The New York Herald Newspaper, June 10, 1862, Page 4

4 > tt. The enemy soon approached the bridge. Tho ‘Tigers’? were in the advance, supported by Ashby’s cavalry aud the First Maryland rebel infantry. ‘Twice were they repulsed by our skirmishers, and Col. Bradly Johnston, of Maryland, was knocked off his horse and woun:ed in the arm, and Captain Sweets, admittedly the best officer in Ashby’s command, was killed. The enemy now became infuriated, rallied tho third time, in overwhelming numbers, and drove our forees to the next bridge, about # quarter of a mile beyond. Here the artil- Jory and skirmishers held the enemy in check, while an attempt was made to burn the secoud bridge, aud thus delay the enemy's advance. About a mile beyond there isa mountain pass where Colonel Kenly determined to make his final stand. Two locomotives, which Nad tried to run to Strasburg, returned with intelligence that the enemy wore in our rear tearing up the railroad track and destroying the telegraph wire. Colonel Kenly now de- spatched couriers to Gen. Banks by different reutes to apprise bim of the condition of affairs. Some of these couriers made their way through and were the means of saving Banks’ division from destruction or capture. The attempt of our troops to fire the bridge over the north fork of the Shenandoah failed, and the enemy be- gan now toclose in around us. Wevfell back about a mile further at this juncture, maintaining perfect order, and, by asuddea turn m the mountain road, lost sight ofthe enemy for a few minutes. Col, Kenly directed ‘me to the rear to ordor the cavalry to charge upon the enemy when they should appear, an@ to fall back upon the infantry for support. The artillery ammunition had given out and it was ordered to the front. The rebels shélied us over the hills, but the ground was soft, and most of their shells stuck in it when they fell and never exploded. At last the rebel cavalry again ap- Peared encircling ours on three sides. They then made a charge, and Mayor Vought, with the greater part of our cavalry, believing further resistance hopeless, fled in dis- may. Captain White, however, rallied sixteen of the troopers, and on the narrow road repulsed the enemy in the rear. This little band of haroes bad soon to give way, however, and came running pell moll like the rest dowa through the infantry, the Sixth Virginia cavaltry pur- suing them in hot haste. Colonel Kenly now ordered the regiment over the feuce on the roadside into a wheat field. By the time the rebel cavalry came along the right wing of the battalion had formed, and gave the advance guard of the enemy’s horse a close volley, so murder- ous that, out of thirty..iue men and officers composing it, only six succeeded in passing. Had our cavalry turned now they could have anuthilated these, but their rout was too complete to rally. Colonel Kenly rode along to hait the artillery to give the rebels a round or twe of grape. He got mixed up with the enemy’s cavalry, and was shot in the head, the bullet entering at his forenead and passing round his skull, coming out at the back of his head. “Surrender,”’ cried a rebel with drawn sabre. Kenly took no notico of the sum mons, and was instantly’ Jl > by a sabre cut. Im tho meantime the left wing of the regiment under Major Wilson delivered a scathing volley among the cavairy as they passed down along the battalion, thin ming their ranks very perceptibly. The artillory and cavalry were now mingled together, and the infantry completely overpowered and surrounded, while the word “surrender” passed everywhere. Many officers nd men were.killed and wounded, and at length all was eonfusion. With sabres drawn over their heads, most of our force laid down their arms. Adjutant Farr, of the First Maryland, was knocked from his horse by a sabre cut “Surrender,” cried the man who struck him. ‘Not yet,”’ gaid the Adjutant,as he attempted to draw his sabre. A second cut followed, and three or four rebols cullected around him. Still the Adjutant persisted in drawing bis sabre. “Kill the damned Yankeo,’”’ said one of them, as he drow his pistol to fire af him. A third sabre cut rendered the Adjutaat almost senseless. Tho rebeis then rode off, one of them remarking, ‘‘ That is the bravest young fellow I ever met.” Before this I had doffed my overcoat, and displaying a gray one under- neath passed myself repeatedly for a rebel oficer, and rode among their cavalry. This enabied me to be near the Adjutant when he fell, but, asl bad no arms,[ was powerless to assist him, ‘He raised his eyes and recognized me. “ Ah! Mr. ——, Lam in a bad fix !’’ said he; but before more could be Said the enemy’s cavalry swept me along with them, and [found myself surreunded on all sides by enemies before I was well aware of it. They captured our two (guns, passed them, and pursued the cavalry. My object ‘was to escape; so 1 kept in the front rank as long as pos. sible; but my horse gave signs of fatigue, and I could Rot pass their fleetest animals. At length the straggler® of our cavalry were overtaken—some of them dropped from their saddles on each of me, and onc was cut down so close to me that the Dbiood ‘@pouted on my hat and cheek. Soon after this my horse was slightly wounded, and Ihad to gurrender with the rest, and found myself marched off a prisoner of war, with a pistol at my head, and a threat that ifI moved hand or foot for five mmutes my brains would strew the road, A rebel officer, Captain Candell, of Ewell’s staff ame along and I gave myself up to him then. He bad already taken charge of the Colowel, Lieutenant Colonel Dushanc, and the Major of the First Maryland, while Dr. Mitchell, who was himself slightly wounded, was unre- mitting in his attendance upon the Colonel and the Ad- Jutant, who were in an ambulance before us. ‘The battle was now over, after having contimued from two P. M. till dark. Our forces lost about 200 killed and wounded, while all we had was either captured or de stroyed. A list of the killed and wounded has alread; ‘deen sent through the lines to the friends of the victims. The enemy's loss before they succeeded in overpowering the regiment was 183 killed and wounded. ‘This terminated this unequal but hervic struggle, and General Jackson, who commanded the enemy, is reported to have said that what he intended to have accomplished im Gfteen minutes took him four hours INCIDENTS OF THE RATTLR One incident, illustrative of the spirit of the regiment, Oecurred after it became cvident that all was lost. Liew tenant Kemper, perceiving the position of affairs, seized ‘the regimental standard, and, tearing it from the flag staff, exciaimed, the rebels shali never have this. He ‘then wrapped the flag arouna his body, and seizing « riderless horse, gallopped off, cutting his way through ‘the rebel cavalry before they bad time to discover his movements. This