On the third day, the command reached the vicinity of Moorefield, in the midst of a drenching rain, which continued throughout the night and the next day. In the morning, the several mountain streams in the vicinity of that place were found so swollen as to be almost impassable. By running great risk, however, the command reached the banks of the Potomac, which they found impossible to cross at that point. There was, therefore, no alternative but to move down to Petersburg, thirteen miles distant, and try another ford. The point was reached on the afternoon of the 24th, but even here it was found the attempt would be extremely hazardous. But General Jones was determined to proceed at every risk, and the men were ordered to plunge into the rapid stream. A fearful scene then presented itself, and for some time baffled description. Hundreds of frightened steeds, and their no less frightened riders, were struggling in the dark, rapid waters; and, alas! more than one poor soldier and his gallant horse, that had borne him so faithfully, were swept away, and no more to be seen until the turbulent waters should have subsided and surrendered up their lifeless bodies. The crossing was at length effected, and the command moved up the stream and went into camp within three miles of where it had started that morning, after having traveled a distance of twenty-six miles. The start was a bad one, but all hoped the end would prove more propitious. Unincumbered with artillery, wagons, and infantry, the command started off at a rapid gait, but after marching a few miles, the 7th Virginia, which was in advance, suddenly came upon the enemy’s pickets. It was soon ascertained that the main body (numbering about one hundred and fifty men) was posted in a log school house, which completely commanded the road through Greenland Gap, over which Jones must necessarily pass. A flag of truce was sent forward, and a demand made for the surrender of the place, which was refused. An assault was then ordered, but as the troops could only move over the narrow road two abreast, it was repulsed with loss, Colonel Richard Dulaney, of the 7th Virginia, being among the wounded. In a second assault, on foot, about nightfall, the men succeeded in reaching the school house, though not without severe loss, and demanded its surrender. The reply was a volley of musketry, through the loopholes, and not until the place was fired did the miserable creatures surrender, and beg piteously for the worthless lives they had forfeited by all the rules of war; and they were spared. The Confederate loss was heavy, and the First Maryland suffered severely in officers and men. Among the wounded of the former were Major Brown, Captain R. C. Smith, Adjutant Booth, and Lieutenants Pue and Beatty.