The national Republican., 1861-11-01
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN.

Omcisl Report Of the Battle at Romney.
The following official report Of the battle at
Romney was yesterday morning reeeNeu W
the War Department: ..l''
... CUMBERLAND, Oct II, 1851,
Col. e, d. TOWNSEND, ......
b. Assistant Adjutant General. 500
Co,oSEI, l have the honor to forward the
renort from COL T. Johns, Second regiment Po-
Though his expedition did not attain It's en-
tire object yet It served to test the charac or
of his men. They behaved, to q man, with
perfect obedience and entire steadfastness. Mr.
J. J. Graham (whom l desire to appoint my
aid de.cdmp) volunteered on the expedition
and confirmed Col. Johns report Of Captain
Shaw's gallantry, and of the eagerness Of all
for the contest.
Brigadier General Kelly entered Romney
about four O'Clock yesterday afsei noon.
With great respect, your obdt serv't,
O. NJ. TnURsroN, Brig. Gen.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT Z. ii. b.,
Camp Thomas, Cumberland, Oct q, 1861.
Brigadier General G. M THURsToN. r.
GENERAL In compliance with verbal orders.
received after consultation between General
Kelly and yourself, on the night OF the 25 h
instant, concentrated seven hundred OF my
regiment ut tle NOTtu DTtuCu DIluxt, huu, VI
the following morning, at five o'clock marched
in the direction of Romney, passing through
Frankfort. Upon arriving at a point one md
a half miles from Springfield, the rear of my
column was fred into by the enemy, from tie
heights Of the road, severely woundlng two
men, OBTAINING the column about one hour,
which was occupied in clearing the woods ot
the enemy and dressing the wounded
We marched THENCE through Springfield, See
ing, frequent signs of the cnemys horse
men in retreat towards the bridge over the
south branch Of the Potomac,
Upon arriving within half mile Of the
branch, my fankers and skirmishers on the lt
front discovered the enemy on the oppoSt,
side Of the river, when q brisk firing at once
commenced. About this time the guns of Gen.
Kelly's column, In the vicinity of Romnrv.
were beard After skrmishiug with the enemy
across the river about half an hour, deternl-
ined to force a way over the bridge.
The enemy, numbering (by the best in(ormt
ton we could get) from four hundred to six
hundred, including cavalry, having beforehand
appeared and advanced Its passage, had ar-
ranged covers for bis rifemen on an emincnce
Immediately fronting the bridge. Captain Al
exander Shaw, of Company A, who led the adj
bis company directed to lead the way across the
bridge at double-quick step, supported by tn
remainder of the regiment. Captain Shaw
promptly moved his company as directed, anI
when about half way across the bridge, discoy.
cred that portion of the plank flooring on thr
further side had been removed. The enemy.
on discovering the movements opened fire 10y
volley, killing one and wouuding six of my
men, causing the company to seek shelter be-
hind the parapets Of the bridge. After skir
mishing some time from the parapets Of IT,,
bridge and the eminence on our lett and 3,
hearing the firing Of General Kelly's colum
for the previous hour, concluded he had car
ried Romney; and the object of my march t
create diversion in his favor being accom-
plished, determined to retire. which we did /
good order, to Old Town, in Maryland, arryin
there about o'clock p. NJ, after a march [
twenty-five miles 1t is with pleasure spea
of the good behavior of all my officers and mer
and would call your attention particularly t.
the gallant charge led by Captain Alexandc
Shaw.
Captain Fiery. of dragons, with his com
pany, rendered very efficient service by draw
ing the fire Of the enemy from my regiment
the bridge.
was much gratifed at and indebted to Mr.
Graham, who volunteered to march with N
for his prompt and cheerful assistance. Mr.
Graham was frequently exposed to severe li.e
of the enemy.
am, with great respect, your obedient ser
vant THOMAS JOHNS,
Colonel Second Regiment
Potomac n Rriundp