Further Particulars of the Winchester Battle

WINCHESTER, March 25. – The details of last Sunday’s fight have been received.  There have been more deeds of heroic daring performed in this battle, than in any other in history.  Capt. Schrieber, Aid and Inspector General of Gen. Shields’ division, while riding to the crest of a hill to the left of stone ledge, with two Orderlies, was confronted by five rebel cavalry, who emptied their revolvers, killing to Orderlies.  Capt. Schrieber charged them, running one of them through to the hilt of his sword, and received a ball in his cap, but was unharmed.

Capt. Perkins, Chief of Gen. Banks’ staff, was mainly instrument in planning the attack and performed deeds of skill and valor.

The twelve rebel regiments engaged were all Virginians, which were 1st, 2nd, 4th, 13th, 23rd, 42nd and 22nd, and one Provisional and one Irish Regiment.  They had Ashby’s Cavlary, two eight gun batteries and one six gun battery.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

The Fighting Near Winchester

FULL PARTICULARS.

WINCHESTER, Va., March 25. – On Saturday at 2 o’clock p. m., the enemy showed themselves a mile and a half from Winchester.  The enemy consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry and two guns.  They drove in our pickets and then skirmished with the Michigan cavalry and a portion of the Maryland 1st.

Gen. Shields brought up his artillery and fired several rounds of shot and shell, drove them back and took several prisoners.

Gen. Shields was wounded in the arm by the first fire of the enemy.

Jackson had been informed by the inhabitants that the town was destroyed by the union troops and he advanced to retake it.

Gen. Shields’ forces slept on their arms Saturday night.

On Sunday morning at sunrise, Jackson being reinforced, he attacked Gen. Shields near Kingston.

The enemy’s force consisted of 500 of Ashley’s cavalry, 5,000 infantry, nine pieces of artillery with a reserve of 18 pieces of artillery.

The fight was kept up till noon, when a charge made by the Ohio infantry, 1st Michigan and 1st Virginia Cavalry on their right, drove them back half a mile when the enemy got their guns in position again in a dense wood, flanked by infantry, they drove us back.  A short artillery engagement ensued.

At 10½ the enemy made a feint on our left, when Gen. Shields ordered Col. Tyler of the 7th Ohio, to turn their left flank, which was executed by our troops by with considerable loss, the enemy being protected by a stone bridge.

The 84th Pennsylvania and 13th Indiana charged their centre and the fight became general.  Col. Murry, of the 84 Pennsylvania was killed.

The enemy retired slowly, bringing their guns to bear at every opportunity.  Our men rushed forward with yells when a panic ensued among the enemy.  Our troops followed and drove them until dark, capturing three guns, three caissons, muskets, equipments, &c., innumerable.  Our troops bivouacked on the field.  Gen. William’s first brigade, Col. Donelly, of the 28th New York, commanding, reinforced Gen. Fields.

Gen. Banks, who was on his way to Washington on Sunday, returned and assumed command.

Gen. Shields’ Division pursued the enemy beyond Newton, shelling them the whole way.

Jackson’s men were perfectly demoralized beyond control.  They threw overboard the dead and wounded to lighten the wagons.

It is noticeable that nearly all the Confederate wounded were shot in the head and breasts, testifying to the superiority of our marksmen.

The loss on our side were chiefly Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana troops.

Those who conveyed the false intelligence to Gen. Jackson, causing this disaster to the rebels have a heavy weight of guilt to shoulder.  It was evidently known to many in the town that Jackson was approaching from the holiday attire and buoyancy of spirits among men and women here.  Gen. Shields’ command being screened from observation on the east side of the town led the informants to believe that all our troops were evacuating and that Jackson could enter unmolested.  Good Judges say the enemy’s loss is over 200 killed 500 wounded and 300 prisoners including an aid to Jackson.  Our loss is about 65 killed and 125 wounded.

On Sunday morning the rebels received reinforcements under Gen. Garnett, amounting to 500 men.  The Union forces did not exceed 1000 men, and with the exception of about 500 were of Gen. Shields’ division exclusively, commanded by acting Brig. Gen. Sullivan, opening a heavy fire of artillery, while the real attack was directed against our right, with the object of flanking it.  Gen. Kimble commanded on the right, where the heaviest fighting was done. – The enemy were strongly posted in woods and behind a stone wall, and the rebel artillery was posted on eminences on both sides of the left wing.  Our whole artillery force was engaged consisting of 24 parrot guns in all.  The combat raged furiously till 3 o’clock p. m., the fighting being done chiefly by the artillery and musketry at a range of not more than 300 or 400 yards, and often much less.

