Cuar. Xxiv. Battle Of Kernstown, VA. 349 to Nathaniel P. Banks, 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
body of the enemy in the edge of some woods, when we received two
shots from a battery previously concealed. We immediately moved