single file upon the front and back, and double locality. An overwhelming force has indeed cut file upon either side. Marching up thus to within a certain distance, they were ordered to halt, to fix bayonets and charge, which they did in good order.

up one regiment, the First Maryland, and has driven us to the Potomac; but our retreat was conducted in good order. A wagon-train of eight miles long lost only fifty wagons, and we brought

Col. Gordon and staff are safe, also Gen. Wil-off all our artillery, losing only one caisson. A liams and staff. While retreating through Winchester, women from the houses opened fire of pistols upon our soldiers and killed a great many of them.

Lieut. Col. Brown, Twenty-eighth New-York, is said to have been killed; Col. Knipe, Fortysixth Pennsylvania, wounded and taken prisoner; Col. Murphy, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, killed, and many others.

I must reserve, for fear of misstatements, more particulars of the battle of Winchester. It was fought not far from the ground upon which the previous battle was fought. The numbers of the enemy are variously stated. The line of battle which they presented was of such an extent that their force must have been very large.

I have heard no one estimate it at less than twenty thousand, and many state it higher.

I refrain from any statement without further facts.

Our own force, diminished as it has been, was not over five thousand.

The column retreated, after the slight panic to which I have alluded, in good order, pursued by the enemy beyond Martinsburgh. The baggagetrain proceeded as far as the Potomac, and many of the teams have been conveyed across upon ferry-boats this evening.

retreat of fifty-three miles is made by seven thousand men pursued closely by at least fifteen thousand; standing at one time three hours and a half in battle from which our force retired in good order, baffling every charge, is no rout. At least honor is safe.

The immediate occasion of this disaster was the removal of Gen. Shields's division of ten thousand men or more from Gen. Banks's corps. There is reason to believe that urgent remonstrances were made, but uselessly, and that strong representations that Jackson had been heavily reenforced, met only with incredulity. All that could be done was to watch carefully and hope for the best.

But when Jackson, with twenty-five thousand, found that this whole army corps was reduced to nine regiments of infantry, sixteen guns, and a few squadrons of cavalry-two regiments of which were miles away from the main body guarding a long line of railroad-how could he hesitate?

So on Friday noon Col. Kenly's regiment was suddenly attacked at Front Royal, ten miles east of Strasburgh, and was pretty thoroughly annihilated. Tidings came in a few hours to Gen. Banks, and scouts and refugees reported that Jackson was advancing in force. When satisfied of that, wagon-trains were started for Winchester, Many of the soldiers who had been precipitate and at midnight regimental trains were sent in their flight have crossed the river, and are now northward. It was understood that Jackson, by at Williamsport and at this place. The cavalry advancing by the road from Front Royal to Winand many of the mules forded the river, the wa- chester, would be in our rear. At eleven the ter coming nearly over the horses' backs in the next day the men, who had been under arms deepest of it, and running quite rapidly too. In since midnight, were put on the march for Winthis manner your correspondent made his escape chester, starting, it appears, about the same time into Maryland, and to the nearest telegraph sta- that Jackson would from Front Royal on the contion and post-office. verging road. In the march, our infantry passed quite a large part of the wagon-train. One regi ment, with a section of Hampton's battery and a howitzer from Best's, being rear-guard, Col. Donnelly's brigade led, ours (Col. Gordon) followed.

The operator at Martinsburgh had left the town on the first rumor of a battle at Winchester, and taken the instruments with him. The whole town seemed deserted, the stores were closed, and if the bells had tolled solemnly I should have seen no impropriety in it.

Many Union people came along with us, and negroes and negresses, children and youth, tottering old men and helpless babes, some on foot and some in wagons, were joining the promiscuous throng moving on to the safe side of the Po

tomac.

Both towns, Williamsport and Hagerstown, are thronged with soldiers and refugees.

BOSTON "TRAVELLER" ACCOUNT.
WILLIAMSPORT, MD., May 28.

