Edwin M. Stanton to Nathaniel P. Banks, May 25, 1862

General BANKS, Williamsport, via Hagerstown : Two of your telegrams have been received. They have greatly relieved our anxiety respecting your command. We hope youare by this time entirely safe. Your gallantry and skill and the valiant bravery _ of your command are deserving of great praise. General Saxton is at Harper’s Terry, with over 3,000 to 5,000 men. We have sent a large force of artillery to that point, which will reach there by daylight. Please report again as soon as possible, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WILLIAMSPORT, May 26, 1862. (Received 9 a. m.) We believe that our whole force, trains and all, will cross in safety. The men are in fine spirits and crossing in good order. The labor of last night was fearful. The enemy followed us last night on the march, but has not made his appearance this morning. The news of your movements South has unquestionably caused them to look for their safety. Your dispatch was read to the troops this morning amid the heartiest cheers. . N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. li. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Wak DEPARTMENT, May 26, 1862. Major-General BANKS, Williamsport: Your telegram this morning received. We rejoice greatly at your safety. Do you need any ammunition to enable you to dispute the enemy’s crossing the river, or anything else? EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 34 R R—VOL XII WILLIAMSPORT, May 26, 1862. (Received 2.20 p. m.) The enemy driving in our pickets across the river. Everything of importance safe—guns, ordnance trains, and nearly all the trains. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. B. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WILLIAMSPORT, May 26, 1862—4 p. m. (Received 10.6 p. m.) I have the honor to report the safe arrival of command at this place last evening at 10 o’clock and the passage of the Fifth Corps across the river to-day with comparatively but little loss. The loss of men killed wounded, and missing in the different combats in which my command has participated since the march from Strasburg on the morning of the 24th instant I am unable now to report, but I have great gratification in being able to represent it, although serious, as much less than might have been anticipated, considering the very great disparity of forces engaged and the long-matured plans of the enemy, which aimed at nothing less than entire capture of our force. A detailed statement will be forwarded as soon as possible. My command encountered the enemy in a constant succession of attacks and at well-contested engagements at Strasburg, Middletown, Newtown, at a point also between these places, and at Winchester. The force of the enemy was estimated at from 15,000 to 20,000 men, with very strong artillery and cavalry supports. My own force consisted of two brigades, less than 4,000 strong, all told, 1,500 cavalry, ten Parrott guns, and six smooth-bores. The substantial preservation of the entire supply is a source of gratification. It numbered about 500 wagons, on a forced march of 53 miles, 35 of which were performed in one day, subject to constant attack in front, rear, and flank, according to its position, by enemy in full force. By the panics of teamsters and the mischances of river passage of more than 300 yards, with slender preparations for ford and ferry, it lost not more than 50 wagons. A full statement: of this loss will be forwarded forthwith. Very great commendation is due to Capt. S. B. Holabird, assistant quartermaster, and Capt. E. G. Beckwith for the safety of the train. Our troops are in good spirits and occupy both sides of the river. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding The PRESIDENT. MAy 26, 1862—S.20 p. m. (Received May 27, 2.35 a. m.) The enemy’s pickets have been in our front, and some skirmishing, but not in any force, between this and Martinsburg. I do not think there is any great force there. Shall test it to-morrow. Our troops supposed to have been cut off by enemy are coming in considerable numbers; some by Sharpsburg, others by Hancock. ‘Trains all across river. Hverything quiet. Enemy alarmed; has withdrawn, I think. WILLIAMSPORT, May 27, 1862—9 p. m. (Received May 28, 1.15 a. m.) A detachment of cavalry advanced to-day within a few miles of Martinsburg. Two regiments of the enemy’s cavalry and some infantry are in position on the right of the town. A prisoner captured near the town states that a part of Ashby’s command left Martinsburg this morning in the direction of Winchester. My reports will be forwarded as soon Major-General BANKS, Williamsport : You will get your force in order for moving speedily as possible, and establish your communication with General Saxton with a view to reoccupying your former lines. Can you not occupy Martinsburg at once? General Shields is moving forward from Manassas to Front Royal, thence to Strasburg. In order to enable General Saxton to move, you will send him a part of your transportation. He has none, ‘and it cannot be sent from here