USA > New York > A brief history of the Twenty-Eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Corps, Army of the Potomac, from the author's diary and official reports. With the muster-roll of the regiment, and many pictures, articles and letters > Part 4
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The difference in the feelings of the men when entering the town and now was very apparent. With regret they moved back to New Market, nineteen miles, and went into camp.
The small army corps of General Banks was here divided, General Shields' divi- sion being ordered to join the army of General McDowell at Fredericksburg. This withdrawal left General Banks with only the division of General Williams, of about five thousand infantry to hold the valley against an active enemy who could attack his flank at any time by way of the many gaps in the mountains on the east. This fact General Jackson at once per- ceived and made his plans for a descent on General Banks' forces.
May 9th, the Twenty-eighth was sent as support to cavalry into the Luray Valley. It marched over the Peaked Mountains, through Swift's Gap to the south fork of the Shenandoah River, a distance of over twenty miles, and returned on the roth with no result. This march was ordered on the report that General Jackson was in the Luray Valley with a force of infantry. The road over the mountains was beautiful indeed, being smooth and firm, making the ascent a gradual one by a zigzag course. But the fine road, the magnificent scenery, the woods afire, the fact of being in the vicinity of the famous Luray caves, had no interest to foot-sore, weary soldiers when they learned it was only a false alarm.
The regiment remained at New Market several days. On May 7th the news of the evacuation of Yorktown was received. The batteries fired national salutes. Best's battery, under the personal direction of
General Banks, fired at a target. The combined bands of the First Brigade joined in the celebration, visiting each regimental headquarters, playing national airs. They were accompanied by Colonel Donnelly, who was in temporary command of the brigade, and other officers. Colonel Brown was serenaded at his tent, and responded with a fine speech, saying " he thought we would soon be permitted to return to our homes." Colonel Donnelly replied that he was " only in command of the brigade by an accident." "Three cheers for the accident," cried Lieutenant-Colonel Self- ridge of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, and these were given with a will. Colonel Donnelly continuing, said : "When Gen- eral. Williams shall return to take com- mand again, I am thankful I have so good a regiment to go to. I am proud of the Twenty-eighth New York, and proud of the First Brigade. Let us give ihree cheers for Old Alf Williams, one of the best men the world ever saw." The enthusi- astic response indicated that the men agreed most heartily with the colonel's opinion of the Brigadier-General.
On the 13th of May the regiment marched through Mount Jackson and Edenburgh to Woodstock, a distance of twenty miles, and went into camp for the night in a large field of wheat. The next day's march was fifteen miles, to Round Hill, near Strasburg, where the command remained ten days
On May 22d occurred the first anniver- sary of the regiment's muster into the United States service at Albany. This was celebrated by the officers at headquar- ters, where speeches were made in honor of the event. The men had now been in the service one year, and while they had been in no general battle all felt that in skirmishing, marching and campaigning they were veterans. Soon, however, the Twenty eighth was destined to take part in the realities of war in bloody engage- ments, with severe losses, seldom exceeded in a regiment's history.
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BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
CHAPTER V.
THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER, AND BANKS' RETREAT.
MAY 23D, 24TH AND 25TH, 1862.
S TONEWALL JACK- son, learning of the small force left in the valley, after the with- drawal of Shields' Divi- sion, determined on General Banks' destruc- tion or capture. He had been joined by the divisions of Generals Ewell and Edward Johnson, and had now an army of seventeen thousand five hun- dred men to hurl upon Banks' small command of four thousand infantry and fifteen hundred cavalry ..
That this force was not defeated or cap- tured, and that the immense trains of over five hundred wagons were conducted across the Potomac with but small loss, was a " source of gratification " to General Banks and speaks well for the soldierly qualities of the regiments composing his division.
General Banks wisely had determined that " to remain at Strasburg was to be surrounded and destroyed," and the only course left to him, with his little division, was " to enter the list with the enemy in a race or a battle, as he should choose, for the possession of Winchester."