That this army corps has been forced to retire with great rapidity, that it mourns the loss of many a brave soldier, and that it has sacrificed considerable army stores, is true. But that it has been "attacked and utterly routed," as your enthusiastic Governor announces, is new to this

There was no annoyance until about three P.M., at which time the Second Massachusetts had marched twelve miles from Strasburgh, and about a mile and a half above Newtown Reports then came that the enemy, advancing from the parallel road, had cut off a portion of our wagon-train. The fact seems to be that various cowardly wagoners had fled on the attack, cut traces, tipped wagons over, etc. Col. Gordon, with the Second Massachusetts, the Twenty-eighth New-York, and a section of Best's battery under Lieut. Cushing, was ordered back. The Twenty-seventh Indiana was found near the town in line, and two sections of Cothron's battery were firing upon cavalry in the edge of a wood on the left. Lieut.-Col. Andrews, with the Second, was ordered to take the town. Deploying companies A and C (Captains Abbott and Cogswell) as skirmishers, Col. Andrews advanced with the guns, in the face of a

well-directed fire from the enemy's artillery, posted in the street and in view of their cavalry. The shells burst too close to be endured, but our men's fire drove them speedily out of town to heights beyond, where they amused themselves with artillery practice, with little or no effect. The place was held till sunset, when the order to withdraw was given-time having thus been saved for the main train to move on, and for the burning of wagons left helpless, after Col. Gordon had endeavored unsuccessfully to have mules sent back Companies A and C followed as rearguard, and B (Capt. Williams) as flankers.

them, artillery on higher ground in the rear. Here, from the time the pickets were driven in, the two brigades stood three hours and a half against twenty-eight regiments, distinctly counted. Col. Donnelly's forces maintained their ground well. Col. Gordon's, which was on higher ground, and held the key to the position, was more heavily attacked. Grape was poured in in storms. One shell told beautifully. Col. Andrews sent company D (Capt. Savage) to the right to annoy the rebel batteries, and, by and by, company G, (Capt. Carey,) who, nearer the rebel lines and somewhat sheltered by a low wall, completely silenced one gun, the gunners not daring to approach it even to carry it off. Here casualties occurred. Capt. Carey himself was knocked over by a stone hit by a rebel shell, which killed a man by his side. But regiments were seen pouring to our right. The two companies had to be called in.

On their return to Newtown, knapsacks had been left in a field to relieve the men. They were again taken; but before companies A, B, and C could be relieved to get theirs, a very pretty affair took place. Hoofs were heard, and soon cavalry appeared; but the skirmishers, under Major Dwight, were ready. Part of company A on one side of the road and of company C on the other, As the rebel troops, in heavy masses, were with platoons from the two in the centre, under moving to flank our right, Col. Gordon ordered Lieut. Grafton, the latter formed in square, wait- the Twenty-seventh Indiana and Twenty-ninth ing until the enemy were but a few yards off, Pennsylvania to the right of the Second Massapoured in such musketry as sent them back chusetts, but forming an oblique angle with its broken. Soon after company I (Capt. Under- front. These rushed with cheers and began firwood) relieved A and C, and took its station nearing-in fact too quickly to be orderly. As the a bridge. Down came cavalry again, but I's men rebel regiments were moving round, soon the met them with perfect coolness, but with a hot brigade would have been crushed. The Twentyfire, under which the rebel riders wilted instantly. seventh Indiana and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania It was so dark that the amount of damage could fell back. Then it was necessary to advance or not be ascertained. Then company I was tried retreat. Our Second, then in line, broke into with infantry, took its fire, and returned it with column "by company right wheel," as undissplendid success. For ten minutes the fire was turbed as though at an afternoon drill, though sharp on both sides, when it slackened. In those under a perfect storm of bullets, and marched off few minutes, out of a little over forty men, fifteen in column by companies. "Retreat steadily," had fallen; but not a man wavered in that gal- Col. Gordon had said, and Col. Andrews would lant band. At a subsequent period the enemy do that at any time. Winchester was entered, tried to make a cavalry charge, but their officers the enemy in hot pursuit. Yet the Second was in vain swore at them as cowards; it was of no too steady to run. In a side-street, Col. Anuse; they could not be brought to stand the cool drews, wishing to change the position of certain fire of our men.. companies, brought the regiment into line, even having his guides out to secure a good alignment, and having the men dress as on parade, and went on, by flank.

