Today in History:

107 Series I Volume XLIII-II Serial 91 - Shenandoah Valley Campaign Part II

Page 107 Chapter LV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

HARPER'S FERRY, VA., September 18, 1864-8 p. m.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Nothing new for past tow days. General Sheridan moves on enemy at daylight. To-day enemy attacked Averell in force, and drove him. To-night his command reported at Shepherdstown. He reports that he was attacked by two divisions of infantry. No particulars of the affair. The firing continued at intervals of several hours. The enemy commenced attack at Bunker Hill. All trains sent to rear.

JNO. D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864-2.30 a. m.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON,

Commanding District of Harper's Ferry:

GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your note relative to arming and equipping recruits, convalescents, and stragglers, and to say, in reply, that as the army at the present moment is on the march, that no details can well be made, but the subject will be attended to in a few days.

Very respectfully, &c.,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864.

Brigadier General J. D. STEVENSON,

Commanding District of Harper's Ferry:

GENERAL: I will march against the enemy to-morrow. I have every confidence in your ability to hold Harper's Ferry and protect the trains that are there. I have no important news to communicate, except that a portion of the enemy's infantry marched this morning in the direction of Martinsburg. I have no regrets at their having done [so]. I do not know whether I shall be able to keep my communication with Harper's Ferry or not. Do not be uneasy if I do not do so.

Very respectfully,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
September 18, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON,

Commanding District of Harper's Ferry:

GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding in inform you that General Crook has two regiments of infantry garrisoning Charlestown at present; and in case they are pressed or have any trouble, you will draw them into Harper's Ferry and keep them on duty at that point.

Very respectfully,

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.


Page 107 Chapter LV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.