Batteries on Upton's Hill
Dublin Core
Title
Batteries on Upton's Hill
Subject
Confederate troops on Upton's Hill
Description
A newspaper account of observing rebel artillery on Upton's Hill and about the former congressman's house.
Publisher
The Delaware Inquirer.
Date
September 28, 1861
Rights
Public Domain
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
BATTERIES ON UPTON'S HILL
Standing at Ball's Cross Roads, with a good field glass, the enemy could yesterday be seen in strong force on Upton's Hill, two miles due west, towards Falls Church. Upton a Union man and was elected and held his this spring in Congress. Exasperated at this,the rebels, after the Manassas affair, pressed forward until they got possession of Mr. Upton's house. I called at the house on the day prior to the battle of Bull Run, and found Mrs. Upton, and her married daughter, with their families, at home, and surrounded with all the comforts of a prosperous farmer's house. Mr. Upton was then in his seat in Congress. In a few days the families at home, obliged to fly for their lives. The house was entered by the rebels, the furniture was carried off, and the house used as quarters for the troops. The hill is now being fortified. On the opposite side of the street is the house where a brother of Mr. Upton formerly lived. Here the rebel cavalry were seen yesterday in large numbers, and men were employed in throwing up a fortification. Being on one of principal and most direct routes to Fairfax Court House and Manassas renders this position one of great importance. Its elevated position adds also to its importance. From batteries on Upton's Hill, the tavern and houses at Ball's Cross Roads can be shelled with ease, or a body of troops at that point could be seriously cut up.
Standing at Ball's Cross Roads, with a good field glass, the enemy could yesterday be seen in strong force on Upton's Hill, two miles due west, towards Falls Church. Upton a Union man and was elected and held his this spring in Congress. Exasperated at this,the rebels, after the Manassas affair, pressed forward until they got possession of Mr. Upton's house. I called at the house on the day prior to the battle of Bull Run, and found Mrs. Upton, and her married daughter, with their families, at home, and surrounded with all the comforts of a prosperous farmer's house. Mr. Upton was then in his seat in Congress. In a few days the families at home, obliged to fly for their lives. The house was entered by the rebels, the furniture was carried off, and the house used as quarters for the troops. The hill is now being fortified. On the opposite side of the street is the house where a brother of Mr. Upton formerly lived. Here the rebel cavalry were seen yesterday in large numbers, and men were employed in throwing up a fortification. Being on one of principal and most direct routes to Fairfax Court House and Manassas renders this position one of great importance. Its elevated position adds also to its importance. From batteries on Upton's Hill, the tavern and houses at Ball's Cross Roads can be shelled with ease, or a body of troops at that point could be seriously cut up.
Collection
Citation
“Batteries on Upton's Hill,” Mapping the Civil War in Arlington, accessed November 21, 2024, https://mtcwia.com/items/show/45.