Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-06-19

tain, and hurried down the banks OF tD6 ~
Front RoSal where they attacked and captured the
forces stationed that pod The sound of the cannon
gave Banks the first intmation of the proximity OF an
enemy, and be Immediately commenced his preeipltae
flight TO Winchester An effort made to intercept
him near Nevtown, but the attempt only partially
successful The swif{ootcd Banks had passed the juno
ton of the road with part OF his army before the
wearied forces of Jackson could come up with them
He pierced Banks col1ma, however, and drove por-
ton of it southwark up the roan, while the main pooy
fed towards Winchester. running fight OF eight or
ten miles ensued Banks flying aud Jackson pursuing.
Near Winchester the enemy made stand, but the H.
vncble columns of Jackson bore down upon them with
irresistible power and they broke and fed iDgorousy
and were pursued through the streets of Winchester and
on to Martinaburg and Harperss Ferry where the de-
morazed elements of the once powerful army OF BANKS
sought refuge in Maryland At Winchester and Mar
tissburg, and Front Royal, stores, estimated at from
three to five millions of dollars taken, aud near
900 prisoners EHcumbeTed with his prisoners, on
the very boes of the enemys country, Jackson found
himself in a critical position. He remained only long
enough to the booty which was OF the highest
importance to army, and having sent that Ia wag
up the Valley, he followed TO protect his traln9 and
put bis prisoners in place OF security.
We all recolect the sensation which these daring
achievements created throughout the country. Lincoln
was thrown into per1xYsm of fright, AID kilograms
were despatched throughout the North calling tor the
whole militia force OF the country project the United
States Capital which it feared jackson might sc re
at en- early Gay.
When the authorities at Washington recovered from
their panic they were overwhelmed with shame and
confusion, and Immediately set to work to ayenge the
wound that had been inflicted their national honor
It ascertained that Jackson had but small orce
that he was encountered with immense trains aud vast
numbers of prisoners and that he would have to march
100 miles before he could reach point of safety The
whole Northern press TENED with threats and promises
of the speedy anuhiaJoa Of jackson and his daring
followers Three arme5-Oce from the North, under
Dix-one from tlSWes!, under Fremont aud dilroy
and one from the East, under Shields Immediately
set in motion TO intercept hn, and 1t even said, by
some of the Northern Journals that jackson hod fallen
into the trap that bad been set for him
The reader will observe the position OF the parties.
JaCks0ns forces scattered from the Potomac to
| Winchester Dix came by railway from Baltimore
Fremont was west OF the North Mountain al Franklin,
in PeDdleton and Shields east of tie Blue Ridge,
near WarIentCn. TIE Ilan for Fremont and
Shields push forward and unite their forces at Stras
burg and cut IF Jackson's retreat up the Valley while
Dix would prass MIN in the The eagle eye of
jackson the danger at glance. by tOrced
march Of over 100 miles in three days he the race
Tor Strasburg but close the struggle, that as
be passed the proposed point OF unon his guard
was compelled TO fight the GdTarCed columns OF the
enemy.
Then commenced another retreat and running fight
up the~Vale7 Jackson cOntestng the advance of tie
eEemy so as to secure his trains and prisoners When
he had accomplished this object, learning that the
my had divided his overwhelming force into two col
umDs, CT which under Shields advancing east
of the Shenandoah river and the other under Fremont
up the main alley turnpike with view to uuite in
upper part of the Valley jackson again turned off at
HGrrisODburg having previously caused shbY to burn
the bridge over the Shenandoah rear Swift Run Gap,
and went to Port Republic, small village situated at
the point where the North and South rivers come to-
getber and form the Shenandoah.
There bridge over the North river Port R pub
c which the only Of crossing the which
swollen by rains Jackson occupied the ground
this bridge and thus had in his power
light,
arated by impossible river Sunday he determined
to attack Fremont first. and accordingly, lcaVpl su
cent force guard the bridge he marched about miles
to the Cross Keys to meet Fremont and after terrible
conflict of many hours he succeeded III repuDg Fremont
with great loss. He then returned to the bridge and after
passing the Port Republic side, burnt
prevent Fremont he should be reinforced and rally
from coming to the of Shields The result vndca
ted his saracty, for Fremont Monday reinforced
and did " and advanced with an overwhelming force to
renew the conflict with Jackson But, when he reached
the bank of the he found that Jackson had passed
over and destroyed the bridge and that an lmpassabe
stream between them Fremont thus compelled
be an Cg witness of the confct between jackson
and Shields or as soon as the bridge had been ehectuay
destroyed and his thus secured Jackson advanced
upon sheds who was encamped at Lewiston the estate of
Republic Shields of his approach, end made
every preparation to receive him Tie attack made
about sunrise on onday 9h june and lasted until between
10 or IL o'clock when the forces of Shields broke and fed
The slaughter great snd the pursuit continued until
late hour of the day About LOCO prisoners taken,
with knapsacks arms, blankets &c Those who witnessed
think that the route complete that inflicted
Keys and Lewiston in killed, wounded and missing is est
mated at 5000, while does not exceed Co., 1t
seems a. ost incredible, but is, nevertheless
These two battles are among the most bTilant-if not
the most brilliant of They GROWING glory
of Jackson and his gallant associates. Mo- recall tha
Not the grooming glory for believe still brighter wreaths
are destined to enctcle their broWs this ulhalowed
shall continue.
Thus will be seen that Jackson and his army in one
month, have routed Mroya nuihated Banks-dsco omitted
Fremont and overtnrown Shields Was there such
Sc les Of victories by inferior force by dauDtess
courage and consummate generaishp?
With so 900 fresh troops under Jackson Lincoln would
be compelled to raise the siege of Richmond
the security of his Capital.
Fremont still remains on the opposite Port Republic
lie is reported to have about 10000 Shields had
$1,000 and Jackson encountered him with about the
same number.
What the next move will be, it would be impossible
for me to say, even if | knew. But Jackson keeps his
own cou1sels. He speeks by deeds and not by words
Suffice it to say, he will strike at the right me and in
the right place. Whatever courage skill industry and
patriotism accomplish, he will be sure to effect.
1t is impossible 10 the present hurried narrative, to
give more than general notco OF the important part
that each regiment and battalion took in this brilliant
action. All accounts agree in stating that officers and
men acted most CALAMITY. To the majority it is their
first trial on the battle field under the deadly fire of an
enemy. Add to this the difficult nature of the ground
fighting in the woods aud marching through swamps,
and the result is really wonderful.
The northern people exut over what they are pleased
to call the reopening Of the Mississippi IL hat they
virtually possess the river and can use it for purposes
Of war; is unquesonabe but that the river is open
their commerce. Of other service to them than as
road for iron clad vessels is untrue. Until the Southern
COnedeTacy destroyed the Mississippi cannot become
again channel for commerce. While single point
upon It's vast extent either bank accessible to
hostile parties 1t can convey armed vessels only and
although they have New Orleans and the principal
strategic positions above it, they have not driven the