officer wag not among the prison. era taken by the rebels, so that he must either have effected his escape, or have been killed: Many other incidents of equal interest might bo given, ‘Dat time and space do not permit of it. THE BATTLE FIELD AFTER THB NATTLE. As soon asthe thunder and war whoop of the battle terminated, the scene which follewed presented a iament- able and striking contrast to that which had proceded it ‘The road and the fleids adjoining it were stre' ith corpses of brave men, in whom the blood of life had cir. Gulated so shortly before. The moans of the wounded were heard on every siae, and night spread her dark pall over this scene of mortality and carnage, while, to add to the sufferings of the wounded, the clouds threatened which actually fell in torrents before long. CAPTIVITY AMONG THE REDEIS. As I said before, 1 was among the prisoners after the Dattle. The place where our little force was overpowered and captured was some seven miles from Front Royal, and it was here our captivity commenced. Colonel Kenly and Adjutant Farr were placed in one of our own ambulances and driven towards Front Royal, while the Lieutenant Colonel, Majer. Doctor and myself followed, Closely guarded by cavalry on the tianks and rear. Cap- tain CardeH, who had us in charge, repeatedly treated, ‘and one of our party at last began to make up his mind to make the most of it and be satisied with his condi tion, The ambulance broke down. Colonel Kenly was transferred to o horse’s back and the Adjutant was ‘moved cautiously along in the broken ambulance GENERAL JACKSON AXD OUR CORRESPONDENT. ‘We had not proceeded far before our juiler said:—"' On: there is General Jackson,” and then he rushed to the tide of the road along which a middie sized, florid com- Plexioned, active looking officer in the gray uniform o the rebels was riding, and saia — General.” The person addressed stopped, and our jailor continued, 1 have the Colonel, Licutevans Colone and all the field and staff bere, and here is the Henatn’s orreapondent with the rest.” * Jackson reached big hand and caught mine, remark. fing he was glad to see any one connected with the American Thunderer. “Tam very glad te see you under the olrcumstances, General,’ eaid tl, “ andl hope you will be good enough to pass me out of your lines as soom as possible.’* At this the General's face changed slightly. He re. marked he bad Got time to attend to shat just then, and rode off. 1m EER, rLawe, The rebe: officers collected around us now as we pro- ceeded towards Front Royal. They stated what they were about to accomplish, Banks and his whole command was to be capured nest day. Jackion was @ & in Maryland on Sunday, where he was to be ————————— EE EE NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 1862.—TRIPLE SHEET. Joined by forty thousand men. Kirby Smith was to be in Hagerstown on Sunday night, ant march thence the foblow- ing day to Prederick, where he would form a junc ion with Jackson and the Maryiand malcontents, and ¢¢ next day commence @ grand movement on Washiagion and Baltimore simultaneously. And thus were we consoled as we were driven prisoners to Front Royol. ‘THE OBJECTS OF THE ATTACK Now here let me state what were the chief objects of Jackson's great movement, as 1 have loarved them from the rebo! officers. Finst—To capture supplies. Sgconpiy—To destroy Banks’ command and produce trouble in Maryland; and, ‘TainpLY—To make @ demonstration on Washington, for the purpose of drawing McClellan off from Richmond. In all these objects he totally failed, OUR QUANTERS AT FRONT ROYAL, At Front Royal the quarters given to us consisted of the Court House. One room up stairs was allotted to the officers, and the rest of the building was given to the men. Wounded and well used the floor fora bed. For refreshments they sent us up somo bread and cheese, taken from one of our own sutlers, while they sent crack- ers tothe men. They gave us as much wi as we ro- quired, That night was one of anxiety to ry one of us. Next day wo weresent biscuits for breakfast, which was all we received that day. BANKS ATTACKED. During the day we could bear the sound ef cannon in the direction of Strasburg, which told us that Banks was attacked, and who could attempt to describe our feelings then of hope and foar for the safety of the forces at Strasburg. The can- nonade gradually became more tndistinct,and we koew that Banks was retreating; but the rebels reported that he was cutoff and must certainly surrender with his whole force. None of us believed this report, how- ever, and what was our joy to learn that he had made good his retreat in order and without serious loss. No more rations were given us that day. Sunday came, and we were served with one meal of crackers and salt beef, and Monday morning it was announced to us that ‘We would be MARCHED Tu WINCHESTER, Each man had afew crackers served out to him to prepare him for the march. At noon we set out for Winchester, elated with the hope that we could only be sent there” for release, as there was a rumor previously that we were to goto Lynchburg. Tho announcement that we were to march to Winchester; therefore was received with joy. The officers sang the‘‘Stas Spangied Banner,” and the men took up the chorus and made the music reound through the village. The march of twenty miles from Front Royal to Winchester fell severly on many of us, who had never marched before. Our escort consisted of the Second Virginia cavalry, Twenty-first Virginia in- fantry and part of the Louisiana Tigers. While at Front Royal, as well as to the end of my prison experience, we were closely guarded and not allowed to go anywher any purpose without a sentry. AT WINCHESTER Wo were given the railroad depot for quarters. This was filthy and entirely too small. There was not room enough for the men to lie on the floor, however closely packet, The officors were in a similiar pro dicament. They were quartered in a litti¢ ticket office, where they had not room enough to liseven ‘on the floor, and many had to remain in sitting postures all night. Next day the officers were paroled, and there ‘was then room enough for all that were left to lie on the floor. Thus were we kept at Winchester till Saturday, June 1, when we were mareled off to Cedar creek. THR RATIONS ALLOWED Us daily were four crackers, and two days whileat Winches- ver we had about one ounce of fat pork, which many were glad todevour uncooked. Through mud we marched to Cedar creek, and slept out in therain that night in a muddy feld. Next morning we marched to Woodstock, being ai* lowed one ration of the usual kind and most inferior qua- lity. On Monday, the 3d inst., we were marched to Mount Jackson, and Tuesday we were marched two miles beyond New Market. It rained on us nearly all the time. AT MOUNT JACKSON, However, we were quartered in the hospital buildings, Meantime,the cage of every one was miserable. All were treated alike. No communication was allowed be- ‘tween our officers and mon, and citizens were treated as common soldiers. Jackson carried off alk the Northern men he could lag hands on,and made prisoners of tiem with the res'. It was reported, the morning I was re- leased, that ono of our men the day befure had tried to end his life by throwing himself under the wheels of the artillery wagon om which he rode, and that failing in this he knocked ous his Drains against a stone fence GEN. JACKSON HAS ANOTHER CONVERSATION WITH OUR COR RESPONDENT. I wrote a letter to Jackson a few days before this: stating who I was and the business in which I was en- gaged, and asking to be liberated. On the morning of Wodnosday iast I received an answer, and an order for my release and to see General Jackson. The prisotiérs were about-to be marched off to Harrisonburg, and many of them before starting gave mea letter to mail w their friends. I went to Jackson’s headquarters, as directod, without loss of time. This time he wore a blue iilitary overcoat. When I was introduced to him 1 could perceive that his hazel eye, peeping out frow his full bearded face, was eyeing me attentively. The following is an account of the interview I then bad with this celebrated character of the great rebellion:—Having shaken hands with me, Jackson said:—‘‘Be seated, sir;”” «will you have a glass of water’ I accepted both, ana, alter some commonplace civilities, observed:— “General, i suppose you will restore me my herse and my ciothes ?'’ “Ob !”" replied he, ‘it was taken in the camp and must be comsidered contraband of war.”” ‘*But as | was supposed to be a non-combatant I stand a8 @ neutral, and you know it to be a law of nations that @ neutral flag covers neutral goods.’’ “Yon,” returned the rebel chieftain ; but the Southern confede: ig not recognized by neutral nations, and, consequently, cannot be bound by neutral laws.” Do you then mean to make war on all neutrals by seizing thei: property, General?’ Jackson did not reply to this, but twisted his beard, and, after some pause, directed me to see him next day atnmine A.M. Next day | was there to the moment; but, to my great surprise, was informed that Jackson had left at three o'clock in the morning, and that I was then without the lines of his army. ‘THE UNION TROOPS entered the town the same afternoon, and the seencs whieh followed have already been described in the begin- ning of this communication. CONDITION OF THE REREI. ARMY. The rebeis are in a state of destitution. It is but jus- tice to say that when they fed their prisoners so badly they were on short allowance themselves. Their clothes are in tatters, and they have no semblace of uniform ‘Their drili is very bad, but they are very submissive to their officers. Their arms are generally good, but in some cases very inferior. They are mostly confident of winning what they call their imdependence. I met two or three avowed Union men among them, however, who long for the time when they can stand once more in favor of the old fing, instead of against it, to do battle, Everything is enormously high. A pair of boots among the rebels costs $25 for instance, which could be had anywhere else for one-quarter of the money, Jt is much the same with every other article of manufactured goods of whatever description. There is not cne rebel soldier or officer whom I met who is not heartily sick and tired of the war. A large propertion of Jackson’s army are citizens who rally to his standard when ne goes to fight, and return to their homes and usual occupations as soon as the strife iv over, This and the absence of uniform in the rebel army makes it difficult often to tell who are prisoners of war and who are not, OUR RESCUERS SEEN. During our march from Strasburg to New Market the found of the artillery was frequently audible in our rear. Every gun told us our friends were near in force and that the enemy was running for fear of them. Once We were actually in sight of the Union military corps at Mount Jackson, drawn up in line of battle, about two miles from where we wore. How every prisoner's heart beat at that moment! But @ column of smoke in our fear proclaimed the bridge between the Union troops and tho rebele in flames, and all our fondly cherished hopes of immediate rescue were quickly dispelled, and gloomily as over we pursued our way, marching under burning sun, many of our men dropping out of the ranks from exhaustion. THR WOUNDED ON THE FiaLD, ‘The greater part of our wouuded lay where they eli for at jeast twelve hours before anything was done to relieve them. They were removed finally to diferent houses in the vicinity, and some were taken to Front Royal. The Union dead wore buried by the rebels on Saturday, May 24, the day after the battie. OFFICIAL REPORTS. General Banks’ Official Report of the Engagement at Front Royal, May 23, 1862. Darax-iowr oy THs Saxxawooan, May 31), 1862. } To the Hon, E. M. Stayton, Secretary of War:— Sim—In pursuance of orders from the War Department, Colonel John R. Kenly, commanding First Maryland Vol- unteers, was sent on the 16th day of May from Strasburg to Front Royal, with instructions to retain the troops under Major Tyndale, attached to General Geary’s com- mand, and to protect the town of Front Royal and tho railroad and bridges between that town and Strasburg. ‘The forges under his command consisted of his own regi. ment (775 available men), two companies from the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant Colone! Perban commanding; the Pioneer corps, Captain Mapes, engaged in reconstructing bridges; two companies of the Fifth New York cavalry, and a section of Knapp’s bdattery, Lieutenant Atwell commanding. There were three companies of infantry stationed on the road nearer Strasburg—the Second Massachusetts, Captain Russell, at the bridge; one company of the Third Wisconsin, Captain Hubbard, and one company of the Twenty-seventh Indiana, about five miles from Strasburg. ‘This force was intended as a guard for the protection of the town, and partly against local guerilla parties that infested that locality, and replaced two companics of infantry with cavalry and artillery, which had oceu- pied the town for some ‘ks, under Major Tindale, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the same purpose. It had never been contemplated as a defence against the combined forces of the enemy in the valley of Virginia. Front Royal Is in ifself an indefensible position. Two mountain valleys debouch suddenly upon the town from the south, commanding it by almost inaccessible hills; and it is at the same time exposed to flank move- ments by other mountain valleys, via Strasburg on the west and Chester Gap on the east. The only practicable defence of this town would be by a force sufficiently strong to hold these mountain passes some miles in advance. Such forces were not at my disposal, and no such expectations were entertained from the slender command of Colonel! Kenly. It was a guertila force and not an organized and well appointed army that he was prepared to meet. On the 23d of May it was discovered that the whole force of the encmy was in movoment down the valley of the Shenandoah, between the Massanutten Mountain and the Blue Ridge, aud in close proximity to the town. Their cavalry had captured a considerable number of our pickets before the alarm was given. The little band whch was charged with the protection of the railroad and bridges found itself instantaneously compelled to cho so between an immediate retreat or a contest with enemy against overwhelming num Colonel was not the man to avoid a contest, at whatever odds, He immediately drew up his troops in the order he had contempiated in case of attack of less importance. ‘Tho disposition of his forces had been wisely made to re- sist a torce equal to his own, and the beat, perhaps, that could have been devised in his more pressing emer- cy. Oe iaxt one o’clock FP. M. the alarm was given that the enemy was advancing on the town in force. The infantry companies were drawn up in line of battle about one half of mile in the Tear of the town, Fivecompanies were detailed to sup- port the artillery, which was placed on the crest of a ‘hill commanding a meadow of some extent, over which the enemy must pass to reach the bridges—one company guarding the regimental camp, nearer to the river, on tho right of the li ‘The companies, three in number, left to guard the town, were soon compelled to fall back upon the main force. There were then four companies on the right of the battery near the camp, under Lieutenant Cvionel Dushane, and five companies on the left under Colonel Kenly. ¥he battery, Lieutenant Atwell commanding, ‘opened fire upon the enemy advancing from the bills on theright and left, well supported by the infantry, doing much damage. A detachment of the Fifth New York cavalry was ordered to advance upon the road, which was attempted, but did not succeed. They held this position fur an hour, when they were compelled to re- treat across the river. wiich was done in good order, their camp and stores having been first destroyed. On the opposite side their lines were again formed, and the battery, in position, opeucd its fire upon the enemy while fording the river. Thoy wore again ordered to move, left in front,on the Winchester road, and bad proceeded ubout two miles when they wore overtaken by the enemy's cavalry, aud a fearful fight ensued, which ended in the complete destruction of the command. Colonel Kenly, at the head of his column, was wounded in this a . The train and one gun were captured. brought within tive miles of Winches- vy Lieutenant Atwell only when his roken down. The enomy’s force is esti- mated at eight thousand, ghting was mostly cone by the cavalry on the side of the revels, with active support from the infantry aud artillery. Our own force did not exceed © hundred men. held their ground manfuily, yielding only to the irresistible power of overwhelming uumbers. Prisoners captured since the affair represent that our troops fought with great valor, and that the losses of the enemy were large. A prisoner captured near Martinsburg, who was in the Front Royal army, states that twenty-five men i charge on the Buckton station. Six of cavalry churged upon our troops at that The Killed und wounded numbered forty oad. place. Among the killed were Captain Sheats and Capiain Fletcher. The name of the prisouer is John Seyer. It is impossible at thig time to give a detailed account of our losses. Reports from the officers of the regiment represent that bat eight commissioned officers and one hundred and twenty men bave reported. Of these offi cers five were in the engagement, two absent on detach- ed service, aud one on furlough. All the regimental officers were captured. Colonel Kenly, who was repre- sented to have beon killed, is mow understood to be held a prisoner. He td severely wounded. Lieutenant Atwell reports that of thirty-cight men attached tohis battery but twelve have reported. The cavalry was more fortu- nate, and suffered comparatively little loss. Undoubted- ly large nuinbers of the command will yet return, but it is impossible to speculate upon the number. I bave the honor to ask attention to the reports of the romaining officers of the First Maryland regiment who participated in the engagement, giving their account of the same, and that of Lieutenant Atwell, commanding the battery. Other reports wil! doubtl be made by oificers having a more perfect knowledge of the affair and @ more exact statement of the losses, but are not at this time available. I have the honer to be, with great respect, your obe- dient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major General Commanding. Gen Banks’ Official Report of the March of the First Division, Fifth Corps @ Armee, from Strasburg, Va., to Wil- Mamsport, Md., on the @4th and 25th days of May, 186%. Heapgvarrens, } Derartuxst of THE SuxNaxpoan, May 31, 1862. Hon. EF. M. Stayton, Secretary of War: Sin—Information was received on the evening of May 23 that the enomy ia very large force had descended on the guard at Front Royal, Col. Kenly, First Maryland regi- ment, commanding, burning the bridgos and driving our troops towards Strasburg with great loss. Owing to what was deemed an extravagant statement of the enemy's strength, these reports were received with some distrust; but a regiment of infantry, with a strong detachment of cavalry and a section of artillery, were immediately sent to reinforce Col. Kealy. Later in the evening, despatches from fugitives who had escaped to Winchester informed us that Col. Kenly's force had been destroyed, with but few exceptions and the enemy, 15,000 or 20,000 strong, wore advancing by rapid marches on Winchester. Orders wore immediately given to halt the reinforce- mente sent to Front Royal, which had moved by different routes, and detachments of troops, under experionced officers, were sent in every direction to explore the roads leading from Front Royal to Strasburg, Middletown and Winchester, and ascertain the force, position and purpose of this sudden movement of the enemy. It was soon found that his pickets were in pos session of every read, and rumors from every quarter represented Lim in movement, in the rear of his pick- ets, in the direction of our camp. BiThe extraordinary force of the enemy eould no longer be doubted. It was apparent, ai that there was a more extended purpose than the eapture of the brave little band at Front Royal. This purpose could nothing less than the defeat of my own command, or its possible capture by oecupy- ing Winchester; and by this