. But, besides this, Colonel Clendenin was effectually contesting the road which offered the enemy the advantage I have mentioned. That gallant officer — as true a cavalry soldier as ever mounted a horse — while fighting on Ricketts' extreme left, found himself cut off from the main body at the time the retreat began. Throwing himself into the village of Urbana, he repeatedly repulsed the pursuing rebels, and, in one bold charge, sabre in hand, captured the battle-flag of the Seventeenth Virginia.

The three regiments in Monrovia joined me at New Market, and afterward served a good purpose in covering the march of the weary column, which bivouacked for the night about twelve miles from the battle-field.

It would be a difficult task to say too much in praise of the veterans who made this fight. For their reputation, and for the truth's sake, I wish it distinctly understood that, though the appearance of the enemy's fourth line of battle made their ultimate defeat certain, they were not whipped: on the contrary, they were fighting steadily in unbroken front when I ordered their retirement; all the shame of which, if shame there was, is mine, not theirs. The nine regiments enumerated, as those participating in the action, represented but thirty-three hundred and fifty men, of whom over sixteen hundred were missing three days after-killed, wounded, or prisoners lost on the field. The fact speaks for itself. “Monocacy” on heir flags cannot be a word of dishonor.

As to General Ricketts, attention is respectfully called to the mention made of him in the telegraphic report subjoined. Every word of it is as deserved as it was bravely earned.

If we had had intrenching tools in time, no doubt the losses of the veterans would have been greatly lessened. Another deficiency existed in the want of ambulances and wagons; but this I designed remedying by the use of the cars. That the dead and so many of the wounded were left suffering on the field, and in the hands of the enemy, is justly attribtableu to the base desertion of the railroad agent. I will also add that my despatches would have reached the War Office several hours sooner, if the telegraph operator had remained at his post, or within calling distance.

My intention, upon leaving the battle-field, was to march the troops directly to Baltimore, which, by the concentration at Monocacy, had been left almost defenceless.

Had this purpose been carried out, they would have reached the city on the evening of the tenth, in time to have driven off the marauders, who, under Johnson, had moved by the Liberty road from Frederick City, and taken post in the vicinity of Cockeysville. Such a result would very probably have saved the bridges on the Philadelphia railroad.

But, under an order, received while en route to Ellicott's mills, directing me to “rally my forces and make every possible effort to retard the enemy's march on Baltimore,” I thought it my duty to halt Ricketts' division, with the cavalry and battery, at the mills, that being the first point on the pike at which it was possible to resupply the men with rations and ammunition. In doing this, however, I was careful to leave General Ricketts trains sufficient to bring his whole force away at a moment's notice; and as soon as it was certainly known that the enemy had marched against Washington, I ordered him to Baltimore. Before lie arrived, however, I was temporarily superseded in the command of the troops by Major-General Ord.

The evening of the tenth I returned to Baltimore, and found the city very naturally in a state of alarm, occasioned by the approach of Johnson's cavalry. Thanks, however, to the energy of Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. Lawrence, Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Wooldey, Provost-Marshal, every measure of safety had been taken that intelligence could suggest.

The railroad communications north had been the subject of the former's special care.

The means of defense for the city, as already remarked, were very meagre; but the direction of them had, as soon as intelligence of the result on the Monocacy was received, very properly been assumed by Brigadier-Generals Lockwood and Morris, whose military experience was of very great value. To the former I feel particularly grateful.

Loyal citizens took up arms by the thousands, were organized; manned the works; and did soldiers' duty nobly.

Besides the officers mentioned in my informal report of tenth July, the following deserve similar notice, for their excellent behavior in action and the services they rendered:

Lieutenant-Colonel Lynde Catlin, Assistant Inspector-General; Major Max. Woodhull, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General; and Major James R. Ross, senior Aid-de-Camp — all of my staff. Also, Captain W. H. Weigle, Assistant Adjutant-General to General Tyler; Captain Adam E. King, Assistant Adjutant-General to General Ricketts; Captain Brown, First (Maryland) Potomac Home Brigade, and Captain N. H. Allen, of the company serving as mounted infantry.

General Ricketts has not yet forwarded his official report; when received, I shall promptly transmit it to the War Office. It will, doubtless, disclose many other officers properly entitled to special mention. At this time, I can only speak of commandants of brigades, and regiments, whose names have been already given, and repeat the commendation they have won from commanding officers in many a former battle. They are of the soldiers whose skill and courage have ennobled, not merely themselves, but the army they have belonged to so long.

The subjoined report gives my opinion of the rebel strength forwarded by telegram the day after the battle. Information, since obtained, [618] corroborates that opinion. It is now well assured that General Early attacked me with one whole corps, not less than eighteen thousand strong, while Breckinridge, with two divisions, remained during the battle in quiet occupancy of Frederick City. It is also certain, as one of the results, that, notwithstanding the disparity of forces, the enemy was not able to move from the battle-field, in prosecution of his march upon Washington, until the next day about noon.

