The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Battle of Shepherdstown-- Part 1: A Rear Guard Action

Since I had never written about this battle before this week and actually wasn't even familiar with it, I will write about it here.

From Wikipedia.

Also known as the Battle of Boteler's Ford, took place September  19-20, 1862, in Jefferson County, Virginia, (now West Virginia), at the end of the Maryland Campaign which resulted in the Battle of Antietam

After the Battle of Antietam, there was an improvised truce for  both sides to recover and exchange their wounded.    Lee's forces started withdrawing across the Potomac River on the evening of September 18 and expected to be pursued by the Union Army.  he left behind a rear guard of two infantry brigades and 44-45 cannons under Brigadier General William N. Pendleton to hold Boteler's Ford.

Shortly before dusk on September 19, Union Brigadier General  Charles Griffin sent two regiments, the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters and the 4th Michigan, across the Potomac at Boteler's Ford.  They attacked Pendleton and captured four artillery pieces before being recalled.

Early on September 20,  Union Gen. Fitz John Porter sent two brigades across the Potomac for a reconnaissance in force.

Then, the fighting really took off.

--Old Secesh


No comments: