SNICKER'S FERRY AND BERRY'S FERRY, Engagements at, American Civil War. General Early withdrew from the front of Washington on the night of 12 July 1864, recrossed the Potomac at White's Ford on the morning of the 14th, rested that day and the next at Leesburg, and on the 16th marched through Snicker's Gap. On the morning of the 17th he crossed the Shenandoah at Snicker's Ferry and took position near Berryville, Breck inridge's command of two divisions covering Snicker's Ferry and the river above and below, and Rodes' and Ramseur's divisions, the roads to Harper's Ferry. On the 16th General Crook, commanding three small divisions of Union in fantry and one of cavalry, had run into Early's rear, near Purcellville, capturing 50 prisoners and 80 wagons. Under orders of General Wright, commanding the forces pursuing Early, Crook, on the 17th, sent Duffle's division of cav alry and Mulligan's brigade of infantry to Snicker's Gap, which was seized, but upon ap proaching the Ferry Early's well-posted artil lery checked the column. On the 18th the re mainder of Crook's command was pushed through the Gap and Duffle's cavalry was or der•d through Ashby's Gap to attack Early's train in flank, it being the impression that Early was retreating up the valley. About 2 P.M. Crook directed Colonel Thoburn, with the two brigades of his own division and one of Duval's, to cross the Shenandoah at a ford a mile or more below Snicker's and, moving up, uncover it. Here a picket of about 100 men was en countered, which opened fire, but Thoburn's leading brigade dashed across the stream and captured 15 prisoners, from whom it was learned that Early, with two divisions, was very near, and Thoburn was ordered not to advance, but to await the arrival of the Sixth corps. He had crossed his whole command and formed a defensive line; beyond his right was a force of 1,000 dismounted cavalry of various regi ments, under Lieutenant-Colonel Young, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. It was less than an hour
after making these dispositions that Breckin ridge, with the divisions of Gordon and Echols, advanced against his left and centre, and Rodes' division fell upon his right. The dis mounted cavalry broke under Rodes' fire and, despite Young's effort to rally it retreated across the river, carrying some of the infantry with it. Rodes pressed on, Thoburn changed front to meet him, but his right was forced back and driven across the stream. The left of the line repulsed two or three determined attacks and, under orders, withdrew across the river. The dead and wounded were left on the field. The Union loss was 65 killed, 301 wounded and 56 missing. The Confederate loss was about 300. Duffle, who marched for Ashby's Gap with 2,000 men and artillery, camped near Upperville on the night of the 18th, and next morning drove some cavalry through Ashby's Gap, and with one brigade crossed the Shenandoah at Berry's Ferry, where he was met by Imboden's and McCausland's brigades of cavalry, with two guns, and driven back. Artillery-fire was con tinued by both sides, and at 5 P.M. another effort was made to cross the river. One regi ment charged across and up to the Confederate guns, but was quickly driven back with great loss. At night 13112ffie fell back to Ashby's Gap. His loss was 56 killed and wounded and 68 missing. The Confederate loss was not over 50. Wright remained at Snicker's Gap on the 19th, and that night Early, hearing that General Averell was moving from Martinsburg to Win chester, thus threatening his rear, retreated to ward Strasburg. Wright advanced to Berry ville on the 20th. Consult 'Official Records' (Vol. XXXVII) ; Pond, 'The Shenandoah Valley in 1864' ; Early, Last Year of the War for Independence)