other field at Port Republic, seven (7) miles distant, some of them without food for twenty-four hours. The commands of General Trimble and Colonel Patton were kept in position to hold the enemy, under Fremont, in check and keep him from advancing upon Port Republic, or taking any part in the engagement on that day. The difficulty in effecting the crossing of the south branch of the river at Port Republic, occa sioned a delay which separated the forces in my of Blenker's division, notorious for months on account of their thefts and dastardly insults to women and children in that part of the State under Federal domination. The order of march of General Fremont was found on a staff-officer left in our hands. It shows seven brigades of infantry, besides numerous cavalry. I had three small brigades during the greater part of the action, and no cavalry at any time. They made no bayonet-charge, nor did they commit any particular ravages with grape or canister, al-command. When I reached the field, the Eighth though they state otherwise. Colonel Mercer and the Twenty-first Georgia tried to close with them three times, partly succeeding in overtaking them once. That officer is represented to have handled his regiment with great skill, and, with the Sixteenth Mississippi, Colonel Posey, was the closest engaged. Brigadier-General Trimble, Seventh brigade, had the brunt of the action, and is entitled to most thanks. Colonel Bradley T. Johnson, (First Maryland,) Colonel Carnot Posey, (Sixteenth Mississippi,) Colonel J. T. Mercer, (Twenty-first Georgia,) Captain Courtnay, (of the Courtnay battery,) are officers who were enabled to render highly valuable service. I regret I cannot go more into detail of those lower in rank, whose gallant services are recompensed by the esteem of their comrades and their own self-approval-after all, the highest and most enduring record. Louisiana brigade, commanded by General Tay lor, had been sent by Major-General Jackson, under cover of the wood, to attack the enemy in flank and rear. One of the regiments of the Second (2d) brigade of my division was attached to the left, and I placed the Fifty-eighth, Colonel Scott, and the Forty-fourth Virginia, Colonel Letcher, under cover at the woods with the flank toward the enemy. When, after a severe strug gle, from the advantage of position and numbers the enemy were driving our front on the left, and the flank of the advancing enemy (at least two brigades) came in front, an advance was ordered. The two regiments, bravely led by Colonel Scott, rushed with a shout upon the enemy, taking him in flank. For the first time that day, the enemy was then driven back in disorder for some thousands of yards. At the same instant, while our artillery was retiring rapidly from the field, one piece was halted and opened fire upon the I inclose a copy of General Fremont's order of march on the day of battle, and detailed re-enemy, showing great quickness and decision ports of the killed and wounded-names and regiments of the officers killed and wounded, and tabular statements of killed and wounded according to regiments. Also, the official report of Colonel J. A. Walker, commanding Fourth brigade. Respectfully, etc., R. S. EWELL, BATTLE OF PORT REPUBLIC, JUNE 9, 1862. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, DEPARTMENT } Major R. L. Dabney, A.A. G., V.D.: in the officers commanding it. These efforts checked the enemy so long that, although Colonel Scott's command was driven back to the woods with severe loss, there was time to rally and lead them to the assistance of the Eighth brigade, General R. Taylor commanding, which was heard engaging the enemy far to their rear. The remnants of the two regiments reached General Taylor at the moment when, as shown in his report, fresh troops of the enemy had driven him from the battery he had captured. His brigade formed and advanced with these two regiments, and the enemy fled a second time from the battery and the field, after exchanging a few shots. The credit of first checking the enemy, and then assisting in his final repulse, When I received the order to march to Port and of the capture of the battery, is due to these Republic, to join in the attack on the forces two regiments. It would be difficult to find anunder General Shields, my command included, other instance of volunteer troops, after a severe in addition to my own division, the Second bri- check, rallying and again attacking the enemy. gade of the army of the Valley District. This To General Taylor and his brigade belongs the brigade, under the command of Colonel J. M. honor of deciding two battles-that of WinchesPatton, had been attached to my command dur- ter and this one. As soon as his fire was heard ing