“On the 5th, Rhodes’ and Ramseur’s divisions crossed at Williamsport, and took position near St. James’ College, and Vaughan’s cavalry went into Hagerstown. Breckinridge, with his command and Jackson’s cavalry, crossed at Shepherdstown, and took position at Sharpsburg. This position is in full view from Maryland Heights, and a cavalry force was sent out by the enemy to reconnoitre, which after skirmishing with Jackson’s cavalry, was driven off by the sharpshooters of Gordon’s division. “On the 6th, the whole force recrossed the Potomac at Williamsport, and moved towards Martinsburg; and on the 7th, we returned to Bunker Hill. “On the 30th of July, McCausland reached Chambersburg, and made the demand as directed, reading to such of the authorities as presented themselves the paper sent by me. The demand was not complied with, the people stating that they were not afraid of having their town burned, and that a Federal force was approaching. The policy pursued by our army on former occasions had been so lenient, that they did not suppose the threat was in earnest this time, and they hoped for speedy relief. McCausland, however, proceeded to carry out his orders, and the greater part of the town was laid in ashes. “For this act I alone am responsible, as the officers engaged in it were simply executing my orders, and had no discretion left them. Notwithstanding the lapse of time which has occurred, and the result of the war, I am perfectly satisfied with my conduct on this occasion, and see no reason to regret it. “McCausland then moved in the direction of Cumberland, but on approaching that town, he found it defended by a force under Kelly, too strong for him to attack, and he withdrew towards Hampshire county, in Virginia, and crossed the Potomac near the mouth of the South Branch, capturing the garrison at that place, and partially destroying the railroad bridge. He then invested the post on the railroad at New Creek, but finding it too strongly fortified to take by assault, he moved to Moorefield, in Hardy county, near which place he halted to rest and recruit his men and horses, as the command was now considered safe from pursuit. Averill, however, had been pursuing from Chambersburg with a body of cavalry, and Johnson’s brigade was surprised in camp, before day, on the morning of the 7th of August, and routed by Averill’s force. This resulted also in the rout of McCausland’s brigade, and the loss of the artillery, (four pieces,) and about three hundred prisoners from the whole command. The balance of the command made its way to Mount Jackson in great disorder, and much weakened. This affair had a very damaging effect upon my cavalry for the rest of the campaign.”