Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-05-28
From Gen. Eanks-The Fight at
Front Royal.
BALTIMORE, May &c.


The following is the statement of Cap
tain Geo. Smith, of the LIST Maryland Reg
iment, who succeeded in eiiecting his es-
cape in the fight at Front Royal:
About l o'clock P. NJ, a negro. mount
ed upon horseback, came dashing into
camp, crying out that the rebels were
coming III great numbers, and they will
surround you and cut you OFF, At first
the men laughed at him. saying they had
waited so long for them that they did not
believe u word Of 1t.
As soon, however, Us Colonel Henley
saw the man, he became satisfied of then
approach. The long roll was beaten and
the men responded by springing hastily
to arms and forming in line by compa-
MES.
Very soon the rebels made their appear
ance and strange to say not a single gun
was fired by the pickets of the First Ma
rvland Regiment. 1t may have been in
consequence Of a sudden turn of the road.
They were surprised and captured.
Company 4 was ordered TO deploy as
skirmishers, and support a section OF
Knapp's Pennsylvania Battery, which
mustered about 40 men. In the mean
time the Lieut.. Col. of the 18th Infantry
with a small detachment of his men who
had been acting as a pioneer corps. also
formed and prepared to receive the en-
envy. The battery was soon engaged, and
discharged shot and shell for nearly two
hours, until nearly all its ammunition had
been expended.
The firing was spirited and there is no
doubt of its efficiency, unable however to
withstand such an overwhelming force
the order was given to retire, which was
done, and the entire column moved over
the Shenandoah River, the retreat being
covered by u company of the 9Th y. Y.
Cavalry about eighty strong.
Whilst passing over the bridge the Cap
tain distinctly saw the rebel forces
There was a very strong column of caval-
ry, say four squadrons, eight companies
and five regiments of infantry. OF this
force two regiments of infantry and two
squadrons of cavalry were fording the
stream, the water being very low.
The order double quick was given and
the Fedcrals took to the pike where an
other stand was made Col. Henley, adj
dressing the men, telling them their on
ly chance was to stand and fight to the
last, especially us the rebel cavalry were
fast pushing on, and displaying a black
flag.
Captain Smith states that he did not see
them display the white flag.
4 second stand was made and many
shots exchanged, when the y. Y. .Cavai-
ry. still in the rear of the column, broke
and retired, riding through the ranks of
the infantry.
y part of the Maryland command re-
tired to a wheat field, and there made
another stand, firing rapidly and with de-
liberate decision. Presently on came the
rebel cavalry, cutting right and left, yell
ing like Indians.
In some instances neither the diving or
wounded were spared, and in two instan-
ccs the captain saw the rebels draw their
pistols and shoot them in the head whilst
laying on the roadside. The captain told
the men they had better escape as best
they could.
HEADQUARTERS BEYOND MARTISsBURG,l }
May 25-5:45 Pm. 7
A prisoner captured this afternoon says
the rebel force in ourreari is to be strength
ened; that their purpose is to enter Mary
land at two points, Harper's Ferry and
Williamsport. He confirms all We have
hard in regard to the rebel force here.
We all passed the Potomac safe, men,
trains and all. after a march of 81 miles
Signed. y. P. BANKS, Major General.
WASHINGTON, May 2G.
The following is the latest received at
the War Department from Gen. Banks:
WILLIAMsPoRT, May,S6 f.
To Hon. +. NJ. Stanton, Secretary of War.
We believe that our whole force, trains
and all, cross insafety. 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 OIL march,
but has not made his appearance this
morning. The news of your movements
south has unquestionably caused them
to look to their safety.
Your dispatch was read to the troops
this morning amid the heartiest checrsI
(Signed) y. 2; .BAyESX L
Major General Commanding.