December 8, 1861 (Saturday): Where Is That Firing Coming From?

Dam #5 (Wooden Cribbing of 1861 Replaced by Stone, Then Concrete After War)

                                                                                    HEADQUARTERS DIVISION

                                                             Frederick, Md. Decmeber 8, 1861.

COLONEL LEONARD, Commanding at Williamsport:

    MY DEAR SIR:  Reports by way of Philadelphia represent that heavy and close cannonading was heard at Chambersburg all the afternoon in the direction of Hancock.  You will ascertain, if possible, what was the occasion of the firing, and, so far as you can, the purpose of the rebels in regard to General Kelley.  Do not hesitate, if he is threatened, to send him aid at once—if need be, all your force—and I will supply your place on the river upon notice of your movement.  Keep us well informed of the movements in his locality, as in your own.  Obtain all the information you can concerning Martinsburg, its forces, defenses, &c., and especially the lay of the land about the town.

    Very truly, yours,

                                                                      N. P. BANKS,

                                                            Major-General, Commanding Division.

   P. S.—Lander’s brigade will be sent to re-enforce General Kelley as soon as it arrives.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 5, Part 1, Page 678.

The firing referred to was from artillery support to Stonewall Jackson’s raid on Dam #5 along the Potomac.  The guns were used to attempt to drive back a small Union force guarding the dam.  Jackson’s men waded into the cold waters and made a limited breach of the dam, but no major damage.  The object of the raid was to deny coal to Washington D.C.  It seems odd Banks was getting news of the cannons being heard through reports sent back to Philadelphia from Chambersburg.  But the distance from Chambersburg to Dam #5 is about 28 miles and from Frederick to Dam #5 42 miles.