As to the casualties, I regret that the speedy movement of some regiments of General Tyler's brigade made it impossible for him to perfect his report as he himself desired. The following table, however, embraces the returns from that officer, and from General Ricketts, as accurately as was possible under the circumstances:

  commands. killed. wounded. missing. total. remarks.
Officers. Enlisted Men. Aggregate. Officers. Enlisted men. Aggregate. Officers. Enlisted Men. Aggregate.
3d Div. 6th Corps, Commanded by Brigadier-General Ricketts General Staff       1   1       1 Capt. Adam E. King A. A. Genl., severely wounded.
1st Brigade 8 54 62 17 226 243 3 429 432 737
2d Brigade 3 19 22 12 255 267 7 615 622 911
  Total 11 73 84 30 481 511 10 1044 1054 1649  
Troops commanded by Brig.-Gen. E. B. Tyler 3d Regt. P. H. B.   2 2   7 7 1 14 15 24  
1st Regt. P. H. B.   1 1   13 13   5 5 19  
  11th Maryland Volunteers         2 2       2  
  144th Ohio N. G.   2 2 1 10 11 1 20 21 34  
  149th Ohio N. G.   4 4   10 10 3 184 187 201  
  Balt. Battery Light Artillery         4 4       4  
  8th Regt. Illinois Cavalry 1 4 5 2 19 21       26  
  Detachment 159th Ohio N. G. serving as mounted infantry     1           8 9 Commanded by Capt. E. H. Lieb., 5th U. S. Cavalry.
  Total 1 14 15 3 65 68 5 223 236 319  
  Total 12 87 90 33 546 579 15 1267 1290 1968  

The aggregate shows a heavy loss, illustrating the obstinate valor of the command. I am satisfied, however, that the casualties of the rebels exceeded mine. To reach this conclusion, one has only to make a calculation, based upon the fact that the day after the battle over four hundred men, too seriously wounded to be carried away, were captured in the hospital at Frederick City.

Orders have been given to collect the bodies of our dead in one burial-ground on the battle-field, suitable for a monument, upon which I propose to write-These men died to save the national capital, and they did save it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Lew. Wallace, Major-General Commanding

headquarters, Ellicott's Mills, 2:05 P. M., July 10, 1864.
Major-General H. W. Halleck, Chief of Staff at Washington City:
I have the honor to report that I have reached this point with my column. As I telegraphed you on the evening of the eighth instant, I left Frederick, and by a night march, took position on the left bank of the Monocacy, with my left on the south side of the Washington pike, and my right covering the bridge on the Baltimore pike, about two miles and a half from Frederick City.

Early in the morning of the ninth instant the enemy moved out of Frederick City, and in skirmish order, began to fight.

About nine o'clock, he opened on me with artillery, his guns being Napoleons or twelve-pounder howitzers, and mine (one six-gun battery) three-inch rifles, with one twenty-four-pounder howitzer.

His columns of cavalry and artillery worked rapidly round to my left, and crossed the river in face of my guard, and charged confidently upon Brigadier-General Ricketts' Third division Sixth Army Corps. The General changed front and repulsed them, and charged in turn, and drove them gallantly.

The enemy then advanced a second line; this the General also repulsed and drove. Meantime the enemy placed at least two batteries in positions, so that when he made his final charge, with four lines of infantry, about 3:30 P. M. the resistance of Ricketts' division was under an enfilading fire of shells really terrific.

The moment I saw the third rebel line advance, I ordered the General to make such preparations as he could, and retire his command by a county road up the river to the Baltimore pike. This was accomplished with an extraordinary steadiness,

The men of the third division were not whipped, but retired reluctantly, under my order. They bore the brunt of the battle with [619] a coolness and steadiness which I venture has not been exceeded in any battle of the war. Too much credit cannot be given General Ricketts for his skill and courage.

During the main fight, skirmishing across the river went on uninteruptedly, and down at the Baltimore pike bridge assumed serious form. My right, extending from the railroad to the bridge mentioned, was under charge of Brigadier-General E. B. Tyler, now supposed to be a prisoner, who, though not tried by so severe a test, met every expectation, and performed his duty with ability and courage. I do not now think myself seriously beaten; there was not a flag lost, nor a gun. The rebels captured no stores whatever, and, in face of their over-whelming force, I brought off my whole command, losing probably not over two hundred prisoners. My casualty list will be quite severe, but cannot possibly equal that of the enemy, as they charged several times in close lines, and with a recklessness that can be justified only upon the ground that they supposed my command consisted of raw militia.

Each one of his four lines of attack presented a front greater than that of General Ricketts' division, all deployed. By calculation this would give him about eighteen thousand men engaged on the left bank, while he had at least two thousand more skirmishing and fighting in my front across the river. Permit me to state that, in fighting, I had three objects in view: one to keep open, if possible, the communication by rail to Harper's Ferry, the second to cover the roads to Washington and Baltimore; the last, to make the enemy develop his force. I failed in all but the last, and from what I saw, it can be safely asserted that the enemy must have two corps of troops north of the Potomac. In the computation I include his column operating in the region of Hagerstown, that about Harper's Ferry, and the one which fought me yesterday. A rebel officer dying on the field, told a staff officer of General Ricketts that Lee was managing these operations in person, and would shortly have three corps about the Potomac for business against Washington and Baltimore. This circumstance is true; give it what weight you please. I regret to add that we were able to bring off but few of our wounded, and none of our dead. The hundred-days men straggled badly, while the men of the Sixth corps reached this place in perfect order, and covered the retreat.

The Third regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Colonel Gilpin, of Tyler's brigade, also maintained good order. I will make a more complete report with your permission when I receive the report of Brigadier-General Ricketts. I wish to make honorable mention at this time of Lieutenant-Colonel D. R. Clendenin, of the Eighth Illinois cavalry; of Captain F. W. Alexander, whose battery was well served throughout the day; and of Colonel Charles Gilpin, who, commanded during the fight at Frederick City on the seventh instant, in which the enemy lost, killed and wounded, one hundred and forty men, while we lost one man killed, aud eighteen wounded. The number of rebel casualties is given on the statements of citizens of Frederick. I wish also to make honorable mention of Colonel Brown, of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guard, who, ably assisted by Captain Lieb, United States cavalry, stubbornly held the Baltimore pike bridge, and thus kept open my line of retreat.

