E 's SSSS^SkSwk^ -QJ. REPORT OF TIIR OrEIlATfONS MAJ.-GEN. FREMONT, IN COMMAND OF THE MOUNTAIN DErAllTMENT, DrnrxG rnK SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1802 NEW YORK: BAKER A GODWIN, PRINTERS, PHINTING-IIOUSF. SQUARE. 1800. I Glass _^ Ef^3 TT REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS MAJ.-GEISr. FEEMONT, IN COMMAND OF THE MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT, DUaiNG THE SPRING AND SUI^IMER OF 1863. NEW YORK: BAKER & GODWIN, PRINTERS, PRINTIXG-HOUSE SQUARE. 1866. CI REPORT. -*^-- Keav Yokk, X. Y., Dec. 31st., 1865. Brevet Beig.-General J. C. Keltok, AssT. Adgt.-Genekal, WAsnmaTox, D. C. Sir : I have had tJie honor to receive your commimicatioii of the 4th iiltiiiio, requesting a report of operations in the Mountain Department, during the period of my command, in 1862. Unavoidable engagements have interfered to prevent an earlier compliance with your request ; and having been specially ordered, shortly after I was relieved, to turn over to my suc- cessor all books, records, and documents, pertaining to the De- partment, I am also without the data necessary to complete and full statements. Under the order of the President, bearing date March 11, I proceeded to the designated Headquarters of my Department, AVheeling, Va., relieving Brigadier-General Rosecrans, and assuming command March 29, 1862. The disposition and numbers of troops, upon my arrival witliin the Department, were reported to me as follows : Within the District of the Cumberland, comprising all east of the Alleghanies and west of the Department of the Potomac — three regiments of infantry and one company of cavalry. The district commanded by Brigadier-General R. 0. Schenck, Within the Cheat Mountain District, comprieing all west of the Alleghanies, south of the railroad lines, north of the Yalley of the Gaiiley, and east of the AVestem and Summer- ville Koad— six regiments andhve companies of infantry, four companies of cavalry, and two batteries of artiUery. District under command of Brigadier-General E. H. Milroy. Within the Kailroad District, comprising all north and west of the railroad lines— thirty-four companies of infantry of different regiments, eight companies of cavalry, and three batteries of artillery. Brigadier-General B. F. Kelly com- manding. , . Within the District of the Kanawha, comprismg all the valleys of the Kanawha and Guyandotte Rivers, and mouth of the Big Sandy— twelve regiments and three companies of infantry, "fifteen companies of cavalry, and two batteries of artillery. District commanded by Brigadier-General J. D. Cox. J 1 /-. AVithin the Districts of Big Sandy Yalley and the Gap, commanded respectively by Colonels Garfield and Carter, were troops estimated in the total at a fraction over mne thousand men. The total of troops within the Departnjent as ascertamed or estimated, that is to say : Of infantry, thirty-five and two- tenths regiments ; of cavalry, thirty-six compames ; and ot artillery, nine batteries ; stood in figures at thirty-four thousand two hundred and seventy-one men (34,271). Shortly after assuming command I was informed by the Secretary of War that the troops in Eastern Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia, although included within the hmits of my Department, would not be subject to my command or control. This deducted, agreeably to the estimates turned over to nic, nine thousand one hundred and ninety-five men (9 195). Adding to these the percentage allowed in estimates as sick, &c., and not available for duty, a further decrease took place of six thousand two hundred and sixty-nine men (6,269), leaving balance of eighteen thousand eight hundred and seven (18,807) effective force. Say, in round numbers, nineteen tho isand men (19,000). With these troops it was necessary to guard a frontier of three liundred and fifty miles, approached by roads more or less at rectangles with lines in occupation, and having few interior cross-communications. They were also employed to guard the depots, bridges and tunnels on three hundred miles of railroad and over two hundred miles of water com- munication. Several partially-formed regiments and com- panies were found waiting at different localities on my arrival at Wheeling, and asked only to be mustered in and furnished with arms to do good and loyal service. Eecent orders, how- ever, of the War Department, concerning enlistments and the increase of regiments, forbade my acceptance of more than a limited proportion of these troops, and this proportion only as a remainder upon previous quotas of the State. By special permission, two howitzer batteries were afterward