The Washington times., 1902-10-06

The Battle of Fort Stevens
the Only Conflict During
the Civil War Fought
Within The Limits OF the
District = The 4ttempt
Of General EOriy 10 Take
washington by Surprise.
Met by the Sixth Army
Corps. Under General
Wright-The Forces of
Invaders Repelled.

~ and hard by the Seventh Street
Road, are the substantial re-
mains of Fort Stevens. Though prac-
tically neglected for thirty-seven years
or more. that period of time has not
been sufficient to nearly obliterate this
memorable earthwork. It is true that
It is but one OF the series of
forts (sixty-eight in number) that en-
vironed the seat OF government in the
old sad days Of the old sad fight, and
that others may be more picturesque,
better preserved, and command more
pleasing prospects, but none is SO rich
in historical interest.
The Only Battle Before the Capital.
Several times during the civil war was
\ Washington put in danger. but the only
battle. II such it may be called, that
was fought within tho limits OF the
District Of Columbia, occurred at Fort
Stevens, and within its vicinity. Stand
ing by the trees that have grown out of
the parapet, or peering through the
boscage that seems to be xtriving to
close the embrasures through which
well-directed cannon sent shot and shell
into the ranks OF the invaders, and
drove them back, one may look upon
the woods from which the Confederate
soldiery crept and the fields over which
they had the hardihood to advance their
pickests to within less than hundred
yards of the fort. All is peace and quiet
here now Birds build their nests in the
branches OF the trees, or sit on bending
boughs Of saplings that grow out of the
battlements Of the fort and sing songs
to their listening mates. Not so was it
thirty-eight years ago when the scenes
enacted here stirred every soul in Wash
ington, from the President and his Cah-
!, met down to the hum5lest pickaninny.
and reused the entire North. The ex-
citement in the National Capital began
suddenly. speedily grew into alarm. and
alarm, in very few hours. gave place
to absolute CONSERVATION.
-I'sf General Early's Invasion.
On the 9th Of July. 1864, almost like
clap of thunder from clear sky, word
came to the Department of War that
Confederate General Early had crossed
the Potomac at Harper's Ferry. and had
fallen upon General Ricketts, division
OF the veterans OF the Army of the Po-
tomac at Monocacy Junction and de-
feated him and Gen. Lew Wallace and
his troops and driven them back upon
Baltimore. The unquestioned news also
came that Early was moving on Wash
ington taking the route by Rockville.
1t was soon developed that Lee, rely
ing upon his formidable intrenchments
OF Richmond and the weakness of the
garrisons Of Washington, particularly
on the north. depended upon to protect |
the Federal Capital, had sent Early, |
the boldest, most intrepid and 'foxiest"
raiders of the two armies. up the Shen-
andoah Valley by quite familiar route, |
drove Siegel's whole force to Maryland |
Heights, moved through Boonsborough
and Fox's and Crompton's Gaps and
entered Frederick City. All this was
General Grant or the War Department as
to where Early was. To add TO the
alarming feature of the news confirmed
word came that the defeat of Wallace
and Ricketts, was complete rout and
that their forces had left the field In
ports were received as to the strength
of EarIy's command and support. General
Wallace in announcing the battle of the
Monocacy confessed that the behavior
of some OF his troops was not to be ,
but seems to have been dis
that they were overwhelmed by a su- q,
perior force. He said, among other
things concerning Early's support that I
"a rebel officer dying on the field today /!
told staff officer of General Ricketts, 7
that Lee was managing these operations (
Germs about the Potomac for business !
against Baltimore and Washington. Z
This circumstance is true, give il what 1
credence you may L
Confederate Cause Desperate. II
The cause OF the Confederacy was
growing desperate and under the cir
,umstances II was believed the Confed-
crates would take desperate chances.
With these things in the peoples minds C.
With the knowledge of the defeat of the
Union forces; with Early pressing on
;oward Rockville, almost If not entirely Z
and with the belief that the u
Northern defenses of Washington were T
70 weakened that they could not with p
Itand fairly firm pressure, IL is hardly G
o be wondered at that the Administra- c'
ion and the people became fully Il
Harmed. When Early turned In his b
course to get on the Seventh Street Pike a
hen all felt sure that Washington was c
IFS objective point and Fort Stevens al
vould be the first point of the defenses
o be struck The writer has IL from the C
,est living military authority that II is F
Z record somewhere In the archives of
he Department of War that boat was Il
nut in readiness on the Potomac River q
o convey the President and his Cabinet c