Skirmish near the Shenandoah

NEW MARKET, Va., May 8.

Yesterday p. m. the rebel pickets above Columbia bridge, on the east side of the Shenandoah, were driven back by detachments under Col. Foster, who was subsequently abuscaded by two rebel regiments.  The action lasted an hour, when Col. Foster withdrew in good order.  The enemy did not pursue.  A company of Vermont cavalry was cut off and surrounded, but escaped by swimming the river.

The enemy’s loss is not stated, except seven prisoners belonging to the 6th VA and 7th La., which indicates that the enemy’s force was of Ewell’s brigade.  This morning twelve of our men were reported missing.

It is reported here that a skirmish occurred yesterday near Staunton, between Milroy’s advance and Edward Johnson’s command.  The latter was repulsed and retreated.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

From Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 29.

Three thousand rebels, under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Stanton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville, is that there are only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.  Gen. Longstreet, with his command, has gone to Yorktown.  Should Johnson retire there he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner, of the 22d, says, in effect that the destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown.  If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscription act, arming and equipping a large army, and launching a fleet of Merrimacs; but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

From the South

HARRISONBURG, April 30.

Through secession channels, it is learned that the Governor of North Carolina was arrested and imprisoned in Richmond two weeks ago on account of his Union sentiments.

It was observed to-day that Jackson had removed his wagon trains back some six miles since yesterday, indicating his intention to retire still further rearward, or else entertaining a dread of an attack on them by your forces.

A squadron of cavalry was the only rebel force discovered to-day on the right side of the Shenandoah.  There was one wagon entered the village of McGaugheystown where they remained till about dark.  They came by the Port Republic route.

We have noting confirmatory of the occupation of Staunton by Gen. Milroy.

The river is still too high to attempt a passage with safety.

A dense smoke was seen in that direction to-day, but the cause is unknown.

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

From the Shenandoah

Times’ Dispatch.

WASHIGNTON, April 29.

By advices from the department of the Shenandoah received to-day, we learn that Gen. Banks notwithstanding the bad roads is cautiously bushing his advance towards Staunton, being already within a few miles of that place.

It is considered doubtful whether the rebel Jackson will make a stand at Staunton, as he fears being flanked by a column from the mountain department.

Gen. Banks’ troops are in the best spirits.

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

Flood in the Potomac

FREDERICK, Md., Jan 23. – Officers from Hancock yesterday report the Potomac as having risen nearly twenty five feet within the past few days.  There is no possibility of crossing at present.

Jackson is supposed to be still at Romney.

Lander has fallen back to the mouth of Patterson creek near Cumberland.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, April 7. – Despatches from Gen. Halleck state that Gen. Sturgis and Gen. Craig have been sent to the Indian territory.

Gen. Buell’s advanced guard has reached Gen. Grant.

Andrew Jackson Nulty, of Tennessee, reports the arrest of several prominent persons engaged in the rebellion, and that the Union cause is working well.

Gen. Jackson is near New Market, Virginia.  Gen. Johnson is a Gordonsville.

A refugee who came in today reports that one thousand Union men in Rockham county have taken to the mountains at Elk river on the Blue Ridge with a determination to resist, with arms, their impressments by the rebels.  This statement is believed.  Gen. Jackson threatens to subdue them by force, which they determine to resist.

The forces in front of Fremont are retreating towards the Shenandoah mountains.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From Banks’ Advance

EDINBURG, Va., April 5. – The enemy attempted to retard the operations of our bridge builders, but we shelled them off.  One of the enemy’s videttes was killed 600 yards distant, by a sharp shooter of the Wisconsin 3d.  The enemy are encamped near Mount Jackson.

The positions occupied by our advanced batteries, commanding all elevations beyond Stony Creek, were selected by Gen. Banks on Tuesday amid the hottest fire of the enemy.  Jackson’s force is principally composed of impressed men, who refused to fight against us.  Those from Page and Rockingham counties retired to a point between these two counties and there entrenched themselves, defying Jackson’s attempts to compel them to join him.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From the Valley of Virginia

WINCHESTER, Va., March 18. – No movements of importance have taken place today.