The rebel infantry opposite our right emerged from the woods and attempted to capture David’s Battery by a charge.  The first effort was nearly successful, but the heavy discharges of grape compelled to retire in confusion.  A second and third attempt likewise failed, and the enemy fell back with heavy loss behind the stone parapet.  Gen. Tyler now ordered his brigade to charge the enemies batteries on the left and a most deadly encounter followed.  Twice our men recoiled under the storm, but in the third effort they routed the rebels with tremendous slaughter.

Our loss in these struggles was heavy.  Out of 300 men in the 84th Pennsylvania 26 were killed and 83 wounded.  Many officers were killed and wounded.

The Fifth and Eighth Ohio shared the glory and the loss with the Eighty-forth Pennsylvania.  The enemy’s killed and wounded strewed the ground in profusion and their left wing was utterly broken and their centre wavering.  On their side the Fourth and Fifth Virginia Regiments suffered most.  The former was totally demolished.  Several attempts to rally the right wing failed, and to add to the confusion the Irish Battalion of 150 men, were brought forward, ordered to fire upon our troops refused and a rebel regiment immediately drove this gallant little band forward, but could not compel them to fire upon us.  Forty corpses of the hundred and fifty afterwards strewed the field.  Meanwhile the rebels gave way on their left and center with a loss of 70 killed and wounded and 236 taken prisoners.  Besides these about 1500 muskets were taken and many other valuable trophies.  Our loss does not exceed 100 killed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

The Rebel Rout at Winchester

WASHINGTON, March 25. – Gen. Shields last received a dispatch from Maj. Gen. Banks, dated five miles beyond Strasburg.

The enemy is still in retreat, and our force is in hot pursuit.

The loss of the rebels must have been enormous.  They have abandoned wagons along the road filled with dead and dying.  The houses on the route are found crowded with the wounded and dead.  The dwellings in the towns adjacent to the battle field of Sunday are also found filled with the wounded.  Inhabitants aided the rebels in carrying off their wounded during the day, and in burying them as quick as dead.

Our artillery made sad havoc among the enemy in their flight and their rout bids fair to be one of the most dreadful of the war.

BALTIMORE, March 25. – 230 Rebel prisoners captured at the battle of Winchester have arrived here.  They are mostly Virginians.

WINCHESTER, March 25. – Latest from Strasburg say that Gens. Banks and Shields are there and Jackson is in sight.  A battle is expected to-day.  Preparations are being made to strengthen our forces.

WINCHESTER, March 25. – It is currently reported that Gen. Banks has overtaken and destroyed 200 of Jackson’s wagons.

Also one four gun battery, making 26 guns, among which were some captured at Bull Run.

Four color bearers of the 5th Ohio regiment were severally killed, when, Captain Whitcomb seized the colors and was shot through the head.

A youthful rebel soldier received two wounds in his breast, and when approached by one of our officers, inquired if the officer knew General Banks.  He made an affirmative reply.  He then said tell him I wish to take the oath of allegiance, for I have three brothers in the Federal service, and I want them to know that I died true to the Union.

The arm of Gen. Shields is badly shattered, and owing to imperfect setting it must be re-set to-morrow.

To-night all is quiet in the neighborhood of Strasburg.

It is reported that two sons of the late John A. Washington, were in Monday’s fight, and that both were wounded and one of them taken prisoner.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad have taken charge of the Winchester and Potomac Road – Persons can purchase tickets of them.

WINCHESTER. March 26. – We have buried all the rebel dead which have been brought to town, 85 were buried on the battle field, and 123 on the road side between here and Strasburgh.

A messenger from Strasburgh states that Gen. Johnson was to have joined Jackson at Strasburgh, but he subsequently sent him word that he could not vacate on Monday night.  These combined forces would have numbered twenty five or thirty thousand.  They were intending to keep Banks from moving to another point but Jackson being impressed with the belief that our troops had nearly all left, hastened his fatal advance alone.

WASHINGTON, March 26. – No list of casualties of the battle of Winchester has yet been received.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

The flag of the Fourteenth Indiana regiment . . .

. . . got twenty-eight bullet holes through it in the Winchester battle.  Two color bearers were killed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 9, 1862, p. 2

The Killed at the Battle of Winchester

CINCINNATI, April 6.

