New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-06-18
Rebels Driven Out of Their Works
by the Bayonet'
GEN. HUNTER OUT.MANEUVERS THE ENEMY.
Their Total Defeat and Heavy Losses,
Three Millions Of Property Destroyed
in Staunton.
From Our Special Correspondent.


Immediately after Gen. Hunter assumed CON-
mand Of this Department and undertook the personal
direction Of the column which was encamped at CEDAR
Creek near Strasburg, he ordered all superfuous Dag
gage and teams to be sent to the rear and the army
prepared for an immediate advance.
Early on the morning Of the Goth Of May. we marched
ont Of camp and started on our Journey The oicers
and men were In excellent spirits and eager for an
opportunity to avenge the disgrace Of New'Market.
Nothing Of importance occurred until we arrived at
Mount Jackson and approached the battlefield Oh
New. Market when we discovered some thirty OF our
wounded who had been left in the enemys hands They
were collected together by surgeons, and placed In
church in the town OF NEWMARKET, which was taken
for temporary use as hospital.
On the late battlefield Of Newmarket we discovered
number Of our dead who had been imperfecty buried
Burial parties were accordingly detailed from each reg
ment and they were Immediately dsnterred and prop
erly buried with beadbosrds placed over their graves
giving their names and the regiments 10 which they be
longed.
After remaining at Newmarket for three days we
pushed along slowly to Harrisonburg. delaying our
march In order that we might arrive at Stanton at the
kame time that Crook and Averill were expected 10
arrive.
Our advance guard skirmished with the enemys rear
an the way from Woodstock steadily driving them and
occasionally capturing killing few Of their number
Upon arriving at Harrisonburg VIC received trust
worthy information that the enemy were nrenched at
Mount Crawford about eight miles from Hsrrisonburg
on the main road leading from Harrsonburg to Staun
ton and that they daily receiving requirements
by railroad TO Stanton, and thence across 10 Mount
Crawford where they had made every preparation by
erecting extensive Notifications to dispute march 10
Stanton.
We len Harrisonburg at o'clock on the morning Of
the 4th and marched out on the main road leading TO
Mount Crawford and Stanton. to q point about one
mile distant from Harrisenburg when the main column
wheeled to the left and marched by difficult country
road TO Cross Keys and Port Republic while at the
same time column Of diversion composed Of force
Of cavalry under command Of Lieut. Meigs, Of Gen.
Hunters staff proceeded to Brdgewater near Mount
Crawford and driving in the enemys line of skirmish
ers impressed them with the idea that about TO
attack them at that point.
Our main column had very nearly reached Port Re-
public before they discovered how skfuly Hunter had
cutmaneuvered them. This was first success, and
opened the way for our final successful march into
Stanton.
On arriving at Port Republic at about o'clock in the
afternoon. Maj Gen. Stahel who had command Of all
Goth Pennsylvania Cavalry to ford the Shenandoah
River and hold the country the opposite side. while
pontoon bridge being erected which to cross
the infantry.
The bridge was soon erected and the infantry and
trains an crossed over by dark. when the whole
nand went into camp for the night hungry and tired.
At Port Republic burned two extensive cloth fac
tories used by the Rebel Government for the manufac
furQ M Rphl upif and rfv
prisoners and large drove OF cattle which was very
acceptable. had been living on short allow.
snce mainly subsisting the country through which
they passed from the time they left Woodstock.
AT 81 O'clock the following morning we moved out |
rom camp Gen Hunter personally directing and su
perintendng every minute detail Of the "order of
march" Each battery and ammunition wagon with It's
necessary supports was soon in its proper place,
and by Eve o'clock the attention and advance
was sounded, and we were our way TO the battle
Geld.
Major Quinn, with the lst n. Y. Cavalry. led the ad
rance, two brgades Of cavalry under the command Of
Ma, Gen. Stahel followed within supporting distance
and the lsentry and artillery followed in column well
closed up
Your correspondent was riding with Gen. Hunter
and staff and had proceeded about two miles the
distinctly heard diminishing about mile in the advance
cad In few moments an orderly rode up to Gen. Huns
Ger, and nfornsa hin that the enemy were formed in
line Of battle In his front Gen. Hunter laconicaly re-
Piled VERY well. Sir, would Just as soon fight him
now as at any other time" and Immediately proceeded
TO make the necessary disposition Of his troops for the
coming battle.
In the meantime Major Quinn. whs was brayely bat
sf.- x~s.h
cavalry in 'front.' stood In danger Of being outanked
The quick eye Of Stabel detected It, and he sent
Col Tibbits with the 2lst New.York Cavalry to his
support and at the same time ordered Col Wynkoop
with his brigade into the woods the left Of the road
a sharp skirmish now ensucd. and lasted for about
20 minutes when Gen. Stahel with the ID Brigade under
Col McReynods advanced in line Of battle In splendid
style, and charging drove the enemy before him, kill
Ing and capturing quite number among the captured
was Capt Imboden, brother Of Gen. Jmboden.
Gen. Stahe continued TO drive the enemy for about
two miles and half over open country with woods
to the right and left anti he reached creek which OK.
tended his 'front.' then he halted and commenced
sheIlng the woods into which the enemy had retired.
The infantry under Brig Gen Sullivan after ar.
rived and advanced in splendid order The LIST Brigade
Under the command of Col Moore Of the 18th Ohio
~Neeeu n'o INC "ooos on tue right, anu Win acheof
prove the Rebels out at the point Of the bayonci re-
forming his men he steadily advanced through the
woods and on emerging at the southern extremity he
discovered an open field and Immediately opposite and
running parallel second woods. with formidable
teastwork running along its entire front Behind this
p'eastworf, and laying down close to the ground con-
eeaed was q large force Of Rebels Our men fred at
TIE breastworks for some tmo without eliciing any
reply. The distance rom our noston in tho 1roodr
across The open field was but COO yaras and Cen Sal