Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-30
Union Meeting at Murffeesboro, Va
COnfiseatiOn of all Printing Offices
i'm Nashville,
WASHINGTON, May d

partment a. III CLOCK, tO-Mgnt, from UGH.
Banks, at Winchester. He moved from
Strasburg to Winchester, to save his stores
and trains. His advance guard arrived there
at o'clock, all safe. A strong attack was
made on his trains, at Middletown, by the
rebels, but they were repulsed. We lost a
few wagons which the Transfers had aban-
doned. They will return Immediately to
Strasburg.
Colonel Keply, commanding the force at
Front Royal, was wounded and taken pris-
oner. No particulars of the engagement
there have been received. The enemy &C.
cupy Front Royal.
Gen. Gcary occupies strong position on
the Manassas railroad, at White Plains, and
has been reinforced.
The rebels attacked US at day break, in
great force, estimated at Is 900, consisting Of
Ewalrs and Jackson's divisions. Our right
and left wings stood for while, when two
regiments broke the lines under fire of the
enemy. The right wing fell back and were
ordered to withdraw. They passed through
the town in considerable confusion, bat re-
formed and continued to march in good order
to Martinsburg, % miles distant.
Our entire force was less than 1000, con-
ssting of Gordon's and Donnelly's brigades
with two regiments Of cavalry, under General
Hatch, and two batteries of artillery. Our
loss was considerable, as was that Of the
enemy, but cannot now be stated.
N. P. BANKS.
BALTIMORE, May &c.
The following is the statementof Capt. Geo
Smith, of the 1st Maryland regiment, who
succeeded in effecting his escape at the fight
at Front Royal: About l P. N. negro
mounted upon horseback came dashing into
camp, crying out 1.-The rebels were coming in
great numbers, and they will surround you
and cut you off," At first the men laughed
at him, saying that they had waited so long
for them that they did not believe word Of
It. As soon, however, as Col. Henley saw
the man he became satisfied of their approach
The long roll was beaten, and the men re-
sponded, springing hastily to arms and form
ing in line by companies. Very soon the
rebels made their appearance, and strange to
say, not single gun was fired by the pickets
of the First Maryland regiment. 1t may have
been in consequence of sudden turn of the
road that they were surprised and captured.
Company A was orderad to ceploy as Skin
mishers and support section of Knapp's
Pennsylvania battery, which mustered 40
men, In the meantime, the Lieutenant Col
onel of the 29th infantry, with small de-
tachment of his men. who had been acting
as pioneer corps, also formed and prepared
to receive the enemy. The battery was soon
engaged and discharged shot and shell for
near two hours, until nearly all its ammuni.
ton had been expended. The firing was
abated and there is no doubt Of it's efficiency.
Unable however to withstand such an over.
whelming force, the order was given to retire,
which was done, and the entire column NOV
ed over the Shenandoah river, the retreat be-
ing covered by company of the 5th New
York Cavalry, about 80 strong Whilst
passing over the bridge, the Captain distinct
~ saw the rebel forces. There was very
strong column of cavalry, say squadrons e
companies) and 5 regiments of infantry, Of
this force, and regiments of infantry and 2
squadrons of cavalry were fording the stream.
The water being very low, the order ''double
quick" was given, and the Federals took to
the pike, where another stand was made
Col Kenly addressing the men, and telling
them that their only chance was to stand and
fight to the last, especially as the rebel cav.
airy were fast pushing on and displaying a
black flag. lie states that he did not see
them display the white flag. A second stand
was made, and many shots exchanged, when
the New York cavalry, still in the rear Of the
column, broke and retired, riding through the
ranks Of the infantry. A part of the Mary
land command retired to wheat field, and
there made another stand, firing rapidly and
with deliberate decision. Presently on came
tho rebel cavalry, cutting right and left, yell
ing like indians. In some instances neither
the dead or wounded were spared, and in two
instances the Captain saw the rebels draw
their pistols and shoot them in the head
while lying on the roadside. The Captain
told the men they had best escape as best
they could.
Two members of Col. Kenley's regiment
have arrived in the city. They report that
they were attacked by large cavalry force,
under Ashley, and several regiments of in
fantry. The fight commenced at IL o'clock,
and continued till night, when the infantry
force succeeded in surrounding them. The
first fight and repulse took place east OF
the Shenandoah, and finding the force too
great he retreated to the west side, destroy
ing tho principal bridge. On the west side
of the river he made another stand, and
Knapp's battery moved the rebels down with
shell and grape. They fired, in all, near 200
rounds. Col. Henley received musket shot
in the neck during the first attack, but con-
tinued on horseback until the close of the
day, when he was placed in an ambulance.
perfectly exhausted. The last fight took
place about three miles this side of Front
Royal his effort being to fall back in order,
reinforcements momentarily, from
Gen. Banks.
A member Of Knapp's battery, who es-
capped, says the Maryland regiment fought
bravely, and that Col. Henley led them fire.
ouentlv to bavonet charres He alao sava on