Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-31
FROM GENERAL BA>Ks, ARMY.
Correspondence OF the Associated Pres.

WILLIAMsPoRT, May % 1t Is no Longer con.
traband to state that from the hour cf recall from
the pursuit Of Jackson beyond Harrisonburg, and
the "eobbling up" Of all Gen. Banks army ex-
cept two small Infantry brigades fourteen Snns
and two regiments OF inexperienced cavalry that
every Orhcer was firmly iTnbued with the belief
that should Jackson aud Eweil com bine to assail
Us, that we were completely at their mercy II
must not be supposed that all the force above
mentioned could be concentrated to reprIse the
enemy IN case OF an attack. At least one half OF
the Infantry force were required for special ser
vice, such as guarding trains Of wagons, hEidoes
railroads, &c while the cavalry were required
70 be continually en- the scout TO guard against
surprise.
When your correspondent temporarily left camp
AZ Strasburs, Saturday, previous TO the bloody
aHalf Gt Front Royal, IL was known that hordes Of
SueHl!ss were swarming the mountains and the
valleys OF the north and south forks OF the Shen.
andoah on our rear and tanks, but no indications
could be obtained cf any concentrated attach
sun the very weakness Of our army would N
Known TO the rebel commanders, be sufficient 10
induce an onslaught, with even equal numbers
NO lavoraDle responses having been received from
washington as 10 reinfOrcements, an Oil GER was
specially dispatched thithe- to lay the case before
the War Department in person; but before com.
pleting his duties news came of the attack M
Front Royal, and, few hours later, OF the re-
land.
The first intelligence Of the attack on Front
Royal was brought to Winchester by one O. tbe
Ira Harris Guard, and was telegraphed to Ger.
Banks at Strasburg, by Capt Flasg, Assistant
Quartefmoster u. ). Army. But fifteen minutes
elapsed after the rebels were discovered before
Colonel kenly's command was completely sur.
rounded. The details Of the murderous affair
havlng been published, are omitted In this cor
respondence.
The large quantity Of medicines, surgical In
struments and hospital stores at Winchester were
destroyed by Medical PuTveyor Baxter while the.
enemy Were In town. Dr. Baxter passed ID rouo b
storm OF balls and shells, and was several times
bred on from the Tsylor House, where he had
boarded for weeks. -
Collins Zounves DIALOGUE, a battalion OF the
Ira Harris Guard under Colonel De Forrest Cant
Hampton OF the Pittsburg Battery, a few Of his
men, and small body Of infantry, were cut of
by the main bedy OF the enemy between Middle
town and Winchester. The whole force consist
ed OF less than l 600 men. The Zouaves and cav.
airy had been detailed 10 destroy the bridges after
our retreat. Capt. Hampton, after securing his
guns, went TO the rear to bring of his battery
wagon and forge. Finding their retreat cut OF.
they reuaced the road from Strasburg. Several
times Hampton checked pursuit by the enemy,s
cavairy by mounting stove pipe on his carriage
and placing Ii In position TIL the Infantry had
passed ahead. The ruse was not discovered by
the enemy. r-I- /. -. y
:. Reaching s;rasbarg this force collected thirty.
nve abandoned wagons, loaded with cornuaissafy
stores. Thence they took the mountain road
north, and by cifeuitous route came In sight OF
Winchester, only TO find themselves In the en-.
emy's rear, Taking the road to Bath, followed