the engagement of the day before. My com- in rear and flank, the whole force of the enemy mand had been engaged with General Fremont turned to meet this new foe. Colonel Walker, throughout the day on the eighth of June, and commanding Fourth brigade, ordered by the slept upon their arms. The brigades command- Major-General commanding, to follow the Eighth ed by General Trimble and Colonel Patton, (ex-brigade, was lost in the mountains, reported to cept one regiment,) and the Seventh Louisiana me and joined in the pursuit. General Trimble, regiment, Colonel Hayes, had, before night closed commanding Seventh brigade, with part of Colin, been advanced within range of the enemy's onel Patton's command, was left to hold Fremont musketry. Day was breaking on the morning in check. The Fifty-second Virginia regiment of the ninth June, before these troops com- was detailed, and fought on the left flank with menced their march from this position to the General Winder. Colonel Scott reports: "I REPORT OF GENERAL WINDER. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, VALLEY DISTRICT, CAMP NEAR WEYER'S CAVE, VIRGINIA, June 15, 1862. particularly commend the gallantry of Lieuten- Carpenter's battery arriving, I ordered it to be ant Walker, company E, Forty-fourth Virginia. placed on the left of Poague's and the eight There may have been others equally worthy of pieces of the two batteries to be directed on the commendation, but I could not fail to notice him. retreating battery and column of infantry adWhen the brigade halted in the field and sat vancing up the road. The guns were admirably down, he alone stood erect, went in front and and rapidly served, pouring a heavy and destrucattempted to get the brigade to advance still tive fire upon the enemy. His column halted, nearer the enemy." I inclose this report, and staggered at so warm a reception, wavered, and recommend the officer to executive favor. Lieu- then retreated down the road, being signally retenant-Colonel J. M. Jones, Major James Bar- pulsed by the artillery alone. I directed the bour, Lieutenant T. T. Turner, and Captain pieces to move to the left, keeping up a constant Hugh M. Nelson, of my staff, rendered valuable fire so long as he was within range. Two or service in rallying the broken troops. Lieuten-more guns were moved a mile beyond the originent G. Campbell Brown was absent, owing to al position. the wound received the day previous. I inclose sub-reports of Colonel Scott and General Taylor; also a detailed list of killed and wounded, amounting to seventy-eight killed, and five hundred and thirty-five wounded, and four missing; in all, six hundred and seventeen killed, wounded, and missing. Respectfully, etc., R. S. EWELL, Major-General. Colonel Allen, Second regiment, arriving, I directed him to move to the left, (General Taliaferro's brigade having gone to the bridge,) throwing out skirmishers, guarding against a flank movement by the enemy. The Fourth regiment, Colonel Ronald, was ordered to support this regiment. The Fifth regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Funk, supported Poague's battery. The Twenty-seventh, Colonel Grigsby, supported Carpenter's battery. The Thirty-third regiment, Colonel Neff, was advanced on the left and held in position to repel a flank movement, and at night picketed near the same point. Some few unimportant changes occurred during the day, but the enemy did not again advance within range of our guns. So heavy and well-directed was our artillery fire, he was obliged to abandon a howitzer and two limbers, which were found in the woods on the following day, being a portion of the battery used against us in the morning. I had observed him trying to remove it, and succeeded beyond my expectation in forcing him to leave it, though I knew he had not taken it off by the road by which it advanced. The brigade moved to camp at dark, just above Port Republic. The total strength of the brigade was one thousand three hundred and thirty-four rank and file in action. | On the morning of the ninth instant, at fortyfive minutes past three o'clock, orders were immediately given, and the head of the brigade General Jackson rode to my tent at this time, reached the point indicated at that hour. I met and ordered me to send a regiment to the bridge General Jackson shortly thereafter, who ordered over the Shenandoah at Port Republic in double- me to move across South River, on a temporary quick time. I at once sent orders to Colonel J. foot-bridge being constructed. I sent Lieutenant W. Allen, commanding Second regiment, to con- Garnett to recall Colonel Neff's regiment from duct his regiment to that point. Mounting my picket, and then moved the brigade as indicated. horse, I rode in