On the column moved to Kernstown, five miles from Winchester. Here a halt was ordered. But the enemy soon poured in a fire which told on the men, exposed by their relief against the lightcolored road, while the enemy were in shadow. So it quietly moved on, in perfect order. Here, however, a mischance occurred. Dr. Leland, attending most faithfully to wounded men in a heuse near by, did not leave the poor fellows, and is undoubtedly a prisoner.

Then came the march through Winchester. It was a savage one. The Second were the rear, but all fared much alike. Citizens shot from windows, threw hand-grenades, struck at our men with clubs-citizens! Women did it; women shot wounded men; women threw hot water on them; women killed prisoners. At last forAt Winchester the two brigades halted, just out bearance ceased. Volleys were poured into of town. The men went into bivouac, without houses; rooms were entered and assassins bayfires, with little food, with no coffee. It was two oneted; any public property was fired, and o'clock when the men slept-slept as well as they streets were swept by the conflagration; ordcould in the midst of the firing all night. Com-nance exploded; cavalry rode down stragglers; pany C was on picket duty, and notwithstanding but the Second, then the rear-guard, never its great fatigue, skirmished till morning, often wavered-not a company broke-not a gap was unsupported. to be seen. "Steady-steady," and the disci

told.

At daylight all were called to arms. The pline of this brave and noble set of soldiers then pickets had returned. Col. Donnelly's brigade was on the left of the road going out of Winches- It may seem strange to some that these citizenter. Col. Gordon placed his on a ridge on the assassins were fought-without regard to placeright of the road, the Second Massachusetts hav- though not except in reply to murder. But woing the right. A little ravine was in front below men pistoled sick men. Rebels had set fire to VOL. V.-Doc. 5

hospitals while sick men were in them. Prisoners had been bayoneted. The black flag had been actually flung to the breeze. Cavalry had deliberately rode down some unarmed sick men, who in fear had left a hospital, and with their sabres murdered them in scores. Such is Southern chivalry. And when any regiment of this brigade marches back to Winchester, when the vanguard leaves, Winchester will have been a city of the past.

Against this rear the rebel cavalry pressed in vain. Shot and shell could not break it. And a few miles out of Winchester, Gen. Banks ordered a halt to reform any disordered regiments. It was done, and the corps moved on, the enemy harassing in vain. Martinsburgh was reached, and Williamsport-thirteen miles on. The Potomac was then reached in the evening. A battle had been fought and thirty-five miles marched that day. The train crossed and was in safety. Towards evening the troops passed over, except that the Second Massachusetts and the noble Third Wisconsin, who had stood as if made up of brothers that day, left each four companies, still doing duty on the Virginia shore.

formerly pastor of the Niagara street Baptist Church in Boston:

Having had an opportunity of being near a bat tle-field, and a sharer in some of the privations incident to army life, I thought a short account of the fight in and retreat from Winchester, taken from a woman's stand-point of view, would not be uninteresting to your readers. Last Saturday morning when I went the rounds of the hospitals in that city, how little I expected that I was looking my last upon so many of our poor wounded boys. We then looked for reenforcements by every train, having heard that Gen. Banks and his army were coming towards Winchester. To wards noon the army supplies and ambulances came pouring in, and then the report was that the wagons were to be camped on the Fair grounds, half a mile from town. The Unionists there had confidence in Banks, while the secessionists put on a bolder face than ever, dressed themselves in their best, and made entertainment for Jackson's army.

Little we thought, as we heard their impertinent remarks, that we should "see who would rule to-morrow," that their boasting was to be I have said little of any but of our Second, both verified. Soon came the foot-soldiers, weary and because it will answer the enquiries of Massachu- travel-worn, by tens and fifties. People began to setts readers, and because it had the hardest say, "This looks like a retreat;" still we had fighting. Its loss it cannot yet tell, as more are hope. By night matters grew desperate. There hoped to have escaped, who sank from sickness was fighting. The rebels were pouring in upon in crowds. But, as yet, the noble Major Dwight, our soldiers, exhausted by the march, from every as gallant an officer as ever lived, generous, be- point. The Union men grew thoughtful, some loved, who commanded the reserve of the Second, of them left the city, while still the immense and with the most perfect composure and skill train, portions of cavalry and tired foot-soldiers, fought for hours, there is much reason to fear passed on. All this time reënforcements were will never return. Drs. Leland and Stone are surely coming but they never came. "They both prisoners. Capt. Mudge and Lieut. Crown-are twenty, thirty, forty to our one," the soldiers inshield are both injured though not fatally. In all, fourteen are known to be killed, forty are known to be wounded, and one hundred and thirty are missing; as many have come in; there is reason to fear that, of the latter number, many

are wounded and some dead.

said, when we questioned them about the rebel

forces.

