The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-30

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at II o'clock and continued till night, when
the infantry force succeeded in surrounding
them.
The first fight and repulse took place east
Of the Shenandoah and finding the force too
great he retreated to the west side, destroy.
ing the principal bridge on the west side OF
the river.
He made another stand, and Knapp's
battery moved the rebels down with shell
and grape. They fred in all nearly 200
rounds.
BALTIMORE, May 26.-The following is
the statement Of Captain George Smith, of
the First Maryland regiment, who succeed
ed in efftcting his escape from the fight at
Front Royal:
About 10 o'clock Pm, negro, upon
horseback, came dashing into camp, crying
out that the rebels were coming in
great numbers, and they will surround and
cut you off,
At FIRST the men laughed at him, saying
they had waited so long for them that they
did not believe one word OF it.
As soon, however, as Col. Henley saw
the man, be became satisfied of their apa
proach The long roll was beaten, and the
men responded, springing hastily to their
arms and forming lines by companies.
Very soon the rebels made their appear
ance, and strange to say, not single shot
was fired by the pickets of the First Mary.
land regiment.
1t may have been in consequence of
sudden turn of the road they were surprised
and captured.
Company A was ordered to deploy as skr
mishers aud support section oil Knapp's
Pennsylvania battery, which mustered about
forty men.
In the meantime the Lieutenant Colonel
of the 29th infantry, with small detach:
ment of his men who had been acting as q
pioneer corps, also formed and prepared to
receive the enemy. The battery was soon
engaged and discharged shot and shell for
nearly two hours until nearly all it's ammu
inton had been expended. The firing was
spirited and there is no doubt of its eff
cheney. Unable however to Withstand such
overwhelming force, the order was given to
retire and, which was done and the entire
column moved over the Shenandoah river
the retreat bei0g covered by company of
the 9Th New York cavalry, about 80
strong.
Whilst passing over the bridge the Cap
tain saw the rebel forces. There was very
strong column OF cavalry--said to be four
squadrons, eight companies. and five regi-
ments of infantry, and two squadrOns of
cavalry, were fording the stream, the water
being very low.
The order double quick was given, and
the Federals took to the Pike, where an.
other stand was made.
Col. Henley addressed the men, and tell
ing them that their only chance was to
stand and fight, the last especially, as the
rebel cavalry were fast pushing on, display
ing black flag.
Capt. Smith states that he did not see
them display the white flag.
A second stand was made and many shots
exchanged, when the New York cavalry,
still 10 the rear column, broke and retired,
riding through the ranks of the infantry.
A part OF the Maryland command retired
to a wheat field, and there made another
stand, firing rapidly, with deliberate decis-
ion.
On came the rebel cavalry, cutting right
and lett, yelling like Indians In some in.
stances neither thu dying or wounded we're
spared, and in two instances the Captain
saw the rebels draw their pistols and shoot
them in the head whilst laying on the road.
The Captain told the men they better es-
cape as best they could.
Later-Report Of Gen. Banks.
WASHINGTON, May 26.--The following
was received at the War Department at IL
Pm:
WILLIAMsPoRT, 4 P. M.
To the President:
l have the honor to report the safe arri..
val OF my command at this place last even.
log at 10 o'clock and passage of the corr
across the river today, with comparatively
little loss of men, in killed, wounded and
missing in the different contests which my
command participated 10, since the march
from Strasourg on the morning OF the Oath.
am unable now to report it. Though Sc
rious, our loss is much less than might have
been anticipated, considering the very great
disparity of forces engaged, and the long
matured plans of the enemy which aimed at
nothing less than the entire capture OF our
forces.
A detailed statement will be forwarded
as soon as possible. My command encoun
tered the enemy in q constant succession of
attacks, and in we'll contested engagements
at Strasburg, Mlddletown, and Newton.
At a point between these places and
Winchester the fosce OF the enemy was
estimated at from $4,000 to 10000 men,
with very strong artillery and cavalry sup
ports.
My own force consisted OF two brigades,
less than 1000 strong all told l 500 cavalry,
10 Parrott guns, six smooth bore
The substantial preservation of the entire
supply train is source of qualification. 1t
numbered about 500 wagons. On forced
march Of So miles, 35 OF which were per.
formed in day. subject to constant attack
in force, rear and flank, according to its po-
sition,-enemy in full force, the panlcs OF
transfers and the mischances of river pas.
sage of more than 300 yards, with slendar
preparations for fording and ferry,--I lost
not many more than so wagons. Our
troops are in good spirits and occupy both
sides OF the river.