the direction of the bridge. I was ordered to follow the road down the valley. Passing Poague's battery, I observed a Parrott I placed Colonel Allen in front, throwing forward gun hitched up, and ordered it to follow me. two companies as an advanced-guard. Having About a quarter of a mile from camp I discov-proceeded about a mile, the cavalry in front reered the position of a battery of the enemy ported the enemy's pickets. General Jackson across the river, it sending shell just across the being near, I referred the officer to him. I then road, but too high to do any damage. The gun received orders to drive them, occupy the woods arriving, I turned it to the left to bear on the in front, and attack the enemy. I directed Capaforesaid battery, when General Jackson directed tain Nadenbousch, commanding advance, to deme to send it to him on the right; this I did, ploy skirmishers on either side of the road, and and awaiting the arrival of other guns, which move forward. Captain Carpenter to advance were soon brought up and placed in position on two pieces, take post on left of road, and shell the hill commanding the opposite side of the the pickets. These orders were rapidly and river. The second shot silenced the enemy's well executed. The enemy's pickets disappeared battery, causing it to limber up and move off. and the skirmishers advanced, the line being Major R. L. Dabney, A. A. G., Headquarters Valley District. SIR: I have the honor herewith to report the part taken by this brigade in the operations of the eighth and ninth instant, near Port Republic, Virginia: Whilst quietly in camp, Sunday morning, the eighth instant, between eight and nine o'clock, I heard artillery to our right and rear, which I inferred must be that of the enemy. Captain Poague came in at this time and informed me he had ordered his battery to be prepared for action. I approved it, and requested him to transmit to Captain Carpenter, camped just by him, instructions to the same effect. The good judgment of both these officers had anticipated such ordersa most fortunate circumstance, indeed, as the enemy were pressing rapidly on our rear. supported by Colonel Allen. The enemy here opened a rapid fire of shell, with great accuracy, on the road and vicinity. I was then ordered to send a regiment through the woods to endeavor to turn their battery; also, a battery, to get a position above them. I directed Colonel Allen to move with his regiment, he being in advance, and near the wood, to accomplish this, and Colo-teries for their security, as the infantry line began nel Ronald, Fourth regiment, to support him; to waver under the storm of shot, shell, and balls Captain Carpenter to take his battery in same which was being rained upon them. The batdirection, to execute the above order. Captain teries were moved to the rear, and I tried to rally Poague's two Parrott guns I ordered in position the men, placing Hoffman's regiment in line on on the left of the road, in a wheat-field, and which to rally them. Here I partially succeedopened on the enemy's battery, the smoke of ed; but the enemy so greatly outnumbed us, of which only could be seen; the remaining and getting within such easy range, thinned our pieces being under cover. Colonel Grigsby, ranks so terribly that it was impossible to rally Twenty-seventh_regiment, I ordered to support them for some time, though I was most ably asthis battery. Lieutenant-Colonel Funk, Fifth sisted in my endeavors by my staff, the gallant regiment, was placed on the left, and to the rear Hays, Grigsby, Funk, Major Williams, Fifth reof the Twenty-seventh regiment. The Thirty-giment, Captains Nadenbousch, Second, and third regiment, Colonel Neff, to take position on Burke, Fifth regiment. These came particularly the right of the road; but, being detained in under my observation, though doubtless others crossing the river, this order never reached him. did their duty as nobly and bravely. Here one The enemy's fire was so well directed I found it piece of Poague's, I regret to say, fell into the necessary to separate Poague's two guns, placing enemy's hands, I having ordered it to halt and one some distance on the left, and ordering fire on his advancing column, where it was disFunk's regiment to follow the movement ere the abled, as shown in Poague's report. I still enfire was resumed. The enemy soon placed a deavored to rally the remainder of this force, battery of two pieces in front, and in a command-and succeeded in getting the Seventh Louisiana, ing position. I sent Lieutenant Garnett, and under Major Penn, the colonel and lieutenantafterward Captain Poague, to look for a position colonel both being wounded, and Fifth regiment, nearer and more desirable, but none could