Summary:
Union General William Averell writes in July, 1864, to General Darius Couch to describe the Confederate force crossing the Potomac.

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Maj.-Gen. COUCH,
Chambersburg, Pa.:

Greencastle,

July 29, 1864.

The enemy commenced crossing at McCoy's Ferry at daylight this morning and continued up to last report at 11 a. m. with cavalry, artillery, and infantry. Commenced crossing at Williamsport at 10 a. m. cavalry; at Falling Waters at same time with cavalry and trains; at Shepherdstown at same time with cavalry. My communication with my picket-line was broken about noon; although many couriers have been sent, it is possible that some have not received my orders. Please inform me what pickets you have across this Valley, and order those in reach of you to halt any men belonging I have reported, are made to cover a movement in the direction of Bedford or a retreat. If they come this way I shall remain here to see what they do it with, and avail myself of any opportunity to attack them.

Very respectfully,

WM. W. AVERELL,
Brig.-Gen.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 37, Serial No. 71, Pages 508, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.