Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-09-24
Skirmfsh at LewinsviIie.
The following is the report of Co. J. E. B.
Stewart of the brilliant skirmish and defeat OF
the enemy at Lewinsville: Asss

1ll0 lClOWIUS l5 Uu0 ICPOio VI ". =. - -
Stewart of the brilliant skirmish and defeat OF
the enemy at Lewinsville:
HEADQUARTERS, MuNsoNs HILL,
September II, 1861.
GFNEPAL:-I started about 12 o'clock with !
Thirteenth Virginia Volunteers, commanded by
Major Terrill, (SO5 men) first section OF Rosser's
battery, Washington Artillery, and a detachment
of First Cavalry, under Capt. Patrick, Tor Lew
insvlle, where, learned from my cavalry pick
cts. the enemy were posted with some force. MY
intention was to surprise them, and succeeded
entirely, approaching Lewinsville by the enemy
left aud rear, taking care to keep MY small force
an entire secret from their observation. i at the
same time carefully sprouided against the disas-
ter to myself which was striving 10 intlict upon
the enemy and felt sure that, if necessary, could
fall back successfully before any force the enemy
might have, for the country was favorable TO re
| treat and ambnscade. ~ ~
At a point nicely screened by the woods from
/ Lswinsvie, ard few hundred yards from the
place. sent for ward, under Major Terrill, por-
ton OF his command, stealthily TO reach the
woods at q turn of the road and reconnoitre be-
yond. This was admirably done, and the Major
soon reported to me that the enemy had piece
of artillery in position in the road / directed him
immediately to post his rihemen SO as to render
| IL ItDpOSStOlo tuO CouuVuCCio " oSi sO Wy
piece, and, possible, to capture it. During sub
sequent operations, the cannoneers tried, inefec-
tnaly, to serve the piece, and, finally, after one
was shot through the head, the piece was taken
off. While this was going on, few shots from
/ Rosser's section at cluster of the enemy quar-
ter of a mile off, put the entire force OF the ene-
my in full retreat, exposing their whole column
10 flank fire from ou? pieces Some wagons
and a large body of cavalry first passed in hasty
fight, the rifle piece and howilzer firing as they
passed; then came flying battery, eight pieces
of artillery, (Grifin's,) which soon took position
. about six h1ndred yarts to our front and right,
tire engagement, but with harmle effect, aitho'
striking very near. Then passed three regiments
of infantry, at doubled quick, receiving, in sue
cession, as they passed, Rosser's unerring sauta-
tioD, his shells bursting directly over their heads,
aud creating the greatest havoc and confusion in
their ranks The last infantry regiment was fol-
lowed by column of cavalry, which, at one
time, rode over the rear of the Infantry in great
confusion. The field, general and staff officers
were seen exerting every effort 10 restore order
in their broken ranks, and my cavalry videttes,
observing their flight, reported that they ically
rallied mile and a half below, and took posi-
tion up the road, where they supposed our col
umns would be pursuing them Captain Rosser,
having no enemy lett to contend with, at bis owD
I request, was permitted to view the ground of the
enemy $ flight, and found the road plunghed up
| by his solid shot, and slrewn with Fragments OF
Il shells 1.-TWO men left dead the road, one NOR
tally wounded, and one not hurt taken prisoner.
The prisoner said the havoc in their ranks was
i fearful, jnstifying what saw myself Of the con-
fusion. Major Ter!ill's Shsrp shooters were by
no means Idle, firing Whenever struggling Yam
kee showed bis head and capturing L Leuteuant.
Ia; NJ
and one pryate belonging to the Nineteenth In
diana (Col. Meridth's) The prisoners reported 10
me that Gems Nc Clellan himself was present. and
the eaemy gave it out publicly that the occupan-
cy of Lewinsville was 10 be permanent. Alas,
for human expectations! The officers aud NJ ID
behaved i'll manner worthy Of the Generals
highest commendation, and the firing done by
, the section under direction OF Capt. Rosser and
, Lieut.. Slocum, all the time under fire from the
eremy's battery, certainly, for accuracy aud eff
feet, challenges comparison With any ever made
] Valuable assistance was rendered me- usual
! by Chaplain Ball; ard Messrs. Hairston and
Burks, citizens, attached to my staff, were con
spicuous in daring. Corporal Hagan and Bagler
5 Weed are entitled to special mention for good
q conduct and valuable service.
: Oar loss was not scratch to man or horse
We have no means Ut knowing the enemys, ex-
cept that it must have 6een heavy, from the eff
ftcts of the shots. We found, in all, four dead,
and MORALLY wounded and captured tour. Oi
: course they carried off all they could. Your at
tenIion is specially He'd to the enclosed, which
was delivered to me at LewinsviIle, ana to my
endorsement. | send a sketch also. 1 Ireturned
here with my command, after establishing my
ne of Dickets through Lewinsvills. Please for
ward this report to Gen. Johnston.
Your obedient servant,
J. E. B. STEW ART,
Colonel Commanding.
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