More Skirmishing

CHARLSTON, VA., March 9. – Hundred of contrabands are coming in from the country. – The course adopted in regard to them, if they have been employed by secession authorities, is to turn them over to the Division commander to be employed by the Federal Government, but if proven otherwise, they are to be returned to their owners.

On Friday, Capt. Coles, of the Maryland Cavalry, 40 in number, came upon about 140 of the rebel cavalry between Bunker Hill and Winchester.  A skirmish ensued which lasted an hour, resulting in the killing of six of Ashley’s and wounding five of Capt. Coles’ men.  A section of Matthew’s Washington Battery came up to Capt. Coles’s support, when the Adjutant Wilkins, of Gen. Williams’s Brigade had his horse shout under him.

It is believed at Bunker Hill, that the force at Winchester had been greatly reduced, leaving not over 30,000 or 40,000 troops there.  Others say that Gen. Jackson’s force has been reinforced by the regiments from Leesburg.

Capt. Coles’ scouts last night reached Paris, four miles from Winchester, but encountered no resistance except from a small cavalry picket.

It is stated that but 400 of the 19th Mississippi regiment remained at Leesburg at the time of the evacuation.  These returned in the direction of Manassas.

Early this morning, rebel scouts attacked Gen. Heintzelman’s pickets near Smith’s Mills, killing one and wounding another of the 27th Indiana.  They were pursued by the 3d Wisconsin, which had not returned at last accounts.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Leesburg Taken

LEESBURG, Va., March 8.

Col. Geary has taken Leesburg and driven Gen. Hills away from the town and surrounding forts.  The American flag floats over all the rebel entrenchments to-night.  This is one of their greatest strongholds.

We took many prisoners, stores, the bank, post office and other public buildings.

This brilliant achievement is of the utmost importance.  A detachment of the 1^st Michigan Cavalry did good service.

CHARLESTOWN, Va., March 9.

The occupation of Leesburg by our forces is officially confirmed.  The enemy evacuated the town on Friday morning, taking all the supplies and baggage to Middleburg.  It is not known that the rebels have gone to Winchester.

CHARLESTOWN, Va., March 9.

Hundreds of contrabands are arriving from the country.  The course adopted in regard to them, if they have been employed by secession authorities, is to turn them over to the division quartermaster, to be employed by the Federal government; but if proven otherwise, they are returned to their owners.

On Friday Capt. Cols, Co. F, Maryland cavalry, 40 in number, came upon about 140 of the rebel cavalry, between Bunker Hill and Winchester.  A skirmish ensued, lasting one hour, resulting in the killing of six of Ashley’s men and wounding five.  Capt. Cole had three men wounded.  A section of Mathews’ battery came up to Capt. Cole’s support, when Adj. Wilkins, of Gen. Williams’ staff had his horse shot under him.  It is believed at Bunker Hill that the force at Winchester has been greatly reduced, leaving not over 3,000 to 6,000 men there.  Others say that Gen. Jackson’s force has been strengthened by the regiments from Leesburg.

Capt. Cole’s scouts last night reached a point only four miles from Winchester, but encountered no resistance, except form a small cavalry picket.

It is stated that but 400 of the 19^th Miss. Regiment remained at Leesburg at the time of the evacuation.  These retreated in the direction of Manassas Gap.

This morning secession scouts attacked Gen. Hamilton’s pickets, near Smith’s Mills, killing one and wounding another of the 27^th Ind.  They were pursued by the 3d Wisconsin, who had not returned at last account.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1