January 1, 1864 (Thursday): New Year, New Threat

Harper's Ferry

HARPER'S FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864.

Colonel Rodgers,
Martinsburg, W. Va.:
     Should telegraph wire be cut between us use the signal with Maryland Heights.


     J. C. SULLIVAN,
     Brigadier-General.

MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864.
Captain BOONE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
      Telegram received; all your orders are being executed. All my cavalry have gone to support the squadron at Bunker Hill. General Averell has sent a strong force toward North Mountain.


     R. S. RODGERS,
     Colonel, Commanding.

HARPER'S FERRY, W. VA., January 1, 1864.
Colonel RODGERS,
Martinsburg, W. Va.:
      Your own forces are for the protection of the road. You are the commandant of the post. General Averell's command should cover the town. You keep it quiet. I look to you.


     J. C. SULLIVAN,
     Brigadier-General.

 MARTINSBURG, W. VA., January 1, 1864.
Captain BOONE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
     My cavalry party are still at Bunker Hill. Cavalry have gone to their support. It is believed that two rebel brigades are at Winchester.


     R. S. RODGERS,
     Colonel, Commanding.

CAMDEN STATION, BALTIMORE, MD.,
January 1, 1864. (Received 10. 50 a. m.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
     Our agent at Martinsburg telegraphs us at 7. 50 this morning that General Averell advised us to move all our power and cars to Harper's Ferry, or east of that. The pickets were driven, at 4 o'clock this a. m., from a point 4 miles north of Winchester. One brigade of the enemy reported as moving toward Martinsburg. The general also reports that the Government pickets were driven in at Bunker Hill and firing heard on the Tuscarora road. These advised appear to be ominous of a heavy movement. Will you require additional transportation, and from what point?


      J. W. GARRETT,
      President.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 33, Part 1, Page 325.

Early had moved into the Valley in pursuit of Averell, so the perception was created that a threat existed to Harper's Ferry.  The force moving toward there actually was the smaller one of Imboden and White's Cavalry. They had no real offensive intent, and less capability, but the move was enough to cause a realignment of Union forces in the area.