September 19, 1862 The Army of Northern Virginia, Gen. R. E. Lee Commanding, crossed Blackford's Ford during the night of September 18, 1862, and on the morning of the 19th took up its line of march in the direction of Williamsport. Lawton's and Armistead's Brigades were left to guard the Ford and 44 guns were placed on the bluffs, north and south of this point, to check the Union pursuit. Heavy Artillery firing and Infantry sharpshooting continued during the day, by which some of the Confederate Artillery was silenced. At dark while the Confederate Artillery was being withdrawn, detachments from the 4th Michigan, 18th and 22nd Mass., and 118th Pennsylvania Infantry, under command of Brigadier General Charles Griffin, crossed the Ford, forced back General Lawton's and Armistead's Brigades and captured 2 guns which were taken across the river. Griffin remained on this side between 2 and 3 hours and recrossed to Maryland. Early on the morning of the 20th, the 4th Michigan and 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry crossed to this side of the river and secured 3 guns and several caissons, returning to the Maryland side at 8 A. M. (Marker Number B.F. 2.)
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