The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-09-20
The Battle of South Mountain,

The battle oil South Mountain was fought
on Sunday last, resulting in a Complete vic
tory to the Army of the Potomac.
The battle field was located in a gorge OF
the mountains on the turnpike road between
Middlctown and Boonsboro.
During the forenoon, the firing was by the
artillery endeuvorng to ascertain the rebel
strength. About ~ o'clock, the corps under
General Reno was ordered to ascend the
mountain on the left and make an attack on
the enemy's flank. AT 3 O'clock, General
Reno's troops got into action. The rattle of
musketry for about half an hour was terrible,
when the enemy gave way, leaving our men
in possession of that portion Of the ridge
The loss ON both sides was considrraJle.-
this point, except General Reno, who was
killed by MIME ball passing through his
body.
General Hooker. commanding General
McDuwelfs corps ard the Pennsylvania Re-
serves, assembled the mountain on the right
for the purpose Of attacking the rebel left
He got his troops into position and moved
upon the enemy about two hours before sun
down. Here, as in the case Of the other ridge
of the mountain, our troops were successful
in driving the enemy before them with great
slaughter. The rebels suffered here more
| than at any other point OF the battlefield
under General Hooker, was wounded in the
leg.
General Gibbons brigade, composed OF
the I'd, 9TH, and 18th W isconsin. and 18Th
Indiana Regiments, was ordered to move up
the gorge Of the mountain. This brigade did
not get into action until after dark. which
lasted till nearly nine o'clock. This brigade
lost about l2O killed and wounded. Among
the dead is Captain Caldwell, Of the I'd W is
consin.
The rebels were driven back about n mile,
when Gen. Gibbons brigade was relieved 10y
Il portion Of Gcncarl Summers corps, who
held the position during the night
The rebel troops engaged were Long
streets, d. III. and A. 7. EIill's corps. Had
our troops had two hours longer Of daylight
the greater portion of the rebel army would
have been taken prisoners, as they were sur.
rounded on three sides the only mode OF
escape being through narrow dctle in the
mountain, which the artillery would soon
haye rendered impossible.
Among the rebel officers known to be killed
were General Garland, of Lcesburg, and Col.
Strong, of the 18Th Virginia. The latter's
body was obtained to-day by flag Of truce.
AT day light on Monday morning our worst
fears were realized. The rebels, under cover
OF the night, had left on theii way to the
Potomac. They went to Boonsborough, two
miles from the mountains, and there took the
road towards Sharpsburg. They left all their
dead on the field, and those Of their wounded
| not able to walk, were found in the churches
at BoonsborO.
General Mcclellan was on the field during
the whole day and night, conducting all the
movements in person.
Between 200 and ! 500 prisoners were
taken during the day, most OF them by Gen,
lockers division.
On Sunday General Franklin's corps
advanced to mountain six miles nearer IIar.
per's Ferry, where he engaged the enemy
holding that pass for about three hours, re-
snlting in a complete rout of the enemy and
heavy loss.
Our loss in this action was about $50 killed
and wounded. The rebel loss during the day
and night was fully $4,000 in killed, wounded
and missing. Gen. Lee acknowledged to the
citizens Of Boonsboro that they had been
defeated with terrible loss.
Our loss in killed and wounded will proba.
bly, reach 3 GOO.
We lost but few prisoners.
On Monday morning. at daylight, General
Pleasanop, with the 9Th Illinois Cavalry and
Captain FitshelPs battery, started after the
enemy. AT Boonsboro, hc came up with the
9th Virginia Cavalry, with d battery, acting
as the rear guard The Illinois Cavalry
charged after them through the town and
two lies ont at Hagerstown turnpike. cap
turing two of their guns. and killed, wounded,
or captured about thirty of the cavalry.
General Richardson's division being on the
advance, took the road from this place
towards Sharpsburg, two and IA half miles
from which town he came up with the enemy,
in large force, who occupied long ridge OF
hills. They showed line Of battle one and
a half Diles long. The afternoon WAS s,,tnt
IN asccrtaining the position and force of the
bells, not sufficient number of our troops
having come up to bring on an engagement.