Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-06-06
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BELLOWS FALLS. JUNE 6, 1862.
The vermont Cavalry.

the skirmish in which they suffered such
loss, are thus described by n correspondent
If the N. Y. World.
The most disastrous and bloody slaughter
of our cavalry which has occurred during
three days fighting followed reconnois-
vance made on Saturday morning, from Mid
,lletov n toward Front Royal. FIVE COM
comics Of First Maine Cavalry, and two
pampanies, A and C, Of the Vermont were
CIT off from the main body by vastly sup
erior force.
Lieutenant Colonel Doughty, of Maine
Cavalry, and Major Collins, of Vermont
Cavalry were in command.
A charge OH the rebel troops was made
with drawn sabres, at the greatest sreed /;
the foremost were suddenly stopped, and
those behind. unable to restrain their
horses, fell one upon another, forming
large pile of men and horses, some of whom,
pierced through with the sabres of their
own comrades, were killed, and many in the
promiscuous heap were crushed, and died
unable to help or extricate themselves.
A few only escaped fleeing across the
fields to the mountains.
All the time the rebels kept up a Yell
and killed many with their sabres and bay
onets who lay wounded upon the ground.
This fatal catastrophe is said TO have been
the result Of an Unauthorized order TO charge
given by Major Collins, the third officer in
command, who was taken prisoner by the
rebels.
There were still in the rear Of this i'll
fated detachment quite large force of
cavalry. II consisted of FIVE companies of
the Vermont Cavalry, under Col. Temp
kins, and seven companies of Ira Harris
Guard, under Col. DeForrest, left behind to,
form the rear guard.
The Vermont Cavalry were ordered on
reconnaissance 10 Woodstock to ascertain
whether jackson was in the rear.
After the affair previously described, in
which the Maine and Vermont Cavalry, suf-
4ered SO severely, the enemy turned back
upon the baggage train which was between
Them at Strasburg, and caused the greatest
cor fusion which can be imagined. The
wagons some Of them, were turned about
and running against others broke down, fill
fng up The roads, while the mules and horses
and cattle remaining in the greatest fright,
produced an Undesirable state of confusion
The cavalry finding the road TO Winches-
ter thus barricaded, both by wagons and an
enemy, had no other alternative than to turn
their horses towards Strasburg.
They had crossed Cedar Creek, and taken
with them the zouaves dAfrique, whom
they found upon the bridge. A line of bat
sle was then formed, the Zouaves forming
in the rear.
A battery was also there which they were
supporting. This was placed in position,
and shells were thrown into the woods be-
yond. As soon as the battery commenced
firing the rebel skirmishers commenced TO
advance with yells of defiance, pouring vol
legs of musketry upon US, and very soon a
battery responded to ours.
Two companies Of cavalry were drawn up
on each side of the battery, and one in the
rear with the intention of making charge.
1t soon became obvious that the enemy were
there in strong force, and they knew that
we had no infantry.
Major Sawyer, of Vermont cavalry, spoke
to his colonel of mountain road.
Col. Tompkins, not knowing the road
himself, ordered the major,if he were &C
Quainted with it, to lead ihem through.
The cavalry was led toward Sirasburg
se crossing Cedar Greek, and there so close
iy we're they pursued that another line o
battle was formed. The enemy obtaine,
the range very accurately, and the shell
fell about them SO rapidly that they again
retreated.
Col. DsForrest, with the New York Ca
valry, was soon met, who inquired of Co
Tompkins bis intentions, who said he wa
going 10 retreat by the mountain road, an
they afterward proceeded together.
The whole force of cavalry were soon u
the mountain road, and were preceedin
tinelly. recrossing Cedar Creek again, an
moving rapidly toward Winchester.
AT ii or IL O'Clock at night they arrive
IN town, relieving our anxiety.
LArER.-On Saturday Gen. Fremant
forces in turn surprised the rebels at Frer
Royal, routed them, and captured six off
ers and $50 privates, and also re-capture
Major Collins Of the Vermont Cavalry, an
eighteen others
REBEL ArRecIrIEs.-Gov. Curtin
Pennsylvania has received tire folowir
from reliable authority "Chambersbur
May POI have examined dozen stra
glers from the Maryland LIST and Bank
column, to-day. The testimony is concu