March 17, 1864 (Monday): Keeping Guard at Sleepy Creek

General J. C. Sullivan (philaprintship.com)

HDQRS. FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Harper's Ferry, W. Va., March 17, 1864.
Captain THAYER MELVIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, department of West Va.:
    I have the honor to state, for the information of the major-general commanding, that in my opinion the force now within this division is inadequate to garrison Maryland Heights and vicinity. This is owing to the large number of men at present on furlough as veteran volunteers, and the number of men required to guard the railroad between Monocacy bridge and Sleepy Creek. In my judgment three more regiments of infantry should be sent here.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


    J. C. SULLIVAN,
    Brigadier-General.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 33, Part 1, Page 687.

The war had lasted long enough that tactical problems were presenting themselves again for the second or third time.  The question of how to defend Maryland Heights would not be answered satisfactorily, but the decline in Confederate forces meant it would not have to be.  It is worth noting that the problems advanced by Sullivan would rear their head during Early's Monacacy campaign later in the year.