movement intercepting supplies or reiniorvemente, atid cutting off all poss bility of retreat. It was also apparent from the reports of fugitives, prisoners, Union men and our reconnoitering par- ties, that the three divisions of the enemy’s troops known to be in the valley, and embracing at least twen- ty-five thousand men, were united and close upon us, in some enterprise not yet developed. The suggestion that, had their object been a —- they would not have given notice of their approachby an k on Front Royal, was answered by the fact that on ly remaining point of attack—the Staunton road— our Outposts were live miles in advance, and daily re- conuoissanees made for a distance of twelve miles to- wards Woodstock. Under this interpretation of the enemys plans, our demanded instant decision and action. eourses were open 0 wi—Firet, & re treat nerom Little North Mountain to the Poto: mac river on the west; second, an ine the enemy’s flank on the Front Royal road; third, a rapid movement direct upon Winchester, with a view to anticipate his occupation of the town by seizing it our- selves—thus placing my cominand in communication with ite original base of rations, in the line of rein- forcements by Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg, and a safe retreat in case of disaster. To remain at Strasburg was to be surrounded; to move over the moun- taine was to abandon our train at the outset, and to sub- Ject my command to flank attacks without possibility of succor; and to attack, the enemy being in sueh over whelming force, could only result in certain destruction. It wae therefore determined to enter the lists with the enemy ina race or a battlo—as he should choose—for the possession of Winchester, the key of the valley, and *~r us the position of safety. ‘THE MARCH. At three o'clock A. M., the 24th Instant, the reinforce. ments—infantry, accil! and cavairy—sent to Colouel Kenly, were recalled; the advance guard, Qvlonel Done nelly’s brigade, was ordered tw return to Strasburg, several hundred disabied mbo {eft in our charge by Shielda’ division were put upon t! and our wagon train ordered forward to Win ter uniler escort of cavalry and infantry. General Hatch, with nearly our whole force of cavalry and six pieces of artillery, was charged with the protection of the rear of the column and destruction of any stores for which transportation was not provided, wi instructions to remsia ip frout of the towo as long as possible, aud hoid the euemy in check, our ex- pectations of attack being iu that direction. All these orders were executed with incredible rity, aud svon after nine o'clock the column was on the march, Coloael Donnelly in front, Colonel Gordon in the centre and Gen. Hatch ip the rear, A STAMPEDE. The column had passed Cedar creek, about three miles from Strasburg, with the sen of the rear guard, still in the rear of the town, w! information was re- ceived from the front that the e had attacked tho train, and was in full possession of the road at Middie- town. This report was coufirmod by the return of tugi- tives, refugees and wagous, which came tumbling to rear in fearful confusion. It_ being apparent now that our immediate danger was in frout, the troops were ordered to the head of Lhe cv- lump and the train to the rear; and, in view of a possi- ble necessity of our return tw Strasburg, Captain James W. Abert, raphical Corps—who associated with him the Zouaves d’ Afrique, Captain Collis—was ordered to prepare Cedar creek bridge for the flaines, in order to prevent @ pursuit im that direction by the enemy. In tha execution oj this order Captain Abert and the Zouaves were cut off from the column, which they subsequently joined at Williamsport. They bad at Strasburg a very ‘sharp conflict with the enemy, in which his cavairy suffered severely. An interosting reportof this affair will be found in the reports of Captain Abert and Captain Collis, ‘THE FIRST COMBAT. The head of the reorganized column, Colonel Donnelly commauding, encountered the enemy in force at Middle- town, about thirteen miles from Winchester. Three hun- dred troops had been seen in town; but it soon appeared that larger forces were in the rear. The brigade halted, and the Forty-sixth Ponobehranis. Ooaeat Knipe, was ordered to penetrate the woods on the right and dislodge the enomy’s skirmishers. They were supported by a section of Cothran’s New York battery. Five compa- nies of the enemy’s cavalry were discovered in an open fleld in the rear of the woods,and our artillery, masked at lirst by the infantry, opened fire upon them. They stood fire for a while, but at length retreated, pursued byour skirmishers. ‘The Twenty-oighth New York, Lieut. Colonei Brown, was now brought up, aud, under a heavy tire of infautry and artillery, the enemy were driven back more than two miles {rom the pike. Colo- nel Donnelly being informed at this point by a citizen, in great alarm, that 4,000 men wore in the woods beyond, the men Were anxious to continue the fight; but as this would have defeated our object by the loss of valuable time, with the exception of a small guard, they were or- dered to resume the march. ‘This affair occurred under my own observation, and 1 have great pleasure in voucbing for the admirable con- duct of oiicers and men. We lost one man killed and nine wounded. The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained. ‘This episode, with the change of front, occupied nearly an hour; but it saved our column. Had the enemy vigo- rously attacked our train while at the head of the column, it would have been thrown into such dire confusion as to have made the successful continuation of our ma:ch im- possible. Pending this contest, Colonel Brodhead, of thy First Michigan cavairy, was ordered to advance, and, if possible, to cut his way through and occupy Winchester. It was the report of this euergetic officer that gave us the first assurance that our course was yet clear, and he was the first of our column to enter the town. THE SECOND COMBAT. When it was first reported that the enemy had pushed between us and Winchester, General Hatch was ordered to advance with all his available cavairy from Strasburg; leaving Colonel De Forrest to cover the rear and destroy stores not provided with transportation. Major Vought, Fifth New York cavalry, had becn previously ordered to reconnoiter the Front Royal road, to ascertain the position of the enemy, whom he encountered in force near Middletown, aud was compelled to fail back, imme- diately followed by the enemy's cavalry, infantry and artillery. In this affair five of our men were killed and some wounded. The enomy’s loss is not known. After repeated attempts to force a passage through the lines of the enemy, General Ha‘ch, satistied that this result could not be accom- plished without great loss, and supposing our army to ve