Arkansas true Democrat., 1862-06-12
The Battle at M'Dcwell' l's-Interestin
 Details by a Participant

The Battle at M'Dcwell' ll's-Interesting Details by Participant. correspondent of the Lynchburg Republican, dating at 'Camp in Pendleton county, two miles east of Franklin, May l2,'' writes: On Monday, May 5th, we left camp at Valley Mills, Augusta county miles north of Staunton, with five days ratons, without tents and baggage save blankets, under the- command of Gen. Ed ward Johnson, and the next day the advance guard under Col. Lecher fell in with the outposts of the enemy-one cavalry company and body of intan- trv near the forks of the Jennings Gdpand the Plrkersburg turnpike roads, 2 mesfIom Staunt 'n. Lecher fired upon the enemy, killing three, wound ing several, and taking one prisoner. About this time 'Od Stoneyxll' passed up the load and had a consultation Nth Gen. Johnson Soon after the consultation Johnsons army pushed up the road in pursuit of the enemy towards Shen- andoah mountain, followed by Jackson's When when arrived at the foot ot the mountain, on the east side we found regiment ot Yankees had been camped there. but left on hearing of our ap- pearence leaving behind all their tents, clothing commissarS' stores and number of small arms, most of which they broke the stocks of but several cases were left unopened and in fine order. After scouting the m untain throughly, we found that three regiments had been camped upon the top, but upon our approach had made nasty re- treat.
 When we arrived upon the summit we could see the enemy in hasty retreat the east side of Bull Pasture Mountain about five miles i'll advance. 1t being late ill the day, commander thought 1t prudent to halt and go into camp for the night At sunrise the next morning We were again on the line of march ill pursuit o the enemy; when we arrived at Bull Pasture Mountain We ascended to its summit. when Ashby's scouts reported that the Yankees had placed four pieces of artillery on the road leading into Mcdowell, on the west side or the mountain, where the road passes through narrow gorge. The heights commanding Monte rev were also in possession ot the enemy with ar tiery planted.
 The Lee ,tterv, of Lvnchburg, was selected to % in advance with it's rife guns but after reaching the summit of the mountain they were ordered ok -Gens. Jackson and Johnson deciding that no po- stion could be obtained
 Johnson's army [that is the intlntry) was placed upon the top of the mountain Alter the generals had reconn.itered for several hours, 1t becoming late they concluded to postpone an attack until the following morning; but the enemy receiving reinforcement, made attack upon Us about i've o'clock Afcer a desperate fight, which lasted five hours we drove the ehemy from the hed During the engagement Gen. Johnson came near being captured. Gen. Jackson, not knowing his position. gave orders for the filth Va. regiment to fall back, but the Richmond ,GAves, Capt. Al friend seeing the peTilouS position of their brave commander Gen. J. disobeyed orders and charged upon the enemy, thereby saving him from the Tan kees' clutches.
 Our loss is estimated at about 300 killed, wound cd and missing About one hundred of the num- Der were killed and mortally wounded. During the battle Gen. lohnzon's horse was kill ed under him, and the general received wound in the ankle from ball passing through the small bone of the leg, but l am happy to state that the wound, though quite painful, is not of . serious nature.
 The l2th Georgia regiment did most of the fight ing, and snfTeFed very severely. They lost l82 killed, wounded and missing, among them were many brave and gallant officers. One company of the 2th Georgia lost all ot its officers save the 4th corporal.
 There were only two brgades Of three regiments each both of Johusons army, engaged i'll the fight The first was commanded by Co., Y. q. Conner Of Georgia and the second by Col. Win. C. Sc"'', oi Virginia, of both of whom Gen. Johnso4 sDeak3 in
 the highest terms for their gallantry and bravery on this occasion.
 We expected to renew the Gght the next morn | ing but the bird mad h0wI leaving behind, at Nc ] D0well, where 1000 encamped, all his camp equip l page, large quantity of ammunition. number 1 of cases of Enfield rifles, together with about l00 head ofcattle which they had stolen, being mostly milch cows.
 At McDowell, Milroy's headquarters, great des tructon was done to private property. 1 The Yankees had been eniQ ing themselves fine { y. Theyhld erected largo aahu Gveus, and the officers kitchens all provided with large cook | ing stoves of the most improved pattern. 1 On the retreat our cavalry overtook and captur l ed number of prisoners. Among them was col 1 onel and an able bodied negro wot th at least $l, | 800.
 | We have found number of dead and many graves along the road, besides abaLdlned wagons and ' broken down horses l learn this morning that ] l03 dead Yankees have been found in noun ! tain hollow near McDowellis covered with brash. ! People along the road tell us that they pressed i all their horses to carry off their artillery, etc
 We arrived at this place yesterday (Sunday) about } o'clock, p. On our approach the enemy took to the mountains, where they had planted ar tillerv, and set fire to all the works. Sc GaHse was | the smoke that Vt cou'd not find their position
 unti nightfall wheL it too dark to shell them.
 In fact it is very hard to drive the enemy troW, | the mountain heights, ag goa caa seidoal get a
 oosition for artiilery lhls morning our scouts
 are out in search of position and to watch the
 movements of the Yankees, but l have not yet
 heard from them,
 Northwestern Virginia is now nearly free of the
 scoundrels.
 do pot know our destination, as General Jack
 son never tells any one his plans, not even his
 brgadiers and aids.
 The Yankees had put up telegraph wire al
 most to Monterey, but on our approach abandoned
 the work, leaving several tons of wiIe ladders, etc
 behind.
 The fight, suppose, will berenewed as soon a'
 Gen. Jackson ascerTains the enemy's postion-
 Should it come off, will give you particulars.