Gen. Jackson was in person at Middleton this morning, five miles north of Strassburgh.  Ashley’s cavalry still hang in the rear of Jackson’s retreat.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Specials to the New York Papers

(Special to Times.)

WASHINGTON, March 12. – The statement published that account in council of war in Washington decided by 6 to 4 that the army of the Potomac could not be moved against the enemy at present, is entirely untrue.  The Generals were decisive that an advance was possible and probably the only difference was as to the plan of proposed attack.

A correspondent of the Times who accompanied the advance upon Centreville and Manassas, has just come in.  It was only recently that the retreat of the rebels from Centreville commenced.  General Johnson left Friday morning, General Smith left Saturday afternoon, and Colonel Stewart last Monday, the day our army left camp on the Potomac.  The retreat was conducted very orderly at first.  Nothing was left at Centreville that could be useful to us. – The forts were well planned and very formidable.  They commanded the roads and the fire of not less than a hundred guns could be converged upon any approach to the defences.  The guns were never brought from Manassas to mount the Centreville works.  A railroad track is extended from Manassas to Centreville, and a telegraph line.  The rebel Generals had their headquarters at Centreville.  Although a more convenient and complete military armament could not be found in Washington than they had at Manassas.  The enemy carried off all their heavy guns from Manassas, forty to fifty in number, part of their army marching by turnpike to Warrenton and part to Gordonville, where it is said they would make a stand.  It was announced that the first sign of panic was noticed at Manassas.  A part of Stewart’s rear column was preparing a train to move southward by railroad, when they learned that some excited rebels had set fire to the bridges.  Then they immediately began to burn and destroy and run away in general confusion.  500 barrels of flour were stove in.  Barrels of molasses suffered the same way.  160 barrels or kegs of powder were left, which they did not know how to destroy in safety to themselves.

It seems to be confirmed that the enemy had two weeks since, between 50,000 and 60,000 troops at Centreville and Manassas, and that they had began their retreat last Friday.  Why they went is a mystery, as that number of our men in their fortifications would have been equal to three times their forces assembling there.  They must have feared to trust their men whose enlistments were expiring, or their powder, which many accounts agree, is of very inferior quality.

The strangest news brought by the Times correspondent is, that Gen. Jackson and one half his army, whom Gen. Banks yesterday supposed he was closely watching in Winchester, went down the Railroad to Manassas one week ago, and quietly marched off southward.  The other half are said to be moving southward in the valley of the Shenandoah.

(Special to Tribune.)

The Naval Committee of the Senate agreed today to recommend an appropriation of $25,000 for the construction of furnaces for the manufacture of 20 inch Dahlgreen guns.

The ––– of this evening says we have positive information that the rebels have retreated to as far as Gordonville.  Our scouts have probably penetrated the country as far as Culpepper C. H., 35 miles in the rear of Manassas.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

From Winchester

WINCHESTER, March 12. – Despatches say Gen. Jackson’s force yesterday consisted of Loring’s brigade and several fine batteries and 300 of Ashley’s cavalry, 4,000 in all.  They commenced evacuating the place about sunset last night.  The cavalry were the last to leave.  They departed just before we entered the town.

It is represented that there is a large secession force at Strasburg, and that they intend to make a stand there.  Owing to the state of affairs at Manassas, it is believed that Gen. Jackson will make his way up the Shenandoah valley to the Virginia Central Railroad and thence to Richmond.

Prominent secessionists here say that the rebel forces will make a stand at Gordonsville and that the place is well fortified.

Several prisoners and a small amount of ammunition are all the seizures we have made.

