We are in the process of preparing a prototype of this system for demonstration next month to Congress and to possible private users of this historical data. In this project, then, we at HERO are not only making use of history, we are organizing it so that others can use it as well.
Which is, I think, about as much as I can say about the uses of history.
The Skirmish At Mile Hill
By Col. A. B. Johnson
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Following the battle of Second Manassas General Lee brought his Army of Northern Virginia through Loudoun County for the first invasion of the North. One of Lee’s prime considerations for the movement through Loudoun is best described in a letter from Lee to President Davis dated September 4, 1862: “I did not think it advantageous to follow the enemy into his fortifications. If I had possessed the necessary ammunition I should be unable to supply provisions for the troops. I therefore determined to draw troops into Loudoun County where forage and provisions could be obtained.”
White’s Ford, a low water crossing of the Potomac, offered his best access to the Maryland shore. (White’s Ford is not to be confused with present day White’s Ferry. The ford is about three miles upstream, and can be reached via Routes 661 and 656, east of Route 15).
General J. E. B. Stuart’s cavalry was to screen the advance, and in doing so he sent Colonel T. T. Munford with the 2nd Virginia Cavalry toward Leesburg. Munford’s mission was to clear the enemy from the river crossings, and in so doing he was to strike the “notorious Means” who was thought to be at or near Leesburg.
Captain Samuel C. Means of Waterford had organized a company of Union cavalry known as the Loudoun Rangers from the northern part of Loudoun. This act had embittered the Confederates and at every opportunity they tried to annihilate these Virginians who would not support the State. The Rangers had been roughly handled a few days before at the Waterford Baptist Church by Major E. V. White’s 35th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry.
On September 1, Munford left the army and bivouaced at Goose Creek near where it crosses Route 7. In the meantime, Cole’s Independent Maryland Cavalry (3 companies) and Means’ depleted company were in Leesburg.
On the 2nd as Munford approached Leesburg he divided his command, sending Captain Irvine of Company C with a squadron to drive through the town. With the remainder of the regiment, Munford turned off Route 7 in a northerly direction, crossing the Edwards Ferry road and the Trundle plantation (Exeter). While Munford was making this flanking movement, Captain Irvine charged into the town wounding four of the Loudoun Rangers and causing Means to withdraw north on present day Route 15.