21 Oct. 1861: Union forces commanded by Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, lured by reports of an unguarded rebel encampment in the vicinity of Ball’s Bluff overlooking the Potomac River in Loudon County, Va., suffered an embarrassing defeat by a slightly smaller force.

Col. Edward D. Butler, a U.S. senator and close friend of President Lincoln, attempted to reinforce Stone but lost his life in the failed mission. He did not plan for sufficient boats to ferry his regiment across the Potomac and wound up piecemealing his men into action, getting shot in the head in the process.

For more details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ball%27s_Bluff

ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) A panoramic view of Union forces arrayed on Ball's Bluff overlooking the Potomac River before the rebel attack. (2) Poorly positioned men from Butler’s regiment try to fight off assaulting Confederates as others attempt to carry the body of their fallen commander down the slope to the Potomac below. (3) A newspaper artist’s rendition of Colonel Butler’s shooting.