Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-06-21

down upon them with irresistible power, and they
broke and fled ingloriously, and were pursued
through the streets of Winchester and on to Martins
burg and Harpers Ferry, where the demoralized
elements of the once powerful army of Banks
sought refuge in Maryland. At winchester and
Martinsburg and Front Royal, stores, estimated at
from three TO five millions Of dollars, were taken,
and near three thousand prisoners. Encountered
with his spoil and embarrassed by his prisoners on
the very borders of the enemy's country jackson
, found himself in u critical position. de remained
only long enough TO secure the booty, which was OF
the highest importance TO onr army, and having
sent that in wagons up the Valley, be followed to
protect his trains and put his prisoners in place of
security. 10.
When the authorities at Washington recovered
from their panic, they were overwhelmed with
shame aud confusion and immediately set to work
to avenge the wound that had been inflicted on their
national honor 1t was ascertained that jackson
had but small fOrce-that he was encumbered with
immense trains and vast numbers of prisoners, and
that he would have 10 march 100 miles before be
could reach point of safety. The whole Northern
press .teeIped with threats ard promises of the
speedy humiliation of Jackson and his daring fol-
lowers Three armies-one from the North, under
Dix-one from the West under Fremont and Mroy,
and one from the East, under Shields, were i'm
mediatey set in motion to intercept him, and it was
even said by some of the Northern jorrnals, that
Jackson had fallen into the trap tina. h-d been set
for him
The reader will observe the position Of the par
ties. Jackson's forces were scattered from the Po
tUmac TO Wmchester-DX came by railway from
BaltImOre-FremOnt was west OF the North Noun
tain at Franklin, PendletOn, ard Shields
east Of the Blue Ridge, near WarrentOn The plan
for Fremont and Shields to push forward and
unite their forces at Strasburg and cut of JackSons
retreat up the Valley, while Dix would press him
in the rear. The eagle eye Of jackson saw the
danger at glance. BY forced march OF over 100
miles in three days he won the race for StraSbrrg;
but, close was the struggle, that he passed
the proposed point of union, his guard was
compelled to fight the advanced columns of the
enemy.
Then commenced another retreat and running
fight up the Valley, jackson conteSting the advance
OF the. enemy so as TO secure his trains and prl-
soncrS. When he had accomplished this object,
learning that the enemy had divided his overwheu-
force into two columns, one OF (which, under Shields
was advancing east ofthe Shenandoah river and the
other, under Fremont up the main Valley turnpike,
with view to unite in the upper part of the Valley,
jackson again turned off at HarrisDnburg, having
previously caused Ashby to burn the bridge over
the Shenandoah near Swift Run Gap, and went to
Port Republic, small village situated at the point
where the North and South rivers come together
and form the Shenandoah There was bridge over
the North river at Port Republic, which was the
only means OF crossing the stream winch SwOl-
Len by recent rains. jackson occupied the ground
!
power TO elect which column he would fight, as the
two separated 10y an impossible river. On
Sunday, he determined to attack Fremont first and
accordingly, leaving sufficient force to guard the
bridge, lac marched about five miles to the Cross
Keys to meet Fremont, and after terrible conflict
Of many hours, he succeeded in repulSing Fremont
with great loss. lie then returned to the bridge
and after passing over it to the Port Republic side,
burnt 1t, 10 prevent Fremont. in he should
be reinforced and rally, from coming 10 the rescue
OF Shields. The result indicated his sagacity for
Fremont on Monday was reinforced ard did rally,
ami advanced with an overwhelming fUrcc to renew
the CONFLICT with jackson. But when he reached
the bank of the river, he found that jackson had
passed over and destroyed the bridge, and that an
impossible stream was between them. Fremont
was thus compelled to be an unwilling witness Of
the conflict between Jackson and Shields for as soon
the bridge had been eifectually destroyed, and
his thus secured, Jackson advanced upon
Shields who was encamped at Lewiston, the estate
Of Gen. Samuel Ii. Lewis, about two miles porth
of Port Republic. Shields WAS aware Of his ap.
proach, and made every preparation TO receive him.
The attack made about sunrise on Monday, 9th |
June, and lasted until between IL or II o'clock,
when the forces Of Shields broke and fed IN utter
confusion and dismay. The rout was complete
The slaughter Was great and the pursuit continued
until late hour OF the day. About 1000 prisoners
were taken, and six pieces of artillery. The whole
road was Strewed with knapSackS arms, blankets,
dc. Those who witnessed it think that the rout
was as complete that inflicted on Banks. The
loss oil the enemy in thttw battles of Cross Keys
and Lewiston IN killed. wounded and missing, is
estimated at G,UOO, while do,s not exceed
GOO. 1t seems almost incredible, but 1t Is,
theeSs, true.
These two battles are among the most brilliant
If not the most brilliant of the war.
Thus it will be seen that jackson and his army
in month, have routed Mroy-annihilatcd
Banks-diSComftcd Fremont and overthrown
Shields! Was there ever such series Of victories
won by an Inferior force by dadntess courage and
conSummate seneTalShip.
With 50,00H fresh troops under jackson, Lincoln (
would be compelled to raise the siege of Richmond
and look TO the security Of his own Capital.
Fremont still remains on the hills opposite Port !.
Republic. He is reported to have about 10000.
snen. Shields had 5000, and Jackson encountered
him with about the same number.
What the next move will be, it would be impos- I
sible for me to say, even if knew. But jackson
keeps his own counSels. He speaks by deeds and
not by words Suffice it to say, he will strike at
the Ri ht time, and in the right place. Whatever
courage, skill, industry and patriotism can accom- |
plsh, he will be to effect.
FROM GEN BEAUREGARD'S ARMY.