Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1862-06-06
THE VERMONT CAVALRY.

respondent of the N Y. World
The most disastrous and bloody slaugh-
ter of our cavalry which has occurred du-
ring three days fighting followed re-
connoisance made on Saturday morning,
from Middletown toward Front Royal.
Five companies of First Maine Cavalry,
and two companies, A and G, of the Ver-
mont were cut of from the main body by
vastly superior force.
Lieutenant Colonel Doughty, of Maine
Cavalry, and Major Collins, of Vermont
Cavalry were in command.
A charge on the rebel troops was made
with drawn sabres, at the greatest speed !;
the foremost were suddenly stopped, and
those behind, unable to retain their hors-
es, 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 them
selves.
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
bayonets 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 was still in the rear of this i'll
fated detachment quite large force of
cavalry. 1t consisted of five companies
ofthe Vermont Cavalry, under Col. Temp
kins, and seven companies Ira Harris
Guard, under Col. DeForest, left behind
to form the rear guard.
The Vermont Cavalry were ordered on
reconnaissance to Woodstock to ascertain
whether Jackson was in the rear.
After the affairs previously described,
in which the Maine and Vermont Caval-
ry suffered SO severely, the enemy turned
back upon the baggage train which was
between them at Strasburg, and caused
the greatest confusion which can be i'm
agined. The wagons, some of them, were
turned about and running against others
broke down, filling up the roads, while
the mules and horses and cattle remain
ing in the greatest fright, produced an
indescribable state of confusion.
The cavalry finding the road to Win
chester thus barricaded, both by wagons
and an enemy, had no other alternative
than to turn thier horses towards Stras-
burg.
They had crossed Cedar Creek, and ia
ken with them the Zouaves d'Afrique,
whom they found upon the bridge. A
line of battle was then formed, the Zou-
ayes 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 beyond. AS soon as the battery
commenced firing the rebel skirmishcrs
commenced to advance with yells of def.
ancc pouring volleys of musketry upon
us, and very soon battery responded tc
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 thai
the enemy were there in strong force, and
they knew that we had no infantry.
Major Sawyer, of the vt. cavalry, spoke
to his colonel of mountain road.
COL Tompkins, not knowing the road
himself, ordered the major, if he was &C
quainted with it, to lead them through.
The cavalry was led toward Strasburg
recrossing Cedar Creek, and there 81
closely were they pursued that anothe
line of battle was formed. The enem,
obtained tho range very accurately, ant
the shells fell about them so rapidly tina
they again retreatcd.
Col. DeForrest, with the New York Cav
airy, was soon met, who inquired of Col
Tomkins his intentions, who said he wa
ooino m rotraot hv tho p,ornto ~, rooI ~.