James W. Abert to Operations In N. Va., W. Va., And MD. Cuap., Xxiv, May 28, 1862
Williamsport, Md., May 28, 1862.
GENERAL:
I have the honor herewith to report as follows in regard to the operations of Saturday, May 24:
Having been ordered by the general-in-chief to burn the bridge over Cedar Creek as soon as I should receive final instructions, I detained Captain Collis’ Zouaves to assist in carrying out your orders, and to hold the enemy in check in case he should rush down upon us and endeavor to save the bridge. In a neighboring barn I procured a tarbarrel, some straw, some commissary pork, and other inflammable materials, lit a fire close by, and waited until 3.30 o’clock. Finding the ford was in much better condition than the bridge, and that its destruction would be of no advantage to us, I concluded to follow on to Winchester.
In approaching Middletown I saw that the enemy had occupied the ridge on the east side of the town and was shelling some of our cavalry, General Hatch’s, which turned off to the left (west), and again resumed their route to Winchester.
We were slowly approaching the town, when Captain Collis requested me to post his company. I desired the captain to walk to the top of the ridge to the east and look over it, when he reported the enemy
Cuar, XXIV.) OPERATIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY,
advancing. There was also a vegiment of troops advancing along the main strect in column by company. I then directed the captain to deploy his company behind a stone wall which ran perpendicularly from the road and across the ridge, whilst I reconnoitered the regiment advancing on the main road. Being in doubt as to their uniforms, and fearing I might fire on friends, we approached quite close, and owing to a number of stragglers and cavalry, who crowded behind him, we received a volley from the leading company. They then marched steadily onward, in perfect ignorance of the locality of the Zouaves, who from a close distance poured in the whole company fire upon them. This staggered them for a few moments, and the Zouaves continued to load and fire until the column to the right threatened to outflank them, when Captain Collis ordered them to retire. This they did, deployed as skirmishers and firing steadily.
By the greatest good fortune we found one of our batteries in position on the hill to the south of the town (Captain Hampton’s.) From this place we shelled the enemy, and as he approached near enough gave him some canister, which checked him. We then retired upon Strasburg, where I directed some pieces to be placed in the fort, but the very side of the enemy’s approach (to the north) was completely unfinished. I then directed the battery to follow me, and I would try to save it by taking the back road to Winchester, but the officer in command, when I told him that the road ran parallel to the main road, and was only 3 to 4 miles distant from it, said the enemy’s flankers would intercept him, and that it would be vain to make the attempt. I therefore left him, and taking that road, pursued it toward Winchester alone. Within 3 miles of that city I found the road occupied by the enemy.
The next morning I started for Martinsburg, and learned I was again cut off. I therefore resolved to strike off for Bath, and if necessary cross the Potomac at Hancock, where I arrived Tuesday evening, and I had the honor to report to the general at Williamsport on Wednesday evening, the 27th of May.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain, U. 8S. Army, Topographical Engineers.
Major-General BANKS,
Commanding fifth Corps @ Armée.
OPERATIONS IN N. VA., W. VA., AND MD. (Cuap., XXIV.
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