New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-06-02
Little We thought, a. we heard their imperti-
nent remarks that we should "see who would rule


nent remarks that we shoold see who would rule
Tomorrow" that their boastng was to be verified.
Soon came the foot-sOldiers weary and travel worn
by tens and fifties. People began to say. "Ths
looks like retreat" still we had hope. BY night
ma ters grew desperate. There was fighting. The
Rebels were pouring IN npon soldiers, exhausted
| by the march, from every point. The Union men
grew tbongbtiul; some OF them lett the city, while
st the immense train, portions of cavalry, and tired
soldiers passed All this time reenforcements
were surely coming-but they never came. They
are twenty, thirty, forty to one" the soldiers
said when we questioned them about the Rebel
forces.
In the morning. Winchester presented a strange
sight Vehicles OF every description, crowded with
sick soldiers and citizens, came by the door. The
contrabands iocked by, each with his little bundle
Whole families of negroes, some with huge PACKS
strapped on head and shoulders, little children al
mos. too small to walk lean horses carrying two and
three, went following the train. Meantime, the
thunder of caunonsdiDg had commenced: Nearer
and nearer it came. The cry went forth that The
Rebels were driving our forces. We had engaged a
carriage, but it failed AS the shells began to
the offer Of some sick soldiers, who had already
crowded an old army wagon, and leaving everything
behind us, we took passage IN the refreshing tram,
doubtful if we should get away.
BY the time we were one mile from the city many
of the buildings were in flames. Our men hrst fired
zines The Rebels directed their shells on the hos.
pi,als, firing nearly all God knows how many of
our poor boys were burned to death. The report is,
and that from the doctors, that they killed all they
found alive, even the womennurses, Of whom there
were four who remained. Meantime retreat was
covered in mastery manner. Five miles from
town, after the Rebels had made dash into Win
chester, our formed in line of battle. The
scene was exciting beyond description. We were
stopped by difficult fordng place, and where three
or four roads diverged from the main street.
At any moment we expected the Rebels might cut
off our retreat. To the right the infantry filed of
and the artillery planted-to the left, two regiments
Of cavalry were forming, their officers dashlng from
point 10 point while along the roads squads OF soldiers
rode ont 10 reconnoiter. In six hours we entered
MaYtinsburg, our men fighting in the rear almost
constantly, and keeping of the enemy at every
point. Many sick soldier YEARLY .plodded along,
animated by hopes of liberty on the Maryland side;
now and then wounded horse staggered by, the
blood running where the ball entered. Our prog
ress was necessarily slow, and men came dashing
by with all kinds Of reports. Still there was
nothing like panic.
AT Martinsburg the order was to press on to Will
Transport, Nd. so, leaving a regiment OF cavalry
drawn up in battle array, continued our monOto-
nous journey, arriving at the bank Of the Potomac at
o'clock in the afternoon. The men on horses forded
the river and rope ferry-boat was soon arranged
for the heavy train. think there never more
thankful company OF human beings than those OF us
who stood upon the shores Of Maryland last night.
To-day at o'clock, nearly all the train had
crossed. Gen. Banks and staff came in about noon.
have been several hours among the wounded. 1t
is ptiful sight to them brought in covered with
blood Poor fellows! they bear their mistortunes
with heroism.
Few generals could, with force 40 dsproportion.
ate, have been equal to Gen. Banks-fewer still
would have had the bravery even to defend their
supplies in 80 mastery manner. There was no
confusion, no finching. The saddest part Of the
matter il the treatment we have reason TO fear the
Union people will experience from the hands OF the
Rebels. They have no humanity. They kill our
wounded soldiers, and even our women nurses are
said to be shot. 1t is evident they too lenienty
dealt by. Several companies carried the black flag
and their cry was: "Noquarter! 1t is rumored that
Shields is in their rear. If he IL, farewell to the
Rebel army Of the Valley. On this side Of the river
our artillery lie pantedthey ere hemmed in as they
never were before. Should Winchester lie retaken
soon, a. we have reason to believe it will be- shall
return there. Very truly yours,
UMilniporf Nd MARY A. DENlSON.