Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-03-20
From the Richmond Dispatch, March Il
kvaeust.on Of The Lower valley.

From MIR. Henry d. Beal, lately of the Winchester
Republican Office, have obtsined the following ac-
count of the evacuation OF Winchester by Gen. Jack
son, and its occupation by the enemy:
For several days previous to Tuesday, the lh, The
enemy had been concentrating large forces Bu1kers
Hill, Smthfed, and Berryville aid everything ndica-
ted advance movement On the part of Gen. Banks.
On Sunday skirmsh I'll Smithfed, be-
tween fifteen of Asbbys cavalry and strong body of
the enemys troops in which the latter lost man
killed and prisoner: the gallant Black Horse
Cavalry, alter infctipg this damage the enemy re-
tired in good order On Monday the Yankee pickets
were thrown the Confederate 0utposCs, and
several of them allowed the honor of
personal interview with Gen jackson.
On Tuesday, at one o'clock, the enemy at Smith6ed
and Bunker's Hill formed a junction about six miles
from Winchester and about two o'clock attacked the
pckets Of Ashhys cavalry, about four miles from the
town 4 sharp skrmish ensued in which the enemy
lost several killed and wounded On The Confederate
side there no loss. except horse killed Detacb-
ments skjrmishers from Companies aud A, Twen-
ty first Virginia regiment sent out but the enemy
in strong force continuing 10 push Oh, the skrmshers
compelled to Tall back to the Second Virginia re-
gment.
Whist this skirmish progressing, Gen. Jackson's
entire command summoned from their camp to the
expected field of conflict, and never did men respond
with enthusiasm to any summons. Our informant
describes the at this juncture exciting in the
highest degree. The gallant and indomitabe Stone
wall jackson superlntendeC In person the selection Oh
positions for the different batteries His whole force
infantry, cavalry, and artillery, amounting in all to
about 900 for four hours occupied their positions
on the field but the enemy $4,000 strong declined to
advance to the attack and night closed with the two
armies about two miles apart. % the part of the Con
ederates there sign of trepdation although ont
numbered nearly four to one
But the longings of the gallant Virginians for con-
ct with the enemy were not to be gratifed The Gloss
of day brought imperative order from those high ia
authority for the evacuation of the place. and with
greet lhe army retired 10 the direction OF Strasburg BIZ
vouacking Tuesday night about four miles from Win
chester
| Ga Wednesday morning, about O'Clock, about g.
900 of the enemy marched into the town and took un-
disputed possession. They met with cool reception
from the loyal people of that beautiful section of the
State and to the honor of the town. we pleased to
learn, that only two Union flags were displayed and
they by those bankrupt in character and morals as
OILY excite pity for this last exhibition Of their trea-
sofahle characters
o. h. afternoon Of Wednesday, General Shields
coluul:, .yauced towards Newtown but we're met and
driven into Winchester by Col. Ashbys command On
the same day, Gen. jackson marched to Cedar creek
on the Valley turnpike, sixteen miles from Winchester
and two from Strasburg, where he encamped ND
Thursday night
Our informant expresses much admiration for the
gallantry OF Col. Ashby. That officer has been con-
SANITY in the advance of Gen. Jackson's forces and
has displayed skill and courage highly to be commended
| Large militia reinorcemenss have been sent forward
to Gen. jackson from the counties Of the upper Valley