proceedel buts short distance, turned to the left, moved upon a parallel road, and made several ineffec- tual attempts to force a junction withthe main column. At Newtown, however, be found Colonel Gordon holding the enemy in check, and joined his brigade, Major Coi- ling, with three companies of cavalry, mistaking the point where the main body of the cavalry left the road, dashed upon the enemy until stopped by a barricade of wagons and the tempestuous fire of iniantry and artil- lery. His loss must have been severe. Six companies of the Fifth New York, Col. De For- rest, and six companies of the First Vermont, Col. Tompkins, after repeated and desperate efforts to effect @ junction with the main body—the road now being filled with infantry, artiliery and cavalry—fell back w Strasburg, where they found the Zouaves d’ Afrique. ‘The Fifth New York, failing to effect a junction at Win- chester, and also at Martinsburg, came in at Clear Spring with a train of thirty-two wagons and many stragglers. The First Vermont, Col. Tompkins, joined us at Winehes- ter with six pieces of artillery, and participated in tho fight of the next morning. Nothing could surpass the calerity and spirit with which the various companies of cavalry executed their movements, or their intrepid charges upon the enemy. General Hatch deserves great credit for the manner in which he discharged his duties as Chief of Cavuiry in this part of our march, as well as at the fight at Win. chester, and in covering the rear of our column to the river, but especially for the spirit infused into his troops during the brief period of hia eommand, which, by confession of friend and foe, had been made equal, if pot superior, te the best of the enemy's long trained mounted men. From this point the protection of the rear of the column develyed upon the forces under Colonel Gordon. ‘TUR THIRD COMBAT. ‘The rear guard having been separated from the column, and the rear of the train having been attacked by an iucreased force near the bridge between Newtown and Kentown, Colonel Gordon was directed to send back the Second Massachusetts, Lieutenant Colonel Andrews commandiug; the Twenty-seventh Indiana, Colonel Col- grove, and the Tweuty-cighth New York, Lioutenant Colonel Brown, to rescue the rear of the train and hold the enemy in check. They found him at Newtown with @ strong force of infantry, artillery ana cavalry. ‘The Second Massachusetts was deployed in the field, supported by the Twenty-eighth New York and the ‘Twenty-seventh Indiana, and ordered to drive th from the town; and the battery was 80 placed as to sileace the guns of the enemy. Both these objects wi quickly aecomplished. They found it impossible to reach Middletown, so as to enable the cavalry under General Hatch to join’the column, or to cover entit tho rear of the train. the*euemy 1y'8 ca eased vigor of his movements demonstrated the rapid advance of the main body. A cavalry char, made upon our troops was received in squares on tho right and on the road, and in the line on the left, which repelled his assault and gained time to reform the train, to cover its rear and to burn the disabled wagons. This affair oceupied several ho regiments having been moved to the rear about six o'clock, and not reach. ing the towa until after twelve. A full report by Colonel Gordon, who commaniod in person, is enclosed herewith. The principal lous of the second Massachusetts occurred in this action, THR FIGHT AT WINCHESTER. ‘The strength and purpose of the enemy were to us un- known when we wl Winchester, except upon un certain reports aud unsatisfactory reconnoissances. Our suspicions were strengthened by the vigor with which the euemy had pressed owr main columu,and defeated at every point the efforts of detachments to effect a junction with the main body. At Wiichester, however, all suspense was relieved on tit subject. All clagsee—secessionists, Union mon, refu- eed gees, fugitives and prisoners—agri the enemy's force at or near Winchester was overwhelming, ranging from twenty-five to thirty thousand. Rebel officers, who came into our camp with entire unconcern, sup- posing that their own troops occupied the town, and were captured, coniirmed these statements, and added that am attack would be made upon us at daybroak. 1 determined to test the substance and strength of the enemy by actual collision, and measures were promptly taken to prepare our troops to meet them. ‘They had taken up their positions on entering the town after dark without expectations of a battle, and were at disadvantage ag compared with the enomy. ‘The rattling of musketry was hoard during the latter part of the night, aud before the break of day a sharp occurred at the outposts. Soon after four ‘clock the artillery opened its fire, which was continued without cessation till the clove of th 1 oy it. The right of our line was ocoupied by tl ird bri. , Colonel H. Gordon commanding. The regi- nents were strongly posted, and near the centre covered by stone walls from the fire of the enemy. ‘Their infantry opened on the right, and soon both lines were under heavy fire. The leit was occupied by the First brigade, Colonel Dudley Denvelly com: jing. The line was weak compared with that of the enemy; but the troops were well posted and patiently awaited, as tuey nobly improved, their coming opportunity. ‘the earliest movements of the euemy were on our left, two regiments being seen to move as with the purpose of oc- Spat flank or rear, Gen, Williams ordered @ detachment of cavalry to inter this movement, when it was apparently abandoned, 6 enemy suflered le een nom ee the fire RA ban infantry on the bh ment is represen: y persons present during the action, and after the feld wag evacuated, as nearly destroyed. The main body of the enemy was hidden during the early part of the action by the crest of the hill and the woods in the rear. Their force was massed tly upon our right, and their manouvres ind! purpose to turn us upon ‘the Berryville road, where, it baequently, they had placed a considerable force, with a view of pre- veuting reinforcements from Harper's Ferry. But the steady fire of our lines held them in ¢heck until a small Portion of the troops on the right of our line madea movement to the rear. It is but just to add that this was done under the erroneous impression that an order to withdraw had been given. No sooner was this ob sorved by the enemy than its regiments swarmed upon the crest of the hill, advancing frem the words upen our right, which, still continuing its fire steadily, with- drew towarda the town. The overwhoiming force of the enemy now suddenly show ing itself, Lem furthor resistance unwise, orders at to the left by Captain De Hautevilie to with. draw tho First brigade, which was done rel in order, the enemy having greatly suffered on that wing. A portion of the troops passed