Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1862-06-27

~ "fouce oi tie enemy so as to secure his
tra','s ana prisoners. When he had accom-.
Piisneo TINS object, learning that the enemy had
divided his overw heming force toto two col
umns. one OF which under Shields was adva,.c.
ing east OF the Shenandoah river, and the other
u'iuer fremont up the main Valley turnpike
with view to unite in the upper part of the
aiiey, jackson again turned offat Harrison.
ourg' having previously caused Ashby to burn
the bridge over the Shenandoah near Swift
hun Gap, and went to Port Republic. small
village situated at the point where the North
ana oouta rivers come together and form the
Sherandaah.
There was bridge over the North river at
Fort Republic, which was the only means Of
crossing the stream which was swollen by re-
cent rains. jackson occupied the ground near
both ends of this bridge, and thus had i ir his
power to select which column he would fight
as the two were separated by an impossible
river. On Sunday, he determined to attack
fremont first, and accordingly, leaving suffi
clent iorce to guard the bridge he marched a.
bout five miles to the Cross Keys to meet Ere
mont, and after terrible conflict Of MANY
hours he succeeded ir repuIsing Fremont with
great loss. He then returned to the BRIDGE. and
after passing over 1t to the Port Republic side.
burnt 1T, so as to prevent Fremont in case he
should be reinforced and rally, from coming to
the rescue OF Shields. The result yindicated
his sagaclty, for Eremort on Monday was re
lnforced and did rally, and advance with an
overwhelming force to renew the conflict with
j ackson. But when he reached the bank of the
river, he found that Jackson had passed over
and destroyed the bridge, snd that an impassa.
BILE stream was between them. Fremont was
thus competed to be an unwilling witness of
the conflict between jackson and Shields for as
soon as the bridge had been etfectually DESTROY
ed, and his rear secured, Jackson advanced up
on Shields, who was encamped at Lewiston the
estate of Gen. Samuel III. Lewis, about two
miles north of Port Republic Shields was a.
ware OF his approach and made every prepar-
alton to receive him. The attack was made
about sunrise on Monday, 9th J une, and last
ed until between 20 or IL O'CLOCK, when the
forces OF Shields broke and fled in utter confu :
sion and dsmay. The rout was complete The
slaughter was great, and the pursuit continued
until a late hour of the day. About 1000
prisoners were taken with kuapsacks, arms
blankets, &c. Those who witnessed it think
that the route was complete as that inflicted
on Banks. The loss Of the enemy in the two
battles OF Cross Keys and Lewiston in killed
wounded and missing, is estimated at near e.
OoO, while ours does not exceed 600. 1t seems
almost incredible, but it is nevertheless true
! These two battles are among the most bril-
| liant If not the most brilliant of the war. They
are the browning glory of jackson and his gal
liant associates No recall that. Not the
browning glory, for believe still brighter
| wreaths are destined to encircle their brows il
this unhal1owed war shall continue.
| Thus it will be seen that Jackson and his ar
my, in one month, shave routed Miirov, annihi
lated Banks discounted Fremont, and over
thrown Shields ! Was there ever such series
of victories won by an inferior force by daun
less courage and consumate generalship.
With $4,000 fresh troops under Jackson
Lincoln would be compelled to raise the seig,
of Richmond and look to the security of hi
own Capital.
Fremont still remains opposite Por
Republic. He is reported to have about 90
900 men. Shields had 5000, and Jackson
encountered him ith about the same mum
| ber h
| What the next move will belt would be impo
sble to say, if knew. But Jackson keeps hi
own counsels. He speaks by deeds and no
| by words. Suffice it to say, he will strike a
the right time, and in the rlght place. What
ever courage, skill, industry and patriotism cal
| accomplish. he will be sure to effect. 4r
| 1t IS impossible, in the present hurried rar-
| rative, to give more than general notice O
the important part that each regiment and ba
TALON took in this brilliant action All &C
couts agree in stating that officers and men &C
ed most gallantly. To the majority it is thsl
| first trial the battle field under the deadl,
| fire of an enemy. Add to this the difficult ma,
ture ofthe ground, fighting IN the woods ant