The killed of the 5^th Ohio regiment at the battle of Winchester, 15 in number arrived here yesterday, and lay in state at the Guthrie Grey’s armory, where they were visited by a large number of citizens.  The funeral ceremonies took place to-day.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHIGNTON, April 2.

Tribune’s Special.

A reporter sent to the other side of the Potomac, assured us this morning that secretary Stanton had issued an order forbidding newspaper correspondents, as well as all others not actually connected some way or other with the service from accompanying any of the corps de armes.  Very many correspondents are with the army, and it is understood that an order was dispatched yesterday that the whole of them be cleared out and sent back, under penalty of immediate arrest and confinement if they attempt to stay.

Blenker’s brigade has been assigned to Fremont’s command.  Carl Schurz is to have command of a division under Fremont.

Col. Van Allen resigned his command of the 3d N. Y. Cavalry yesterday.  Lieut. Col. Mix will succeed him.

Times’ Correspondence.

It is not yet positively determined who will succeed Carl Schurz as Minister to Spain.  No nomination will be made to the Senate by the President until Schurz is confirmed as Brigadier General.  Hon. Geo. Ashman, of Mass., is talked of for the place.

Major Donaldson, chief of the quartermaster department in New Mexico, arrived at Washington to-day.  He brings much important information in regard to the rebel raid into that Territory.  He says the rebels hold every position of value, except Forts Craig and Union.  The latter, which is the most important fort in the far West, containing millions of dollars worth of government stores, is now safe beyond peradventure, and garrisoned by fifteen hundred soldiers.  It has water within the fortifications, and provisions for an almost unlimited siege.  It will be the rallying point for the ample Union forces now marching to expel the invaders.  Major D. relates many incidents of the late battle near Fort Craig, and says that Major Lockridge, of the Nicaragua filibusters, fell dead at the head of the Texas Rangers in the terrible charge on McRae’s battery.

Secretary Stanton will probably proceed to Fort Monroe to-morrow, to give matters there his personal attention.

WASHGINTON, April 3.

It is now conceded among the rebels that the Virginia troops are equal, if not superior, to any in the army, notwithstanding the brag of the South Carolina chivalry. -  It is charged upon them that they were the first to break ranks and run at the battle of Bull Run.  A large number of desertions from the North Carolina and Georgia regiments are reported to have taken place lately.  The time of the London troops expires on April 23d.

The teamer King Phillip arrive from the lower river last night, bringing up four refugees from Richmond and Westmoreland county, Va., who came off from Kinsale on Saturday last.  They state that the rebels are pressing every man between the ages of 18 and 48 into the service, and they have been closely hunted by the press-gangs for a week or two.  The rebels had nearly all  left the neighborhood of London, but a few squads of their cavalry roamed through the country, pressing into service all able to bear arms.  The refugees also say that late secession papers state the Federal loss in the conflict with the Merrimac was fifteen hundred men.  Also, that the shots of the Monitor had no more effect on the sides of the Merrimac than hailstones.

Our loss in the engagement on Saturday and Sunday, March 22d and 23d, was 86 killed and 424 wounded; fifty have since died.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, Va., March 31.

The report that the wounded at the late battle near Winchester were neglected is unfounded.  Surgeon Kenedy, medical inspector of U. S. A. reports they were well quartered and well treated, by the surgeon of the division and generally doing well.  Gen. Shields has so far recovered as to be able to start to Strasburg to-morrow.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 2

The War News

ANOTHER SKIRMISH IN MISSOURI.

The Enemy’s Strength at Corinth.

FLORIDA RETURNING TO LOYALTY.

THE KILLED AND WOUNDED AT WINCHESTER.

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

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 30.

The following wounded died yesterday and to-day, and were buried:

Michael Martin, 67^th O.; Geo Gardiner, 14^th Ind.; Jacob Wolf, 67^th O.; unknown, 29^th O.; Wm. Whitney, 13^th Ind.; Isaac Jackson, 27^th O., died of fever; A. L. Brown, 8^th O.; one unknown; another unknown, clothes marked T. A. W.; Wallace Colburn, 7^th O.; and E. K. Bruce, 7^th O., his body has been delivered to friends.

Previous to the foregoing, our loss stood as follows: Killed and died of wounds, 103; wounded 441; missing, 24.

