Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1864-08-11
FROM HOKES BRIGADE.


A correspondent of the Raleigh Conted-
crate writing under date OF July 9th says
that on Saturday, July 18th their army
let It's ehcampment near Leasburg, and
took the road for Winchester by way of
Smokers gap in the Blue Ridge. About
/ Q clock, when we had passed the vii age
of Purcellsvilie, our baggage train was at
lacked by tire enemies csvairy. They cut
ont about 70 wagons and ambnlances, and
wete making off with them, when Brig.
Gen. Lewis, at the head OF our brigde,
reached the ground and changed the as
pect of a.tfairs in double~quick time. The.
enemy had to abandon many of the wagA
ons aud fly foi safety, leaving behind him
about Is of his troopers killed and wound
ed on the field. We also captured from
him piece of artillery. Our army cross
ed the Blue Ridge and took position near
Berryyille in order TO rest from its toll
some marches. On Sunday afternoon and
Monday, it was apparent from the eontin-
following US through Smokers gap in
ing our rear dsputing their advance. This
airy tell back in the evening. In the at
advanced in force and threw large body
OF MS troops across the Shenandoah where
the Turnpike crosses, Our troops were
ready to receive them. The work of sharp
shooting was spirited and severe The en-
emy had been enable d to form his line of
battle on the north bank OF the river i'm
mediately upon and under cover of the
bank. This line was charged by Rhodes
and Il part Of Gordon's divisions. The
yankee line was broken, and gave way
through its entire length the tug.tives
plunged into the river which is here a.
| bout $50 yards in width, and sought safety
in this dana ngerous mode of retreat. Our
rihemen now had tair chance, and gave
ample testimony Of their competency in
such bloody work. Never since the sound
Of the rifle was first heard in this beauti-
ful valley have tiieassea green" waters of
the Shenandoah been SO recdened with hui
man gore as on this afternoon. The water
was literally covered with the fallen toe.
The battle is soon over and the victory is
ours. The enemy's loss in killed and
wounded is estimated at 200. But, oh !!
what price is paid for it! 800 are said to
be killed and wounded on our side. Coils
Owens and Wood, both of North Carolina
are reported MORALLY wounded, and how
sad did feel in the morning upon finding
my esteemed young friend Lieut.. Bivens,
of Enfield, who had lost a leg in the acton.
But such is the fate of wa..
On Tuesday the 10th, it became appar-
ent that the enemy were threatening our
position from different points, aud on
Wednesday morning the goth, our army
showed disposition to fall back! The
sick and wounded were sent off from Win
chester to the hospitals at Mt. Jackson
and Staunton. This morning Maj. Gen.
Ramseur took position with Ills division on
the turnpike leading from Winchester to
Martinsburg, and about two miles from
the former place, as the enemy were un-
derstood to be advancing from that direc-
ton. In the afternoon he advanced his
column down the road and soon found
himself in the presence of the enemy in
heavy force. 1t is proper for me here to
say but little lest should say too much,
and do some one injustice, tor many have
been criticizing this affair. Our division
soon fell under an enflading fire, right
and left being outdanked, fell into confu-
sion and retired in disorder. Some of the
critics argue that the prime cause of the
stampede was the giving way OF Vaughn g
cavalry on the left which rushed back
through the ranks of the 57th N. G. T.,
| and threw them into confusion. Be It as
lit may, it was q sad affair. Our loss ia
killed, wounded and missing is generally
tset down at $50 60 400. Brig. Gen. Lewis
and his s2it1 iaaxtaS fAxsf,r e and Mai (yra,o