Thomas J. Jackson to R. L. Dabney, June 11, 1862

MaJor: On Thursday, May 29 ultimo, this command, Brigadier-General Steuart, commanding Maryland Line, marched from Martinsburg to beyond Charlestown. On the 30thit was ordered toward Harper’s Ferry. The enemy were found on Bolivar Heights, and, after driving in their skirmishers with a few sharpshooters from the First Maryland Regiment, our artillery, Captain Cutshaw’s battery, drove them from the hill. I then advanced with Company A, Maryland Cavalry, and my regiment, and took possession of the heights. We captured the camp of the enemy, full of stores and arms. I went to the Potomac. Very soon he opened on me from a battery at Barbour’s house, and a gun to our right, when, having no artillery to support me, I was ordered back by Brigadier-General Steuart. I went into camp 24 miles east of Charlestown, without rations, my wagons having been sent forward. Thenext day, 31st, I was rear guard of the army, and marched 7 miles beyond Winchester. The next day, June 1, also rear guard; marched beyond Strasburg. On the 6th of June, 2 miles southeast of Harrisonburg, I became engaged with a force of the enemy—one brigade and the First Pennsylvania Rifles (Bucktail Rifles), (Captain [Wilson C.] Nicholas, Company G, captured their colone., ane), and, together with the Fiftyeighth Virginia, Colonel [Samuel H.] Letcher, we drove them back. Here I lost Capt. M. S. Robertson, Company I, a gallant officer, who fell at the head of his men, in a charge, shouting, ”Go on, my men; don’t fall back for me.” Here also fell Second Lieut. Nicholas Snowden, a true and brave soldier, who died as became his life, in the arms of victory, with his face tothe foe. Near him fell the chivalric Ashby. Here also died Privates [William E.] Harris and [L. R.] Schley, Company H; Murphy, Company G, and [E. W.] Beatty, Company D. Beatty was advanced in years, and has steadily refused promotion at my hand, preferring to carry his rifle in defense of right and honor. Besides these of 150 men engaged. My colors fell twice, but were caught before they touched the ground. Color Sergt. Joseph Doyle was severely wounded, and left in a house in the neighborhood; Color-Corporal Taylor was badly shot, and Color-Corporal [Daniel] Shanks carried them the rest of thetime. I subjoin a list.t

* Received too late for insertion in proper sequence. t Not found. 52 R R—VOL XII, PT I (817)

On the 8th of June my regiment was engaged in the center, on the left, and supporting the Baltimore Light Artillery. Soon after getting into position, I was attacked by a regiment slightly to my left. I changed position and drove them back. In a short time another regiment came up, and got behind a fence some 300 yards from me. This place they obstinately held for an hour. I could not charge them, not having 175 men in ranks, and having to cross a branch, aravine, and a fence. At last, however, I drove them out, leaving some dead and quantities of arms, accouterments, and blankets. Soon after, another regiment was brought up the road, a little to my right, but my men dispersed them rapidly.

No other attack was made on this point during the day. The enemy had a piece of artillery, some 800 yards distant, the whole time, playing on me with grape, but when our rifles sent the last attacking regiment back, it retired. A demonstration was before that made on my left, but the force retired without effecting anything. About 4 to 5 o’clock my ammunition gave out, and the guns became so hot and foul as to be seriously impaired. Major-General Ewell then ordered me back for a new supply, and my regiment did not get into action again. There was no move made on my wing after I left, for I came back myself, and, under General Ewell’s orders, pushed Colonel Patton’s and Colonel Hays’ commands furward on our extreme left.

Our loss was severe. Brig. Gen. George H. Steuart, in command on the left, and of my regiment and the battery, was shot, toward the close of the engagement, in the shoulder, severely, but not dangerously. His acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant [Frank A.] Bond, and his aide, Lieut. Randolph [H.] McKim, each had horses wounded. Second Lieut. H. [H.] Bean, Company I, was wounded, and 24 men. I subjoin a list.* wo men were wounded in the battery.

It is my duty to notice the precision and gallantry with which Captain Brockenbrough served his guns.

I was not under fire on the 9th, but lost 1 man wounded, Private eeuue Simpson, Company D, who was fighting with the Fifty-second

Yoar obedient servant, BRADLEY T. JOHNSON, Colonel First Maryland Regt., Comdg. Maryland Line. Maj. JAMES BARBOUR, Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Division.

SPECIAL oe HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRIOT, No. 230. June 13, 1862. * * * * * * *

III. Colonel Johnson, of the First Maryland Regiment, is directed to encamp, with his command, in the vicinity of Staunton, Va., for the purpose of recruiting; and is also ordered to collect all stragglers from the Army of the Valley, and return them to these headquarters under guard.

By order of Major-General Jackson: