Letter
Banks all, March 26, 1862
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS D’ARMEE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAQ,
Strasburg, Va., March 26, 1862.
Sig: In reply to your communication I will state what I observed at the first attack by Colonel Ashby on Winchester, March 22. At 2 p. M. a messenger came to General Banks’ headquarters, stating that Ashby was advancing on the town.
By order of General Banks all
the cavalry under his command was immediately sent to the front I rode out, accompanied by 25 men—Company L, First Michigan Cavalry,
Captain Brewer. As soon as we emerged from the town two parts of
companies joined us, making in all 70 men. We rode out upon the
Millwood road about 14 miles, and were preparing to charge upon a
Captain Brewer. As soon as we emerged from the town two parts of
companies joined us, making in all 70 men. We rode out upon the
Millwood road about 14 miles, and were preparing to charge upon a
body of the enemy in the edge of some woods, when we received two
shots from a battery previously concealed. We immediately moved
back to a more secure position, the enemy following 'vith shot and shell
and about 200 cavalry. The force was so small that I did not deem it
shots from a battery previously concealed. We immediately moved
back to a more secure position, the enemy following 'vith shot and shell
and about 200 cavalry. The force was so small that I did not deem it
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Location: Strasburg, Va.. Summary: General Banks reports his cavalry's engagement and tactical withdrawal during Colonel Ashby's March 22 attack on Winchester, detailing troop movements and enemy resistance.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 12, Part 1
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