Lew Wallace, Major-General Commanding.

Washington City, April 2, 1865.
Brigadier-General E. D. Townsend, Assistant. Adjutant-General:
sir — In my official report of the battle of Monocacy I omitted to make mention of the very great obligations I was under to Hon. John W. Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, for his personal exertions in forwarding to my support and assistance promptly upon their arrival at Baltimore, the advance brigade of General Ricketts' division of troops. Please attach this so as to make it a part of the report alluded to.

Very respectfully,

Lew. Wallace, Major-General, U. S. V.


Report of Brigadier-General E B. Tyler.

headquarters First Sep. Brigade 8TH Army Corps, Relay House, Maryland, July 14th, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel B. Lawrence, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Colonel — I have the honor, sir, to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the late engagements at Frederick City and Monocacy Junction.

On Thursday, the seventh instant, Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, under the immediate orders of the Major-General Commanding, drew the enemy from the mountains west of Frederick City, and I reinforced him with three guns of Alexander's Maryland battery and the Third Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, under Colonel Charles Gilpin, then at Monocacy Junction. The promptness of these troops soon brought them in front of the enemy, who were occupying a commanding position a short distance west of the city. The action soon became warm and spirited, continuing some five hours, the enemy being handsomely repulsed just as darkness came upon us. The conduct of both officers and men was brave, gallant and creditable. Colonel Gilpin and Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin conducted themselves in the most gallant manner, deserving great credit for their skill and efficiency from first to last. These officers speak in very high terms of the officers and men under them, and they deserve it all. The three guns of Alexander's battery were served splendidly under the command of Captain Alexander, and I do but simple justice when I say that the officers and men are entitled to high [620] esteem and admiration for their skill and bravery exhibited in this action.

Receiving information that the enemy were being heavily reinforced, I went forward with the regiment composed of companies of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth and One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guard, commanded by Colonel Brown, who took possession of the enemy's deserted lines soon after daylight Friday morning. The most of Friday was spent in cavalry skirmishing with the enemy under the personal direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, and was very efficiently done. I continued to receive reports during the day of the increasing strength of the enemy, which was communicated to the Commanding General, who directed me to fall back on Monocacy Junction, which was successfully done during the night, leaving the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guard to hold the stone bridge across the Monocacy on the National or Baltimore pike.

Saturday morning found us in line of battle, my command forming the right of the line, my left resting on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and connecting with General Ricketts, the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guard and three companies of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guard holding the extreme right; Colonel Gilpin's Third regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, and three companies of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, under Captain Bamford, extending along the base of the hill, holding the ford between the stone bridge and junction; and the Eleventh Maryland, Colonel Landstreet, completing my line. The enemy appeared directly in my front about nine o'clock A. M., and opened on us with artillery, and attacked in considerable force our skirmish line, formed on the west bank of the Monocacy, and composed of the troops of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, under command of Captain Brown, three guns of Captain Alexander's battery (three having been sent to General Ricketts), and a twenty-Four-pound howitzer soon checked their advancing fines, and the action in my front, with the exception of sharpshooters' and skirmish firing, was an artillery fight. This at times was quite spirited, continuing until near the lose of the action — we maintaining our position without serious loss.

The conduct of Captain Brown, of the First Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade, and his command, merit special notice; they successfully maintained their skirmish line against a superior force, to the close, and resisted several charges of the enemy. Captain Alexander, with his officers and men, behaved in the most gallant manner, serving their guns with great coolness and effect. I desire particularly to call the Commanding General's attention to their conduct during the three days we were in front of the enemy.

The Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio, and three companies of the Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guard, under Colonel Brown, considering their inexperience, behaved well, successfully resisting several charges of the enemy. Colonel Gilpin's regiment, with the three companies of the First Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade, that were assigned him, although serving in detachments along an extended line, fully sustained the enviable reputation they had won on Thursday.

The Eleventh Maryland was not brought into action, but were exposed for a time to the artillery fire of the enemy.

The cavalry was placed under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, who will furnish a separate report, and I would very respectfully call the attention of the Major-General to this gallant and valuable officer, and the officers and men serving under him. They certainly acquitted themselves with great credit.

A force of the enemy's cavalry came down upon me while on the right of the line near the stone bridge, and forced me, Captain Webb and Lieutenant Goldsborough of my staff, into the woods, surrounding us, and by their persistent watchfulness, prevented our following the column for nearly three days.

To the officers of my staff, Captain W. H Wiegel, Captain F. J. D. Webb, and Lieutenants Goldsborough, George W. Startzman and R. E. Smith, I am greatly indebted for their untiring efforts and energy during the whole movement. Captain Weigle, in the heat of the engagement, took command of the twenty-four-pounder howitzer on the bank of the river, serving it with marked courage and ability, and with telling effect upon the enemy. His conduct must have been observed by the Commanding General.

I send you herewith a list of the casualties as far as we are able to obtain them at this time.

Very respectfully submitted,

E. B. Tyler. Brigadier-General Commanding. Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.


Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin.

sir — I have the honor to report that I left Washington, D. C., July fourth, at seven o'clock P. M. with two hundred and thirty officers and men of the Eighth regiment Illinois cavalry, and arrived at Point of Rocks at two o clock P. M., July fifth, where I found Moseby with two pieces of artillery and about two hundred men posted on the south bank of the Potomac. Dismounting one half of my command, I skirmished with him for an hour and a half, killing one of his men, and wounding two others, when he retired down the river. He fired but six shots from his artillery. I lost no men.