through the town in some confusion; but the column was avon reformed and oga- tinued its march in order, tantly but Pe... engagement held the enemy in cheok ‘nearly five ours. The forces engaged wero greatly unequal. Indisposed to acceyt toe early rumors concerning the enemy's Strength, I reported to the department that it was about . It is now conclusively shown that not leas than 25,000 men were in position, and could have been Drought into action. On the right and left their great superiority of numbers was plainly felt and seen, and the signal officers from elevated positions were enabled to count the regimental standards, indicating a strength equal to that | have stated. My own command consisted of two brigades of loss than 4,000 men, all told, with mine hundred cav- airy, ten Parrott’ guns,and one battory of six-pound smooth-bore cannon. To this should be added the Teuth Maine regiment of infantry, and five companies of Mary- land cavalry, statioued at Winchester, which were en- gaged in tho action. The lovs of the enemy was treble that of ours in killed and wounded. In prisoners ours greatly exceeded theirs. Officers whose word I cannot doubt havo stated, as the result of their own observation, that our mon were fired upon from private dwellings ‘in passing through Winchester; but I am credibiy informed, and giadly heve, that the atrocitics said to have been perpetrated upon our wounded soldiers by the rebels are grestly exaggerated or entirely untrue, Our march was turned in the direction of Martinsburg, hoping there to meet with reinforcoments—the troops moving in three parallel columns, each protected by an efficient rear guard. Pursuit by theenemy was prompt and recs; but our movements were rapid and with. out loss. Z A few miles from Winchester the sound of the steam whistle, heard in the direction of Martinsburg, strength- ened the hope of reinforcements, and stirred the blood of the men like a trumpet, Soon after two squadrons of cavalry came dashing down the rvad, with wild hurrabs. They were thought to be the advance of the anticipated support, and were received with deafening cheers. Every man felt like turning back upon the enemy. It proved to be the First Maryland cavalry, Colonel Witchky, sent out in the morning as a train guard. Hearing the guns, they had’ returned to participate in the fight.’ Advantage was taken of this stirri: incident to reorganize our co- lumno, and the ‘ch was continued with renewed spirit andorder, At Martinsburg the column halted two and a balf hours—ihe rear guard remaining until seven in the evening in rear of the town—and arrived at the river at sundown, forty-eight hours after the first nows of the attack on Front Royal. It a march of fifty- three miles, thirty-five of which were performed in one day. The scene at the river when the rear guard arrived was of the most animating and exciting description. A thousand camp fires were burning on the hillside, a thousand carriages of every dascriptivn were crowded upon the banks, and the broad river rolled betwoen the exhausted troops and thoir coveted rest. The ford was too deep for the teams to cross in regular succession. Only the strongest horses, alter afew un- successful experiments, were allowed to essay the pas- sage of the river before morning. ‘the single ferry was occupied by the ammunition traing, tho ford by the wagons. The cava'ry was secure in its own power of crossing. The troops obly had no transportation. Fortunately, the train we had so sedulously guarded served us in turn, Several boats belonging to the pontoon train, which we had brought from Strasburg, were launched and devoted exclusively totheir service. it is seldom thata river er ssing of such magnitude is achieved with greater success, and there never were more grateful hearts in the same number of men than when, at midday of the 26th, we stood on the opposite shore. My command had not sulfered am attack and rout. It had accomplished a premeditated march of nearly sixty miles, in the face of the enemy, defeating his plans and giving him buttie wherever he was found. Our loss is stated in‘detail, with the names of the killed, wounded aud missing, in the full report of Briga. dior General A. 8. Williams, commanding division, to which reference is made. a "The whole number of killed is thirty-eight; wounded, one hundred and fifty-five; missing, seven hundred and eleven. Total loss, nine hundred and five. It is undoubtedly true that many of the missing will yet return, and the entire loss may be assumed as not exeeeding seven huadred. itis also probublo that the mumber of killed and wounded may be larger than that abvve stated; but the aggregate loss will not be changed thereby. All our guns were saved. Our wagon train consisted of nearly 500 wagons. this number fifty-five were lost. ‘They were not, with but few exceptions, abandoned to the enemy, but were burned upon the road. Nearly allot our supplies were thus saved. The stores at Front Royal, of which I had no knowledge until my visit to that poston the 2ist inst., and those at Winchester,of which a considerable portion was destroyed by our troops, are not embraced in this statement. The number of sick men in the hospital at Stras- burg belonging to Generai Williams’ division was 189, 125 of whom were leit in hospital at Winchester, under charge of Surgeon Lincoln R. Stone, Second Massachu- setts; six y-four were left in hospital at Strasburg, in- cluding attendants, under charge of Surgeon Gillespie, Seventh Iudiana, and Assistant Surgeon Porter, United States Army. Eight of the surgeons of this division voluntarily sur- rendered themselyes to-the evemy in the hospitais and on the field for the care of the sick and wounded placed under their charge. They include, in addition to those above named, Brigade Surgeon Peale, at Winchester; Surgeon BMitcheil, First Maryland, at Front Royal; Sur- geon Adolphus, Best's battery, United States Arm; . geon Johnson, Sixteenth Indiana, and Surgeon Francis Le- laud, Second Massachusetts , on the field. It is seldom that men are called upon to make a greater sacrifice of comfort, health ahd liberty for the benefit of heir char; Services and sacrifices like these ought to entitle them to some more important Tecognition of their devotion to public duty than the mere historical record of the act. The report of the medical director, Surgeon W. S. King, exhibits the disposition of nearly 1,000 sick and disabled men left at Strasburg by Geu. shicids’ division, upon its removal to the Rap) valley. My warmest thanks are due to the officers and men of my command for their unflinching courage and the unyielding spirit exhibited on the march and its atven- dant combats, and especially to Brigadier General A. S. Williams, commanding the division, under whose general directions the movements were executed; General George