The following article is transcribed from Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, dated July 27, 1861.

 

The Battle of Hoke's Run

        

          A correspondent of the Herald thus describes the affair:

          As soon as the advance reached the brow of the hill, opposite Williamsport, the Wisconsin regiment deployed as skirmishers two or three companies, the Philadelphia Independent Rangers still leading. These were supported by the Eleventh Pennsylvania. In this order of march the advance continued slowly along the direct road to Martinsburg. They passed the Falling Waters without more than occasionally seeing a rebel trooper at a most respectable distance. They had almost begun to despair of finding a foe. About two miles from Falling Waters they almost stumbled upon him concealed in a farm-house or barn, behind a stone fence, in a grain field. With this advantage of concealment and position the latter opened. Out troops, raw and green, never having been under fire before, did not hesitate a moment. They at once returned the fire the skirmish grew brisk.

          The first skirmish must have lasted a full half hour between the infantry and riflemen of both sides. Neither party showed any disposition to give way. In the meantime McMullin's Rangers, the whole Wisconsin, and the left wing of the Eleventh Pennsylvania, became involved. The right wing of the Eleventh was moved forward rapidly to outflank the rebels.

          While these movements were rapidly progressing, a section of of Captain Perkin's flying battery was pushed forward and opened upon the enemy, who by this time had brought into action two full regiments and the right wing of a third. The round shot told beautifully upon them, but when the shell began to burst among them, their Virginia "chivalry" departed. They seemed to have forgotten that "the illustrious blood of the cavaliers flowed in their veins." They didn't stand shot as well as their forefathers stood it -- Marston Moor and Naseby -- and they ran with higher speed.

          They brought forward a cannon and attempted to reply to Perkin's two guns, but the order was given to our troops and about to be executed, to charge bayonets in double-quick time to carry the piece, when the piece was withdrawn. I do not think it fired but a few shots in reply. The skirmish was continued over a space of two miles, when the enemy retreated with singular facility.