Hearing that he was crossing at Nolan's Ferry, I moved down and drove him back about ten o'clock P. M., and went into camp for three hours; [621] I returned to Point of Rocks by sunrise the next morning, and sent one squadron to Berlin and Sandy Hook to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At 11:30 A. M. I received a telegram from General Howe to repair to Frederick and ascertain the force of the enemy reported in the vicinity of Boonesboro. Calling in my forces I arrived at Frederick at eight o'clock P. M., where I received orders to report in person to Major-General Wallace, at Monocacy Junction, and by him was ordered to take two pieces of Alexander's battery and move forward by the way of Middletown and find the enemy. I left Frederick City at 5:30 A. M. July fifth and met the enemy's cavalry in equal force approaching from Middletown, and immediately engaged and drove them back, when they were heavily reinforced, and I retired slowly to Catoctin mountain and placed the artillery in position, from which it was able to shell the enemy's skirmish-line with effect. The enemy had used two guns of longer range and heavier metal than those of Alexander's battery, but we had the advantage in position. After five hours skirmishing, the enemy being heavily reinforced, and flanking me, I was compelled to fall back on Frederick. For three hours I had been fighting at least one thousand men, and I could see additional reinforcements moving up from Middletown.

The enemy pressed me closely as I retired on Frederick, where I found an additional gun and ammunition. Placing the guns rapidly in position I cleared the road of cavalry and opened on the head of the approaching column, which fell back and deployed to our left, bringing up artillery which was posted south of the Hagerstown pike in a commanding position. At this time Colonel Gilpin with the Third Maryland regiment, Potomac Home brigade, came up, and being senior officer took command of all the forces. I moved to our left, and with my cavalry dismounted, engaged the enemy, fighting continually until dark, repulsing them effectually. My loss this day was one officer, Lieutenant Gilbert, mortally wounded, two men killed, and seven wounded. The enemy retired to Catoctin mountain during the night. The next morning I sent forward a portion of my regiment to find the enemy, and skirmished with them the greater part of the day, repulsing several charges and driving their skirmishers into the mountain. Captain Lieb, Fifth United States cavalry, with ninety-six mounted infantry; Major Wells, First New York veteran cavalry, with two hundred and fifty-six cavalry of various regiments, and the Independent Loudon Rangers were ordered to report to me that day, all of whom I had supporting the men of my own regiment or on the flanks watching the movements of the enemy, The loss in the Eighth Illlinois cavalry, was Captain John V. Morris, one man killed, and seven men wounded. The infantry having fallen back, I called in my forces covering the rear of the column, leaving Frederick City about two o'clock A. M. on the morning of the ninth of July. I arrived at Monocacy Junction, via Baltimore turnpike, about daylight. After two hours rest I deployed a squadron (Eighth Illinois cavalry) on the Georgetown Pike between the junction and Frederick; sent Captain Lieb with the mounted infantry to hold a ford above the bridge where the Baltimore pike crosses the Monocacy, and one company (Eighth Illinois cavalry,) down the Monocacy, to move well round on the enemy's right flank. The squadron on the Georgetown pike met the enemy's skirmishers within a mile of the junction and held them in check until compelled to retire before vastly superior numbers, which they did in good order. I moved with all the available force I had to our left, where I had been informed the enemy were making demonstrations with their cavalry. I had posted one company on the left of the infantry to cover a ford across the Monocacy, and was down between the river and the road to Buckeystown, which was the line I designed taking up, when the enemy charged across the river with a brigade of cavalry upon the company I had just posted. Lieutenant Corbit, in command of the company, drove the advance back, and for a few minutes held his ground, then retired in good order to the Buckeystown road, which he held until the infantry came to his support. The enemy dismounted their cavalry, and engaged the left of our infantry. During this time I was cut off from the main body of our forces, having three orderlies with me, and directly in rear of the rebel cavalry. Two squadrons of my regiment were also cut off, but further down the river. One squadron I directed to accomplish the work of destroying bridges and obstructions crossing over the Monocacy and making circuit of the enemy's right to join me on the Georgetown pike, near Monocacy Junction; the other squadron I brought around the enemy's flank, and took a position on the left of the infantry. During this time I had scouts and patrols on the Georgetown pike as far as Urbana, and fifty men of Major Wells' command at the latter place, patroling toward Buckeystown.

When the rebel infantry charged upon our left, and our forces had fallen back, I retired toward Urbana, skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry. They pressed me closely and made several charges. At Urbana the Seventeenth Virginia cavalry charged me with desperation, but were repulsed with the loss of their colors, their major, color-bearer, and several men killed and a number wounded. The force pursuing me was McCausland's brigade.

I had eighty (80) men of my own regiment and thirty-five (35) men of Stahl's cavalry I could not bring into action, and ordered them to the rear to enable me to keep a clear road in my rear. Deploying my eighty men as skirmishers, and making a show of having received reinforcements, the enemy dismounted their advance regiment to fight me on foot, sending their horses to the rear, and blocking up the road. I immediately called back my skirmishers [622] over a hill, and fell back to Monrovia, where I found trains loaded with wounded and stragglers moving off. Crossing to the Baltimore turnpike I covered the rear of our retreating forces until they arrived at Ellicott's Mills. My loss this day was one man killed-Lieutenant J. A. Kinley--and five men wounded.

Companies C and I, Eighth Illinois cavalry, Captain Wells commanding, were entirely cut off, and fell back on Washington. Captain Lieb's men behaved well, and fell back in good order from our extreme right, forming part of the rear guard.

