July 8th Report of Major General William High Keim, Pennsylvania Militia

SECOND DIVISION HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Brown, Martinsburg, Va., July 8, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the reports of the First Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel John C. Starkweather, and the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel P. Jarrett, received through Colonel J. J. Abercrombie, officer commanding Sixth Brigade, Second Division, U. S. Army. The details are given so clearly, it is not necessary to dilate upon that subject.

The enemy had the advantage of position and local information. Posted so as to command the approach of the brigade under Colonel Abercrombie, they opened fire near Hoke’s Run, beyond Falling Waters, six miles from Williamsport, Md. The Wisconsin regiment, in the advance, promptly responded to the attack, supported by the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, until Captain Perkins’ battery was placed in position. When united, a galling fire was opened upon them. Captain McMullin’s Rangers, the First City Troop, Captain James, and Colonel Thomas’ command maintained a position under fire with great firmness.

Colonel J. J. Abercrombie, commanding the brigade, deserves great credit for the skill and the masterly manner in which he halted the troops. I beg you will report him favorably to the War Department. The presence of the commanding general, Major General robert Patterson, and staff, was of essential service. It infused life and spirit into the different commands. With the eye of the commander upon them, they acted bravely and with great steadiness, considering the short time of service and with inexperienced volunteers.

The loss on the part of the enemy was large, estimated from 60 to 80 killed and a large number wounded. Our loss, 2 killed; 13 wounded; 1 missing.

I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,

W. H. KEIM,
Major-General, Commanding Second Div. Pennsylvania Vols.

Colonel F. J. PORTER, Department of Pennsylvania.

[Enclosures]

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.