October 12, 1862 (Sunday): Stuart Returns

Stuart Recrossed between Noland's Ferry and the Mouth of the Monacacy River (bikewashington.org)

Signal communications received October 12, 1862, and relating to movements of rebel forces within the lines of the Army of the Potomac.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-4.30 a. m.

Numbers 1. All quiet.
 
Lieutenant CAREY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862.

Numbers 2. It is reported that the rebels have crossed. We can see heavy bodies of troops near Hyattstown.

Lieutenant CAREY.

ELK MOUNTAIN, October 12, 1862-7.45 a. m.

Numbers 3. As yet no sign of enemy visible.

Lieutenant OWEN.

CATOCTIN RIDGE, October 12, [1862]- 9. 30 a. m.

Numbers 4. Reports of cannon heard in the direction of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Lieutenant WIGGINS.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, [1862]-9.45 a. m.

Numbers 5. The rebels have opened a battery between the month of the Monocacy and Poolesville, a little west of south. One battery is replying.

Lieutenant CAREY.

FARVIEW, October 12, 1862-10 a. m.

Numbers 6. No unusual quantity of smoke at Chambersburg this a. m. Can see a force approaching on the turnpike from Hancock, with train of 10 wagons. No enemy in sight. All quiet.

Lieutenant ROWLEY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-11 a. m.

Numbers 7. All that were reported were cavalry, with gray uniforms.

Lieutenant CAREY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-11.10 a. m.

Numbers 8. The enemy crossed at south side of Monocacy, and opened a battery. One battery is replying.
Lieutenant CAREY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-12.15 p. m.

Numbers 9. There is at least one regiment of the enemy's cavalry on this bank of the Potomac, and they are now recrossing that river at about 2 miles the other side of the Monocacy.

Lieutenant CAREY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-12.30 p. m.

Numbers 10. Yes; have seen them and can still see them crossing from Maryland into Virginia.

Lieutenant CAREY.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, 1862-5 p. m.

Numbers 11. No enemy visible from this point.

Lieutenant YATES.

POINT OF ROCKS, October 12, 1862-9 p. m.

Numbers 12. We could see the cavalry pickets of the enemy at 5 p. m. opposite Noland's Ferry. At the same time saw a long line of smoke in the vicinity of Leesburg.

Lieutenant FORTESCUE and KENDALL.

SUGAR LOAF, October 12, [1862]-12 p. m.

Numbers 13. All quiet.

Lieutenant CAREY.


Official Records, Series I., Vol. 19, Part 2, Page 35.

These are signal station reports from Union observers watching the crossings of the Potomac for Stuart's return from the Chambersburg raid.  By making the last 80 miles of the return trip in a continuous ride Stuart outdistanced his pursuers.  Although infantry forces were on the alert all along the Potomac crossings, they were spread thin and Stuart managed to return by crossing near where the mouth of the Monocacy Rivers empties into the Potomac.