The London Rangers are worthless as cavalry.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. R. Clendenin, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.


Report of Captain F. W. Alexander.

Camp no. 24, Baltimore battery light artillery, Near Baltimore, July 13, 1864.
Samuel B. Lawrence, A. A. G., Eighth Army Corps:
sir — In pursuance of orders, I have the honor to make the following statement regarding the fight at Frederick and the battle of Monocacy. At one A. M. Thursday, seventh, I received an order to send a section to Frederick to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, Eighth Illinois cavalry. Lieutenant Leary of the battery reported at half-past 4 A. M. with his section at Frederick to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin, and advanced at six A. M. along the road leading westwardly to Middletown. The enemy were encountered two miles this side of Middletown, and the section gradually retired toward Frederick. At eleven A. M. of the same day, I received orders to go to Lieutenant Leary's assistance with another gun and ammunition. I met them at half-past 12 P. M., and with Colonel Clendenin formed a line of defence on the edge of the town. The enemy opened on us with three guns about four P. M. About six P. M. we dismounted one gun and began to silence their artillery fire. Shortly before dark Colonel Gilpin, who, on his arrival, had assumed command, charged and forced back the rebels, and they appeared no more that night.

On Friday, eighth, the battery was filled by the arrival of the remaining three pieces at nine A. M. No engagement took place, except slight skirmishing on the Middletown road, but the battery was constantly on the move until four A. M., Saturday, ninth, when it returned to the Monacacy somewhat short of ammunition, as the fire on Thursday bad been continuous all day. On Saturday, ninth, at nine A. M., I was ordered to place three guns on the hill beyond Monocacy, toward Frederick, and commenced firing on the enemy as they advanced on both sides of the pike from Frederick. They soon returned with artillery, but with little effect. Finding this, they proceeded around toward the left of our position, where the ground gradually rose in the distance, while on our side it sloped away. The other three guns were then placed on the hill on this side of the Monocacy, so as to meet their movement to our left. The enemy brought, as nearly as I can judge, about sixteen guns to bear on us, but owing to the advantages of the ground, and the infantry preventing them from gaining ground to our left, where they could have commanded the battery, did but little damage, though some of their guns were of heavier calibre. (The guns of the battery are three-inch rifle.) When more guns of the enemy began to appear on our left, with infantry, I moved two more guns from the hill on the right to the hill on our left. Finally, about three P. M. our troops made a charge, and drove them back, and they then uncovered their forces and came on in about three lines, and forced our troops to retreat. Our ammunition almost gave out about four P. M., but the guns were kept in position until the order was given from General Ricketts to retire by the Baltimore road. We moved out along the road which led to the Baltimore pike at a walk, and I was ordered by General Wallace, at New Market, to proceed along the road to Baltimore. Two of the guns were left in the rear to assist in guarding the column, though with little ammunition left, and joined the battery at Ellicott's Mills at eleven A. M., Sunday, July tenth, when I moved to Baltimore, as ordered, for ammunition and supplies. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men of the battery, viz.: Lieutenant Evans, Lieutenant Leary, and Lieutenant Hall. Lieutenant Alexander was absent as Acting Assistant Adjutant-General on General Kenly's staff. My loss was four men wounded and five horses killed, one caisson body (empty) and the body of the battery wagon left behind in order to attach a twenty-four pounder howitzer, which did not belong to the battery, to the limber. I succeeded in bringing it safely to Baltimore, as also a mountain howitzer, which had been used to defend the Monocacy bridge.

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. W. Alexander, Commanding Baltimore Battery of Light Artillery.


Report of Captain Edward H. Lieb.

Baltimore, July 18, 1864.
General — I have the honor to report that I left with my command of mounted infantry on the sixth instant for Monocacy Junction. I arrived and reported to General Tyler, who immediately ordered me to move to the front and report to Colonel Gilpin of the Third Potomac Home Brigade. I reported to him and was ordered to support Alexander's battery of artillery. About twelve o'clock at night I was again ordered to move to the Monocacy pike bridge and hold it. On the eighth I was ordered again [623] to the front, with my command, to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin of the Eighth Illinois cavalry. He ordered me to move to the extreme front, and turn out my men, which I did. I remained in position all day; at dusk I was relieved by a regiment of the Sixth corps, with orders to feed my horses, and procure rations for my men. I met General Tyler on the road, who ordered me to move out on the Buckeystown road and feel the enemy. I moved out about five (5) miles, and was moving on when I was ordered back to Frederick. I arrived there about twelve o'clock at night, and, in conjunction with the Eighth Illinois cavalry, brought up the rear guard to the Monocacy junction; from there I was ordered to move up the Monocacy river one mile, to the Baltimore pike bridge, to a ford and hold it. I was also requested to assist the Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio, one hundred (100) days' men, to hold the bridge. I arrived at the ford and drove the rebels off, placed my men in position, and then returned to assist the Colonel to hold his position, which, at that time, was being hard pressed. The rebels made a charge on the left of the line, and drove the left in, within one hundred yards of the bridge. I immediately rode up and rallied the men, and drove the enemy back, captured some prisoners, and retook the old ground. I then assisted Colonel Brown to establish the line, and he threw his whole force over. The position was a very good one; the enemy tried hard to take it, but at every point were driven back; my men on the extreme left held their position, and were not troubled by the enemy. I relieved all my mounted men and placed a company of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio in their old position; took my command to the bridge for the purpose of holding it until our forces fell back on the Baltimore pike. General Tyler requested me to draw the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio over the Monocacy bridge, as soon as possible. I reported the intention of the General to Colonel Brown, and started to carry out the order. The men commenced moving to the bridge, and were crossing; the enemy arrived in force on the opposite side, and attacked our men on the left flank. I pushed all the men over I could, and when I started to cross I found the rebels in strong force in my front; and when I started to move to the rear, found it impossible to move in that direction.