be under Funk. I placed two pieces of Poague's found unless the enemy were driven off. I then battery in the position previously occupied, and learned his skirmishers were advancing, and or- again opened fire on the enemy, he having haltdered Funk's regiment forward to support the ex-ed in his advance. A sharp fire from the wood treme left of the line, at the same time sending to on our right told that General Taylor's and AlGeneral Jackson for reenforcements, being greatly len's forces were engaged. I directed the Parrott outnumbered. Colonel H. Hays soon reported gun on the enemy's battery, which was now to me with the Seventh Louisiana regiment. I turned on those forces. I was gratified to learn directed him to take position on the right of from General Taylor that this fire was of service Funk's, and ordered Grigsby's regiment up, to him. The enemy now moved to his left flank, placing it on the right of Hays. This line, under apparently to surround this command in the Hays, I ordered to move forward, drive the ene- woods. Seeing two regiments lying quietly on my from his position and carry his battery at the their arms to the right, under the woods, I despoint of the bayonet. I at the same time direct- patched Lieutenant Garnett to order them fored the remainder of Poague's and a section of ward rapidly to press the enemy's rear. I then Carpenter's battery, the latter having reported it moved forward the artillery, with its supports, impossible to get through the thick woods or find and obtained a far better position. Captain any position, to be advanced. Chew here reported to me, and did good execution with his battery, displaying great skill and accuracy in his fire. I soon met General Jackson and reported my impression to him, and was told he had ordered up other troops. Lieutenant-Colonel Garnett, Forty-eighth regiment, came up, reporting for orders. I directed him to follow the road in double-quick, pressing the enemy hotly in rear and driving him from his position. Major Holliday, Thirty-third regiment, rode up at this time, and, through him, I sent orders to Colonel Neff to do the same. The batteries arriving, I continued to advance them as rapidly as Colonel Hays moved his command forward in gallant style with a cheer. Seeing his movement, I advanced with the artillery, placing the guns in battery just in rear of Hays's line, which I found had been halted behind a fence. The enemy being in such strong force, and pouring in such a heavy fire of artillery and rifles, I then sent for reënforcements, but received none. The men stood it boldly for some time, and fought gallantly, many until all their cartridges were gone. Captain Raines reported with two pieces of artillery, one, however, without any cannoneers; this piece I sent from the field, the other possible, pouring in a heavy and well-directed being brought into action. I had directed Cap-fire on the retreating columns of the enemy, who tain Poague to move with a Parrott gun to the were now driven from the field, routed at every right, and sent Lieutenant Garnett to Carpenter point. A section of Captain Brockenbrough's to endeavor to place his section so as to enfilade the enemy. The Thirty-first regiment Virginia volunteers, Colonel Hoffman, arrived about this time to relieve Colonel Hays, who was ordered to join his brigade. This change it was impossible to effect, and I held Colonel Hoffman in rear of the bat battery joined me just as the retreat commenced, and was ably handled. The roads and woods were shelled, and the enemy scattered in every direction. The pursuit was continued some four miles, when I met General Jackson, who was in advance, and by his orders halted all the artillery, except two pieces of Chew's battery. The enemy being again driven from their ambuscade, I followed with my command to a point some eight or nine miles below Port Republic, when I received orders to return and camp with my wagons, which order was executed-my advance reaching camp, on the summit of the Blue Ridge, at Brown's Gap, at midnight, and the batteries at daylight. It again affords me sincere and great gratification to bear testimony to the courage, gallantry, fortitude, and good conduct of the officers and men under my command, and to them I return my heartfelt thanks. They fought gallantly and desperately, as our holy cause urged them to do, and though temporarily repulsed, it was only from overwhelming numbers. Although exposed to such a withering fire, the killed are few in number, a kind Providence having guarded many from the great dangers to which they were exposed. Colonels Allen and Ronald were so far separated from me, I must refer to their respective reports for the operations of their regiments. To my