Battle of Shepherdstown

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Battle of Shepherdstown
Boteler’s Ford
Began:

September 19, 1862

Ended:

September 20, 1862

Location:

Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia)

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Maryland Campaign

Outcome:

Confederate victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

V Corps, Army of the Potomac

Reserve Artillery,
Army of Northern Virginia

Commanders

Fitz John Porter
Major General, USA

William Pendleton
Brigadier General, CSA
A.P. Hill
Major General, CSA

Strength

2,000 (on Sept. 19)
2 divisions (by Sept. 20)

2 brigades (infantry)

Casualties

363

291

  

On September 19, a detachment of Porter’s V Corps pushed across the river at Boteler’s Ford, attacked the Confederate rearguard commanded by Brig. Gen. William Pendleton, and captured four guns. Early on the 20th, Porter pushed elements of two divisions across the Potomac to establish a bridgehead. Hill’s division counterattacked while many of the Federals were crossing and nearly annihilated the 118th Pennsylvania (the “Corn Exchange” Regiment), inflicting 269 casualties. This rearguard action discouraged Federal pursuit. On November 7, President Lincoln relieved McClellan of command because of his failure to follow up Lee’s retreating army. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside rose to command the Union army. (NPS summary)