[337]
Secretary Stanton's despatch.
The following despatch was telegraphed to Gen. Shields:The following is Gen. Banks's general order relative to the battle:war Department, Washington, March 26, 1862.Brig.-Gen. Shields: Your two despatches relative to the brilliant achievement of the forces under your command have been received. While rejoicing at the success of your gallant troops, deep commiseration and sympathy are felt for those who have been victims in the gallant and victorious contest with treason and rebellion. Your wounds, as well as your success, prove that Lander's brave division is still bravely led, and that wherever its standard is displayed, rebels will be routed and pursued. To you and the officers and soldiers under your command, the Department returns thanks.Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Strasburg, March 26.The Commanding General of the Fifth Army Corps congratulates the officers and soldiers of General Shields' division, and especially its gallant commander, on the auspicious and decisive victory gained over the rebels on the twenty-third inst. The division has already achieved a renown against superior forces, and a subtle and barbarous enemy. (Signed)
General orders, No. 11. Brig.-Gen. Shields congratulates the officers and soldiers of his division, upon the glorious victory achieved by them on the twenty-third inst., near Winchester, Va. They defeated an enemy whose forces outnumbered theirs, and who were considered the bravest and best disciplined of the confederate army. He also congratulates them that it has fallen to their lot to open the campaign on the Potomac. The opening has been a splendid success. Let them inscribe “Winchester” on their banners, and prepare for other victories. (Signed)
General order, No. 19. The General commanding the division directs that the special thanks of himself and command be tendered to Capt. Ambrose Thompson, Division Quartermaster, for the energy, industry, and efficiency with which he has conducted the affairs of his department, previous to and during the battle of Winchester, and in his untiring and successful efforts since, to employ every means which judgment and activity could devise to furnish this division with everything required to render it efficient in the field. This order will be published to the command as an assurance of our appreciation of his ability, and a copy of the same will be furnished Capt. Ambrose Thompson.By command of Brig.-General Shields. H. G. Armstrong, Major Fifth Ohio Volunteers, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Governor Curtin's official order.
Headquarters P. M., Harrisburgh, April 4, 1862.
General order, No. 20.
The Governor congratulates the members of the Eighty-fourth and One hundred and tenth regiments Pennsylvania Volunteers upon their gallantry in the recent severe and brilliant action at Winchester.
Their bearing upon that occasion, under the formidable attack of a bold and desperate foe, was worthy of the high reputation already won by the soldiers of Pennsylvania on the memorable fields of Dranesville, Roanoke Island, and Newbern.
The Governor is proud to recognise the enviable distinction thus gained by the troops of the commonwealth, and trusts that to the end of the present wicked rebellion they may be distinguished by similar deeds of valor and endurance, and that, whenever called to meet the enemies of their country, they may prove their fitness to sustain its flag.
The example of the gallant Colonel Murray, of the Eighty-fourth, who fell at the head of his regiment in the conflict at Winchester, with that of the noble men of his command, who there gave their lives a willing sacrifice to their country, must stimulate all who have enlisted in her service to increased devotion, while their memory will be cherished by every patriot and add honor to the arms of Pennsylvania and the Union.
The Governor directs that “Winchester, twenty-third of March, 1862,” be inscribed on the flags of the Eighty-fourth and One hundred and tenth regiments, and that this order be read at the head of all the regiments of Pennsylvania volunteers. Cincinnati Gazette narrative.
Winchester, April 1.
The excitement and smoke of battle having now cleared away, I am enabled to send you a full and concise history of the late terrible battle of Winchester.
On the eighteenth and nineteenth ultimo, Gen. Shields made a reconnaissance in the direction of Mount Jackson, and there ascertained that the enemy under Jackson was strongly posted near that place, and in communication with a large force at Luray and Washington.
He deemed it important to draw him from his position and supporting force if possible.
To effect this, he fell back upon Winchester on the twentieth, giving his movement all the appearance of a hasty retreat.
The last brigade of the First division of Gen. Banks's corps d'armee left Winchester for Centreville by the way of Berryville, on the morning of the twenty-second, leaving only Shields' division and the Michigan cavalry.
The enemy's scouts, observing this movement, 