Lorenzo Thomas to Edwin M. Stanton, June 3, 1862

General Sigel, with 6,000, and Orawford’s brigade, Williams’ division, 3,000, will be in Winchester to-morrow. There is feo d positive news of Jackson. Message received from McDowell at Front Royal says he believes Frémont is at Strasburg. The river is very high at Williamsort, and crossing is very slow. ie i a N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.

Hon. E. M. STANTON. Seorctary of War.

MARTINSBURG, June 4, 1862—9 a. m. (Received 10.54 a. m.) The trains will run over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to-morrow night. The telegraph is open east and west to Cumberland. The river is very high, and my last brigade will cross very slowly. Still raining heavily. Damage to bridge is not great. N. P. BANKS,

Major-General, Commanding.

Secretary of War.

MARTINSBURG, June 4, 1862—9 a. m. (Received 11 a. m.) The best information I can get shows that Jackson left Winchester about 11 a. m. Friday, his train in front. He encountered Frémont’s advance near Cedar Creek, which he held in check on Saturday until his troops passed up the valley. His rear guard thén took a position upon a hill 2 miles beyond Strasburg, which he held Sunday and Monday. The cannonading there is described as terrific by the people. The last heard of him was that he was at New Market. His entire force is represented as near 40,000 by the people of Winchester. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

WINCHESTER, June 5, 1862. (Received June 6, 10.50 a. m.)

From report of an eye-witness to the retreat of Jackson, being at Strasburg, Jackson reached Strasburg Friday evening late. Frémont arrived within 5 miles of Strasburg some time unknown to Jackson, via Moorefield, Wardensville, and over the mountain by the Hardy grade. A rebel scout in that direction discovered him, showed themselves in two or three places, and then sent a young lad to Frémont’s force to say that Jackson was there with his artillery, infantry, &c. This delayed the advance some time. In the mean time Jackson fell back to near Rude’s Hill, 5 miles above Strasburg. Fighting began Sunday Ist, a.m., and continued Sunday and Monday all day, with very sharp musketry discharges. Many of our prisoners escaped at Mount Jackson. Frémont’s pursuit close and Jackson himself much excited. Tuesday morning Jackson at New Market; last at Harrisonburg. Secessionists say peer occupied Rude’s Hill and Jackson cut through. This is not

” N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WINCHESTER, June 5, 1862—11 a. m. (Received June 6, 11 a. m.) The river is yet impassable for men, horses, or wagons; but one brigade of Williams’ division is on this side. Supplies are short, but I have ordered the town to be thoroughly searched for stores secreted by Jackson’s army. General Sigel’s command cannot move for some days. It will be three days before the balance of troops can cross the river and reach this point. Still raining. Have not heard from bridge at Harper’s Ferry. Winchester Railroad disabled. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

WINCHESTER, June 6, 1862,

Via Harper’s Ferry, June 7, 1862. River is falling, and our trains and troops will be over by to-morrow night. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad will be in operation by Monday; the Winchester road in two or three days at least. We can then

send supplies to Frémont. No news from the valley of importance.

N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, Washington, June 8, 1862.

Send immediately to Front Royal a force to relieve the troops now there under General McDowell. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

Wak DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.’S OFFICE, Washington, June 8, 1862.

GENERAL: [I inclose herewith for your information a manuscript copy of General Orders, No. 62.

Instructions have been given to Major-General Frémont to take position with his main force at or near Harrisonburg, to guard against any operations of the enemy down the valley of the Shenandoah.

The Secretary of War directs that you take position in force at or near Front Royal, on the right or left bank of the Shenandoah, with an advance on Luray or other points in supporting distance of General Frémont; also that you occupy with sufficient detachments the former positions of Brigadier-General Geary on the line of the Manas. sas Gap Railroad as far as the Manassas Junction.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,