Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-05-28
Important w ar News.
Received by Tuesday Evenings Mail
A FIGHT at FRONT ROYAL.
THE REBELS ATTACK WINCHESTER
Retreat of Gen. Banks Forces.

On Saturday the oath, at one O'Clock a ne
gro, mounted on horseback, came dashing in
to Col. KenIy's camp at Front Royal, crying
out ''the rebels are coming in great numbers
and they will surround you and cut you off -
The negro's statement was discredited by
the men, but as soon as Col. Kenly saw him,
hs was satisfied Of the enemy's approach, and
had the long roll beaten at once. The men
all sprung to their arms and formed into line
by companies, and in very short time the
rebels appeared. A section of Knapp's Penn
syvania battery was soon engaged, and dis
charged shot and shell for near two hours,
when their ammunition was almost expended.
Unable TO withstand the overwhelming rebel
force long, the order was given to retire, and
the whole force crossed the Shenandoah in
good order, under cover of company OF the
5th New York cavalry.
The enemy at once forded the river, when
the order of 'double quick was given, and
the Uuion troops took to the pike, where an
other stand was made. Col. Kenly addressed
his men and told them, that their only chance
was to stand and fight, as the rebel cavalry
were coming on fast and displaying a black
| flag. Our men, however, soon gave way.
second stand was made with the same result.
/ A party of Marylanders then retreated into
| wheat field where they made another stand;
but the rebels came on, cutting right and left
and yelling like Izdians-sparing neither the
| dying nor wounded. The captain then told his
men to make their escape as best they could.
! After retreating some two or three miles
the rebel cavalry passed near ambulanc in
which Col. Kenly lay,who wounded. The
rebels frequently fired into the vehicle. Sur
geon Mitchell attended Col. Kenly. Finding
themselves closely pursued they abandoned
the horse, leaped over several fences, took to
the woods and hid themselves until the enc
my gave up the search. There were but six
companies of the Mary land First in the fight,
the others being absent on picket duty.
ATTACK on Winchester.
On Sunday morning the 25th, at daybreak,
the rebels, numb mbering about Is 900, attacked
Gen. Banks at Winchester. The right and
left wings stood frmly for time and resisted
the artack maniully After about six hours
fighting the right wing, however had to give
away under the pressure of the overwhel lining
withdraw, and the troops passed through the
town, somewhat in confusion. 0n the other
side, however, they were quickly reformed,
and continued their march in good order to
Martinsburg. The entire Union force engaged
numbered less than 1000.
The Designs Of the Rebels
Gen. Banks telegraphed from Martinsburg
the 25th, at $50 in the evening, stating
that s'A prisoner captured this afternoon says
the rebel force is to be strengthened in our
ear, and that their purpose is to enter Mary
land at two points, Harpers Ferry and Will
Transport. We will pass the Potomac to-
night SAFE men, trains and all +"
Banks Crossing the Potomac
On Monday the Goth, Cen Banks telegraph
ed to the Secretary of War: awe believe
that our whole force, train and all, will cross
in safety The men are in fine spirits and
crossing in good order The labor of last
night was fearful. The enemy followed us
last night on our march, but has not made his
appearance this morning. Your dispatch was
read TO the troops this morning amid the
helrtiest Cheers
| The sick and Wounded
Straglers Of the First Mary laud coming in,
represent the treatment Of our sick, in the
Hospitals at Winchester, as most horrible.
The rebels entered the the town with black
flag flying, and ran their hayonets into the
bodies of sick men lying defcnceless in their
beds. A number Of nnsylvanians who were
sick in Winchester, are hid in the wheat fields
on the route of retreat, and many were mer
cilessly butchered.
More Lien Wanted.
10 accordance with requisition of the War
Department, Gov. Cultin has issued orders
calling out all military organizations in the
State, together with all persons who are will
ling to Join such commands, TO report forth
with to Washington, or such other points as
may be indicated by future orders--to serve
for three months.
Pennsylvania being again menaced, let her
awaken to her duty in this new orisis=-let her
sons once more arouse, and rally to the sup
port Of the old Flag.
Governor Andrew, Of Massachusetts,, has
also called out the Militia Of that State, under
the reqnisition of the War Department.
A Coon ASswER.--The Philadelphia Press
SAYS. "The best way to answer Breckin
ridger when he insists that the property of
1, t..I. .t.. ,,,f Ea fa1 10 In ask