While in camp with the 2nd Massachusetts on the outskirts of Charlestown, Virginia, in March of 1862, Col. Gordon was aroused from his slumbers one night with the news that Col. Maulsby's Marylanders at Kabletown had been cut to pieces in a attack by Rebel cavalry. Gordon was ordered to march to Maulsby's relief with two regiments, augmented by cavalry and artillery. The night was pitch black, and after stumbling along the pike for about a mile, the rescue party turned off onto a dirt road which led to Kabletown, 4 miles distant. Gordon's progress was slowed considerably by the artillery, which could not be easily dragged over the rocks and ruts in the road.

Along the way, Maj. Wilder Dwight listened to the terrifying story told by their guide, one of Maulsby's teamsters, who described in vivid detail, how the cavalry "charged upon them" and "cut them down." By now, the teamster lamented, "Colonel Maulsby and all his officers are either dead or no their way to Richmond."

Daylight was just appearing as the rescue party reached Kabletown. There Dwight was greeted by the sight of Maulsby's unmolested pickets, and then by Maulsby himself, surprised and amazed to see them. Dwight was not surprised, however, by the explanation. "A patrol of our cavalry lost its way last night & came rapidly in on the camp by the wrong road. Maulsby's men fired, and so did the cavalry. The teamsters and a few of the outposts were panic-stricken, and their terror drew a picture which had little resemblance to the reality."

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