My attention was then turned to the battery on the hill. Instead of following the road, as the rebels expected, I pushed five companies in _ skirmishing order, and at double-quick time, up, a hill to the right, intending to get arouud the left flank of the enemy, and cut off their retreat. Hardly had my companies deployed and started forward, and got within rifle range, before the rebels limbered up and put off over
the bluff in hottest haste. Between their position and that of my men was a deep, precipitous gorge, the crossing of which occupied about ten minutes. When the opposite ridge was gained we discovered the rebels indiscriminately blent, with a mass of women and children, flying as for life from the town. Having no horse, pursuit of the cannoneers was impossible. They went off under whip and spur. After that I quietly marched into the place, and took possession of the empty houses and a legion of negroes, who alone seemed unscared by our presence. After searching the town for arms, camp equipage, &c., I returned to Cumberland by the same road, reaching camp at 11 o’clock at night. My return was forced, owing to the fact that there was not a mile on the road that did not offer half a dozen positions for the ruin or rout of my regiment by a much smaller force.
The loss of the rebels we have not been able to accurately ascertain. A citizen of Romney admitted two killed. My own surgeon dressed the wound of one man. A number of tents were taken. Quite a number of rifles were destroyed, and, among others, I have a Maj. Isaac Vandever prisoner, a gentleman who, from accounts, has been very active in exciting rebellion, organizing troops, and impressing loyal citizens. I have also an excellent assortment of surgical stores, which, with the – tents, I have taken the liberty to convert.
My regiment behaved admirably, attacking coolly and in excellent order. Where all behaved gallantly, I cannot single out officers for praise. Sufficient to say they conducted themselves like veterans, and in such a manner as to entitle them to your confidence in any field.
I beg to call your attention to the length of our march—eighty-seven miles in all, forty-six of which was on foot, over a continuous succession of mountains, made in twenty-four hours, without rest, and varied by a brisk engagement—made, too, without leaving a man behind, and, what is more, my men are ready to repeat it to-morrow.
I have already received your approval of my enterprise, for which I am very much obliged. One good result has come of it: the loyal men in that region have taken heart. Very shortly I think you will hear of another Union company from that district. Moreover, it has brought home to the insolent “chivalry” a wholesome respect for Northern prowess.
Very truly, sir,
your obedient servant,
LEW. WALLACE,
Commanding Regiment.
Major-General PATTERSON, Chambersburg, Pa.
JUNE 17, 1861.—Action near Vienna, Va.
No. 1.—Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U. 8, Army.
No. 2.—Brig. Gen. Robert C. Schenck, U. 8. Army.
No. 3.—Col. Maxcy: Gregg, First South Carolina Infantry.