Canal during the Civil War

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. - This great public work was injured by the late Confederate raids to such an incalculable extent that it is almost impossible to tell when navigation will be resumed. It appears that at the lower end of the Canal they took especial pains to do as much damage as possible. The aqueduct at the mouth of the Antietam was very materially damaged by throwing off the heavy stone walls which form the trunk, and boring holes through the archway. Lock No. 40 was also considerably injured by the walls having been excavated and thrown in.

No 4219.
Headquarters Department of Washington
Washington DC Apr. 25th 1865

Pass J. A. Wade and Team to [?] D.C. and return
Reason: Business
This Pass will expire April 25th 1865
By command of Major General Augur:
Signed [?], Capt and A.A.G.

Teams to be examined by Pickets for contraband goods
Note - This pass will be taken up by the Guard, at its expiration and returned to Headquarters.

The stereograph taken during the Civil War from the Maryland side shows a view of the Potomac River and Harpers Ferry. The railroad bridge is destroyed, the railroad tracks lead nowhere.

The canal in the foreground is dry, and there is rubble from the bridge blocking the path.

This image from Harper's Weekly November 8, 1862 shows troops passing under the Canal at Hancock. The description reads:

Hancock, an exceedingly picturesque town of 4000 inhabitants, situated on this side of the Potomac, is now the theatre of considerable military, activity, being occupied by a portion of the right wing of the Army of the Potomac...

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is on this side of the river, and the sketch represents a regiment passing through a culvert under the canal on their way to the ford.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Ford near Shepherdstown, on the Potomac - picket firing across the river. Sketched by Mr. A. R. Waud

Washington Augt 29, 1862

Mr. Wade

Dear Sir.

I received your letter this morning stating that Domer [?] was detained at the Ferry. It would be useless for me to see any one here for I presume that Col. Miles has discretionary power in the matter. I have written to him and stated the matter to him fully, how I was situated in regard to it, that I was supplying lime in large quantities to the government etc and if possible to let you pass, and think from my representation will let you pass.
Capt. Vickers is here [?]
Respt.

General Banks' Division recrossing the Potomac from Williamsport, Md., to attack the Confederate army under General Jackson- the band of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers playing the National Airs on the Virginia shore.

The retreat of General Banks was, under the circumstances of the case, a great military necessity, and admirably conducted; but, directly the pressure was removed, he returned to the Valley to drive out the invader. This illustration is of the impressive scene of recrossing the Potomac on the mission of vengeance and patriotism.

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL.

Copy of an Order Issued by the Secretary of War, General McClellan, &c.
Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac,

October 24th, 1862.

CIRCULAR

The following General Order from the War Department is republished for the information of all concerned. The provisions of this order are still in force, and the boats of the Company will be allowed to pass through the lines of this Army, without hindrance, until otherwise directed.

By Command of Major General McClellan.

OFFICIAL:

A Brisk Skirmish.— We learn that a spirited skirmish took place on Friday last, between the rebels at Shepherdstown, and the Federal troops stationed opposite the town on the Maryland side. The troops fired at each other across the river first with small arms, and then with cannon. When the rebels commenced firing with a cannon, our troops procured two old six pounders from Sharpsburg, and planted them on the borders of the river, and returned the fire with vigor, sending balls and other missiles into the town, which soon put the enemy to flight, and terminated the engagement.