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and it was imperative to take immediate measures to overcome this obstacle, which threat-
ened to retard the progress of the march. The location was found to be a crossing of the
mountain known as Greenland Gap. The road was through a wild, rocky range. On the
right the ground rose almost perpendicular, and was entirely inaccessible to a mounted force; on the left was a small clearing of something like an acre in extent; in this opening was
erected a substantial log church of considerable dimensions. The load passed almost along-
side of this building, in which the Federal force had taken post and refuge. The portion of
Dulany's regiment which had passed the church in his charge effectually blocked the way
and prevented the retirement of the enemy. Nothing was left for them but a stern defense, or
an unconditional surrender. One of the captured men was shown our column, that he might
know it was no mere guerrilla force that was seeking passage, and then allowed to go to the
church and report to his commander, who was at the same time summoned to surrender.
Time was of great value, and General Jones sought to avoid unnecessary loss of life, and as
well of precious hours. Already the success of his movement had been seriously endangered
by the day consumed in effecting the crossing of the Potomac, and the enemy had doubtless
received information of his purpose and was gathering troops to meet him. The Federal
commander was found to be defiant, and he not only refused to surrender his command, but
intimated in terms most emphatic that he would fire on anyone approaching his post. Now,
but for one shot from our battery which the flood had compelled us to leave behind at
Moorefield; but as sad as were the fates which deprived us of this strong help in a need like
this, regrets would not serve to clear the pass.

It was a case where a large body was held in helplessness until the obstruction could
be removed; and what was to be done must be done quickly. Numbers were of little avail,
as only a limited number of men could be brought into action. Various plans were suggested
and considered, only to be dropped and then considered again. It was now night, and we
were still confronted with the fact that if we would go forward the church must be stormed
and its occupants taken out by main force. By reason of the repulse of the Seventh Virginia,
the First Maryland held the advance. The men of the leading squadrons were dismounted
and formed into a storming column, taking only such as were armed with pistols and
carbines, for at this period in our organization the liberality oi the enemy had not been so
severely tested in the way of contributing the necessary equipment of a cavalry command, as
was the case not much later on. A detachment from White's Battalion was added to the
column, and now with pistol in hand and with men bearing axes and trusses of straw and
other inflammable matter, together with chunks of fire, the order was given to '' Forward !
Double-quick ! " The moon shone out brightly and lit up the road so that it was almost as
distinct and clear as under the noonday sun. With a wild rush and a loud yell, on went the
devoted column, until it was soon under fire from the church, from the windows and door-
ways of which was poured the leaden hail. A winding stream crossed the road some several
times in the distance of a hundred yards. Through this stream and under this deadly fire on
rushed our brave boys. The weather was bitterly cold, and on emerging from the water