Patterson and McClellan Exaggerate the Rebs

| July 3, 2011

Wednesday, July 3, 1861 Union Col. Charles Stone made his northward-moving headquarters at Point of Rocks, Maryland, a small town along the banks of the Potomac, named for the rock formation on nearby Catoctin Mountain. He had successfully moved his Rockville Expedition troops from Poolesville, 15 miles south. His small command was to be absorbed [...]

Ellsworth Dead! Union Captures Alexandria!; Contrabands

| May 24, 2011

Friday, May 24, 1861 Alexandria, Virginia, the town across the Potomac River from Washington DC, was inhabited by around 500 Rebel soldiers. For the safety of the capital, this town needed to be taken. Late the previous night, Rebel outposts had seen Federal cavalry cross the river six miles north of town and sent warning [...]