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works, and Averill was rapidly coming up in rear, and to avoid the former he was
compelled to move to the left and take a different road from the one he had
intended; but as there was not a man in his command who knew the country, this
was not to be easily accomplished. After some delay, Colonel Harry Gilmor settled
the question by seizing a Union man who was familiar with the different roads
and fords, and with a cocked revolver at his head compelled, him to pilot the way.
In the night, four miles from Cumberland, McCausland's advance encountered
the enemy, who were, after a brisk skirmish, driven back, when McCausland
determined to await the morning to ascertain his position.

At the dawn of day the enemy was discovered in line behind the crest of a
range of hills between the canal and river, when McNulty was ordered to post his
guns, and open the fight, whilst the cavalry dismounted and crossed the canal on
a bridge hastily constructed by Captain Welsh of the First Maryland Cavalry, when
the enemy retired. But a more formidable obstacle then presented itself in the shape
of an iron-clad battery mounted on an engine upon the railroad, whilst the cars to
which it was attached were loop-holed for musketry, and the banks of the railroad,
which formed an excellent breastwork, was lined with infantry. A very strong
block house that commanded every approach to the ford, was also found strongly
garrisoned.

Colonel Harry Gilmor was at once ordered to carry the ford, which he
attempted in most gallant style, but was unable to reach the opposite bank owing to
the dreadful enfilading fire opened upon him.

Lieutenant McNulty was then directed to take position with his pieces, and open
on the iron-clad. Quickly moving his guns to an open field, and but two hundred
yards from the enemy, he unlimbered at this much exposed point, and called upon
his best gunner, George McElvvee, to bring his piece to bear upon the formidable
looking mass of iron before him. The brave fellow, despite the shower of bullets
to which he was exposed, coolly sighted his piece and fired, and when the smoke
cleared away McNulty had the satisfaction of seeing the huge monster enveloped
in steam, for the shot directed by the unerring aim of McElwee had pierced the
boiler, and it lay a helpless wreck upon the track. His next shot was as effective,
and entered one of the portholes, dismounting the guns and scattering death and
destruction around, when the enemy along the bank broke and fled.

But there was yet the block house to dispose of before the command could
resume its retreat, and minutes were becoming precious. An hour was consumed
in discussing the matter before anything definite was determined upon, when
General Johnson suggested that an attempt be made to get a piece of the artillery
across the river. The suggestion was instantly adopted, and under cover of the
bank, though subjected to a severe lire, the piece was started over in a full run,
and unlimbered in the river, and taken to its bank bv hand, when, at the instant,