The rebels were coming in rear and on all flanks; the way open was up the river, and I started in that direction, the rebels closing in in all directions. I could not strike the ford, and was compelled to ride my horse down a very steep bluff into the river. I crossed the river, and directed the officer commanding a company of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio in what direction to move. He commenced moving before I left. and I have since been informed that he is now in the city with his command. I started to the point where I had left my men to cover my crossing over the bridge, but found all had gone, and the rebels in possession of the ground. I met a few men of the Eighth Illinois cavalry, and took to the woods at twelve (12) o'clock at night. I arrived on the Baltimore pike two (2) miles this side of New Market, and found that the enemy had not been on the road further than New Market. I brought up the rear guard, with eight men, to one mile on the other side of Ridgeville, and there met my command. I reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin for orders; he ordered me to act in conjunction with himself in bringing up the rear of our forces. I must here state that Captain Allen, of the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio, mounted infantry, repelled the rebel cavalry, killing six (6) and wounding quite a number. The enemy did not follow after he drove them back. At Ellicott's Mills I threw out pickets and remained under General Ricketts' orders. I sent out small parties to scout the country to the right, rear, and left, and drove the rebel cavalry back on the different roads. I sent Captain Allen out on the Elysville road six miles. He came up in the rear of a few rebel cavalrymen, killed two, and wounded the officers in command. All that could be found on my flank were a few rebel cavalry. On Monday evening, the eleventh, I was ordered to bring up the rear of General Ricketts' division, and move to Baltimore on the pike. I arrived in the city about seven (7) o'clock in the evening, and immediately reported to the commanding officer for orders, and was ordered to go into Camp Carroll, and rest my men and horses.

In conclusion I am pleased to state that Captain Allen did all in his power to assist me in carrying out my orders. All the orders I gave he promptly carried out, and to my entire satisfaction. I am pleased to state that the mounted men under my command did well, more than I expected from men that have been in the service so short a time, and not used to riding. The whole time I was absent I could not find time to procure forage for my horses, and rations for my men. Not a man complained, all stood the hard marches like faithful soldiers, and in battle I cannot find fault with one of my men; all did well

I arrived in the city with sixty-six (66) men; I left with ninety-eight (98) privates and two officers; since that time all had returned except ten; a few of my horses were shot, and I could not bring them off the field with me.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Edward H. Lieb. Captain Fifth U. S. Cavalry. Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.

Casualties in the First separate brigade, Eighth Army corps, commanded by Brigadier-General E. B. Tyler.

Third Regt., Potomac Home brigade, Md. Vols.

Company A--Missing--Privates James Tennant, George C. Wilcher, Peter Conroy, Zachariah [624] Loman, Lloyd S. Buckingham, John T. Gasnell, Patrick Daily, Edward Cromer, John Somerville, Thomas H. Russell, and Corporal William Uphold.

Company B--Wounded — Abraham Powell. Missing--Corporals Lewis Hampton, Josiah K. Cooper; Privates William Bishop, Frederick Devilliss,John Foreback, Frederick Hessner, B. M. Powell, and David Simmons.

Company C--Wounded--Corporal Jas. Holstead; Private James W. Rice. Missing--Private James H. D. Biderman.

Company D--Missing--Privates Henry Series, Alfred Sisler, and J. J. Johnson.

Company E--Killed--Corporal J. D. Barker. Missing--Privates George J. Siess, Christian Dayhuff, James Hutzell.

Company F--Wounded--Privates J. W. Cunkelton, George W. Springer. Captured--Sergeant Michael Huffer, Corporal G. W. Barber (Paroled, Private Daniel Grey). Missing — John Donohue, Lewis Peters, Ezra T. Reese, Martin Brenanan, Reuben Myers, and John Carson. (The last named not in either engagement, as he went to the rear upon the appearance of danger.)

Company G--Wounded--Privates J. Baker, J. Clabaugh, J. B. Fike, Charles Mason, D. McAllister, J. E. Shipway, Samuel Yeats. Missing — J. Cook, G. Crouse, M. Donovan, E. Fike, A. Kayser, W. Lugenbeel, H. Mugness, A. McLean, G. W. Nalls, S. Slagman, J. Stedding, and Captain C. B. McCoy.

Company I--Wounded-- First Sergeant Jefferson Davis, supposed to be wounded and prisoner, John A. Pierce, Abraham Humble. Missing — Jacob E. Thomas, Edward Herman, George W. Hileman, John Nagle, and Ephraim Speck.

Company K--Wounded--Privates John Cassner, Andrew Mobley, D. A. Barney. Missing — Jacob Barney, Charles Phelas, Jacob Renger, George Whalen, Corporal David Graham, Private Lewis Becan.

detachment First Regt. P. H. B., Md. Vols.

Company B--Wounded--Privates Adam Best, G. A. Zahn, G. W. Pool. Missing--Sergeants G. E. Ramsberg, D. J. Zarlon, Corporal J. A. Wagner, Privates R. C. Balsell, James D. Keller, R. M. Mitchell, Thomas Smith, U. H. Yingling, Andrew Teakle.

Company G--Captured--Corporal Henry Nafe, Privates Rufus P. Burner, G. G. Brane, Garded Luttman. Missing — James Irvin, G. W. Gatlen, George W. Goodwin, Ephraim Stonesifer, Hezekiah Shelling, Henry Taylor, James Young.