In the morning, Winchester presented a strange sight. Vehicles of every description, crowded with sick soldiers and citizens, came by the door. The contrabands flocked by, each with his little bunIf we have felt sad that the Second has had no dle. Whole families of negroes, some with huge such chance as other Massachusetts regiments packs strapped on head and shoulders, little childnow it has been tried. It has marched in retreat ren almost too small to walk, lean horses carrying fifty-three miles in thirty-two hours, in perfect two and three, went following the train. Meanorder, though fighting a large part of the way, time, the thunder of cannonading had commenced. and for most of it was rear-guard, followed by an Nearer and nearer it came. The cry went forth overwhelming force. It fought three hours and that the rebels were driving our forces. We had a half as one of seven regiments against twenty-engaged a carriage, but it failed us. As the shells eight a portion of four thousand men against fifteen. Its colonel, Gordon, brave, cool, energetic, not only handled his brigade well, but is declared by the General to have been of very great personal service. Its lieutenant-colonel, commanding, has justified the high character he has always had. The regiment fired by orders, as evenly as if in mere practice. Of its officers and privates not a single man was known to flinch. PUTNAM.

A WOMAN'S ACCOUNT OF THE RETREAT.

The writer of the subjoined letter to the Boston Transcript is the wife of Rev. C. W. Denison,

began to pour into the doomed city, we availed ourselves of the offer of some sick soldiers, who had already crowded an old army wagon, and leaving everything behind us, we took passage in the retreating train, doubtful if we should get away.

By the time we were one mile from the city, many of the buildings were in flames. Our men first fired the houses of storage and blew the up powder-magazines. The rebels directed their shells on the hospitals, firing nearly all. God knows how many of our poor boys burned to death. The report is, and that from the doctors, that they killed all they found alive, even the women nurses, of whom there were four who re

mained. Meantime our retreat was covered in a masterly manner. Five miles from town, after the rebels had made a dash into Winchester, our men formed in line of battle. The scene was exciting beyond description. We were stopped by a difficult fording-place, and where three or four roads diverged from the main street.

At any moment we expected the rebels might cut off our retreat. To the right the infantry filed off- and the artillery planted-to the left, two regiments of cavalry were forming, their officers dashing from point to point, while along the roads squads of soldiers rode out to reconnoitre. In six hours we entered Martinsburgh, our men fighting in the rear almost constantly, and keeping off the enemy at every point. Many a sick soldier wearily plodded along, animated by hopes of liberty on the Maryland side; now and then a wounded horse staggered by, the blood running where the ball entered. Our progress was necessarily slow, and men came dashing by with all kinds of reports. Still there was nothing like a panic.

HUNTINGDON, HANOVER COUNTY, VA.,
(Sixteen Miles North of Richmond,)
Wednesday, May 28.

One of the most brilliant movements and achievements yet accomplished by any of our armies was consummated with the setting of yes terday's sun. The rapidity which which it was done and the happy results following it, all combine to mark it as a living incident in the history of this army's work, which history shall fitly preserve and time never wipe out.

The outline of operations is briefly this: For some days past the enemy have been throwing forces upon our right flank, in the direction of Hanover Court-House, extending their pickets to Old Church, thus annoying our right and even threatening our communications with our waterbase. It became necessary to dispose of this force, as well as to cut the communications of the enemy by the Virginia Central and Richmond and Fredericksburgh railroads. A heavy force was therefore thrown suddenly between Richmond and Hanover yesterday morning, two spir ited and even severe engagements fought, the enemy totally dispersed with heavy loss, our flank cleared, and the railroad disabled.

