as the battle-weary confederate troops crossed the river into what is now jefferson county, west virginia, their crossing was being protected by pendleton's artillerymen manning about 35 cannons on the bluffs on the south side of the river. but the odd collection of cannons had several short-range howitzers and a number of obsolete six pounders incapable of reaching the opposite maryland bluffs. pendleton also had command of two understrength infantry brigades he stationed along the riverbank.