Only a few of the reports of the detailed regiments have yet been received, owing to the distance and scattered positions of the regiments.  Three or four days will elapse before the full list of names can be received.

The wounded are now contained in two hospitals, and are under the immediate charge of Dr. H. Bryant.

About 230 sick and wounded prisoners have been sent to Frederick.  Sixty wounded rebel soldiers have been taken from the hospital and placed in the houses of their friends, on their parole to report on their recovery, to the nearest commanding officer.

Our wounded are reported as generally doing well.  They number here, about three hundred.

The statement in the newspaper that Major Perkins in the staff of Maj. [Gen.] Banks was instrumental in planning the battle is contradicted, although his presence and advice were of great service to Col. Kimball, who commands the field under directions from Gen. Shields.

Medical Director King, of the medical corps, and Surgeon Jackson of the 29^th Pa., who were present as volunteers, rendered efficient aid in clearing the field of the wounded.  G. Arnheim of the Zuaves Afrique, acted as aid to Col. Baum, chief of Shield’s artillery, and was severely wounded in the leg.

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

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 27.

The Senate to-day confirmed the nomination of Lewis S. Ely, of California as Consul at Acapulco.

The bill reported by Senator Pearce to-day, from the committee on finance, provides that the authority given to the Secretary of the Treasury to refund and remit the duties and imposts on all arms imported into the United States by or for the account of any State, shall extend only to arms for which orders or contracts were made prior to January 1^st 1862, provided the Secretary shall have satisfactory proof exhibited to him that the arms were actually purchased in a foreign country for the account of a State, and the price paid for the same was only the first cost and the usual customary exchanges attending the purchase of the same, inclusive of duty.

The attempts that are made to connect the present supervision of the telegraph with the censorship lately reported upon by a committee of Congress, renders it proper to state that the censorship of the telegraph was abolished by the Secretary of War on taking military possession of the telegraph, and a military supervision of the telegraph throughout the U. S. substituted.  The duty of the supervisors is to prevent the transmission, by telegraph, of information concerning, late present or contemplated movements of the armies of the U. S., and all other information which is of a military character, that ought to be concealed.  From the political or private affairs, the telegraph is as completely unrestricted as it was before the commencement of the war.

Hon. Emmerson Etheridge has written a letter from Nashville, stating that W. H. Polk, brother of the late President Polk, is in Nashville, and that W. H. Stokes is shortly expected.  Both are strong Unionists, and will co-operate with Gov. Johnson in putting the State government into operation.

The following dispatch was received from Cherry Stone via Fortress Monroe this p.m.  There was a reconnoisance this evening to Big Bethel, which was occupied by 1,500 rebels, who fled at our approach.  We now occupy the place.

The surgeons of the regiments engaged at Winchester have not reported the list of killed as yet.  It will be forwarded as soon as received.

Eight wagon loads of the enemy’s dead were carried into Strasburg Monday.

It is believed that the enemy’s killed and wounded amounted to 1,000.

Tribune’s Dispatch

WASHINGTON, March 27.

The enemy have at last entirely abandoned Aquia Creek, carrying with them artillery and stores, and there is no rebel force now between the river and Fredericksburg.  In that town there are but few soldiers, the main body being posted about a mile and a half beyond.

Col. Crittenden of Indiana was nominated as Brig. Gen. to-day.

Times’ Special

A smoke on Tuesday in the direction of Warrenton indicated the destruction of property, which always attends the enforced retreat of the rebel army.  Their disastrous attack on Winchester has provoked a blow from which they are recoiling.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

The War News

The Rebel Flight from Winchester

LAKE ERIE OPEN.

Probable Movements via New Orleans.

From Island No. 10.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 1

From Winchester

WASHINGTON, March 27.

Gen. Shields telegraphs that our victory at Winchester has been more fatal to the rebels than at first supposed.  A Union prisoner who escaped from Mt. Jackson Prison, just arrived, saw eight wagons loaded with dead and wounded enter Mt. Jackson on Monday at 10 P. M., 44 miles from the battlefield, in 30 hours.  The rebels admitted that they had 11,000 in the field; also that they lost between 1,000 and 1,500 min killed and wounded.  We are finding their graves at some distance from each side of the road.  The blow has struck terror to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAS,

March 27.

To Brig. Gen. Shields:

The commanding General congratulates you and the troops under your command on the victory gained by your own energy and activity and their bravery on the 23d.  He is pained to learn that the wound you received in the skirmish the day previous, is more serious than first expected.  By command of Maj. Gen. Geo. B. McClellan.

