Chas. 8S. Winder to R. L. Dabney, June 15, 1862
June 15, 1862.
Camp near Weyerâs Cave, Va., June 15, 1862.
Srr: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade on May 28:
In obedience to orders from Headquarters Valley District the Fourth, Fifth, Twenty-seventh, and Thirty-third Regiments Virginia Volunteers, with Carpenterâs battery, of four pieces, and Poagueâs, of six, left their camp, 44 miles from Winchester, at 5 a. m., taking up the line of march for Charlestown, following the road passing through Summit Point. The march was without incident until within 5 miles of Charlestown, when I learned the enemy had advanced in force, represented from 4,000 to 5,000, and possessed himself of that place.
I at once dispatched Lieut. J. M. Garnett, of my staff, to General Jackson, at Winchester, with such information as I had, asking that re-enforcements might be sent. Being without cavalry, I pressed into service all stragglers of that arm I met on the road, some 15 in number, which the gallant Capt. R. P. Chew, whom I met, volunteered to command and advise me of the enemyâs movements in front.
I moved forward cautiously. Captain Chew soon informed me he had met the enemyâs pickets (cavalry) and charged them, and they had taken cover in a woods. I ordered two companies of the Fifth Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Funk commanding, to be thrown forward, which was rapidly done, under Captain Burke. The enemyâs pickets retired after a few shots.
On emerging from the woods, some three-quarters of a mile from Charlestown, I discovered the enemy in line of battle, some 1,500 strong (about the strength of this brigade, the Second Regiment having been lett in Winchester as a provost-guard), and decided to attack him. As soon as we were discovered he opened upon us with two pieces of artillery. Carpenterâs battery was placed in position, the Thirty-third Regiment being ordered to support it. This battery was admirably worked, and in twenty minutes the enemy retired in great disorder, throwing away arms, blankets, haversacks, &c. The pursuit was continued rapidly with artillery and infantry. Captain Poague was ordered up with a gun and howitzer. These, with Carpenterâs guns, were placed in position whenever practicable and used with admirable effect, frequently causing the enemyâs cavalry to leave the rear of his column and move parallel to it in fields.
The pursuit was continued to Halltown. On reaching that point I found the enemy in line of battle on Bolivar Heights. I contented myself with the success of the morning, posted my pickets, and encamped % sae from Charlestown. General Ewell arriving about dark, I reported
It affords me the liveliest satisfaction to bear testimony to the gallantry, coolness, and bravery of the officers and men under my comCuar. XXIV.) OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 739
mand in this little affairâever enthusiastic and anxious to move forward, freeing this beautiful valley and its citizens, known to be so loyal, from the miserable vandals who then oppressed them. The enemy wantonly burned the market-house, with a hall, &c., over it, giving as an excuse that some 20 bushels of grain would fall into our hands.
We captured 10 horses and equipments, 1 captain, and 8 privates First Maryland Cavalry, with some stores. Our casualties, 1 wounded, in Thirty-third Regiment Virginia Volunteers, by shell.
My thanks are eminently due, and the same are hereby tendered, to Captain Chew for his able assistance and to the great amount of information given me as to the country, thus enabling me to press forward rapidly when totally ignorant of the country myself.
To my staff, Captain OâBrien and Lieutenants Howard and Garnett, I tender my thanks for their services in transmitting my orders rapidly at all times.
The strength of the brigade was 1,337, rank and file.
very respectfully, your obedient servant.
CHAS. 8S. WINDER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Maj. R. L. DABNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Valley District.