63. Encounters along South Mountain I var. 6 - WDS Campaign Gettysburg

THE SOUTH: By the morning of the 27th the southern horse has crossed the Potomac and is moving to screen the rest of the army. As elements work their way north to supplement Imboden and Jenkins, other brigades move to screen the passages over South Mountain near Sharpsburg. Two additional brigades are resting at Sharpsburg in mid-afternoon when Union infantry begins to drive in the screening forces. It is not known whether this is a major move by the Union army, or merely a probing action. In either event it must be stopped. THE NORTH: June 27th and the entire army has managed to traverse the Potomac. With the whole Cavalry Corps still to the rear covering this movement, the westernmost corps of the army are ordered to probe over South Mountain to see what information can be gleaned as to the rebel army's disposition. 3rd Corps sorties a brigade sized force towards Boonesborough and Sharpsburg. They encounter resistance. A 2nd brigade sized force moves via Fox Gap. 12th Corps also moves forces toward Sharpsburg. A second brigade from 12th Corps probes toward Brownsville.