New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-06-09
GEN. BANKs,s RETREAT.
Gen. Banks's Omeial Report or the Marca
Of the First Division, Filth Corps de
Armee, from S,rssburg, W., 90 VII
Transport, Md. On the 24th and 2Jeh
DAYS or May. 1850.

Transport, md, On the 24th and 2Jeh
days or May, 1850.
HEADQUARTERS Army sERxAspoAH. June =. 1861.
u De Hon. T. NJ STANTON, Secretary Of Way
Information Vas reserved On the evening Of Msv
q that the enemy in very large force had descended
90 the guard 9, Front Royal, Col Kenly, let Mary
and Regiment, commanding, burning the bridges
sad driving our troops toward Strasburg with great
loss. Owing to what was deemed an extravagant
statement Of the enemys strength, there reports
were received with distrust; but regiment oi
infantry, with strong detachment Of cavalry, and
sse.ion Of artillery, were immediately sent TO 70.
enforce Coz. Kenly. Later IN the evening dis-
patches from fugi,ives who bad escaped 10 Win
chester informed US that Col. Kenly force had been
dsroyed with but few exceptions, and the enemy,
1900 or 20, 0O0 strong, were advancing by RAPID
marches on Winchester.
Orders were immediately given TO halt the re
Endorsements seut to Front Royal, which had moved
by different routeg and detachneDts OF troops under
experienced officers cent In every direction to
explore the roads leading from Front Royal to Sras
burg Middletown, Newiown and Winchester and
ascertain the force, position and purpose OF this sud-
den movement OF the enemy. 1t was soon found
that bis Ickets were in possession Of every road,
and ruEop from every quarter represented him in
uovement, in of LIS pekets, in the direction OF
eur camp.
The extraordinary force Of the enemy could no
longer be doubted. II was apparent, also, that they
lad more extended purpose than the capture Of the
brave little band nj Front Royal.
This purpose could be nothing less than the defeat
Of my own command, or its possible capture by oc-
eppyng Winchester; and by this movement inter
coping supplies or re-enforcements, and cutting of
dl possibility Of retreat. 1t also apparent from
he reports Of fugitves, prisoners, Union men, and
oar own accommodating parties that all the three
divisions Of the enenys troops known TO be in the
valley and embracing at least 1000 men, were
united and close upon US, IN tone enterprise net yet
developed.
The suggestion that, had their object been a sur.
fse they would have given notice Of their approach
~ On attack ON Front Royal was answered ty tire
iset that the only remaining point Of attsck-the
Stanton rosd-cur oGtpos's were five uiiles IN sd-
vance, and Dolly Reconnaissance made for dstance
If twelve miles toward Woodstock.
Under this Interpretation OF the eLeDy's pIlns,
our position demanded instant decision and action
Three oourses were open 10 ushrs, retreat across
Little North Mountain 70 the Potomac River On the
west; second al attack upon the enemy flank on
The Front Royal road; third, RAPID movement o.
Teo upon Winchester, with view 70 anticipate his
y
placing my command ia communication with its
original base OF Operations In the Line OF REINFORCE
nslts by Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, and Sc
eurng safe retreat in Of disaster. 10 remain
u Str4sburg was TO be surrouIded TO move over
The mountains was 70 abandon Our train at the out
Vt, and TO subject my command 10 fsDk attacks
without possibility OF snccor; and 70 attack the
my being ia sueb overwhelming force, could only
result In certain destruction. Ii war therefore de-
'ennined 10 enter the lists with the enemy in race
OF abal,le-as he snoald ch0Ose--iof the possession
Of Winchester, the key OF the valley, and Tor us The
position Of safety.
THE MARCH.
A3o'elock q. L.. the Sis. inst, the reenforce.
nents-iniantry, artillery spd cavalry-sent 10 Col.
Aenly were Tecalled; the advance guard, Col. Don.
neilys bgaoe were ordered 70 return 10 Strasburg;
several hundred disbaDded men, left 10 oar charge
oy Sheidss division, were put upon the march, aud
oar wagon train ordered forward 10 Winchester,
onder Escort Of cavalry and infantry. Gen. Hatch,
WIN nearly our whcie force of cavalry and biz
tsees OF artillery, was charged the protection Of
'ee rear Of The coinm, and the destruction Of army
SSies iof which transportation was not provided,
SNn instructions " remain Ia front Of the town AZ
Sos 70 Possible, and hold tho enemy In check, our
psetaaions OF attack being in thai direction. All
- osoeu were executed With Incredible aisTcty,