History of Barnesville, (Montgomery County) Maryland United States of America

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Detachments of Pleasonton's Cavalry.

On the 8th, the 2nd brigade, commanded by Col. Farnsworth and consisting of the 8th IL, 3d Ind. and a section of the horse artillery of company M, 2nd artillery, Under Lieut. Chapin, occupied Poolesville and picketed the roads to Conrad's and Edwards' Ferries, Barnesville and the Monocacy.

As Poolesville was approached the enemy's cavalry retreated on the road to Barnesville and a portion of the 3d Ind. followed. The enemy opened fire on the pursuers with guns posted on the right of the town. These guns were soon silenced, however, by Chapin's artillery, and were moved toward Barnesville.

The 3d Ind. gallantly charged the Confederate battery and drove it and the Confederate cavalry more than 3 Miles. Then they were joined by the 8th IL, Under Maj. Medill, and the Chase was kept up until after dark.

Union loss, 1 killed, 12 wounded; Confederate loss, 8 killed, 16 wounded, 6 prisoners.

Next Day Farnsworth with his command advanced toward Barnesville. Noting a squadron of the enemy's cavalry near Monocacy church, he directed Capt. Farnsworth's squadron of the 8th IL to gain its rear and cut it off. By this movement the enemy's force was divided and several prisoners and the battle flag of the 12th Va. (Ashby's) cavalry were captured.

The march was continued toward Barnesville, and, at the edge of the village, the advance Capt. Kelly's squadron of the 8th IL, encountered the enemy's videttes, routed them and pursued them 2 Miles beyond the town, engaging in two hand-to-hand fights.

Confederate loss, 4 killed, 5 wounded, 27 prisoners, no Federal loss.

SOURCE: The Union Army A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-65 -- Records of the Regiments in the Union Army -- Cyclopedia of Battles -- Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers. 8 vols. Madison: Federal Publishing, 1908.

History of Barnesville, (Montgomery County) Maryland

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