OPERATIONS IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
We must now leave Grant engaged in the investment of Petersburg,
and notice briefly the operations in the Shenandoah Valley. During
the summer of 1864, several offensive movements were planned, and
chief among them was Early's invasion of Maryland. After the retreat
of Hunter from Lynchburg, the way was left open, and Early accordingly
moved with his entire force — about 20,000—up the Valley, and
driving Siegel from Martinsburg, occupied that town. A few days later,
Early crossed the Potomac, entered Maryland, and halted at Frederick
City. At Monocacy Bridge, four miles thence, he defeated and put to
rout a considerable Federal force. Instead of pursuing them, he proceeded
by rapid marches toward Washington and Baltimore, collecting
the horses and cattle along his line of march. The Federal Capital was
now in imminent peril, and it is claimed had Early improved the opportunity,
he might have occupied the city. But instead of riding into
Washington, he dispersed his army in detachments, which were sent
about the country to destroy telegraph lines and intercept trains. Thus,
perhaps, passed the great opportunity of 1864. Re-uniting his forces at
Hagerstown, he re-crossed into Virginia, bringing with him 5,000 horses
and 2,000 beef cattle. Martinsburg was re-occupied, and from thence
he sent General John McCausland with a cavalry force into Pennsylvania.
It penetrated as far as Chambersburg in that State. The town
was fired and a considerable portion of it burned.
