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in possession of the Bridge connecting Maryland and Virginia at that point and had actually invaded Maryland soil. [ 5 ] I immediately returned and the en- closed requisition having been issued by Justices Harding, [ 6 ]Baltzell [ 7 ] and Carmack, [ 8 ] and the tender of the Services of the companies to the President of the United States, which had been made through Captain Ritchie, having been accepted, they forthwith left for Har- pers Ferry in a Special Train which the Balto and Ohio RRd company had in readiness, accompanied by myself and Lt. Col. McSherry. [ 9 ] The three companies mustered about one hundred and seventy men rank and file. When the force had reached Monocacy Junction, [ 10 ] apparently well authenticated reports were received that the forces of the insurgents had been largely increased and then amoun- ted to six hundred armed Slaves, and that they had strongly fortified the Bridge. I consequently ordered the Cannon belonging to this City to be forwarded by the earliest train, and with my command proceeded to the point of attack. At Knoxville [ 11 ] it was stated that a volunteer Corps from Shepherd- stown Va. had attacked and driven the Insurgents from the Bridge and held it then in possession. Our train