HAGERSTOWN, MD., June 29, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Washington City:
COLONEL: I inclose, for the information of the General-in-Chief, Captain Newton’s report of his examination of the Maryland Heights. The report is not as full as I desired it to be, the survey being rapidly made, in consequence of having to send him off suddenly. From conversation with him and information I gain from residents, I am convinced the evacuation of the heights would be attended with great peril, and, unless a strong force be placed in Pleasant Valley to keep open communication with water, it cannot be held at this season by any command I have.
I inclose also a communication from Captain Newton, relating to the reoccupation of these heights. I do not think the information reliable. Considerable force has been at work on the heights. Much mischief was done.
I arranged to-day for advancing toward Virginia on Monday. This is the earliest I can move with artillery, without which I deem it very important I should cross the river, with information or a large opposing force, at my head. I am advised, to drive the enemy from our vicinity, we should first occupy their flank well, push to Winchester. If the enemy have retired (of which intimations have been prepared for), our weight, will next hear of my approach to you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. PATTERSON,
Major-General, Commanding.
[Inclosures.]
HAGERSTOWN, MD., June 25, 1861.
Maj. F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to report the result of my examination of Maryland Heights (Elk Ridge).
I ascended the western slope by the county road leading to Solomon’s Gap; thence I proceeded on the summit of the ridge to the southeastern extremity of the ridge. This road requires extensive repairs for heavy hauling for a distance of about four miles.
The timber on the ridge is covered with a small growth of timber and brushwood, and is deficient of penetration. An easy defense could be made by cutting down the timber and brush across the summit for a breadth of from 4 yards in width, and constructing behind this obstruction a light parapet. Where the interior slope stockaded, stockade to the height enough to protect the heads of the men then standing on the banquette, and to loophole-lot. Others stockaded parapets may be erected wherever a more minute examination may render it necessary and at those points where the access up the sides of the mountain may be confined to extend an enemy. The portion of the heights to be occupied by us should extend about one and three-fourths miles from the southern extremity of the ridge, with the object of protecting our supplies of water from the base of the mountain at the foot of the western slope; and that upon one and one-quarter miles from the southern extremity of the ridge. Our principal defense should be felling trees, &c., on the sides and slopes of the mountain and on the summit wherever an approach would be practicable. We should also occupy the base of the slope, where our supplies of water are to be drawn. The mountain affords capabilities for a strong defense of water, the necessity of ground to be occupied, the condition of the roads, and the extent of transportation of water and stores up the mountain, much inconvenience may be experienced, and a certain amount of time also will be expended in completing the defenses.
The ascent of the eastern slope is through Solomon’s Gap, by a road larger and steeper than by the corresponding road from the western side, and also by a road constructed by the enemy years ago to run from Sandy Hook. The latter road is not too steep, but is very rough, having large stones five or six feet long in many places directly in the road. The same is true in a measure of all other roads up in the mountain. The rocks are said by those who have made roads on the mountain to be generally detached, and not to form a part of a ledge.
It is impossible to state what amount of force would be detailed from the Army at this period, with the necessity also of watching closely the enemy, to construct the necessary defenses. My estimate is that two thousand men are necessary to occupy the mountain and the eastern slope, and it would require two thousand men to work about ten days in order to put everything in condition to make a vigorous defense.
The extent and rugged nature of the ground, combined with the close growth of timber and brush rendered it impossible to make traverses, and the distances are accordingly taken from maps, guides, and from personal observation, without the use of instruments.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
JOHN NEWTON,
Capt., U. S. Engineers, Chief of Engineer Staff.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 