Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-04

We copy the following letter, correcting
some statements heretofore made respecting
the retreat Of Gen. Banks through the Shen-
andoah Valley, from the Burlington Free
Press
WINcHEsrER Va, June H. 1862
Mcsfrs. Editors Of The free Pr
notice in the weekly Free Press n the
9Th inst, what purpofs be given by Major
Sawyer If our retreat from Strasburg The writer SAYS
claiming TO speak for Major S. -. IS The regiment
proceeded without molesaon until three quarters
Of mile beyond Cedar Creek they met the baggage
train reueating IN confusion with loose horses and
mules struggling men leading horses and a great dis
orderly jAm," Nc" Now | venture to say that Ma.
or Sawyer is msrepresented lie could give any
right TO say that the march Of the regiment was
Obstructed by train, any other for the reason
that no such thing occurred The facts these -
The baggage train WIS taken Cedar Creek early
in the morning OF May 2ith by orders from headquar-
tersthe teams formed IN line facing the road so
as be able to proceed tn the front rear without
confusion likely 10 arise in making full turn, IL
now certain that the enemy force both sides
and II uncertain which way should find il ne
eessary proceed This position through
out the day, and was approved by the oommander,iu-
chief and later by another General About ten O'Clock
word that the trains in front of and we
should soon be attacked this caused slight furry
which word from my wagon master c. r. Stone Of
Company +, instantly quieted
About4 O'Clock battery Of guns, followed by our
regiment under Col Iompkns as a support, came Up
and took position short distance the right and mont
Of our train. The firing brisk for half an hour
when the battery, being threatened by flank movement
Of the enemy which he could make under cover Of the
timber where cavalry could act was forced 10 timber
up and retire This it did followed by our cavalry pass
ing in Uobstcted road within one rod Of the line Of
trains.
When the regiment had passed, the train was put in
motion, each driver taking his proper place the line in
the most perfect order. We had sooner commenced
to than the enemys skrmishers showed
emerging from the timber within half rife range and
the hiss of bullets became familiar but not even
now did confusion arise--in proof Of which will saw
that three drivers dsmountcd chain their wheels In
descending steep hill
Before reaching the Greek one man was shot in his
hand and one horse fell by the voeyof course he
left his team, aud am happy TO say escaped His name
is John Huse Of Co. c. -Four crossed the stream
unhurt, the others got into the water where several
horses fell by the fire which poured in by largely in
creased numbers; there being now from 70 To 100 within
20 To 25 rods
Still not eh his while his horses kept their
legs. When horse fell another was cut loose ard
the driver would mount and be off In this way seven.
teen hcrses out Of seventy six saved.
When the passage through the water obstructed by
dead or disabled horses the order given the dry
to themselves by cutting each horse for
himself and have to hope that all alive
though two we're wounded and four prisoners.
Now ask is Il not hard that whose position for
bids the thoughts Of soldiers laures-After exhibiting
such devotion 70 their TustshOud be made conspiou-
Gus as having contributed, by dsgraceul fight, the
disasters Of the day
have written nothing on hearsay the whole move
ment was under my obsery alton and direction and
again assert, that obstruction by wagons, horses
mules, or men was met by either artillery or cavalry in
their approach 10 the Of action near Cedar Creek
at the time referred to. A. S. DEWEY.