Today in History:

525 Series I Volume XII-I Serial 15 - Second Manassas Part I

Page 525 Chapter XXIV. OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY.

I have forborne until the last moment to make this representation, well knowing how injurious to the public service unfounded alarms become, but in this case the probabilities of danger are so great, that it should be assumed as positive and preparation made to meet it.

Colonel John S. Clark, one of my aides-de-camp, knows well the position and purposes of the enemy, and can give you all the information the Department may require.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

STRASBURG, May 23, 1862.

(Received 11 p. m.)

Our troops were attacked at Front Royal this afternoon, and, though making a vigorous resistance, were compelled by superiority of numbers to retire toward Middletown. The rebel force is reported at 5,000, and is said to intend advancing on the Middletown road. No definite information has yet been received, the telegraph line having been early destroyed. The force had been gathering in the mountains, it is said, since Wednesday. Re-enforcements should be sent us if possible. Railway communication with manassas probably broken up. A lieutenant of Captain Best's battery, name not reported, was shot by guerrillas this afternoon. have requested Colonel Miles to move his available force toward Winchester.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

(Copies to Fremont and McDowell.)

STRASBURG, May 23, 1862.

(Received 12 o'clock.)

The following dispatch has just been received:

WINCHESTER, 23rd.

Colonel Kenly is killed.* Lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, and all the rest of commanding officers First Maryland Regiment taken prisoners. Regiment cut all to pieces and prisoners; First Michigan Cavalry ditto. The enemy's forces are 15,000 or 20,000 strong, and on the march to Strasburg. If you want me to report in person telegraph to Captain Flagg.

SAVILLE,

Commanding Company B, First Maryland Regiment.

N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

Honorable E. M. STANTON.

STRASBURG, May 24, 1862.

(Received 2.4 a. m.)

Captain Saville, of the Maryland regiment, whose dispatch I forwarded, has been interrogated by General Crawford in regard to his

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*A mistake.

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Page 525 Chapter XXIV. OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY.