Gen. Shields’ Report

WASHINGTON, March 26. The following dispatch from Gen. Shields to Senator Rice, dated to-day at Winchester, was read in the Senate this p. m.

On the morning of the 23d, my command, 7,000 or 8,000 strong was attacked near this place by Jackson with 11 regiments of infantry and a battalion of about 1,500 cavalry, and 28 pieces of artillery.

After a severe fight, the enemy was put in complete route, leaving behind two pieces of cannon, and a large number of small arms, and about 200 prisoners.  Our loss is 150 killed and 300 wounded.  The enemy’s loss is 500 killed and 1,000 wounded.

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

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

Divisions of the Army of the Potomac

WASHINGTON, March 8. – The President’s war order No. 2, has ordered the army of the Potomac to be divided into Corps D’arme, commanded as follows:

1st Corps consisting of the four divisions commanded by McDowell.

2d. Of three divisions commanded by Gen. Sherman.

3d. Of three divisions commanded by Gen. Heintzelman.

4th. Of three divisions commanded by Brig. Gen. Keys.

5th. Banks and Shields’ divisions.  The latter  and Sanders’ to be commanded by Gen. Banks.

Capt Bell, of the 3d Pennsylvania Cavalry has been promoted to Major of the 3d Illinois Cavalry, in Halleck’s department.

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

PRESIDENT'S GENERAL WAR ORDER, No. 2

EXECUTIVE MANSION,

Washington, March 8, 1862.

Ordered, 1. That the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organize that part of the said army destined to enter upon active operations (including the reserve, but excluding the troops to be left in the fortifications about Washington) into four army corps, to be commanded according to seniority of rank, as follows:

First Corps to consist of four divisions, and to be commanded by Maj. Gen. I. McDowell.

Second Corps to consist of three divisions, and to be commanded by Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner.

Third Corps to consist of three divisions, and to be commanded by Brig. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman.

Fourth Corps to consist of three divisions, and to be commanded by Brig. Gen. E. D. Keyes.

2. That the divisions now commanded by the officers above assigned to the commands of army corps shall be embraced in and form part of their respective corps.

3. The forces left for the defense of Washington will be placed in command of Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth, who shall also be military governor of the District of Columbia.

4. That this order be executed with such promptness and dispatch as not to delay the commencement of the operations already directed to be undertaken by the Army of the Potomac.

5. A fifth army corps, to be commanded by Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, will be formed from his own and General Shields' (late General Lander's) divisions.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, vol. 5, p. 18

Columbus being Evacuated

WASHINGTON, March 2. – A dispatch was received to-day from Com. Foot saying that Lieut. Phelps, sent with a flag of truce to Columbus, has returned, and reports Columbus being evacuated.  He saw the rebels burning their winter quarters and removing heavy guns on the bluffs but leaving those in the water batteries.  The indications were that the town of Columbus together with the military stores, &c. had been burned.

Gen. Shields succeeds Gen. Lander in his command.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 3

Death Of Gen. Lander

The brave and chivalric Gen. Lander is no more.  Last evening the melancholy tidings reached us that he died during the afternoon at Paw Paw, in Western Virginia.  This intelligence will fall mournfully upon the country in its hour general rejoicing.  The nation could illy spare so good a man and so daring a soldier at this juncture.

Frederick W. Lander was born in Massachusetts, and was by profession an engineer.  In 1848-9 he surveyed the great wagon road to California, and soon after his return was brought prominently before the public as the second of Hon. John F. Potter, when he was challenged by that pink of Virginian chivalry, Roger A. Pryor.  By his judicious management of that case he enabled Mr. Potter to vindicate the representatives of the North against the braggarts of the South.  When Pryor declined to fight Potter with Bowie knives, Lander politely offered to espouse the case of his principal, and give the Virginian the choice of any weapon he please, but Pryor discreetly declined.  That affair put a stop to the insolence of the chivalry in the United States House of Representatives for some time, and taught them to mend their plantation manners.

When the Southern rebellion broke out, General, then Col. Lander, threw himself into the struggle in behalf of the Union, and was detailed to Western Virginia, under Gen. McClellan. – There he participated with Col. Kelley in the attack upon Philippi on the 3d of June, and distinguished himself throughout that brilliant campaign, which culminated in the victories of Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill, and Carrick’s Ford.  For his part in this campaign the President made him a Brigadier in July last.

Gen. Lander received his death-wound at Edward’s Ferry, where so many of his comrades from Massachusetts also met their fate.  The day after the butchery of Col. Baker, Lander was ordered to the scene of action, and while conducting a reconnoisance, received a painful wound in his leg.  From the debilitating effects of that wound, aggravated, no doubt, by his herculean efforts to free his department of the Rebels.

It will be remembered that this faithful officer conscious that he needed repose, after his late brilliant victory, asked to be relieved from duty; but the exigencies of the service were such that he did not press his request.  True to his trust, he remained at his post to the last, and died, like a soldier, with his harness on his back.  It is probable that he was not himself aware of his extreme danger, for we learn that it was not till five o’clock yesterday afternoon that his wife was summoned to his side.  Ere a special train could be prepared for her, the news of his decease was received.

Gen. Lander was a frank, bold, open-hearted man, of noble and generous nature, and commanding presence.  He looked the soldier, every inch of him, and scorned to ask his men to go where he himself would not cheerfully lead the way.  They knew this, and loved him as a brother.  Gen. Shields succeeds to his command. – {Tribune.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Banks falling back – The Shenandoah Valley again in the Hands of the Rebels

NEW YORK, May 25 – Herald’s correspondent from Banks’ Division writes that 7,000 men had been added to the rebel force in the Shenandoah Valley, and that the whole force was said to number from 18,000 to 20,000 with 34 pieces of artillery, one of which was a 24 pounder rifled gun.  On the 9^th of May he said there was a large rebel force in the mountains in their vicinity but that Gen. Banks had enough men to keep them in check but it appears that on the 15^th both Gen. Shields and Gen. Geary were withdrawn from Gen. Banks’ command and their troops transferred to McDowell.

In a letter of the 17^th we find these Generals and their forces had left to join McDowell that the day previously a union had been effected between the commands of the Rebel Generals Johnson, Jackson & Ewell and that they were marching upon the divided and reduced forces of Banks.

The telegraph now bring us the intelligence that Gen. Banks has fallen back before a superior force of the rebels who are occupying the whole of the Shenandoah Valley, which has cost us so much trouble to rescue from their clutches.

(Times Special.)

We have passed a very exciting day in Washington.  The intelligence received last evening to the effect that Gen. Banks has fallen back from Strasburgh to Winchester, was understood to indicate rather a precautionary measure on his part than the result of any immediate movement of the enemy.  The tidings of this morning the occupation of Winchester by Jackson, the withdrawal of Banks after an engagement of six hours, in the direction of Martinsburg and Harper’s Ferry, placed matters in a new light and aroused serious apprehensions not only for the safety of his little command but for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the city of Baltimore, and even the capitol.

Later in the day, the reports of the rioting in Baltimore, and of the route of the entire force of Banks by the quick march and overwhelming numbers of Jackson greatly intensified the excitement.

The secessionists sympathizing with Jeff Davis were too greatly elated to conceal their joy and openly expressed their belief that the hosts of Jeff Davis will overrun Maryland and the district within 24 hours.

The reports of the riot in Baltimore are doubtless greatly exaggerated, and have given the enemies of the Union here increased boldness this evening.  At no time since the disaster of Bull Run have they been so vaunting and defiant among loyalists.

The feeling is one of regret that by some body’s blunder our cause in the Valley of the Shenandoah should have been so seriously set back and the enemy given such a decisive advantage.

Great sympathy is expressed for the Union men of Winchester and Vicinity.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 4

From Bank’s Division

Special to Herald.

NEW YORK, April 3.

It is rumored here to-day that the rebel Cabinet has decided to burn the city of Richmond on the approach of the Union Army.

Business was never so brisk on the line of the Orange and Alexandria RR.

Since the affair in the Sickles Brigade, where a master shot at his servant, Gen. Hooker has positively refused passes to go into the camps of his division to hunt contrabands.

Lieuts. J. P. Hall and W. McGunnegle have been ordered to report to flag officer Foote.

The number of sick soldiers in the government hospitals in the District, as the last weekly report, was 2,314.  Of these 536 are from N. Y. regiments.

Slight skirmishing continues to be the order of the day along our front, each army lying in sight of the other, and entertaining one another with occasional artillery practice and cavalry charges.

Yesterday Col. Geary captured a number of rebels after a spirited skirmish, in which several of the enemy were killed.

The completion of the RR. to within the immediate neighborhood of the advance, places many of our forces in a much more advantageous position, and will doubtless greatly accelerate the movements of our advancing army.

The rebel cavalry continues to make incursions through the country beyond Manassas junction.

WOODSTOCK, 2 P. M.

The rebels, when retreating yesterday attempted to burn a bridge over the creek near the narrow passage, but it was extinguished.

The magnificent RR. bridge, 100 feet high, over the same stream, was burned by Jackson when retreating from Gen. Shields.

A grey stallion, said to be Col. Ashby’s was shot yesterday near this town.  The ball must have wounded the rider in the left thigh.  The current report, however, that Ashby was wounded, is not credited at headquarters.

Some of Ashby’s scouts made their appearance this morning early on the high wooded ridge on the opposite side of Stony Creek, beyond Edinburg.  They were fired on by some of the 29^th Pa., when Ashby unmasked four guns and threw several shells into the camp.  He subsequently retreated under the fire of our guns.

During the day they frequently interfered with our bridge builders, by shelling them at long range.  The foot of the bridge, however, has been completed, and our skirmishers are now on the other side beyond the town.

Lieut. Daff and two privates of Ashby’s cavalry, were captured yesterday, while carrying dispatches, but refused to divulge the contents or tell who they were.

In a late intercepted letter from a rebel officer, the writer speaks significantly of the anticipated open rebellion in Maryland.  This is regarded as one of the means resorted to by secession leaders to dupe their followers.

Ashby’s artillery was reinforced to-day by two or more heavy guns, with which they practiced on us at long range.

Gen. Banks is here and Shields is at Strasburg.

– 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

Afternoon Report

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5. – Herald Correspondence. – The only event yesterday was the assumption of his command by General Thos. F. Meagher, who accompanied by Gen. Shields took command of the Irish Brigade amidst great enthusiasm.  Gen. Shields addressed the troops in most effective terms.

Capt. Griffin’s battery did some splendid shooting to-day at Masons Hill.  They fired a dozen rounds with Schrepnell shell from two 12-pounder Parrott guns at a tree 1,600 yards distant.  All the shells but one exploded, and every shot struck within a few feet of the tree.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6. – Those who voted against Bright’s expulsion, were, Nays, Bayard, Cowan, Carlisle, Harris, Kennedy, Upham, Nesmith, Pearce, Powell, Rice, Salsbury, Ten Eyek, Thompson and Willey. – 14.  Yeas. 32.

The Vice President said that as two-thirds had voted in favor of the resolution, it was adopted.

(Tribune Correspondence.) – It is believed that Secretary Stanton will speedily take in fact as he has commenced in form, the conduct of the war, which usage and departmental law gives him the right to do.

The scene at the close of the expulsion of Senator Bright was dramatic.  There was a desperate decisiveness in the “no” with which Mr. Bayard answered to his name.  When Mr. Carlisle of Virginia voted “no” the flutter was significant and loud.  He had been counted only among the doubtful.

The Californians, McDougal and Simmons, were at first absent, but not a moment too soon they came in, and 32 votes declared the law that in the American Senate hereafter no traitor shall occupy a seat.  When the result was announced the galleries burst into applause, but was checked instantly

Mr. Bright bundled up the portable property on his desk, turned his back upon the Court which had tried him, went to Secretary Forney’s room and drew his pay to the last cent, and with a defiant stride passed into the Public Land Committee room, where his wife awaited him.  In her presence the actor’s costume fell.  The ruined politician sat down and haggard and crushed, contemplated the wreck he had made of his fortunes.

Mr. Arnold was authorized to-day to report fully the views of the Lake and River defence Committee on the fortifications of the frontier and the army and equipping of vessels for the Lakes.  Their recommendations will be thorough.

It is said Gov. Morgan’s nomination as Maj. General, will be rejected by the Senate.  If it is confirmed it is apprehended every Governor of every free State will claim this rank and emolument.

The New York Times Paris correspondent states that a secret dispatch from Jeff Davis had been furnished the Governments of France and England which gives full details of the military and commercial resources of the confederacy, and which points out in detail the advantages which France would derive by aiding in the establishment of the new Government.  In its details of military resources, France is expected to see that the Confederacy is able to resist the North forever, which entitles them to recognition, while in its commercial details are seen the enticing phantom of free trade and commercial riches.

Times Washington Correspondence – Vallandigham, Pendleton and Corning, with Morrill, Conkling, Horton and a few others, held a caucus this P. M. and agreed to compromise all their proposed amendments of the demand Treasury Note scheme in one bill, with the view to making a stronger combination against the bill of the committee of Ways and Means, which the Administration has endorsed as indispensable to maintaining the Government and carrying on the war.  The vote may be close, but the chances are decidedly in favor of the legal tender clause.

Hon. Jno. Parker, U. S. Consul at Honolulu, has arrived here with important information from that Government.  He says agents have been sent to England to hypothecate the entire group of the Sandwich Island to Great Britain.

The President has approved the bill authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to strike from the pension rolls the names of all such persons as have or may hereafter take up arms against the Government of the United States, or who have in any manner encouraged the rebels or manifested a sympathy with their cause.  It is known that some persons in the West, after drawing their pensions, have openly joined the enemy, while others who have not taken this extreme step have openly sympathized with the rebels and drawn their pensions.  The law just passed affords a partial remedy against disloyal pensioners receiving money from the Government.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 30.

The Quatermaster’s Department will pay for no arms or supplies purchased by any one not an officer of the Department duly authorized to make such purchase in accordance with the regulations of the army.

The above is by order of the Secretary of War.

A passenger, who arrived here from Winchester, says there is no danger that Gen. Shields’ arm will have to be amputated and that he is in the best possible spirits.  Also that the rebels under Jackson were yesterday still in flight beyond Strasburg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 2

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

WINCHESTER, Va., March 29 [1862].

Secretary Seward, with a party of friends, arrived her last night at nine o’clock and was escorted from the cars to Gen. Shield’s headquarters by the 11^th Pennsylvania regiment, the 66^th Ohio and troops of cavalry, this morning.  The party, including Gen. Shields, A. A. G. Strong and Col. Clark, of Gen. Banks’ staff, visited the battlefield.  Mr. Seward and his friends leave at 11 o’clock to-day.  All quiet.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 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

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

Gen. Shields Doing Well

NEW YORK, March 27.

The following from Gen. Shields has been received in this city by Judge Daly:

WINCHESTER, March 27.

My wound is doing well.  I will be able to ride in a buggy in a few days at the head of my command.

JAMES SHIELDS.

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

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

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