May 23d, Colonel Kenly's First Mary- land regiment, which had been assigned by General Banks the duty of guarding Front Royal and vicinity, was suddenly surprised and defeated by the overwhelming forces of General Jackson, who approached by the Luray Valley. This position was eighteen miles distant from Strasburg, where the division of General Banks was encamped. Colonel Kenly was surrounded, but made a stubborn resistance, losing nearly his entire command. This was the beginning of the famous " Banks' Retreat," in which the Twenty-eighth bore an important part.
On the morning of the 24th, the small division, consisting of the First Brigade commanded by Colonel Donnelly, the Third commanded by Colonel Gordon, and the cavalry under General Hatch, started at one o'clock from Strasburg for Win- chester, on what proved to be both "a race and a battle."
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The details of this march, the battle of Winchester, and the retreat which followed are well told in the official reports of Col- onels Donnelly and Brown. They show in full the part taken by the Twenty-eighth regiment in these historic events.
REPORT OF COL. DUDLEY DONNELLY, TWENTY- EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY, COMMANDING FIRST BRIGADE, OF OPERATIONS MAY 24TH TO 26TH.
HEADQUARTERS IST BRIG., IST DIV .. DEP'T OF THE SHENANDOAH. WILLIAMSPORT, MD., May 29, 1$62.
General,- In obedience to orders received from you, on the morning of the 24th of May instant, at I o'clock, the First Brigade, comprising the Forty- sixth Pennsylvania, Twenty-eighth New York, and Fifth Connecticut Volunteers (the First Maryland being at Front Royal on detached service), and Best's battery of Fourth U. S. Artillery, broke up their encampment at Round Hill and marched to Strasburg, at which place we halted for one hour. I was then directed by Major General Banks to march to Middletown on the road to Winchester, a large portion of our train having preceded us in that direction.
As the head of the column approached Middle- town a portion of the train was met returning in great confusion and disorder, the guards reporting that they were attacked by the rebels in front. The trains were ordered by me to move into a field. The brigade advanced rapidly through the village, when a large body of the enemy's cavalry appeared on the right, half a mile distant, partially covered by woods. The brigade was halted, and two com- panies of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers were thrown forward as skirmishers, and a section of Battery M, First New York Artillery, supported by the Forty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, under Col. J. F. Knipe, were advanced in that direction. Five companies of the rebel cav- alry appeared in an open field immediately in front of a piece of woods, and our artillery opened upon them. The enemy retired, after receiving a few well-directed shots, to the woods in their rear. The skirmishers advanced and drove the enemy from the woods into and across another open field, where the artillery and the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- teers advanced and occupied the position. The .
artillery again opened upon them. Our line advanced, the rebels retreating, notwithstanding re-enforcements of cavalry were observed to join them.
At this point, having driven them back two miles from the pike, the troops engaged returned to the main road by your order, and our march was con- tinued toward Winchester, the train following in the rear. When within five miles of Winchester I detached the Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers
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TWENTY. EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
and a section of artillery to return to Middletown. by your order, to support General Hatch, an attack having been made in the rear of the train. With the remainder of the force under my command I marched forward, and, by your direction, took a position on the Front Royal road one mile from Winchester.
It being dark we could not select our position with care. The Forty-sixth took position on the right of the road. the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers on the left, Best's battery on the hill immediately in the rear. Ascertaining that the hills in front were picketed by two companies of the Tenth Maine and some cavalry the men were allowed to bivouac, but could not rest, being without hlankets, overcoats, or knapsacks, and having little or no food.
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During the night the enemy kept continually firing on the pickets, hut met with such determined resistance that our line remained undisturbed till soon after daylight, when the Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers arrived on the ground. Before the men had prepared their breakfast the enemy drove in the pickets with a large force of infantry and artillery. The regiments rapidly formed in line, the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers deploying from column of companies in the face of a severe fire. The enemy attacked the center, pouring in upon it a storm of shot and shell, and at the same time moved three regiments to the left, menacing our left flank. They were met firmly by the Fifth Con- necticut and Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers at the center, and after a short hut decisive conflict fled in disorder, leaving a large number of dead and wounded on the field. As they retired a section of Best's hattery, under Lieutenant Cushing. poured in upon them a deadly fire of grape and canister, mowing them down at each discharge. They at- tempted to rally again as they moved toward the left, hut received a volley from the Twenty- eighth New York Volunteers, which completed their entire rout.
