On the night of the 3d, the Regiment was crossed over the Potomac on
scows, and marched six miles across the country to Bath, the summer
resort known as Berkly Springs.
Here were met Captain Russell's company of First Maryland Cavalry, two
companies of the 39th Illinois Infantry, and a section of Artillery,
two guns, with which force the 84th was to co-operate, with Colonel
Murray, the ranking officer, in command.
On the morning of the 4th, from out of Bath, up on the mountain
top, and there formed in line. From this point the rebel army could
be plainly seen advancing along the three roads; Jackson's force of
10,000, consisting of Ewell's, Longstreet's and Early's brigades,
supplemented by Ashby's Cavalry.
A detail from the Regiment was thrown out as pickets or skirmishers.
It is hardly required to say that these were forced back as the enemy
moved on, until our small force was almost surrounded. Sufficient show
of strength was kept up to deter Jackson from moving faster.
About one o'clock in the afternoon, word was had that the Artillery
had exhausted their ammunition, and Murray concluded to fall back. The
Regiment could not return by the way it had come. A guide was sought,
found and pressed into the service. His inclination was much toward the
other side, and he soon showed himself more desirous of coming up with
Ashby than of pointing out a safe approach to the river. At one point
he came so near the accomplishment of his purpose, that Murray gave
him a gentle caution in about these words: If one of my men loses his
life by your movement, your own life will be the forfeit. Thus kindly
admonished, the guide changed the course of the march and conducted the
Regiment to Sir John's Run, six miles up the river, from which point
the way was along the railroad, under the high bluffs, to the old mill
opposite Hancock.
The problem now presented was how to avoid attack while recrossing.
Upon Captain Russell's suggestion the two companies of the 39th
Illinois were placed in ambush, while he so disposed his men as to draw
Ashby on. The man[oe]uvre worked well, and Ashby was so much surprised
by the unexpected fire as to desist from further attempt.
Some of the men, to avoid the delay attending the slow navigation
of the ancient ferry, adopted the alternative of wading the stream,
trusting to the artillery fire of the enemy to warm them up by the time
they reached the other side.
In the crossing, one man was lost to the Regiment--whether to the world
is to this hour a question.
As an addendum to the story of the muskets, it may be stated that
the Regiment crossed the river without belts, cartridge boxes or cap
pouches, carrying the cartridges in one pocket and the caps in the
other. This omission was for want of time to adjust the belts.
It seems incredible that less than a thousand men were thus successful
in holding so many thousand in check for an entire day, and without
death, wound or capture of a man. However, the good service was in fact
done, and history is no more remiss as to this event than it is as to
the deprivation, toil and fighting of all the campaign in the Valley to
July of '62.
On the night of the 4th, General Lander arrived at Hancock and assumed
command of all the troops.