Fort Stevens

After his victory at Monocacy on July 9, 1864, Confederate Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early moved south toward the Union capital of Washington, D.C. On July 11, Early's skirmishers tested the fortifications that encircled the city, manned by clerks and convalescent troops. During the night, veteran Union reinforcements from the Army of the Potomac disembarked from troop transports to bolster the city's defenses. On July 12, Early made a demonstration against Fort Stevens north of the city which was repulsed. In the afternoon, a Federal counterattack drove the Confederate skirmishers back from their positions and nearby Fort DeRussy. President Abraham Lincoln watched the action and came under fire from Confederate sharpshooters. Recognizing that the Union capital was defended by veterans, Early abandoned plans of taking the city and withdrew during the night.