Doc. 16.-the passage of the Potomac.
General Patterson's report.
Colonel E. D. Townsend, A. A. General U. S. A., Washington City:
I left Hagerstown on the afternoon of the thirtieth ultimo, the earliest day my command could take the field in a proper condition for active service, intending the following morning to enter Virginia with two columns, (at Dam No. Four and at Williamsport,) to be united the same [213] day at Hainesville, the location of the rebels. Owing to the danger and difficulty attending the fording at Dam No. Four, I placed all the force at Williamsport.
My order of march for the second instant, is given in the accompanying circular. The advance crossed the Potomac at four A. M., all taking the main road to Martinsburg with the exception of Negley's brigade, which, about one mile from the ford, diverged to the right to meet the enemy, should he come from Hedgesville, to guard our right and to rejoin at Hainesville.
About five miles from the ford the skirmishers in front and on the flank suddenly became engaged with the enemy posted in a clump of trees, at the same time their main force appeared in front sheltered by fences, timber, and houses.
Abercrombie immediately deployed his regiments, (First Wisconsin and Eleventh Pennsylvania,) on each side of the road, placed Hudson's section, supported by the First troop Philadelphia City cavalry, in the road, and advanced to the attack against a warm fire before him. The enemy, being supported by artillery, resisted for twenty-five minutes with much determination.
Lieutenant Hudson, after getting into position, soon silenced their guns.
In the mean time Thomas's brigade rapidly advanced, and deployed to the left flank of the enemy. The enemy seeing this movement, and being pressed by Abercrombie, retired, hotly pursued for four miles by artillery and infantry. The cavalry could not he employed on account of numerous fences and walls crossing the country. In the enemy's camp was found camp equipage, provisions, grain, &c.
This brush was highly creditable to our arms, winning as we did the day against a foe superior in number to those engaged on our side. They were well posted, sheltered by timber, and sustained by artillery and cavalry. Our men advanced over open ground against a warm fire of artillery and infantry. I present the reports of the Colonels Abercrombie and Thomas, and Lieutenants Perkins and Hudson, and take much pleasure in bearing testimony, as an eye-witness, to the admirable manner in which their commands were handled and their commendations earned.
I also bear testimony to the efficient service in posting portions of the troops, and conducting them to the front and into action, rendered by the members of my staff present and on the field of battle, Colonel Porter, Captain John Newton, and Lieutenant Babcock, and Majors Price and Biddle, who were employed conveying orders, also Surgeon Tripler, in attention to the wounded.
The loss of the enemy was over sixty in killed.
The number of the wounded cannot be ascertained, as a large number were carried off the field.
I am, Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Circular.
Colonel Abercrombie's brigade, with one section of artillery and a squadron of cavalry.
Colonel Thomas's brigade, with one company of cavalry and two pieces of artillery.
General Negley's brigade, Colonel Longnecker's brigade, and one company cavalry, General Cadwallader, commanding.
The commanders will move in the above order. Baggage trains will cross after the commands, and be guarded by a portion of its regiment. A strong rear guard will be detailed by the commander of the first division.
The wagons must be kept closed up. Two regiments in all, from the third and fourth brigades, will be left as a guard to the public property in this town.
The commanders of cavalry companies and sections of artillery will report to their brigade commanders to-night, and join them in the morning.
By order of Major-General Patterson.