WINCHESTER, VA., March 12. – Gen. Jackson’s forces left here last night.  The forces of Generals Hamilton and Williams are just entering the town.  There was a strong fort one mile out which was evacuated by Gen. Jackson last night.  As the regiments pass along they are cheered and greeted by the citizens and responded to by our officers and men.  The other column of General Banks’ division, which will approach the Berryville route, have not yet arrived.  Not a shot has been fired.

Yesterday the rebels arrested eighty of the most prominent unionists and sent them to Richmond.

Coffee sells at seventy-five cents and one dollar per pound; sugar twenty-five to thirty-seven cents; calico fifty cents.  Other articles are more abundant.

It is represented by the resident friends of the Union that two-thirds of the population of the town and country are loyal, but have been compelled to succumb to the secession pressure so far as the expression of opinion is concerned.

There have been no Richmond papers received here for a week and the citizens are entirely ignorant of the thrilling events which have transpired within that period.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

General Banks’ Report

WASHINGTON, May 26 – The following was received at the War Department at 11 P. M.

WILLIAMSPORT, May 26 – 4 P. M.

To the President

I have the honor to report the safe arrival of my command at this place last evening at 10 o’clock and the passage of the 5^th corps across the river to-day with comparatively little loss of men in killed, wounded and missing.  In the different contests in which my command has participated since its march from Strasburgh, on the morning of the 24^th, I am unable now to report, but have the great satisfaction in being able to say, although serious our loss is much less than might have been anticipated considering the very great disparity of forces engaged and the matured plans of the enemy, which aimed at nothing less than the capture of our force.  A detailed statement will be forwarded as soon as possible.  My command encountered the enemy in a constant succession of attacks and in well contested engagements at Strasburgh, Middletown and Newton.  At a point between these places and at Winchester the force of the enemy was estimated from 10,000 to 20,000 with a strong artillery and cavalry support and my own force consisted of two brigades less than 4,000 strong all told, 150 cavalry, 10 Parrot guns, 6 smooth bores.  The substantial preservation of the entire supporting train is a source of gratification.  It numbered about 500 wagons.  On a forced march of 53 miles, 35 of which were performed in one day, subject to constant attacks in front, rear and flank, according to its position, by the enemy in full force.  The panics of teamsters and his mischances of river passage of more than 200 yards with slender preparations for fording and ferrying.  I lost not many more than fifty wagons.  Our troops are in good spirits and occupy both sides of the river.

(Signed.)

N. P. BANKS,

Major General Commanding

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

Latest from General Banks

WASHINGTON, May 26 – the following is the latest received at the War Department from Gen. Banks.

WILLIAMSPORT, MAY 26

To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War

We believe that our whole force, trains and all, will cross in safety.  The men are in fine spirits and crossing in good order.  The labor of last night was fearful.  The enemy found us last night on the march but has not made his appearance this morning.  The news of your movements south has unquestionably caused them to look to their own safety.  Your dispatch was read to the troops this morning amid cheers.

(Signed)

N. P. BANKS

Maj. Gen. commanding

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

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

The Battle At Front Royal

BALTIMORE, May 26 – The following is the statement of Capt. Geo. Smith, in the first regiment who succeeded in effecting his escape in the fight at Front Royal about one o’clock in the afternoon.

A negro mounted upon horseback came dashing into camp crying out that the rebels were coming in great numbers, and they will surround you and cut you off.  At first the men laughed at him saying they had waited so long for them that they did not believe a word of it.  As soon  however as Col. Kenly saw the man he became satisfied of their approach, the long roll was beaten and the men responded by springing hastily to arms and forming in line by companies.  Very soon the rebels made their appearance and strange to say not a single gun was fired by the pickets of the 1^st regiment.  It may have been in consequence of sudden turn in the road and they were surprised and captured.  Company A was ordered to deploy as skirmishers and support a section of Knapp’s Pennsylvania battery, in the meantime the Lieut. Col. of the 29^th infantry with a small detachment of his men who had been acting as a _____ corps also formed and prepared to receive the enemy, the battery was soon engaged and discharged shot and shell for near two hours until nearly all its ammunition had been expended, the firing was spirited and there is no doubt of its efficiency.  Unable however to withstand such an overwhelming force the order was given to retire which was done and the entire column moved over the Shenandoah river, the retreat being covered by a company of the 5^th New York Cavalry about eighty strong.