At Martinsburgh the order was to press on to Williamsport, Md.; so, leaving a regiment of cavalry drawn up in battle-array, we continued our The force selected for this important work was monotonous journey, arriving at the bank of the Gen. G. W. Morell's division of Gen. Fitz-John Potomac at five o'clock in the afternoon. The Porter's Fifth Provisional Army Corps. I have men and horses forded the river, and a rope ferry-in former letters fitly spoken of this spirited and boat was soon arranged for the heavy train. I think there never was a more thankful company of human beings than those of us who stood upon the shores of Maryland last night.

To-day, at five o'clock, nearly all the train had crossed. Gen. Banks and staff came in about noon. I have been several hours among the wounded. It is a pitiful sight to see them brought in covered with blood. Poor fellows! they bear their misfortunes with heroism.

admirably disciplined body of men. No words of adulation from my pen can add to the honor won by them yesterday. Every bosom breathes a fervent "God bless you" for the magnificent manner in which they not only proved their reputation but upheld their country's cause in an hour of severe trial.

"Bayo

Orders at midnight of Monday were issued to each regiment for preparations to march on Tuesday morning at four o'clock, in light marching Few generals could, with a force so dispropor- trim, the men carrying nothing but their arms, tionate, have been equal to Gen. Banks-fewer canteens, haversacks, and rubber ponchos. Mornstill would have had the bravery even to defending came. Reveille beat at three A.M. A drenchtheir supplies in so masterly a manner. There ing rain was pouring down. Fires were smothwas no confusion, no flinching. The saddest part ered as soon as built, and many could get no of the matter is the treatment we have reason to breakfast, not even a cup of the much-needed fear the Union people will experience from the coffee, for the prospective march. Cold rations hands of the rebels. They have no humanity. for two days were hastily crowded into haverThey kill our wounded soldiers, and even our sacks; canteens filled with gushing spring-water; women nurses are said to be shot. It is evident cartridge-boxes inspected, filled, and twenty that they are too leniently dealt by. Several rounds additional given to each man. companies carried the black flag, and their cry nets brightly gleaming" was all unappreciated was: No quarter!" It is rumored that Shields poetry, for as each brigade filed out into the deep is in their rear. If he is, farewell to the rebel and heavy roads, nothing but the spatter of mud army of the Valley. On this side of the river our and rain accompanied the tramp of the many artillery is planted-they are hemmed in as they hundred armed men. Cold, cheerless, discournever were before. Should Winchester be retaken aging was the weather. But something was soon, as we have reason to believe it will be, I ahead. Men, dismantled of all the usual luggage shall return there. Very truly yours, attending a regular move, felt that their march could not be very long, and knew that something would probably come of it. So despite all the combinations of the elements, the march was taken up at a lively step, and ere the neighborly but sleeping divisions knew of the departure the and were already miles away. long, dark column of soldiery had disappeared

WILLIAMSPORT, MD.

Doc. 16.

MARY A. DENISON.

BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT-HOUSE, VA.

A CORRESPONDENT of the New-York World gives the following account of this fight:

The direct road to Mechanicsville was at first

pursued, and there were not a few who thought and a section of artillery, the pickets of the enemy à demonstration directly on Richmond seriously intended. Five, six, and seven miles had passed; no enemy in sight and no Richmond in view. "Where are we going?" fled from mouth to mouth. Gradually but surely the division bore more and more to the right. Pocket-compasses were consulted, and the column was found to be heading now west, then north-west. Then came the responses, "ten," twelve," and even four-hand to Richmond, and the other by the left hand, teen miles to Richmond, as the wondering soldiers questioned the still more wondering inhabitants who crowded doors and windows to witness the passage of such a host. But few in the column, very few indeed, had any idea of the object or direction of the march. But no questions were asked. By ten o'clock the dismal, overhanging clouds had disappeared, and the moving column was sweltering in the rays of a sultry sun. Soon after the head of the column suddenly turned to the right, pursuing a course directly north. A battery was planted at the intersecting corner of the roads, a regiment detailed to support it, and the brigades again moved rapidly

on.

A brief halt at the intersection gave time for a few questions. A pocket-map or two was consulted, and it was found that we were thirteen miles north of Richmond and five from Hanover Court-House, with the evident intention of moving on the latter place. The Virginia Central Railroad was here reported to be but a mile and a half west of us. The Twenty-second Massachusetts, Col. Gove, was ordered to strike the track, disable the road, and then march northward on it, joining the main body two or three miles above. The regiment obeyed, and as will subsequently be seen, did their work.

were discovered. The skirmishers opened fire, and the rebels slowly withdrew for a mile or so. They were rapidly pursued by the Twenty-fifth, who thus got some distance in advance of the main column, and even ahead of the protecting section of Benson's light battery, which was in front. Near the residence of Dr. Kinney, at the forks of the main road-one leading by the right circuitously, to Mechanicsville-the rebels drew up in line of battle, in an open field, but behind a house and in support of two of their own fieldpieces, thus making a respectable show for a fight. Col. Johnson boldly pressed forward, and engag ed them at close range, making hot work of it for both sides, for at least fifteen minutes before any supports arrived. The enemy were driven from behind their sheltering places, but suddenly a force of them appeared from the woods, on the right flank of the Twenty-fifth, and succeeded in capturing a part of company G, carrying them to their rear promptly as prisoners. Col. Johnson now anxiously looked for help, when a section of Marin's Massachusetts battery came up, followed by a couple of pieces from Griffin's regular battery, which soon fixed the earnest attention of the rebels who were firing grape and shell from their twelve-pound howitzers with great vigor. Here comes the surprise. From the cool and determined stand of the rebels, it was evident that they conceived the force in sight to be our total strength, and that it would be an easy matter to repulse or capture it. But word had gone to Gen. Butterfield, who speedily ordered the Seventeenth New-York, Col. Lansing, and the Eightythird Pennsylvania, Col. McLane, into the timber on the left of the road, to deploy, and come out A brief allusion as to what we hoped to find at well on the enemy's flank. With a burst of en or near Hanover is proper here. As late as Sun- thusiasm, in went both regiments, the Seventeenth day, the twenty-fifth instant, a strong brigade of covering the front with a strong line of skirmishrebels had been posted there, believed to be com- ers. In a trice they appeared in the wheat-field posed of six North-Carolina regiments, command- on the left, and with incredible rapidity formed ed by Lawrence O'Brien Branch, formerly mem- line of battle, the Seventeenth coming up on the ber of Congress, but more latterly brigadier-gen- right with the regularity and coolness of a dress eral, with the smell of defeat upon his garments, parade, supported by the Twelfth New-York, Col he having encountered Burnside at Newbern in Weeks, in column by division, while the EightyMarch last, the retreat from which, it will be third took the left of the line, supported by the seen, did not prove to be his last march. His Sixteenth Michigan, Col. Stockton, in the same regiments are: Seventh, Twelfth, Eighteenth, manner. The rebels at once perceived the vitality Twenty-eighth, Thirty-third, and Thirty-eighth of this movement. They had not anticipated it. North-Carolina State troops. Their strength is Surprised, then confused, a well-directed volley represented by members of the same to approach caused them first to waver, and then to fly with nearly to the maximum standard of one thousand all the speed at their command, scattering, like a men each. This force was certainly all at Hano- covey of partridges, in every direction. Another ver on Sunday. From secession, but reliable volley picked off most of their men at the guns, sources, we learn further that it was the inten- when forward went the Seventeenth with a yell tion of the enemy to reenforce the position strongly. By throwing a strong column between Hanover and Richmond, this force might be cut off, and possibly captured entire. This was our hope; now for the realization.

When the division reached a point possibly two miles north of the intersection of the roads, the advanced guard, composed of cavalry, the Twenty-fifth New-York infantry, Col. Johnson,

on the double-quick; the cannon were abandoned without even a spike, and the pursuit of the re treating enemy kept up for two and a half miles, to Hanover Court-House, before the regiments finally brought up. Prisoners at once began to be brought in. The men of the Seventeenth and Eighty-third regiments hunted them and dragged them from their hiding-places with great gust); within an hour fifty to sixty had been brought