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Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, with the Twenty- eighth New York, moved rapidly to the left, and hy skillfully disposing of his force effectually pre- vented our flank being turned. The rebel infantry withdrew to their original line on the hill, and made no further attack or demonstration on our position.
A heavy fog having settled over the ground the firing ceased on hoth sides for almost half an hour. As the mist cleared away the enemy opened upon us from two batteries, which was promptly responded to by our hatteries, re-enforced hy a sec- tion of Battery M, First New York Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Peabody. At the same time we became aware that the right wing of the division was attacked. The rebel batteries con tinued to shell the left wing, and although their pieces were well served our men stood firm.
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I received orders from General Banks through Captain d'Hauteville to retire, as the right of our division was turned. I immediately gave orders to retreat. The brigade retired in good order, taking the right of the pike and a half a mile distant there- from toward Martinshurg, the head of the column being opposite the rear of the other wing of our division.
We continued to march in this order to Bunker Hill, pursued by the artillery and cavalry of the enemy, near which place the Forty-sixth Pennsyl- vania fell into the rear of the right wing on the pike.
At this point the sick men and stragglers, who numbered about fifty, while resting on the ground, were suddenly surrounded hy three companies of cavalry and called upon to surrender, but falling quickly into line they delivered a galling fire into their midst; then, fixing hayonets, they charged and drove them out of the woods. The rebels left six dead on the field and we captured one prisoner. We were not pursued any farther by the enemy.
On arriving at the Charlestown road opposite Martinshurg [ communicated with Major-General Banks, and received orders to move on. We took the road to Dam No. 4. at which place we arrived ahout 10 o'clock P. M. Finding the river too high to ford we marched three miles up the river to . Jameson's Ferry, where a boat was found capable of crossing thirty men. After throwing out a strong rear guard, I allowed the men to lie down and ' sieep, only awaking sufficient numhers to keep the ferry busy.
I am much indehted to Lieutenant Colonel Chap- man, Fifth Connecticut Volunteers, and Captain Bowen, Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers, for their untiring exertions in assisting me in crossing the men with the small means at our command.
At 4 A. M., the entire force having heen crossed, the field officers of the regiments, accompanied by the brigade officers, passed the river. The entire crossing was effected without accident or panic after a march of forty-three miles without rest or food for twenty-four hours.
The commanders of the regiments, Colonel J. F. Knipe, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was slightly wounded ; Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. Brown, Twenty-eighth New York, and Lieutenant- Colonel George D. Chapman, Fifth Connecticut Volunteers, and the officers and men of their com- mands, are entitled to great credit for the courage and coolness displayed hy them in the face of a superior force.
Owing to the untiring exertions of the officers and coolness and good discipline of the men I was enahled to conduct the retreat in good order and without loss.
I would particularly mention the gallant conduct of Captain E. A. Bowen, Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers, who commanded the rear guard and effectually protected our retreat. Lieutenant E. L. Whitman, of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, attached to my staff, alone carried the orders to the different regiments through the thickest of the fight, and is entitled to my warmest approbation. Captain W. D. Wilkins, assistant adjutant-general First Divi- sion, who brought the order to retreat, was unable to rejoin the right wing, and remained with the First Brigade. By his coolness and personal hravery he encouraged the officers and men and rendered valu- ahle assistance, as I had but one staff officer present.
The train of the entire hrigade, numhering over 100 heavily loaded wagons, was hrought safely through with small loss by the untiring energy and skill of Lieutenant C. L. Skeels, acting hrigade quartermaster. . The whole force of the First Bri- gade amounted to less than 1,700 men. The reported loss up to this time in killed is three ; wounded, forty-seven ; missing, two hundred and fifty-one. This will be materially lessened, as numerous parties have heen heard fiom who crossed the river at different points above and below this place. The force of the enemy opposed to the left wing was nine regiments of infantry and two hat- teries of artillery.
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COLONEL BROWN'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
I hope the First Brigade has done no discredit to the discipline attained while under your com- mand.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. DONNELLY,
Colonel, Twenty-eighth New York Vols , Command- ing.
Brig .- Gen. ALPHEUS S. WILLIAMS. Commanding First Division.