Whilst passing over the bridge the Captain distinctly saw the rebel forces.  There was a very strong column of cavalry, say four squadrons – eight companies – and five regiments of infantry.  Of this two squadrons of cavalry were fording the stream – the water being very low.  The order to double quick was given and the Federals took to the pike, where another stand was made.  Col. Kenley addressed the men and told them that their only chance was to stand and fight to the last as the rebel cavalry were fast pushing on and displayed a black flag.  Capt. Smith states that he did not see them display the white flag.

A second stand was made, and many shots exchanged when the New York cavalry, still in the rear of the column broke and retired, riding through the ranks of the infantry.  A part of the Maryland command retired to a wheat field and there made another stand firing rapidly and with deliberate decision.  Presently on came the rebel cavalry cutting right and left yelling like Indians.  In some instances neither the dying nor the wounded were spared and in two instances the Captain saw the rebels draw their pistols and shoot them in the head whilst laying on the roadside.  The Captain told the men they had better escape as best they could.

There were but six companies of the regiment engaged in the fight, the remaining four being on picket duty as provost guard at Front Royal.

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

The Mob in Baltimore – Banks’ Retreat

BALTIMORE, May 25 – During the day 100 persons were knocked down in different parts of the city.  In one or two cases ropes were brought out and preparations for hanging parties to lamp posts were made.  Two men were stabbed but not dangerously.  Among those attacked was Robert McLane, late Minister to Mexico who was saved by the police.

Two members of Kenley’s regiment have arrived in the city.  They report they were attacked by a large cavalry force under Ashby and several regiments of infantry.

The fight commenced at 12 o’clock and continued till night when the infantry force succeeded in surrounding them.

The first fight and repulse took place east of the Shenandoah and finding the force too great he retreated to the west side destroying the principal bridge.  West of the river he made another stand and Knapp’s battery mowed the rebels down with shell and grape.  They fired in all nearly 200 rounds.  Col. Kenley received a musket shot in the neck, during the first attack but continued on horse back until the close of the day when he was placed in an ambulance fearfully exhausted.

The last fight took place about four miles this side of Front Royal his effort being to fall back in order expecting reinforcements momentarily from Gen. Banks.  A number of Knapp’s battery who escaped say the Maryland regiment fought bravely, and that Col. Kenley led them frequently to bayonet charges.  They also say that on the third approach of Ashby’s cavalry he displayed a white flag until within pistol range when Col. Kenley ordered firing to cease.  The white flag was then thrown down and the enemy rushed on our troops, cutting and slashing, refusing all quarter.

Lieut. Col. Dushane and Maj. Miller are both thought to be wounded and prisoners.

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

Special to New York Papers

(Special to Post.)

WASHINGTON, May 29 – The Intelligencer of this city states that Gen. McDowell is now at Manassas Junction with a sufficient force to aid in the capture of Gen. Jackson’s rebel army now in the Shenandoah Valley.

A gentleman just from Leesburgh reports that the rebels in that place had a grand jubilee on Sunday and Monday over the retreat of General Banks.

It is stated that medicines purchased in Baltimore for the rebels by their agents were got down to Jackson without capture.

The Military Committee of the House will report in favor of enlarging the locks of the Erie and Oswego Canal for military purposes.  The estimate cost of the enlargement is about 35,000,000

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3

Specials to the New York Papers

(Times Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, May 27 – A movement made to-day by Gen. Fitz John Porter’s division of McClellan’s army, is reported to have been attended with complete success.  It resulted in cutting off railroad connection with Richmond, at a new and important point, and will undoubtedly tend to the discomfiture of the rebels.

