Second Battle of Kernstown, July 24, 1864
Confederate General Early's attack on Washington D.C. on July 12 had been stopped only four miles from the White House by the timely arrival of the 6th and 19th Corps from the Petersburg front. These Union troops then followed Early as he withdrew back to the Shenandoah Valley. On July 17, the 6th and 19th Corps linked up with Hunter's force, which had just returned from their circuitous retreat from Lynchburg. However, Early evaded this combined force and passed through Snickers Gap and across the Shenandoah River into the Shenandoah Valley. With Early back in the Valley and Hunter back in position to block any further raids against the North, the 6th and 19th Corps were recalled to Petersburg.
The remaining Union troops, under the field command of General George Crook, took up positions just south of Winchester on July 22. However, when Early learned of the departure of the 6th and 19th Corps, he resumed his offensive, attacking the Union forces at Kernstown on July 24. The Union lines eventually broke, and the Union forces withdrew first to Bunker Hill, then into Maryland. The Confederates followed, again causing panic and some looting and burning in the North (Chambersburg, PA was burned on July 30), resulting in the return of the 6th and 19th Corps.
Union casualties were about 1200 men. According to Col. Wildes' Record of the 116th, the 116th Ohio lost 1 killed and 8 captured, mostly from Company B. However, the company roster lists only one soldier, Benjamin Patterson, as having been captured and subsequently dying in a Rebel prison. I. N.'s diary, which generally detailed any casualties from Company B, does not mention any in this action, although he does refer to the death of Col. James Mulligan, a division commander.
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