staff, Captain O'Brien, Lieutenants Howard and Garnett, I tender my sincere thanks for their assistance in transmitting my orders to different points, (though under heavy fire frequently, after the fight became general, ever ready and prompt.) The casualties were: two officers and eleven rank and file killed, six officers and one hundred and fortyeight rank and file wounded, and thirty-two rank and file missing, making a total of one hundred and ninety-nine. The strength of the brigade was one thousand three hundred and thirteen rank and file. For detailed accounts of the affair I respectfully refer to the reports of the several commanders, herewith transmitted. I am, sir, very respectfully, 301 ordered to support General Taylor. In a short time after the Fifty-second reached their position on our left flank, General Winder's brigade was driven back, and the Fifty-second, advancing to their support, were also overpowered and driven back, and the enemy advanced. Seeing this, General Ewell ordered my brigade, now consisting of the Forty-fourth and Fifty-eighth, to charge the enemy diagonally across the field. This they did, with loud cheers, which caused the enemy to fall back; but as General Ewell was with the brigade the remainder of the battle, I refer you to his report for an account of its subsequent operations. In this action, Lieutenant Walker, of company Very respectfully, your obedient servant, REPORT OF GENERAL TALIAFERRO. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, V. D., CAMP NEAR PORT REPUBLIC, June 18, 1862. To Major R. L. Dabney, A.A. G.: MAJOR: I have the honor to make a brief report of the operations of my brigade on the eighth and ninth instant. On the morning of the eighth, my camp, on the north side of the Shenandoah, was disturbed by the sound of artillery, close under the hills CAMP NEAR MOUNT MERIDIAN, June 14, 1862. below us, and apparently in the town of Port On Republic. I immediately ordered the brigade to be formed, and, as it was about to be formed for MAJOR: In obedience to your order, I beg instruction, the regiments were speedily in line. leave to submit to you the following report of I received orders to move the regiments as they the operations of my brigade in the battle of the were formed to the bridge, which was done. reaching the crest of the hill overlooking the ninth instant near Port Republic. On arriving on the field of battle, the Fifty-town and river, I perceived that a party of the second regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Skin- enemy, consisting of some cavalry and two fieldner, was ordered to take position on the left pieces, had penetrated the town, and that a piece flank, in order to support General Winder's bri- was planted at the mouth of the bridge comgade, then engaged with the enemy. The Forty-manding its entrance, and the whole distance fourth and Fifty-eighth, under my command, were ordered to take position in the woods on the right of the road, and on our right flank in the rear of General Taylor's brigade, which was thrown forward for the purpose of cutting off the most advanced batteries of the enemy. We were through it. I found Major-General Jackson on the hill, in person, directing the fire of some of our pieces, and he ordered me to charge across the bridge, capture the piece, and occupy the town. We were exposed to considerable fire from the enemy's guns in crossing the hill, and the Thirty-seventh regiment lost three men; but day. They reached the battle-field only just be that regiment, Colonel Fulkerson, with the ut-fore the enemy retreated, were under fire for a most gallantry, after delivering a fire, charged very short time, and only had the satisfaction of across the bridge, captured the piece, and chased securing the fruit of the gallantry of others. the enemy from the village, killing and capturing Nevertheless, I trust I shall be pardoned for reseveral of them. Had I known the topography, ferring to the rapidity with which they pressed we could have captured most of the enemy, but forward to the fight, and the zeal and gallantry we made at first for the lower ford, which I sup- manifested by officers and men. The Thirtyposed was the only one leading into the town. seventh regiment, Colonel Fulkerson, was in Lieutenant Duncan, of the Thirty-seventh, per- front, and captured most of the prisoners. Capceiving the enemy crossing at an upper ford, tain Wood and Lieutenant Duncan, of that regipromptly detached a part of the regiment, and ment, rendered remarkable service, and Sergeant fired upon the retreating enemy at that point, but Samuel L. Gray, company D, Thirty-seventh, acnot in time to cut them off. I threw the Tenth, tually captured at one time a Federal captain and Colonel