Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1862-06-11
For the Herald.
Letter from. tie Third Regiment.
wILMAMspoRr, Nd, April goth, 1862,

as.no one has written to the Herald con
corning our. late battle, deem il a duty on
my part to undertake it, in order TO relieve
suspense and anxiety of friends and rela-
lives Of those belonging to the I'd Grant
County Company.
The remnant Of Gen. Banks corps, was
stationed at Stratsburg, when the enemy
were advancing upon us,except a supposed
sufficient force, who were guarding several
railroad bridges along the Stratsburg and
Manassas r. r.. On the afternoon Of the
23d inst, messengers informed the Cen
era, that the rebels were attacking our
guard at Front Royal, twelve miles dis
tant from Stratsburg; J also at point seven
miles this side; both attacks being made
about the same time. Company 6, OF our
regiment and company B, 9th Indiana,
were at this latter place. Gen. Banks nn-
mediately sent our regiment to reinforce
these, but when we arrived it was dark,
and all was over. We remained till morn
inc, when, at seven o'clock Col. Roger
ordered Capt. Limbocker 70 detail squad
for the purpose Of making a reconnaissance
which he did. 1t consisted Of Orderly Ser
geant Jasper Woodford ana eight peiyates
as follows, yiz:-Thos Barstow, Brainard
Hopkins, G. Orsum, w. II. Pride, E. r..
Streeter, Robt. Thorp, Harvey Sinnett and
Geo. Ell. Meissner. Shortly afterwards, we
proceeded back to Stratsburg, but they
die not arrive in time to join us. s|They
are taken prisoners, undoubtedly. When
the regiment. got back, everything was on
the move, anG. retreat was imminent, ae-
cofding to appearances. We halted mo-
ment 70 let trains get ahead; then COM
menced cur long march.
In 1sss than two hours the enemy Were
in Stfatsburg, and pursuing us. Firing
was heard in our rear most Of the day,
which, however, did no serious damage,
enly to capture several wagons, DC. Ar
tillery was ordered back TO cover our re-
treat, with the assistance of several squad
rons of cavalry, thus enabling us to get on
rapidly. Night came on, and a halt was
made Z Of mile from Winchester. We
remained till about 4 o'clock in the morn
ING, (25th,l when rapid firing was heard
on our pickets. The "long rolf called US
to arms, and shortly marched out to array
ourselves in line Of battle. We marched
UP on a side hill, leaving a fayine between
Us and the enemy. We were on the right
wing which consisted Of the 9th Ind,
29th Penn, 2l Mass, and 81 Wis. The
following regiments composed The lelt:-
9Th Conn, 28lh n. X, 10th Penn, II
pieces Of artillery was all we had; s pieces
belonging to the y. S. 4th, and 6 to the
N. Y. 1st. The New York battery was
the first to open the ;annonade, but was
soon answered by the enemy.
Speedily, cur other battery was in posi-
ton; then the artillery fight became gen
eral. The sun was just rising, and a bright
er sun never shone; a slight breeze waited
over us and all nature seemed gay. The
of artillery, shells bursting, cav
airy dashing, DC, seemed more to many
like panoramic scene, than Of q battle.
The infantry were fast advancing on ours,
and at last they made their appearance on
oar left; in twenty minutes more they
were on our right At this time the fight
became general and the leaden rain was
pouring fearfully. The left held its ground
firmly, but the right had tosfalI back, o.
inc to the superiority Of their force, but
were soon at it again. The Indiana 9th
began the retreat, seeing so many on our
front, besides six regiments going "double
quick for the purpose Of hanking. A
stood between us (3d Wis and
the city, 50 we fell back behind that and
were the last to leave it. OYerpowered by
such an overwhelming force, orders were
given for retreat; on we went pell nell
through the streets Of Winchester, in such
a confused mass, we hope never to witness
again: wagons, ambalances, soldiers horses
and mules in pile together, making biz
tracks for the Potomac, then 81 miles dis
tant. Soldiers throwing off kpapsacks,
guns, accoutrements, clothing and in fact
everything to accelerate their specific
last hope left. Astoni he'd we was, though
not Unexpectedly, did citizens, of the city,
including women and all, fire a. our troops
from their windows, which killed and
wounded quite number. Several "tadseo
while taking deliberate ann at our troops,
were knocked down with muskets, BY OBJ
servers passing. III time to save the life OF
many intended victims. More to aid the
excitement, were some three or 1000 cav
airy dashing through the streets, killing
and capturing large numbers who couldn't
keep up with the main body.
Laughable instances occurred which |
cannot here enumerate; however, | viii
give one because it is too good to be lost:
Lieut.. BcntIy seeing a number of his COM 4
pany behind, resolved to 90 back short
distance tc inform them that they would
surely lie cut off, if they remained there
ary longer; but in going, was cut off him
self by two citizens, behind some shrub
berry. one armed with formidable club
and the other with a musket lie was
struck in the back with the club, but the
musket was not true to the desires Of the
possessor, the cap only snapped. The
Lieut. made his way through 4 gate Dad
III hurtl but was captured by agoavalier,
Who handed him over 10 couple Of wo-
men Is guard him, under Instructions to
49, r. IL, - -safa<f r1farqpsar Rant