(Signed,)

A. S. WILLIAMS, A. A. G.

Intelligence from Strasburg states that no movement has taken place in that vicinity.

Gen. Jackson, with the remnant of his army, is supposed to be near Woodstock.

WINCHESTER, March 28.

The latest intelligence we have from Strasburg is dated yesterday.  Ashby’s rebel forces with four guns appeared near Strasburg, and threw several shells into our camp, killing one of our men and wounding another.  His position was such as to prevent us from cutting him off.

Gen. Banks reconnoitered all the positions of the enemy for several miles around, and returned to camp after dark.

The rebel, Gen. Jackson is believed to be very quiet before Edinburg.  Most of the population of Strasburg have been Unionists through the war, and are so still.

The agent of the Manassas R. R. and station master, who have been hiding for weeks in the mountains to avoid Gen. Jackson’s forces have returned and given valuable information to Gen. Banks.  Many of the inhabitants have been residing for weeks in the mountains.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 1

The War News

Frightful Railroad Accident

A Number of Persons Killed and Wounded.

Later from the Winchester Battle.

Rumored Burning of Yorktown.

The Merrimac ready for another Fight.

No More Rebel Prisoners to be Released.

Exciting News anticipated from New Orleans.

Two Fleets on their way there.

THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 1

Further Particulars of the Battle near Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 26.

Our pickets are six miles beyond Strasburg.  Jackson is not in sight.

All the fences, trees and ground along the road show the terrible effect of our artillery on the retreating army.

Gen. Shields’ arm has been reset.  He is comfortable, and will probably be able to resume active duties in two weeks.

The following, as near as can be ascertained, is the number of wounded at the battle of Sunday:

In the 7^th Ohio, 45, 29^th O., 3; 5^th, 16; 69^th, 24; 8^th 19.  In 7^th Ind., 11; 13^th, 13; 14^th, 12.  In 84^th Pa., 40; 10^th, 36; 1^st Va., 8; 28^th N. Y., 1; 1^st O. battery, 2; 9^th Pa., 1; 5^th Ct., 2.

The list of the killed is not yet received, but the number is believed to be 105.

All is quiet at Strasburg to-night.

The following is Gen. Banks’ general order relative to the battle of Sunday:

HEADQUARTERS 5^TH ARMY CORPS,

Strasburg, March 26^th, 1862.

The Commanding General of the 5^th army corps congratulates the officers and soldiers of Gen. Shields’ division, and especially its gallant commander, on the auspicious and decisive victory gained over the rebels on the 25^th.  The division has achieved renown against superior forces and a subtle and barbarous enemy.

Signed,

N. P. BANKS

HEADQUARTERS, BRIG. GEN. SHIELDS’ DIV.,

WINCHESTER, Va.,

Brig. Gen. Shields congratulates the officers and soldiers of his division, upon the glorious victory achieved by them on the 23^rd inst., near Winchester, Va.  They defeated an enemy whose forces outnumbered theirs, who are considered the bravest and best disciplined of the Confederate army.  He also congratulates them that it has fallen to their lot to pen the campaign on the Potomac.  The opening has been a splendid success; let them inscribe “Winchester” on their banners, and persevere for other victories.

(Signed)

Brig. Gen. SHIELDS.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 1

By Telegraph

(Reported expressly for the Gazette.)

Two Days’ Battle near Winchester.

The Enemy Routed.

An Irish battalion refuse to Fire on the Union Troops.

ANOTHER FIGHT EXPECTED.

Reinforcemnt of the Rebels in Arkansas

GEN. CURTIS HAS FALLEN BACK.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 2

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, Va., March 25.

It is currently reported to-night that Gen. Banks has overtaken and destroyed 200 of Jackson’s wagons.

Latest from Strasburg says that Gens. Banks and Shields are there, and Jackson is in sight.  A battle is expected to-day, and preparations are being made to strengthen our forces.

On Saturday at 2 o’clock p.m. the enemy showed themselves, a mile and a half from Winchester.  The enemy consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry, and two guns.  They drove in our pickets, and then skirmished with the Michigan cavalry and a portion of the Indiana 1^st.

Gen. Shields brought up his forces, and fired a few rounds of shell, driving them back, taking several prisoners.  General Shields was wounded in the army by the first fire of the enemy.

Jackson had been informed by the inhabitants that the town was deserted by the Union troops, and he advanced to retake it.

Gen. Shield’s forces slept on their arms Saturday night.  Sunday morning at sunrise, Jackson being reinforced attacked Gen. Shields near Kearnstown.

The enemy’s forces consisted of 500 of Ashby’s cavalry, 500 infantry, and 9 pieces of artillery, with a reserve of 18 pieces of artillery.  The fight was kept up till noon, when a charge was made by the Ohio infantry.  The 1^st Mich. And 1^st VA cavalry on their right, drove them back half a mile, when the enemy got their guns again in position in a dense wood, flanked by infantry, and drove us back.  A short artillery engagement ensued, when Gen. Shields ordered Col. Tyler to turn their flank which was executed by our troops but with considerable loss, the enemy being protected by the stone ledge.  The 84^th Penn. And the 13^th Ind. charged their centre, and the fight became general.

Col. Murray, of the 84^th Penna., was killed.  The enemy retired slowly, bringing their guns to bear at every opportunity.  Our men rushed forward with yells, when a panic ensued among the enemy.

Our troops followed and drove them till dark, capturing 3 guns, 3 caissons, muskets, equipments, &c., innumerable.  Our troops bivouacked on the field.

Gen. Williams’ 1^st Brigade, Col. Donelly of the 28^th N. Y., commanding, reinforced Gen. Shields.

Gen. Banks, who was on the way to Washington, Sunday returned and assumed command.  Meantime, Gen. Shields’ division pursued the enemy beyond Newton, shelling them the whole way.

Jackson’s men, were perfectly demoralized and beyond control.  They threw overboard the dead and wounded to lighten the wagons.

It is noticeable that nearly all the Confederates wounded were shot in the head or breast, testifying to the superiority of our marksmen.

The losses on our side were chiefly Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana troops.  These who conveyed the false intelligence to Gen. Jackson, causing this disaster to the rebels, have a heavy weight of guilt to shoulder.  It was evidently known to many in the town that Jackson was approaching, from the holiday attire and buoyancy of spirits among men and women here.  Gen. Shields’ command being secreted from observation, on the east side of the town, lead the informants to believe that all our troops were evacuating, and that Jackson could enter unmolested.  Good judges say that the enemy’s loss is over 200 killed and 500 wounded, and 300 prisoners, including an aid to Jackson.  Our loss is about 65 killed and 125 wounded.

On Sunday morning the rebels received reinforcements under Gen. Garrett, amounting to 500 men.  The Union forces did not exceed 1000 men, and with the exception of about 500 were of Gen. Shields’ division exclusively.  At half past one the enemy made a feint on our left, commanded by acting Brig. Gen. Sullivan, opening a heavy fire of artillery, while the real attack was directed against our right, with the object of flanking Gen. Kimball’s command on the right, where the heaviest fighting was done.  The enemy were strongly posted in the woods and behind a stone wall, and the rebel artillery was posted on an eminence on both sides of their left wing.

Our whole artillery force was engaged consisting of four batteries of 24 pieces in all.  The conflict raged furiously till 3 P. M. – The fighting being done chiefly by the artillery and musketry, at a range of not more than 300 or 400 yards, and often much less.

The rebel infantry opposite our right now engaged from the woods and attempted to capture Dowe’s battery by a charge.  The first effort was nearly successful, but the heavy discharge of grape compelled them to retire in confusion.  A second and weaker attempt likewise failed, and the enemy fell back with heavy loss, behind the stone parapet.

Gen. Taylor now ordered his brigade to charge the enemy’s batteries on the left, and a most deadly encounter followed, twice our men reeled under the storm, but in the third effort they routed the rebels with tremendous slaughter.

Our loss in these struggles was heavy. – Out of 300 men in the 84^th Penn., 26 were killed and 83 wounded.  Many officers were killed and wounded.  The 5^th and 8^th Ohio shared the glory and the losses with the 84^th Penn.

The enemy’s killed and wounded strewed the ground in profusion, and their left wing was totally broken, and their center wavering.  On their side the 4^th and 5^th Va. Regiments suffered most; the former was terribly decimated.

Attempts to rally the right wing failed, and to add to the confusion, the Irish battalion of 150 men, when brought forward and ordered to fire upon the Union troops refused, and a rebel regiment immediately drove this gallant little band forward, but could not compel them to fire upon us. – Forty corpses of the 150 afterwards strewed the field.

