Eventually, the Confederates under Evans forced the Union forces off the bluff and into the Potomac River. Here again, a shortage of boats took a toll on the Union forces. Those who did not surrender would have to swim across the river and many drowned in the attempt.
The shocking disparity of casualties made the Union defeat all the more resounding. The Federal Army suffered over 1,000 casualties while the Confederates less than 160.
***********************************
FACT #4: The only sitting Member of Congress to be killed in battle died at Ball's Bluff.
Senator Edward Dickinson Baker of Oregon and a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, became a colonel when he was chosen to lead the California Regiment in May 1861. He was assigned to Brig. Gen. Stone's division stationed on the Potomac River.
On the morning of October 21, 1861, Baker learned of Devin's raiding party into what they thought was a rebel camp and went to Stone to be briefed. Stone, not yet knowing about the skirmish, ordered Baker to Ball's Bluff to take command of the reconnaissance and to evaluate whether to send in more troops or withdraw.
When Baker learned about the skirmish, he ordered all available troops forward and crossed the river to Ball's Bluff himself in midafternoon. About 4 pm, he was struck simultaneously in the heart and brain by four bullets and died instantly.
--Old Secesh
No comments:
Post a Comment