S. Green and General L. W. Crawford, who had reported for duty, but were yet unassigned to separate commands. They all ences gang the column through- out the march, and rende: me most valuable assist- ance. My thanks are also due to the gentlemen of my staff— Major D. D. Perkins, Chief of Staif; Capt. James W. Abert, of tho Tpoograchical corps; Capt. Wm. Sheffen, Capt. Frederick R. Munthur aud Capt. Frederick De Hauteville—for their arduous labors. nee me pleasure also to commend the conduct of Donnelly and Col. Gordon, commanding the two brigades of Williams’ division. I would also respectfully ask the attention of the de- parti it to the reports of the several officers com- mandi detachments separated, from the main column, and to the officers named in report of Gen. Williams, as worthy of commendation for meritorious pee Lie it W. W. Rawley command. si corps, Lieutenant W. W. Rawley 5 ing, rendered most vaiuable assistance on the field and in the march. There should be some provision for the —_ promotion of officers and men go brave and use- ful as those composing this corps. The safety of the train and aupplies is in a great degree due to the discre- tion, experience and unfailing energy of Captain S.B. Holabird and Captain E. G. Beekwith, United States am: 1 . e the honor to be, with great respect, your obe- dient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major Generai Commanding. THE PRISONERS. Subjoined is a list of the prisoners now in the enemy's hands. They were all forwarded to Staunton to be sent toLynchburg. The whole number in their possession does not exceed eighteen hundred meu. Maryland. The following are the names of the officers ef the Maryland regiment whose fate was known to the pri- soners:— Colonel J. R. Kenly, prisoner and wounded. Lieutenant Col Dushbane, prisoner. Major Wilson, prisoner. Dr. Mitchell, prisoner and wounded, Adjutant R. 0. Farr, wounded, Captain Coogler, wounded. Captain Wright, wounded, Captain Reynolds, E3 or Hleutenants Thompson and Sevilie are supposed te a mpson ant 0 are ive been mortally wounded. FIRST MARYLAND CAVALRY @AKEN SETWEEN CHARLESTOWN AND WINCHESTER, Captain Vincent Von Koerber. Sergeant August Henkel. Corporal Wiilam Schmecbliag. Fred. Steinberg William Liebno. Jab. Ruff. Max Hartmann. John Michael. New York. FIFTH NEW YORK CAVALRY. William Haviland . Captain Amos H. White. William Lg Ne dD H. J. Appleby, Go. D. (ram bo, 2. Hi ith, a Ghartes 0. Smith, Oo. i Andrew Bridgeman, Co. M. All takes at Front Royal. RIGATH NEW Captain J. W. Dio Hugh Gatens, Co. B. Juseph Weet, Co. G. YORE CAVALRY, ) Be Corporal Chester iF. Co, B Harriaon Coikirk, con | Corporal C. G. tlamptoa, Ce. BL T. P. Whiting, Co. H. R. J. Beedle, Co. H. Myron . Co. HE John L. Church, Co. A. ‘Wm. C. Kewin, Co. H. Nathan Bowen , Co. H. Edward Day, Co. H. Charles E. Banta, Co. H, John McIntire, Co. H. Morris O'Donnel, Vo. H. Robert Tripp, Co. H. Nathan Masters, Co. H. Pe TY-SIXTH PHNNSYLVANTAs ‘aptain Company K. Secoud Lieutenant A. Selfridge. Captured during the retreat. TWENTY-NINTH PENNSYLVANTA ‘The following were taken at Winchester May 25 ext Colonel John R. Murphy. Captain Wm. Rickards, Jr., Company I. Sergeant T. L. De Bow. Company I. Corporal Wm. Mountain, Company J, arm brews, Corporal Wm. Haydock, Company I,‘ Private Francis N. Fritz, Company I, Private John Toohay, Company I. Private Patrick McKeys. Company & John Clark, Company I. John Stewart, Company L. The foliowing were captured during the retrentou. Captain William Leech, Co, K. Jacob Wagner, Co. K. h Feltzt Co. K, Charles Hunter, Got K. ‘Thomas Wren, Co. K, William Roland, Co, K. Joseph Eber, Co. K. ‘The following were taken at Front Royal Mag @3e=t, First Lieutenant George E, Johnson, Co. B, Second Lieutenant Jos. Maguiyin, Oo. B, Sergeant William J..Sloan, Co, B. Sergeant William P. Brown, Ce. Be Sergeant Eben. T. Mercer, Co. B. Corporal James P. Lewis, Co. B. Corporal Charles B. Talm: a Cooporal Charles Shubert, Go. B, Corporal Jacob Zinger, Go. B. Corporal William McMaihn, Co, B, Drummer Israel R. Butlock, Co. By Wagoner Robert Cammeil, Co. B. Daniel Boyee, Co. B. August Bakeovet Walter Burnwood, William Cassidy, Co. B. John Cavenaugh; Co. B. James Casner, Co. B. George Collins, Co. B, Charles Duty ,'Co. B. John Dougherty, Co, B, John B. Eckert, Co, Be Jos. Foster, Co, B. George Free, Co. B, Israel Gries, Co. B. David Gillen, Co. B. Jacob W. Hardy, Co. B. William Hawkins, Co. B. John H. Haskins, Co, B. David S. Harps,Co, B. Israel R. Hunter, Co, B. Joseph Isley, Co. B. John A. T. Johnson, Co. B. John Jardeene, Co. B. Charles H. Letford, Co, Be Charles Lofferty, Co, B. Thomas Lannon, Co. B. John Laibecke, bo. B. Michael McGowan, Co. B, John McCrea, Uo. B. William MoDowei, Co. B. Adam Matsinger, Co. B. Lewis McNeilly, Co. B mas P. Ottey, Co. B. iliam Olmsted, Co. B. Thos. Paul, Co. B. Richard Parsons, Co, B. John H. Paul. Co, B, Henry Rice, Co, B. David Steou, Co. B. John Sullivan, B Wm. Sole: Wm. Sewell, Co. George Shoffor, Co. B, Wm. Shannon, Co. B. Abel Taylor, Go. B. Wm. Trout, Co. B. Oliver K. Wood, Go. B. Caspar H. Warner, Co. B. Francis R. Wylie, Co. B. Howard Mullin, Co. B (killed); ‘Wm. Bos, Artist. James Anderson (colored), company @eeite Dieutenant James C. Linton, Oo. G. Lieutonant Jeha H. Goldsmith, Ce. @ Sergeant Robert Bonaer, Co. G. Sergeant William H. White, Co. @. Sergeant Robert G. Cateraon, Co, @. Corponal John Davis, Co. G. Corporal George Heck, Co. G. Corporal Jobn H. W. Gladney, Co, @. Drummer Richard, of Richardson, Co. @& Fifer Henry Coleman, Co. G. Wagoner Banneman, Cove William Agnew, Co. @. Archibald Arbuckle, Oo. @. John Bennett, Co. G. Charles Collins, Co. G. Patrick Conway, Co. G. Michael Canavan, Co. G. James Campbell, Co. G. William H. Cuthbert, Co. @. Hugh Dovan, Co. G, Henry Fisher, Co John Gallagher, Co. G. James Hunter, Co. G, William L, Johnston, Co. @. John Jones, Co. G. William Klingler, Co. @, James [. Co. G. John J. Murphy, Co. G. David Mouatt, Co. G. McCull Sewell McAllen, Co. G, Charles McCioakey , Co. @. Patrick McLaughlin, Co. @. John Maclauchian, Uo. @, Joseph L.. Powell, Go. G. . James R. Pedrock, Co. @, Terrence Rodgers, Co. @. Thomas Rice, Co. G. John Ralston, Co. G. Williain A. Simons, Co, @. Harvey Shellenberger, Co. @, rge W. Spangler, Co. @. George Sbober, €o. a Cuaries Serad Co. G. James Simpson, Co. G. George Thompson, Co. G, John B. White, Co. G, ® Netgear Williams, @e.@e Co, G. Robert Bochasan Benj. Benuer, Co. Morris Hackman, FIFTH REGIMENT VOLDWTEERS. Captain James A. Bette, Co. & First Lieutenant Edward J. Ries, Co. I. Dr. Eviyn L. Bisel. Orderly Sergeant Wm. Fuller, Co. D. Orderiy Sergeant Salem Purinton, Co. B, Sergeant Frederick IT. Fanning, Ce. Be Sa el it . Oo, Corpor riswold, Cn Be Captured Ser A Patrick Tobard G. Barlow , C Charles H. Blinn, 0. A. Frederick Falkner, Oo. A, Atolauder Hall, Co. Ac