Warren, into the town, and occupied eleven of his men, all armed, and although fired with that and the Thirty-seventh the fords near upon by them, seized the captain's sword and the town; placed a battery (Carrington's) on the made the men throw down their arms. hill on the west side, which commanded the I am under obligations to the officers of my upper fords, and sent the Twenty-third regiment staff, Captain Pendleton, A. A. G.; Lieutenant to protect the ford near Weyer's Cave. In the Taliaferro, A. D. C., and Major Stanard, Brigade mean time, the enemy's infantry, which had ad- Commissary, for their services and gallant convanced toward the town, was driven back by the duct. Colonel Fulkerson, in the advance, manartillery in great confusion. Captain Wooding's aged his command admirably, and Colonel Warbattery of my brigade did beautiful service from ren, Tenth Virginia, and Lieutenant-Colonel Carits position; the precision and accuracy of its ter, Twenty-third, kept their commands closed fire, and the terrible execution it effected, elicit-up, and all in hand for action. Brigadier-General Commanding Third Brigade, V. D. REPORT OF THE FOURTH BRIGADE, HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, June 14, 1862. Major James Barbour, A. A. General: I have the honor to report the movements of the regiments under my command, on the eighth and ninth of the present month. ing the admiration of all who witnessed it. In I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedience to the orders of the commanding gen- obedient servant, WILLIAM B. TALIAFERRO, eral, I occupied the town during the night, with part of my command, and was ordered, at dawn of the ninth, to reoccupy the position I had held on the eighth, so as to cooperate with General Trimble and Colonel Patton's brigades, which were to remain on the north side of the river. The other brigades of the army then passed me to attack Shields's troops down the valley. After the fight had lasted some time, I was ordered to move to the scene of action, which was accomplished by my men with wonderful celerity. I came up with the enemy at Lewis's house, and found them posted in the orchard and under the crest of a hill. General Taylor's Louisiana brigade occupied the hills on the right of the road, from which, with extraordinary gallantry, they had driven the enemy, capturing a full battery. At this point I could perceive that the enemy were leaving the orchard and slowly retreating ed ground and through the wood beyond, withdown the flat. I hurried up my command as rap-out encountering the enemy. When the skiridly as possible, fired upon the enemy, who, after mishers reached the skirt of the woods near delivering two volleys at us from an entire regi- Ever's house, they reported a large body of the ment, became demoralized, broke and fled. We enemy close at hand. I halted my command, pursued them seven miles with the infantry, and and, going forward to reconnoitre, found a large captured between three and four hundred. I do force of infantry, probably a brigade, and a batnot estimate the number taken by other troops. tery in a wheat-field, about four hundred yards Captain Wooding's battery had, during this time, from our position. Finding myself entirely sepbeen rendering most effective service, and the arated from our troops on the left, and perceiving effect of his shot was remarkable. By direc- the enemy were moving a regiment through the tion of Major-General Jackson, two pieces of woods to our right, I deemed it best to withdraw his battery were pushed forward, and pursued to the woods and await the coming of other the enemy with the cavalry for many miles be- troops. I did so, and encountered General Trimyond the infantry, rendering, under the eye of ble's brigade advancing on our left. General the commanding general, the most effective serv- Trimble informed me that he was going forward ice. to charge the enemy's battery, and directed me to advance on his right. This I did, again sending Colonel Terrill forward with skirmishers. He soon encountered the enemy's skirmishers, On the morning of the eighth, General Elzey ordered me to take my own (Thirteenth Virgi nia) and the Twenty-fifth Virginia regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Duffey commanding, and proceed to the right of our lines, to prevent an attempt to turn that flank. We moved by the right flank until I thought we were on the enemy's extreme left, and then sending two companies forward, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Terrill, as skirmishers, we advanced in line across the clear In conclusion, I have to state that my brigade had the opportunity to take but little part in the rious victory achieved by our troops on this |