Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-06-20
Trsp III. scth Regiment.


CAMP Az LrRAV. June 18th, 1862.
Dear Pa IL suppose you are aware that
Gen. Shields command was recalled from
Fredericksburg, upon ihe news Of the retreat
of Gen. Banks. We bad long dreary march
back
While we were attempting to build a
bridge across the South Branch of the Shen-
nndoah opposite TO New Market, in order to
get across the Mountain and on Jackson's rear;
We got information that jackson had passed
that pIoce, and was then moving for Stanton.
On tho receipt os this information Gen. Shields
had the 4,h and the Sd toarl Brigades under
motion; Notwithstanding cur worn-out condi-
tion, and the awful state Of the roads. The
4th Brigade (Gen. CarroID was some six miles
in advance Of us an not certain how far
the Ist and I'd Brigades were kept in the rear;
bu: it turned ont that they were entirely be-
yond supporting distance, which came near
being fatal 10 MS. The 4th Brigade came up
with the enemy at Port Republic They were
crossing long bridge to the place with three
companies Of cavelry in advance OF some ar
tillery; when jackson unexpectedly came up
on our forces. we're suddenly opened upon by
the enemy with some 20 pieces Of artillery
A great number were killed. The cavalry
we're cut off and one Of our guns taken before
our forces could be extracted. The 4ih Brig
ade finally fell back from the bridge without
burning it, (which was most fatal to us;l and
awaited our coming up with them. We ar
rived about o'clock p. m. on the 9Th inst
having marched 20 miles since day light
(ien. Tyler, of our Brigade, on assuming com
a..
Reg. (the 66tIl) and the 9th Reg. o. V were
sent to skirt the mountain distance Of some
I'VE miles. Upon getting near our position,
for the accomplishment Of that object, We
we're Immediately ordered back, making ten
more miles for US, and returning back after
dark. The intention of Gen. Tyler, | have
understood. was to have US protect battery
which he would place near the bridge, to dcs-
troy it but as We could not get our position
until dark. perhaps be gave up the idea At
all events we were Withdrawn. At day light
jackson opertd upon US having under the
cover OF the night crossed the bridge, and ia
ken bis position for attacking aud destroying
us before the lst and 2nd Brigades could come
to our relief. During the day, before our fight,
we could hear the battle between Fremont
3Pu OaChSOu Jul uaAtAS HO COMMUNICATION
with him we did not know the result but
were under the impression that Fremont had
been rcpulsed. jackson attacked our right
with great force, but the 5th 7th 29th 0. V.
of our Brigade, aud the 4th Brigade repulsed
him, and were apparently driving them back
when the enemy under the cover of the woods,
advanced two fegsments Of Louisiana troops
within SO saasl of the position OF Clark's and
HuntinRtoun An1leFiez near which VIC were
etatiOneh. whieh mns on the extreme left of our
forces. All q cncc the Tigers opened upon
our batteries, which Uas terrible. Some OF
our guHeFs ard drivers with two
eanBons aud caissons came dashing thraRgh
our line, as We we're marching by the left flank
10 repel an attack. This breaking Of our line
was a severe blow, ard might have proved IA
tai to older regiments, but our men closed up
aud returned the fire of the Louisiana Tigers
for an hour, when we charged and drove them
from their guns, but oil the guns except one
we're upset and the horses dead in their har-
ness. Ii vas an awful sight 81 this battery.
Our dead and the seceeh thickly strewed the
ground. ] took two prisoners, the only pris-
oners taken at the battery. Ihey were
crouched down at the guns, and told them
TO surrender, which they quickly did. While
ut the battery we were ordered to fall back as
a retreat was commenced. We did so in good
order. Ours was the last regiment off the
6eId. While we were falling back, the enemy
ppened upon US with their Batteries. The fire
vas so fearful that some Of our regiment we're