The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-06-10

Struggle was between Norln Sdloiih"
regiment and the 46th Pennsylvania, the
latter being surprised by the Rebels, who
were however driven back with great i'm
petuosity. The enlir- left wing held its
own, against overwhelming odds, until
the right wing was forced to give way
A bayonet charge was made by more
than twice our entire number upon Cor
doo4S4 S4-brigade. Three of its regiments
stood E I'm, but the eth Indiana broke
and ran, after which our flank was ex-
possaex Our artillery also retreated in
great haste, whether by order or not,
does not yet appear. Gen. Banks was,
in fact, nearly surrounded. Stuart's
Rebel cavalry had charged through Win
chester, in the rear Of our force, and had
reused the Inhabitants to take part
against us. After fighting four hours,
Gen. Banks gave, at 81, the word to le
treat. In passing through Winchester,
our men were fired upon by the populace
from almost every house. Women and
children joined in the onslaught. Gen.
Banks narrow y escaped being hot from
an open doorway. Our rear guard was
pursued by the enemy's infantry at a
distance of only 900 yards. A short
distance north of Winchester, however
the pursuit was relaxed, and the Re bells
allowed distance of about two miles TO
be put between themselves and us. With
this slight intervening space, they fol-
lowed on, shelllng our troops continuous
ly, until within three miles of Martins
burg. They then, about O'Clock on
Sunday afternoon halted, while General
Barks pushed onward, reaching the
banks Of the Potomac by nightfall. In
the morning, they crossed in ferry boats
to Williamsport.
The entire retreat, Of 65 miles, was
performed in two days, including the
time occupied in battleing the enemy
During all those hours our men were un
provided with rations, the commissary
stores having been destroyed south OF
Strasburg Their only subsistence was
what they could gather at hazard by the
way. The heroism of the action has not
been surpassed during this war. Much
was due to the resolu,e and undaunled
spirit of the officers. Gen. Banks was
perpetualIy in the thickest Of the engage
ment. During the retreat he was always
at the rear, and lie was of The last party
to cross the Potomac into Maryland -
Incidents of individual heroism are re.
counted Of every regiment-almost OF
every company engaged. The circ um
stance Of the battles fought We're peculiar
ly perilous. The smalness of General
Banks's command prevented the posi-
bility of holding a force in reserve
Every regiment was actually engaged
and there is no record Of any hinching,
except in the case Of the eth Indiana,
and part of the cavalry engaged.
The conduct Of Gen. Banks's body
guard, the Zouaves d'Afrique. little
company of some 10 men, under Capt
Coils, was unequaled for bravery They
were separated from the rest of the army
from the moment of leaving Strasburg
and they fought their way free, tossing
only three killed and one wounded
They had been left at Strasburg on Sat
urday TO destroy the bridges in case o
necessity but late in the afternoon
hearing heavy cannonading in advance
Capt. Coils abandoned the idea Of burn
ing the bridges, lest our own troop
should have TO retire, and pushed on TO
ward Winchester At Middletown, 81,
miles north of Strasburg, they were at
tackled by three entire regiments. will
cavalry. They sheltered themselves be
hind stone wall, and held the rebels a
bay for some time. until they were flank
ed ON both sides, and compelled 10 re
treat the way they had come, which the,
did in perfect order. four abreast, doub
e-quick, without the slightest show 0
alarm or panic.