Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-05-28
WAR N EW s i.
There is but little news of interest Ell


we think has Beauregard in tight place
Mcdowell from appearances is also feel
ing his way to Richmond-and the troops
that lately attacked Gen. Banks ought to
have been, perhaps were, cut off Fort
Wright still holds out.
Gen. Mcclellan telegraphs that his
troops have cut the Virginia Central Rail
road at three points between Hanover Court
House and the Chickabominy river The
interruption Of this railroad DESTROYS the
communication between Richmond and
Gordonsville, Staunton and the rebels in
the Shenandoah valley.
A large number of new troops from differ
ent States, some Of whom are already in
Washington, responded to a call, but the or.
ders have been cOuntermanded.
The rebels at Edenton arrested Union pi-
lot and took him to Raleigh where they
threatened to hang him. Gen. Burnside i'm
dlately arrested five of the commissioners of
Edenton, and he threatens to hang them if
Mr. white, the Union pilot is injured.
despatch from Cincinnati states that
Col. Heth, with 5000 rebels, attacked our
forces 300 strong) under Col. Crook, at
Lewisburg on Friday, but after a severe en-.
gagement they were repulsed. Our forces
captured four cannon and 100 prisoners.
The intelligence from Gen. Banks De-
partment indicates that the rebels, in large
force, have taken the offensive in Virginia,
and driven Gen. Banks corps before them.
They first attacked Col. Kenley's division,
about eleven hundred strong, consisting of
regiment of infantry and squadron of cav,
airy, at Front Royal, and, after a severe fight,
drove our troops back with severe loss. Col.
Henley was wounded. Front Royal, the coun-
ty seat of Warren county, is on the Manas-
sas Gap Railroad between Manassas June.
ton and Strasburg, and some forty FIVE miles
from the Junction. Gen. Banks, who was at
Shasty, Immediately fell back on Winchester,
where he was reinforced On the next day
Gen. Banks was attacked at Winchester, and
retreated to the Potomac.
HEADQUARTERS. MARTINsBURG.
May %, , 40 P. N.
To the Hon. Z. u. &aaton Secretaryof Var:
The rebels attacked US this morning at day
break in great force. Their number was es
timated at 5000, consisting of EwelPs and
Jackson's divisions. The fire of the pickets
began with daylight, and was followed by ar
tillery, until the lines we're fully under fire
on both sides
The left wing stood firmly, holding its
ground well, and the right did the same for
a time, when two regiments broke the lines
under the fire of the enemy. The right wing
fell back, and was ordered to withdraw, and
the troops passed through the town in con.
siderable confusion. They were quickly re-
formed on the other side, and continued their
march in good order to Martinsburg. where
they arrived at 2 10 ?. NJ. distance Of 20
miles.
Our traius are in advance, and will cross
the river in safety.
Our entire force engaged was less than
4.G0O, consisting of Gordon's and Dounelly's
brigades, with two regiments of cavalry, un-
der General Hatch, and two batteries of ar
tillery.
Our loss is considerable, as was that of the
enemy, but cannot now be stated.
We were reinforced by the 10th Maine, which
NiN SOON cCifISCI duO iGSItuGu6 vi Y.
n. P. BANKS,
Major General Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS, BEYOND MARrINsBURG
May 25-5.35 2. NJ.
A prisoner captured this afternoon saws
that the rebel force in our rear is to be
strengthened, and that their purposeis to enter
Maryland at two points, Harper's Ferry and
He confirms all we have heard
in regard to the rebel force here. We will
pass the Potomac to night safe, men, trains,
and all, l think, making a march of 35 miles. !
N. P. BANKS,
Major General Commanding.
WASHINGTON, May 26-The following was
received at the War Department at eleven
o'clock to night:
WILLAMsPoRT, May 26-4 P. NJ.
To the President:
| have the honor to report the safe arrival |
Of my command at this place last evening, at
ten O'clock, and the passage ofthe fifth corps
across the river to-day, with comparatively |
but little loss.
The loss of men killed, wounded, and mis-
sing, In the different combats in which nv |
has participated, since the march /
from Strasburg on the morning of the 24th |
instant, | am unable now to report, but | have |
great satisfaction in being able to represent |
that although serious it is much less than |
might have been anticipated considering the
very great disparity of the forces engaged !
and the long matured plans of the encmy,
which aimed at nothing less than the entire |
capture of our force. A detailed statement |
will be forwarded as soon as possible.
My command encountered the enemy in a |
constant succession of attacks and in the |
engagements at Strasburg, |
Newton-at a point, also, be- |
tween these places, and at Winchester, the |
force of the enemy was estimated at about |
Is, 900 men, with very strong artillery and |
cavalry supports, while my own force con-
sisted of two brigades, less than 1000 strong, |
all told. l,500 cavalry, ten Parrot guns, and |
six smooth bores.