Nathaniel P. Banks to Edwin M. Stanton, May 24, 1862

(Received 7.5 a. m.} Colonel Kenly’s command of infantry and cavalry has been driven from Front Royal, with considerable loss in killed, wounded, and _ prisoners. The enemy’s force estimated at 5,000 or 6,000. It is reported as fallen back on Front Royal; probably occupies that place this morning. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. Stanton. STRASBURG, May 24, 1862. (Received 7.10 a. m.) Cannot give details this morning of our loss. The force of the enemy was very large; not less than 6,000 to 10,000. It is probably Ewell’s force, passing through Shenandoah Valley. Jackson is still in our front. We have sent our stores to the rear, but troops remain here. Thanks for the re-enforcements. Enemy’s cavalry reported on the Winchester road this morning by our scouts. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. STRASBURG, Va., May 24, 1862—7.15 a. m. (Received 9.45 a. m.) Thanks for dispatch. We shall stand firm. Enemy is undoubtedly in strong force. Reported on the road to Winchester this :orning, in strength from 6,000 to 10,000. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. WINCHESTER, May 24, 1862—8 p. m. (Received 9.45 p. m.) I was satisfied by the affair at Front Royal yesterday that I could not hold Strasburg with my force against Jackson’s and Ewell’s armies, who I believed intended immediate attack. Though I might have saved my command, it would have been impossible to secure the vast stores and extensive trains accumulated there, and, learning from a variety of sources entitled to belief that Ewell intended to put his force between Strasburg and Winchester in order to cut off retreat and prevent re-enforcements, I concluded that the safest course for my command was to anticipate the enemy in the occupation of Winchester. My advance guard entered this town at 5 this evening, with all our trains and stores in safety. A strong attack was made upon our trains at Middletown by rebel cavalry, artillery, and infantry, but it was re- ‘pulsed by our troops, and the few wagons abandoned by teamsters nearly all recovered. I learn here that the pickets of the enemy were within 5 miles of the town this morning, on the Front Royal road. I shall return to Strasburg with my command immediately. I learn from a prisoner taken to-day, who was at the engagement at Front Royal yesterday, that Colonel Kenly was wounded only and not killed. N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. (Same to General Frémont.) WaAB DEPARTMENT, May 24, 1862. Major-General BANKS, Winchester : In your dispatch of this evening to the President you say that you intend to return with your command to Strasburg. The question is suggested whether you will not by that movement expose your stores and trains at Winchester. The President desires therefore more detailed information than you have yet furnished respecting the force and position of the enemy in your neighborhood before you make a movement that will subject Winchester or Harper’s Ferry to danger from sudden attack. You will please report fully before moving. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WINCHESTER, May 24, 1862. (Received 11.50 p. m.) I am persuaded that a large force of the enemy occupied positions to-day between Strasburg and Winchester, but had not time to co-oper- ate. The city is full of rumors as to the movements of the enemy, and apprehensions of attack to-morrow are entertained by many. Colonel Miles telegraphs that a rebel party of 60 attacked Colonel Beal’s baggage train this afternoon at Berryville, killing 1 and wounding 3.

N. P. BANKS,