in time. Secretary of War. Please acknowledge the receipt of this and the hour it is received. WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862—1 p. m. (Received 3.40 p. m.) Colonel Pinkney, in command on the other side of the river, reports that they constantly heard the sound of cars running west from Martinsburg during last night. I have no doubt this is a delusion. It constantly occurred last summer on the Potomac. There is something in the night sounds which encourages this idea. Ido not credit the report, but think you should be informed of it, as the Department may explain it from other information. I regret to see these reports published with my name, as it presents me to the country as an alarmist, when in truth I am almost incredulous as to them. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Adjutant-General. » (Copy to McDowell and Frémont.) WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862—2.35 p. m. (Received 4.50 p. m.) A prisoner captured near Martinsburg this morning by our troops reports that about 2,000 of the enemy were there yesterday. Ashby’s force artillery, and baggage he met upon the road to Winchester yesterday eer ts It ee mmiderstced among the men that Ashby had been ordered to Berryville, on account of forces said to be advancing upon Winchester. The prisoner is intelligent, and seems to be perfectly honest. Our advance is near pecalppesey 8 and a sere also at Falling . My troops are not yet in condition to march. ba : 2 N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862. (Received 3.46 p. m.) Your dispatch received 1.40 p.m. Orders were issued yesterday to put my command in condition to march. My troops are much disabled and scattered, but will be in good condition in a day more. We are near Martinsburg, and will occupy it as soon as possible. Transportation shall be sent to General Saxton immediately. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862—4.35 p. m. (Received 6.20 p. m.) A skirmish took place this morning between the rebels and Tenth Maine near Falling Waters, 8 miles in front. No one was injured. I have just received information that 4,000 of the enemy are advancing on Falling Waters. It is expected they will make an attack. They have five pieces of artillery. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WILLIAMSPORT, May 28, 1862—8.20 p. m. (Received 11.35 p. m.) Have received information to-day which I think should be transmitted, but not published over my name, as I do not credit it altogether. A merchant from Martinsburg, well known, céme to inform me that in a confidential conversation with a very prominent secessionist, also merchant of that town, he was informed that the policy of the South was changed; that they would abandon Richmond, Va., everything South, and invade Maryland and Washington; that every Union soldier would be driven out of the valley immediately. This was on Friday evening, the night of attack on Front Royal. Names are given me, and the party talking one who might know the rebel plans. A prisoner was captured near Martinsburg to-day. He told the truth, I am satisfied so far as he pretended to know. He was in the fight at Front Royal and passed through Winchester two hours after our engagement. Saw the dead carried away. He says the rebel force was very large—not less than 25,000 at Winchester and 6,000 or 7,000 at Front Royal; that the idea was general among the men that they were to invade Maryland. He passed Ashby yesterday, who had twenty-eight companies of cavalry under his command; was returning from Martinsburg, and moving under orders, his men said, to Berryville. There were 2,000 rebels at Martinsburg when he passed that town yesterday. These reports came to me at the same time I received General Saxton’s dispatch and the statement from my own officer that 4,000 rebels were near Falling Waters, in my front. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON. WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862. Everything is quiet this morning. The Signal Corps reports a camp of one company in the vicinity of Back Creek; no evidence of enemy elsewhere in that direction. Sixty to one hundred wagons were sent to General Saxton to-day. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. Washington, May 29, 1862—12 m. Major-General BANKs, Williamsport, Md.: General McDowell’s advance should and probably will be at or near Front Royal at 12 (noon) to-morrow. General Frémont will be at or near Strasburg as soon. Please watch the enemy closely, and follow and harass and detain him if he attempts to retire. I mean this for General Saxton’s force as well as that immediately with you. WILLIAMSPORT, May 29—2.30 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON: Information from the front 11.30 a. m. is that enemy is drawing in his pickets to Martinsburg. (Copy te McDowell.) WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862. Your dispatch received at headquarters 3.30 p.m. My command is much disabled, but we will do what we can to carry out your views. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862—10 p. m. (Received midnight.) No advance has been made by the enemy’s pickets to-day. Information direct from Martinsburg to-day assures me that he is withdrawing. 1 shall put all my available forces on the move in the morning. Regiments all greatly disabled from a great variety of causes. N. P. BANKS, ‘ Major-General. Secretary of War. WILLiAMsPorT, May 29, 1862—10.15 p. m. Affairs are more quiet. The rumors of the approach of the enemy at Falling Waters and the extent of his force prove to be unfounded. Every one feels assured of the strength of our positions. Signal officers fail to discover from commanding points any traces of the enemy’s camp, and the latest reports from our front indicate his gradual withdrawal. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON. Wak DEPARTMENT, May 29, 1862—11.30 p. m. Major-General BANKS: A dispatch just received (11 p. m.) from Assistant Secretary Watson at Harper’s Ferry states that Jackson with his forces was near there at sundown, plainly contemplating an attack. WILLIAMSPORT, May 30, 1862. (Received 2.35 a. m.) Information received from General Saxton at Harper’s Ferry which renders it necessary for me to move to his assistance rather than in the direction of Martinsburg. N. P. BANKS, Major-General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT. WILLIAMSPORT, May 29, 1862. (Received 30th, 3.25.) Your dispatch received. Have sent force to Sharpsburg upon same information from General Saxton. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTOF. CuaP. XXIV.) OPERATIONS IN Shenandoah VALLEY. Washington, May 30, 1862—10.15 a. m. Major-General BANKS, Williamsport, Md., via Harper’s Ferry: If the enemy in force is in or about Martinsburg, Charlestown, and Winchester, or any or all of them, he may come in collision with Frémont, in which case I am anxious that your force, with you and at Harper’s Ferry, should so operate as to assist Frémont if possible; the same if the enemy should engage McDowell. This was the meaning of my dispatch yesterday. —_= WILLIAMSPORT, May 30, 1862. (Received 4.45 p. m.) Your communication received. Have sent part of our force to Antietam Ford, near Shepherdstown. Will do all we can to harass the enemy’s rear. No indication of enemy this side of Martinsburg, and we believe no considerable force there. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. WILLIAMSPORT, May 31, 1862—10.25 a. m. My advance troops, Fifth New York Cavalry, Colonel De Forest commanding, entered Martinsburg this morning, and passed several miles beyond, where they encountered the enemy’s cavalry. They captured several prisoners, a wagon, muskets, ammunition, and an American flag. There does not appear to be a large force in that neighborhood. My command, I regret to say, is not in condition to move with promptitude to any great distance, but everything that can be done will be to press and harass the enemy. Colonel De Forest reports that Colonel Kenly is at Winchester, wounded. My troops are yet much scattered, and want army blankets and cooking utensils, that are required for any movement. We shall move into Martinsburg a larger force to-day. N. P. BANKS . P. BA ‘ Major-General, Commanding. Hor. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. — WILLIAMSPORT, May 31, 1862. (Received 11.40 p. m.) We have no report from our forces at Martinsburg to-night. It is quite possible that the demonstration of the rebels against Harper’s Ferry is to cover theirretreat. They operate between Charlestown and Berryville. Berryville, which they occupied early in our movement, covers Snicker’s Ferry. This will take them east of the Blue Ridge. They are probably preparing means of crossing at that point. All their fury and numbers are well spent at Harper’s Ferry for that purrer N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Oommanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Sir: In pursuance of orders from the War Department, Col. John R. Kenly, commanding First Maryland Volunteers, was sent on the 16th day of May from Strasburg to Front Royal, with instructions to relieve the troops under Major Tyndale, attached to General Geary’s command, and to protect the town of Front Royal and the railway and bridges between that town and Strasburg. The force under his command consisted of his own regiment (775 available men), two companies from the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Parham commanding; the Pioneer Corps, Captain Mapes, engaged in reconstructing the bridges; a portion of the Fifth New York Cavalry, and a section of Knap’s battery, Lieutenant Atwell commanding. Nearer to the town of Strasburg were three companies of infantry, charged with the same duty. This force was intended as a guard for the protection of the town and railway against local guerrilla parties that infested that locality, and replaced two companies of infantry with cavalry and artillery, which had occupied the town for some weeks, under Major Tyndale, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the same purpose. It had never been contemplated as a defense