REPORTS OF LIEUT .- COL. EDWIN F. BROWN, TWENTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY, OF OPERATIONS MAY 24TH AND 251H.
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
CAMP NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, MD., May 28, 1862.
Sir,- I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 25th instant the regiment under my command took up its position in line of battle on the extreme left of the brigade at about 4 o'clock. A brisk fire from the rebel batteries was soon opened upon us with shot and shell. Our ambu- lances immediately moved to the rear and the posi- tion of our regiment was somewhat altered. Im- mediately after this a strong column of infantry was seen advancing, and was, when discovered, within 200 yards of us.
At this time the Twenty-eighth was standing in line of battle directly behind a stone wall, and about ten rods in rear of the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers, who were standing in column by companies, the men making coffee. A moment later the head of the column of rebels opened fire on the Twenty-eighth New York and the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, not yet having seen the Fifth Connecticut, who were stationed on low ground. This fire we immediately returned over the heads of the Fifth Connecticut. We continued firing until the Fifth deployed in line of battle, when we immediately moved by our left Hank some distance farther to the left, intending to occupy an orchard. We advanced for this purpose, so that the line of battle of the brigade was crescent-shaped, the Fifth Connecticut occupying the center, the Forty-sixth the right.
When the left of the regiment was within about ten rods of the orchard the enemy were seen mov- ing to their right, and at this short range we poured a volley from the left wing of the regiment with tremendous effect. At this time the fog and smoke were so dense as to make it impossible to see over a few rods. Captain Bush was ordered by Major Cook to advance a platoon as skirmishers on our left to find the enemy. While the skirmishers were advancing Private Bartram, acting as my orderly, being mounted, rode to the top of the hill behind which the rebel column had retreated. Owing to the smoke and fog he was unable to see them until within less than six rods. A volley was fired at him, and strange to say only one ball took effect, wounding the horse slightly. Bartram reported the enemy as no doubt trying to outflank us on the left wing (their right). The position of the regi- ment was again changed to counteract this move- ment. A strong position was taken behind a stone wall, where we waited. expecting the advance of the enemy every moment, but he, taking advantage of the fog, and no doubt being satisfied with the morning's work, withdrew to a safe distance. When the fog lifted they were seen in great force about a half or three-fourths of a mile from us, near
their batteries, with a line of skirmishers in front, coming on with great caution.
About this time, the right wing of our army hav- ing given way, we were ordered to retreat, which order we obeyed in good order under a heavy fire of shot and shell. The aim of the rebel batteries was wonderful, but not more so than the escape of the men, who seemed to bear charmed lives, only one man being wounded. We continued our retreat, keeping to the right of the pike. The rebels, being considerably in advance of us on the pike, kept up a brisk fire with their artillery, as op- portunity offered for several miles. When near Bunker Hill their cavalry made a dash at our rear. but were handsomely beaten off and so badly used that they troubled us no more during the day.
We continued our march, reaching the Potomac at Dam No. 4 about dark, a distance of 45 miles from Winchester. Here we hoped to be able to ford the river, but found it impracticable. We again resumed the inarch, proceeding up the river about one and one-half miles, where we found a ferry boat capable of carrying about 30 men. With this and a small boat by daylight on the morn- ing of the 26th we were all crossed over without panic, confusion, fear, or loss of life.
Owing to the scarcity of commissioned officers Sergeant Casey, of Company A, had command of the rear guard of skirmishers, which duty he per- formed most admirably and with great credit to him- self, as did most of the detail and several volunteers. We were the last regiment on the field, and the pursuit on the pike was pushed with such vigor that we found ourselves considerably in the rear of those on the pike, which made it necessary for us to avoid Martinsburg, which was done under your immediate direction with consummate skill.
Officers and men behaved with admirable cool- ness during the entire engagement, and during the retreat with wonderful and deliberate energy. Many instances of complete exhaustion occurred. and in several cases the men have shown great skill in eluding the scouts and in many cases made a de- fense successfully.
I would be delighted to make a special mention of some cases of valor and skill, but my heart is too full of gratitude to all, both officers and men, to disparage one by a more favorable mention of another. The men who were compelled to drop to the rear from exhaustion are coming in singly and in squads.
The reports at the present time show : Killed, none; wounded, 2; missing, 79; and there are strong hopes of reducing this number considerably. About 60 men have crossed at Harper's Ferry, and all have not yet reported.
We have great reason to be grateful to kind Providence and applaud the skill and energy of our commanding officers for the miraculous escape of our men from utter annihilation.
WILLIAMSPORT, MD., May 29, 1862.
Sir,-In addition to my former report of the battle at and retreat from Winchester I beg leave to submit this additional report of the skirmish with the rebel artillery and cavalry on the afternoon and evening of Saturday :
About 4 o'clock I received orders to counter- march and return to Newtown from near Kerns- town and report to General Hatch. This we did cheerfully, accompanied by the Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers and two sections of
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TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
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artillery. one of Best's and one of Cothran's and the Twenty-seventh Indana Regiment. Two companies ( B and G ), under command of Captain Bush, were deployed on the right as skirmishers. and two on the left ( D) and C ), under command of Captain Bowen When about one mile from Newtown a brisk firing of artillery was commenced by the rebels, which was promptly responded to by ours. They ( the rebels ) were soon driven from their position and retired beyond Newtown. We followed them up, and the rebels planted a bat- tery about half a mile beyond the town. One sec- tion ( Cothran's ) took position on the right of the town, supported by Captain Bush and Captain Hardie, and one section on the left, supported by two companies of the Twenty-seventh Indiana. Captain Bowen extended his line of skirmishers nearly a mile on the left and discovered a body of cavalry in the woods, with whom they exchanged several shots. The cavalry concluded it better to keep proper distance and retired. The main body remained in the town. The artillery practice was vigorously kept up till dusk, when we were or- dered to retire toward Winchester. Our skirmishers were deployed as before, and we retired in column by platoon. As we passed the wagons which were disabled and the pontoons left in the highway, I de- tailed Lieutenant George Ellicott, Company F, and ten men to burn and destroy them. This was suc- cessfully done, though frequent shots were ex- changed.
We arrived safely at Winchester at II P. M., considerably wearied by our day's march, and at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning we took our position in line of battle, as per report previously sent for- ward.
Very respectfully submitted,
E. F. BROWN,
Lieut .- Col., Comdg. Twenty-eighth Regiment New York Vols.
Col. D. DONNELLY.
Twenty-eighth N. Y. Vols., Comdg. First Brig., First Div., Dept. Shenandoah.
General Banks has been blamed for mak- ing a stand at all, with a force of only about one-fourth of the enemy's. But, had he retreated without a battle, he would have been censured also. That he made a plucky fight and a masterly retreat has al- ways been conceded.
General Jackson was greatly mortified that Banks' army had escaped him. He attributes it to his cavalry stopping to pillage instead of joining in the pursuit. The following extract from his official report will show this fact :
HEADQUARTERS 2D CORPS, ARMY OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
April 10, IS63.
* * "From the attack upon Front Royal, up to the present moment, every opposition had been borne down, and there was reason to believe if Banks reached Winchester it would be without a train, if not without an army, but in the midst of these hopes, I was pained to see, as I am now to record the fact, that so many of Ashby's command, both cavalry and infantry, forgetful of
their high irust as the advance of a pursuing army, deserted their colors, and abandoned them- selves to pillage to such an extent as to make it necessary for that gallant officer to discontinue further pursuit. The artillery, which had pushed on with energy to the vicinity of Newtown, found itself, from this discreditable conduct, without a proper support from either infantry or cavalry. The Federal forces, upon falling back into the town, pre- served their organization well. In passing through its streets, they were thrown into confusion, and shortly after, debouching into the plain, and turn- pike to Martinsburg, and, after being fired upon by our artillery, they presented the aspect of a mass of disordered fugitives. Never have I seen an oppor- tunity, when it was in the power of cavalry to reap a richer harvest of the fruits of victory. Hoping that the cavalry would soon come up, the artillery, followed by infantry, was pressed forward for about two hours, for the purpose of preventing, by artil- lery fire, a reforming of the enemy ; but, as nothing was heard of the cavalry, and as little or nothing could be accomplished without it, in the exhausted condition of our infantry, between which and the enemy the distance was continually increasing, I ordered a halt." T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant-General.
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