Company C--Missing--Sergeant J. R. Poffenberger, Privates Martin Glass, Henry R. Haines, George W. Palmer.

Company K--Wounded — James Fisher, William Harris, Frederick Lutz, John H. Weldy. Missing — Thomas Brown, Thomas P. Collins, Nicholas Serverns, Gotleib Siedel, G. Hamilton Smith.

149TH regiment Ohio National guard.

The medical officer on duty with this regiment, including Dr. Burnison of the Eleventh Maryland, together with the killed and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy. No report has yet been received from the commanding officer.

Eleventh Maryland volunteers (Militia).

Wounded — John Fade, Company A (leg), Thomas Woodfield, Company C (hip). It is believed that the largest part of those heretofore reported as killed and wounded will yet turn out as prisoners or stragglers.

Alexander's battery lost three (3) men wounded, names not yet ascertained.

Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.


Report of G. R. Johnson.

Baltimore, July 13, 1864--11 o'clock A. M.
General — I was in the rebel lines at Monocacy and Frederick during Saturday and Sunday last. The entire corps of Ewell and Breckinridge were there, estimated to be twenty-five or thirty thousand (25,000 or 30,000) strong. They had beside a large cavalry force, say five or six thousand (5,000 or 6,000). They were well suplied with artillery and stores. The main body left Monocacy Sunday morning, and a strong rear guard left at twelve M., or one P. M. They marched down the Georgetown pike. I last heard of them at Hyattsvtlle, on that pike. It was said that they were making for Edwards' and Nolan's ferries. A Union cavalry force from Hunter's command entered Frederick as the rebels left it. The rebels' rear guard left precipitately, being under the impression that Hunter's main force was approaching. When I left Frederick at twelve M. yesterday, Hunter was said to be at Martinsburg, with a part of his force. The railroad is intact this side of Monocacy. I came down the pike, which is now unobstructed.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours,

G. K. Johnson, Medical Inspector, U. S. A Major-General Ord.


Report of Colonel A. L. Brown.

headquarters one hundred and Forty-Ninth regiment, Ohio National guard, Halltown, Va., Aug. 7, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel B. Lawrence, A. A. G., Eighth Army Corps:
I have the honor to report the following as the losses of my command at the battle of Monocacy, July 9, 1864:

seven companies one hundred and Forty-Ninth. commissioned officers. enlisted men.
Killed   4
Wounded   10
Missing 3 184
Total 3 198

[625]

detachment one hundred and Forty-Fourth--three companies. commissioned officers. enlisted men.
Killed   2
Wounded 1 10
Missing 1 20
Total 2 32

Of the missing of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth about one hundred and twenty men, including the three commissioned officers, have been heard from, some having made their escape, and others reported to different posts, making my loss about sixty-seven men, in missing. Of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth, one man wounded has since died.

Recapitulation.

  commissioned officers.   enlisted men.
    Killed 6
Missing 4 Wounded 20
Wounded 1 Missing 204
Total 5 Total 230

Since heard from, three commissioned officers, one hundred and seventeen enlisted men.

Active duty in the field and sudden and frequent changes of position, have made it impossible for me to get accurate returns. This report is as nearly correct as I can get under the circumstances.

I have the honor to be, Colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. L. Brown, Colonel One Hundred and Forty-Ninth Ohio National Guard.

List of Commissioned Officers Missing from One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio National Guard.
Captain Charles W. McGinnis, Company C.

First Lieutenant George H. Bowers, Company G.

Second Lieutenant St. Clair Pittzer, Company G.

List of Commissioned Officers Wounded and Missing One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guard.

Captain John McKee, Company I, wounded.

Lieutenant George Weddell, Company I, prisoner.

Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.

Casualties in the Third Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, at the Battle of Monocacy Junction, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Maryland, July 9th, 1864.

Station. co. killed. wounded. missing. captured. remarks.
Monocacy Junction A     1   Stationed at base of mountain, north of railroad. Afterward died, skirmishing on Monocacy river.
Monocacy Junction B   1    
Monocacy Junction C     1   Supporting Alexander's Battery, north of railroad river ford, one mile north of railroad.
Monocacy Junction D        
Monocacy Junction E 1     3
Monocacy Junction F   2   2 Stationed at block-house, north of railroad, supported howitzer skirmishing on river.
Monocacy Junction G 1 3 1  
Monrovia H         Supporting battery north of railroad, not engaged. Mounted as scouts.
Monocacy Junction I   1   5
Monocacy Junction K     1   Supporting section of Alexander's battery east of Monocacy, north of railroad, skirmishing on river.
Total   2 7 4 10  

I certify that the above is a correct list of casualties in the Third regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Volunteers, at the Battle of Monocacy Junction. June 9th 1864.

Chas. Gilpin, Colonel Third Maryland Volunteers, Potomac Home Brigade. Saml. B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.

Casualties of the First Maryland Regiment. Potomac Home Brigade, at the Battle of the Monocacy, July 9th, 1864.

names. rank. co. remarks.
Moses A. Gosnel Private C Killed by a musket ball through the head.
Gideon L. Wilmer Corporal C Wounded, left ear shot off.
Frank A. Hall Private C Captured.
Frank M. Ford Private G Wounded in right hand.
Ephraim Stonesifer Private G Captured.
George W. Goowin Private G Captured.
H. S. Seiss Sergeant H Wounded slightly in the arm.
J. W. Nicholson Musician H Wounded in face and leg.
Martin Glass Private H Slightly wounded and missing.
Wm. S. Bamford Private H Slightly wounded.
James Cunningham Private H Wounded in hip.
John Cuddy Private H Wounded slightly.
Charles J. Brown Captain K Wounded slightly, in arm.
William Harris Private K Shot in the leg, leg amputated.
Frederick Lutz Private K Wounded through the left breast, mortally.
John H. Welch Private K Wounded on shoulder and side.
James Fisher Private K Shot through the neck.
Joseph Maloney Private K Captured.
John Craft Private K Captured.

