Jas. Shields to With the receipt of the intelligence brought by Major Haskell I, June 12, 1862

HEADQUARTERS SHIELDS’ DIVISION,

Inuray, June 12, 1862.

My advance guard was driven back on the 9th after a sanguinary engagement of four hours. I re-enforced it, and determined, in connection with you, to renew the attack next morning. After handing the dispatch to your messenger a peremptory order reached me from Washington directing me to get my command together and return at once to this point, preparatory to marching to Fredericksburg. I never obeyed an order with such reluctance, but no option was left me. The mismanagement of one of my generals left the route open to Jackson. He failed to burn the bridge at Port Republic, according to orders, and the result has been the defeat of his small command and the escape of Jackson. Here I found orders to remain till Banks is in position at Front Royal. The moment he is there I am to march to Catlett’s Station to report to Fredericksburg, thence to Richmond. The cavalry attached to you, designated as Bayard’s cavalry, are to report tome. They must come to Front Royal. If I march before they reach me they must join me at Catlett’s, by way of Chester Gap and Warrenton. j

I have the honor to be, your friend and obedient servant

Major-General, Commanding Division.

With the receipt of the intelligence brought by Major Haskell I

regarded the movement against Jackson as closed. Whatever of the

original objects of my mission I had been enabled to accomplish was

now fairly fulfilled. That the retreat of the rebel leader had been conducted with skill and ability is what no just enemy can deny him;

but had be been less favored by circumstances of weather and by the

absence of combinations beyond my control, though easy enough to