Meanwhile, the rebels gave way on the left and center, with a loss of 70 killed and wounded, and 236 prisoners.  Besides these, about 160 muskets were taken and many other valuable trophies.  Our loss does not exceed 100 killed and 300 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 2

The War News

Further Particulars of the Winchester Battle.

Gen. Banks driving the Rebels through Virginia.

Reinforcement of the Rebels in Arkansas.

ANOTHER FIGHT EXPECTED.

GEN. CURTIS HAS FALLEN BACK.

The Rebel Steamer Nashville makes her Escape.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 1

Further Particulars of the Battle Near Winchester

WASHINGTON, March 25.

Gen. Shields has received a dispatch from Maj. Gen. Banks, dated 5 miles beyond Strasburg.  The enemy are still in retreat and our forces in hot pursuit.  The loss of the rebels must have been enormous. – They have abandoned wagons along the road filled with dead and dying.  The houses on the route are found crowded with the wounded and dead.  The dwellings in the towns adjacent to the battle field of Sunday are also found filled with the wounded.

The inhabitants aided the rebels in carrying off their wounded during the day, and burying them as quick as dead.

Our artillery makes terrible havoc among the enemy in their flight, and the rout bids fair to be one of the most dreadful of the war.

The details of last Sunday’s flight have been received.  There have been performed more deeds of personal daring than in any battle in history.  Capt. Schrieber, aid and Inspector-Gen. of Gen. Shields’s division, while riding to Crest Hill, to the left of Stone Ledge, with two orderlies, was confronted by five rebel cavalry who emptied their revolvers, killing the two orderlies. – Capt. Schrieber charged them, running one of them through to the hilt of his sword and received a ball through his cap, but was unharmed.  Capt. Perkins, chief of Gen. Banks’ staff, was mainly instrumental in planning the attack and performed deeds of skill and valor.

The 12 rebel regiments engaged were all Virginians, which were the 1^st, 2d, 4^th, 13^th, 23d, 42d and 32d, and one provisional and one Irish regiment.  They had Ashby’s cavalry, 2 8-gun batteries and 1 six-gun battery, also one 4 gun battery, making 26 guns, among which were some captured at Bull Run.

Four color bearers of the 5^th Ohio regiment were severally killed, when Capt. Whitcomb seized the colors and was shot through the head.

A youthful rebel soldier received two wounds in his breast, and when he was approached by one of our officers inquired if the officer knew Gen. Banks; he recieved an affirmative reply.  He then said: tell him I want to take the oath of allegiance, for I have three brothers in the Federal service, and I want them to know that I die true to the Union.

The arm of Gen. Shields is badly shattered, and owning to an imperfect setting it must be reset to-morrow night.

All is quiet in the neighborhood of Strasburg.

It is reported that two sons of the late J. A. Washington were in Monday’s fight and that both were wounded and one of them taken prisoner.

The Baltimore and Ohio railroad have taken charge of Winchester and Potomac railroads.  Persons can purchase tickets of the Baltimore company.

We have buried all the rebel dead that have been brought to town.  Eighty-five were buried on the battle field, and 123 on the roadside between here and Strasburg.

A messenger from Strasburg states that Gen. Johnston was to have joined Jackson at Strasburg, but he subsequently sent him word that he could not until Monday night.

These combined forces were found to have numbered 25,000 or 30,000.  They were intending to keep Banks from moving to another point, but Jackson being impressed with the belief that our troops had nearly all left, hazarded his fatal advance alone.

WINCHESTER, March 25.

This evening our column is five miles beyond Strasburg, still in pursuit of the flying rebels.

All letters for officers and soldiers in Gen. Banks’ division should be directed to Winchester, till further notice.

WASHINGTON, March 25.

The following dispatch from Gen. Shields to Senator Rice, dated to-day at Winchester, was received in the Senate this afternoon:

On the morning of the 23d, my command, 7,000 or 8,000 strong, was attacked near this place by Jackson, with 9 regiments of infantry and an Irish battalion, about 1,500 cavalry, and 28 pieces of artillery.  After a severe fight the enemy was put in complete rout, leaving behind two pieces of cannon, four caissons and a large number of small arms, and about 600 prisoners.

Our loss is 150 killed and 300 wounded.  The enemy’s loss is 500 killed and 1,000 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 27, 1862, p. 1