Harper’s Ferry, July 4, 1861.
Dear Sir: About 4 o’clock this p.m. the picket guard, under the command of Lieutenant Galbraith, of Company E, was fired upon by the rebels on the opposite side of the river at this point, in consequence of the attempt on the part of two of the picket guard to prevent the crossing of a member of the Pennsylvania regiment who had succeeded in crossing part way over about half a mile above the picket, the firing continuing after the return of the sentries to the picket, being very galling, and fearing they would attempt to cross over, Lieutenant Galbraith desired that re-enforcements might be sent him. Feeling satisfied that if attacked in the village a large sacrifice of the lives of the citizens would be the result, I ordered the advance of the command, consisting of Company A, Captain Morrison; Company C, Captain Prescott, and a detail of sixteen men from Company G, to proceed with me at once to the bridge. On arrival, found the enemy posted about the trestle-work and behind the abutments of the bridge on the Virginia shore and in some of the buildings along the river. Opened fire on them, but ascertaining that the muskets of the command were not effective at that distance, and the enemy being armed with rifles or rifled muskets, ordered the command to retire, which was done with the following results: John Earle Banks, of Company G, shot through the breast, died while being removed from the field; Ernest Gedricke, of Company A, shot through the abdomen, supposed to be mortally wounded; Henry V. Williamson, of Company G, shot through the leg, severely wounded, but will probably recover; Fred. R. Warner, of Company C, shot through the leg, slightly wounded. The men behaved with great courage and retired with reluctance.
Respectfully, yours, &c.,
W. ATTERBURY,
Major Ninth Regiment New York State Militia.
Col. J. W. STILES,
Ninth Regiment New York State Militia.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. LI, Part I. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 