Jos. Carpenter to Charles S. Winder, May 26, 1862

Srr: In obedience to your orders of this date I make the following report of the operations of my battery in the battle of Winchester on the 25th instant :

After marching the day previous and nearly all night without sleep, I received orders early on the morning of the 25th to move my battery forward and place it in position to the left and south of Winchester on a height that was pointed out to me by the major-general. I executed this order as speedily as possible. ‘

After placing my pieces in position and opening fire upon the enemy I found that I was exposed to an enfilading fire from a battery of two pieces on my left and a direct fire from a battery of six pieces in my front. However, after firing some 30 or 40 rounds on the battery in front, I was very much rejoiced to sée it limber to the rear and move off, as it left me only exposed to the fire of the battery to my left and the enemy’s sharpshooters in my rear.

At this time my first lieutenant, John C. Carpenter, was placed in command of Captain Cutshaw’s battery, which had lost all the commis.

sioned officers with it, and I was ordered to change my position on an elevated position on the left of the line of battle. I moved as speedily as possible to the left of General Taylor’s brigade; but before getting into position I was told by the general that he intended charging the enemy’s left flank, and not to fire. His charge completely routed the left flank of the enemy, and I received orders to pursue the enemy as speedily as possible, but in consequence of the worn-out condition of my lrorses I was unable to get to the front.

The artillery duel was a hot one, as the following list will show: Killed, 1, and wounded, 6. During the engagement I lost 2 horses.

As to the manner in which the company performed its duty, suffice it to say that the brigadier-general must be cognizant, as he was present several times during the engagement.

Very respectfully submitted.