George H. Gordon, From Brook Farm to Cedar Mountain

[188] Major Wheat, an attempt was made to turn both of Kenly's flanks, while the Maryland Rebel regiment, with Wheat's Louisiana battalion of five companies, advanced against his front. Before such odds there was no hope. Setting fire to his camp, Kenly retreated to the first bridge, closely followed by the Rebel Maryland, the Louisiana battalions, and the cavalry. Here a stand was made, but without avail; for the enemy in overwhelming numbers pushed on, captured the bridge, and drove our forces a mile further to the bridge over the North Fork of the river. Again a stand was made, with an unsuccessful attempt to burn the bridge; but Kenly was once more forced back on the road towards Winchester. About a mile from this second bridge the road runs over a commanding eminence on the right of the turnpike. There Kenly determined to fight. When the enemy appeared he opened on him with his two guns, but without effect; for the enemy's infantry and skirmishers attacked him in front, while the Rebel cavalry crossing to the left turned his position, and he fell back. It was from here that Kenly despatched couriers to General Banks, -some of whom got through, as will appear. Kenly now marched up the road in such excellent order that his enemies viewed him with admiration. Reaching a favorable position his guns were posted, and again the roar and rattle of his artillery fell about Jackson's ears, who is reported to have groaned out aloud, “Oh, that my guns were here!”

By this time the enemy's cavalry, who had been fighting and capturing prisoners all along the railroad from Front Royal to Buckton, came upon the stricken band. This cavalry force appeared on the Winchester road, and above Kenly, who had now been driven back as far as Cedarville, which is five miles north of Front Royal, in the direction of Winchester. Here Kenly formed a line of battle with