Existing comment:
A Day Gained, A Capital Saved:
"The battle of Monocacy was one of great spirit and importance, and in my belief saved the city of Washington from the ravages of the enemy."
-- Col. Matthew R. McClennan, 2nd Brig., 3rd Div, VI Corps
Major General Lew Wallace sought time, not victory along the banks of Monocacy River. He needed to delay Early's advance long enough for Union troops to arrive in Washington from Petersburg.
He succeeded, and the United States capital was saved from destruction or capture.
Rarely in the Civil War would so small a battle have so large an impact.
"It would be a difficult task to say too much in praise of the veterans who made this fight... The fact speaks for itself, "Monocacy" on their flags cannot be a word of dishonor! They are the soldiers whose skill and courage have enabled not merely themselves, but the army they have belonged to so long."
-- From the report of Major General Lew Wallace |