against the combined forces of the enemy in the valley of Virginia. Front Royal is in itself an indefensible position. Two mountain valleys debouch suddenly upon the town from the south, commanding it by almost inaccessible hills, and it is at the same time exposed to flank movements by other mountain valleys via Strasburg on the west and Chester Gap on the east. The only practicable defense of this town would be by a force sufficiently strong to hold these mountain passes some miles in advance. Such forces were not at my disposal, and no such expectations were entertained from the slender command of Colonel Kenly. It was a guerrilla force, and not an organized and well-appointed army that he was prepared to meet. On the 23d of May it was discovered that the whole force of the enemy was in movement down the valley of the Shenandoah, between the Massanutten Mountain and the Blue Ridge and in close proximity to the town. Their cavalry had captured a considerable number of our pickets before the alarm was given. The little band which was charged with the protection of the railway and bridges found itself instantaneously compelled to choose between an immediate retreat or a contest with the enemy against overwhelming numbers. Colonel Kenly _was not the man to avoid a contest at whatever odds. He immediately drew up his troops in the order he had contemplated in case of attack of less importance. The disposition of his forces had been wisely made to resist a force equal to his own, and the best, perhaps, that could have been devised in his more pressing emergency. About 1 o’clock p. m. the alarm was given that the enemy was advancing on the town in force. The infantry companies were drawn up in line of battle about one-half mile in the rear of the town. Five com- panies were detailed to support the artillery, which was placed on the crest of a hill commanding a meadow of some extent, over which the enemy must pass to reach the bridges, one company guarding the regi mental camp nearer to the river, on the right of the line. The companies, three in number, left to guard the town were soon compelled to fall back upon the main force. There were then four companies on the right of the battery, near the camp, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dushane, and five companies on the left, under Colonel Kenly. The battery, Lieutenant Atwell commanding, opened fire upon the enemy, advancing from the hills on the right and left, well supported by the infantry, doing much damage. A detachment of the Fifth New York Cavalry was ordered to advance upon the road, which was attempted, but did not succeed. They held this position for an hour, when they were compelled to retreat across the river, which was done in good order, their camp and stores having been first destroyed. On the opposite shore their lines were again formed, and the battery in position opened its fire upon the enemy while fording the river. They were again ordered to move left in front on the Winchester road, and had proceeded about 2 miles when they were overtaken by the enemy’s cavalry, and a fearful fight ensued, which ended in the complete destruction of this command. Colonel Kenly, in the front of his column, was wounded in this action. The train and one gun was captured. One gun was brought within 5 ‘niles of Winchester, and abandoned by Lieutenant Atwell only when his borses were broken down. The enemy’s force is estimated at 8,000. The fighting was mostly done by the cavalry on the side of the rebels, with active support from the infantry and artillery. Our own force did not exceed 900 men. They held their ground manfully, yielding only to the irresistible power of overwhelming numbers. Prisoners captured since the affair represent that our troops fought with great valor and that the losses of the enemy were large. It is impossible at this time to give detailed accounts of our losses. Reports from the officers of the regiment represent that but 8 commissioned officers and 120 men have reported. Of these officers 5 were in the engagement, 2 absent on detached service, and 1 on furlough. All the regimental officers were captured. Colonel Kenly, who was represented to have been killed, is now understood to be a prisoner. He is severely wounded. Lieutenant Atwell reports that of 38 men attached to his battery but 12 have reported. The cavalry was more fortunate, and suffered comparatively little loss. Undoubtedly large numbers of the command will yet return, but it is impossible to speculate upon the number. I have the honor to ask attention to the reports of the remaining officers of the First Maryland Regiment, who participated in the engagement, giving their account of the same, and that of Lieutenant Atwell, , nding the battery. aaa ras af N. P. BANKS, : Major General, Commanding, de H. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. JUNE 1, 1862—8.30 a. m. Major General BANKS, Williamsport: Brigadier-General Saxton, Harper’s Ferry: Are you in condition to harass the enemy, who will be hard pressed to-day by McDowell and Frémont ?

EDWIN M. STANTON,