, 1862-04-03

Gen. Shields, in the following letter to a
friend in Washington, gives an interesting ac-
count Of his victory over the rebel forces un-
der Jackson:
HEADQUARTERH GEsfL SHIELDs's Dy1s1oN,l
WINCHESTER, Va, March 26, 1864. j
I will give you brief account Of our late
operations. NY reconnaissance beyond Stras-
burg, on the 18th and 10Th instant, dicoyered
jackson reinforced in a strong position near
New Market, within supporting distance
Of TIE main body Of the rebels under
Johnston, It vas necessary to decoy him
rapidly to Winchester on the a0th, as i
nand nearly thirty miles in one day. My
force was placed at night In secluded posi-
ton, two miles from Winchester, On the Mar
tinsburg road: On the a1st tile rebel cayal-
r under :A4shb5, showed themselves to our
the 22d all Of Gen. Banks's command, with
the exception Of my division, evacuated Win
chester, On the way to Centreville. This
movement and the masked position Of my
division made an impression upon the inhabi-
tants. some Of whom were in secret coumuni-
and that nothing remained but few regi-
1nents to garrison this place. Jackson was
slsnalized to this effect. I saw their
signals and OWNED their meaning
Aoout Al . a. hTe o'clock in the afternoon
almost evacuated, attacked our pickets aud
drove them in. This success Increased lis de-
luslon. It became necessary, however, to re-
pulse them for the time being. therefore
ordered forward brigade, and placed it in
front, between Winchester and the enemy. I
only let them see, however, two regiments Of
infantry, two batteries Of ARTILLERY, and small
force Of cavalry, which he mistook as tho
Whole 1Qrce left to garrison and protect the
place. In little skirmisl that evening,
sh1ls Plae,ng the artillery IN position, was
my arm above the elbow, injured my shoulder
and damaged me otherwise to such an extent
that nave Lain PROSTATE ever SINCE. I COM
menced making preparations for any emer-
gene! that might occur that night or next
an entire brigade (Kimball's) to take up :
strong position in advance. pushed forward
1nur batteries, having them placed in strong
position to support the infantry, / placed
salAvans brigade on both TANKS, to prevent
turned, and held TYLER brigade il IL reserve, |
TO operate against any point that might be as-
sailed in front. In this position waited and
expected the enemy's attack next moTn-
ing. Ny advance brigade was two miles
from the town. its rieket5 extending
pike Leading to suasburg. About eieM
O'Clock IN the morning sent forgard two ex-
perlenced officers to reconnoiter the front and
report indications of the enemy. They re-
turned IN an hour, reporting no enemy IN sight
excerpt Ashby's force Of cavalry, infantry and
artillery, which by this time had become IA
m1i1ar and contemplate to us. General Banks,
VINO was yet here IN person, upon hearing this
report concluded that jackson could not be in
front possibly, OF be deeoyed away so far from
the main body Of the rebel army. In this
opinion !, too, began to concur, concluding
thas jackson was too eagacious to be caught
N such "a trap. General Banks therefore
iett ier Washington. His staff officers were
d1r1 cted to follow the game day, by way Of
CentreVllle: Knowing the crafty cnemy,
however, bad to dea1 with, I omitted no pre-
cantiou. NY whole force was concentrated,
and prepared to support. Kimba11'6 brigade,
Which vas in advance. About ha1fpast ten
o,clock 1tbecame evident we had a oonsldera.
PIE force before us; but the enemy still con-
ceaied himself 60 adEoitly in the woods that 1t
was impossible to- estimate IT, I ordered q
portion OF the artillery forward to open fire
end unmask them. By degrees they began to
show themselves. They planted battery after
battery IN strong position, ION The ceutre and
pota Hanks. :gurarttlleIy responded; and this
laati1ned until about half past three O'Clock in
tae Afternoon. when I directed a>'column Of
infantry to caRry: "a battery on their left flank
and to assa1 that flank, which wss done pr3mpt-
~ and epleBdtdlJ by Ty1e1's brigtde, aided oy
asne regiments from the oter hdgades. The
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