Maj. Gens. McDowell and Ord spent the day in the city, and after a protracted interview with the President and Secretary of War, returned to Fredericksburg.

Some of the above item about Gen. Porter doubtless refers to the capture of Hanover Court House.

(Special to Post.)

A new treaty with Mexico has just been received here.  Its terms do not meet the views of the Government and it will undoubtedly be rejected by the Senate when it is submitted.

Washington is perfectly quiet to-day.

It is understood that the Government has satisfactory advices from several important points where our forces are operating.  It is certain that everything thus far goes well.

The Government entertains expectations that in pursuance of the plans laid out before the retreat of Gen. Banks, and which are now being carried out, the rebel forces who ventured up the valley of the Shenandoah will be captured.

It is considered certain here by the friends of the measure and those who have taken most pains to inform themselves of the opinion of members that the Bankrupt bill will pass.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Banks’ Retreat

NEW YORK, May 28. – The Herald has pretty full accounts of Banks’ retreat from its correspondent.

Only 150 men out of 800 or 900 engaged escaped from the Front Royal fight.

Forty of our soldiers, mostly sick were captured at Newtown.  On named David Dickinson, of the 66^th Ohio was killed in the skirmish of Saturday.

The Maine and Vermont cavalry suffered severely.  Co. A of the Vermont cavalry were all lost, captured or killed except Capt. Platte, his Lieutenant and half a dozen men, who made good their escape.

Major Collins is among the captured and Major Sawyer, whose horse fell under him and injured his foot, made his escape, with no further injuries.

During the Sunday fight which continued two hours before the retreat from Winchester Donnelly’s brigade behaved admirably and repulsed the enemy but being outflanked by superior numbers they were compelled to withdraw. – Our forces, Donnelly’s brigade on the left and Gordon’s on the right were in position along a gorge between two hills.  The enemy are said to have fought well.  At one point they came up in a large hollow square single file on the frong and back and double file on each side, marching up thus to within a certain distance, they were ordered to halt, fix bayonets and charge, which they did in good order.

Col. Gordon and staff are safe, also General Williams and staff.

While retreating through Winchester, men from houses opened fire with pistols on our soldiers killing a great many of them.

Lieut. Brown of the 28^th N. Y. is said to have been killed.

Col. Knipe of the 46^th Pennsylvania wounded and taken prisoner.

Col. Murphy of the 29^th Pennsylvania killed and many others.

The column retreated in good order pursued by the enemy beyond Martinsburgh.  The baggage train proceeded as far as the Potomac and many of the teams have been conveyed across the ferry boats.  The operator at Martinsburgh had left the town on the first rumor of a battle at Winchester, and taken the instruments with him.  The whole town seemed deserted , the stores were closed, many Union people came along with us, and negroes.

Gen. Banks was in the rear of the retreat and a shell exploded only four feet from him, fortunately without injuring him.  Winchester is reported to be burned.

The enemy had stationed a force at Berryville to prevent our retreating towards Harper’s Ferry and we were compelled to take the road to Martinsburg.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Banks Reinforced

NEW YORK, May 28. – The Baltimore American of the 27^th says Gen. Banks has already received a reinforcement of at least 13,000 well disciplined troops at Harper’s Ferry.  Several car loads of siege guns weighing about six tons, have also been sent up from the Washington Navy Yard.

In one of the trains for Harper’s Ferry was the Assistant Secretary of War Watson and Gen. Hamilton and Staff, of the regular army.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3

The Jeff. Davis Organ in Dubuque . . .

. . . the Herald, has it that the disaster to Gen. Banks in the Shenandoah valley and his falling back to Williamsburg is all owing to the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and that Maryland will soon rise ripe for rebellion – that Baltimore and Washington will both soon be in the hands of Jeff. Davis, together with all the Border States – all of which will flow directly from the Abolition of slavery in the District and the Abolition proclivities of President Lincoln and the Black Republican Party.  How prone men are to see things as they would wish to have them.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 2