[626]

I certify that the above is a correct list of casualties of the First Maryland Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, at the Battle of Monocacy, July 9th, 1864.

Charles J. Brown, Captain Commanding Detachment First Maryland Regiment, Potomac Home Brigade. Saml. B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.


Report of Captain Charles J. Brown.

headquarters Fort Worthington, July 20, 1864.
Captain R. H. Offley, Assistant Adjutant-General, Defences of Baltimore.
Captain — I have the honor to submit the following report of my command at the battle of Monocacy. My two companies, “C” and “K,” First Maryland regiment, Potomac Home Brigade, were occupying, at the commencement of the fight, the block-house on the west side of the Monocacy, which I, in obedience to orders from the General Commanding, evacuated and burned. I was then ordered to hold the bridge over the railroad on the Georgetown pike, one company of the Tenth Vermont Infantry and one company of the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery being added to my command. This position I held until the left of our army fell back, when, having received a discretionary order to fall back while I could do so with safety, I left my position, fell back across the railroad bridge, and occupied the rifle-pits on the east side of the Monocacy, covering the retreat of our army for a short time, and then following the line of march until my command was increased by companies B, G and H, First Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade, being added to it at Ellicott's Mills, where I was furnished transportation to Baltimore Sunday, July tenth, and ordered to report to Colonel Gilpin, commanding First Separate Brigade, Colonel Gilpin being in command of Fort Worthington.

On Wednesday, July thirteen, Colonel Gilpin being ordered elsewhere, I was placed in command of the fort, which I now occupy with companies B, C, G, H, and K of the First Maryland regiment, Potomac Home Brigade.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Charles J. Brown, Captain Commanding First Maryland, Potomac Home Brigade, Detached Infantry. Samuel B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.

Report of Casualties in Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, for July 9th, 1864.

command. killed. wounded. missing. total. remarks.
Officers. Enlisted Men. Aggregate. Officers. Enlisted Men. Aggregate. Officers. Enlisted Men. Aggregate.
General Staff       1   1       1 Captain Adam E. King, A. A. G., severely wounded.
First Brigade 8 54 62 17 226 243 3 429 432 743
Second Brigade 3 19 22 12 255 267 7 615 622 911
Total 11 73 84 30 481 511 10 1044 1054 1655  

James B. Ricketts, Brigadier-General Commanding. Saml. B. Lawrence, Lieutenant-Colonel and A. A. G.

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James B. Ricketts (29)
Charles Gilpin (22)
E. B. Tyler (20)
D. R. Clendenin (20)
A. L. Brown (20)
F. W. Alexander (17)
Samuel B. Lawrence (15)
Bradley T. Johnson (9)
Lewis Wallace (4)
Sigel (4)
Edward H. Lieb (4)
E. H. Lieb (4)
Landstreet (4)
David Hunter (4)
George (4)
Charles J. Brown (4)
N. H. Allen (4)
L. C. Wells (3)
Ephraim Stonesifer (3)
Ned McCausland (3)
Frederick Lutz (3)
Leary (3)
Adam E. King (3)
William Harris (3)
H. W. Halleck (3)
Frank A. Hall (3)
James Fisher (3)
Jubal A. Early (3)
Lynde Catlin (3)
Breckinridge (3)
N. J. Alexander (3)
D. J. Zarlon (2)
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E. D. Townsend (2)
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Stahl (2)
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Alfred Sisler (2)
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B. M. Powell (2)
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J. R. Poffenberger (2)
John A. Pierce (2)
Charles Phelas (2)
Lewis Peters (2)
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E. O. C. Ord (2)
G. W. Nalls (2)
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Henry Nafe (2)
Reuben Myers (2)
H. Mugness (2)
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Loman (2)
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Martin Glass (2)
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Garded (2)
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E. Fike (2)
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Frederick Devilliss (2)
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K. Cooper (2)
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Burnison (2)
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Lloyd S. Buckingham (2)
Thomas Brown (2)
Martin Brenanan (2)
G. G. Brane (2)
William Bishop (2)
James H. D. Biderman (2)
Adam Best (2)
Lewis Becan (2)
Jacob Barney (2)
D. A. Barney (2)
J. D. Barker (2)
G. W. Barber (2)
William S. Bamford (2)
R. C. Balsell (2)
J. Baker (2)
Andrew (2)
John Wooldey (1)
Max Woodhull (1)
Gideon L. Wilmer (1)
Wiegel (1)
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George Weddell (1)
William Wallace (1)
Lew Wallace (1)
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St (1)
R. E. Smith (1)
William H. Seward (1)
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James R. Ross (1)
Clair Pittzer (1)
Payne (1)
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John McKee (1)
Charles W. McGinnis (1)
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G. K. Johnson (1)
Howe (1)
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Moses A. Gosnel (1)
George W. Goowin (1)
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John W. Garrett (1)
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Ewell (1)
James Evans (1)
Emerson (1)
Ebright (1)
Doc (1)
James Cunningham (1)
John Cuddy (1)
D. N. Couch (1)
Corbit (1)
George H. Bowers (1)
Binkley (1)
N. S. Allen (1)
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