organized, but at a date so late as to compel a detail from troops already in service, to make up the rank and file, thus failing to increase the total of enlisted within the Department. The enemy, beginning already to gain strength by rein- forcements opposite the whole extent of my lines, was not hesitative in his demonstrations. Early in April, General Milroy, within the Cheat Mountain District, was attacked, near Monterey, by a force of over one thousand rebels, with cavalry and artillery. After a short engagement, the enemy were put to rout, and driven, with heavy loss, beyond the Shenandoah Mountain. At this point pursuit was restrained, partly owing to absence of supports, but mainly because of the want of horses to get forward artillery. Guerrillas also began to be active, and, later in the month, a small body of infantry, sent out by General Schenck from Romney, were attacked on Grass Lick, near Lost River. The skirmish was severe, our men losing several killed and wounded. A reinforcement of cavalry coming up, however, under Lieut.- Colonel Do^vney, of the Potomac Home Brigade, the rebels were driven and pursued, with the loss of their leader and others killed, besides a number wounded and captured. Still later, in April, an expedition of infantry and cavalry was sent out from Weston by Colonel Harris, of the Tenth Virginia, against guerrillas infesting Webster Comity. The cavahy, under Lieutenant Lawson, being attacked near Addi- son, after killing five of the enemy, fell back upon the infan- try, under Captain Darnall. A running tight then ensued, in Avhich the guerrillas were assailed in their own style. The skirmish continued for several hours, at the end of whicli time the bushwhackers wei'e routed, with tlie farther loss of twelve killed, several Avounded, and four or tive captured. The vil- lage of Addison, being deserted bj its original inhabitants, and found to be a rendezvous for the enemy, was burned. Some cattle and horses were also captured. The loss of Cap- tain Darnall's command was but three wounded in all. The lesson inflicted upon the guerrillas in this instance was severe, and induced their leader to send in a letter offering terms of compromise. Other affairs and skirmishes took place between detached parties of our troops and the guerrillas up to within the month of May. It was ascertained, that, under expectation of entii*e immu- nity, by virtue of commissions issued at this time broadcast by Governor Letcher, these irregular bands were drawing; together in considerable strength, and waited only for the coming ot the leaves to harass, with robbery and murd'er, our lines from right to left. As a preventive measure, certain of their class were, after fiill and fair trial by military commission, promj^tly executed by hanging. The effect was to correct a mistaken belief in impimity for their crimes, and to render more secm'e interior points and roads, as well as loyal inhabitants of the several military districts. In connection with the irregular, but often prolonged and severe contests with guerrillas, it is just to name Colonels Harris and Eathbone, of Virginia troops ; Lt.-Colonel Downey, of the Potomac Horse Brigade ; Captain Latham, of Ohio In- fantry ; and Captain Fish, of Connecticut Cavalry ; as sjDeeially active and s-uccessful. The troops of my command, however, though equal to the maintenance, foi' the time being, of lines established, w^re, owing to their necessarily scattered condition, unavailable, in any large proportion, to form active or movable columns, or for operations of a general cliai"acter against the enemy. In view of this fact, as also of a plan submitted for movements in the direction of Knoxville and the Yirginia and Tennessee Railroad, the President liad, prior to my leaving Washington, in March, promised me ample reinforcements. The number of these reinforcements, as determined and urged by t\\e Secretary of War, Avas seventeen thousand. They were to consist of infantry, cavalry, and ai'tillery, and to have at- tached a pontoon train complete. On the 1st of April, a despatcli from the Secretary of AVar informed me that the Division of Brigadier-General Blenker liad been detached from the Army of the Potomac, and put en route for my Department. Tlie order, as originally issued to this division, directed it to proceed by way of Harper's Ferry, and from that point rep(.)rt. As, however, up to the 12th of April, it had failed to reach Harper's Ferry, I telegraphed a request that it be ordered to move by the most direct and shortest road to Moorfield ; tliis arrangement suiting best my plans as up to the time developed. Brigadier-General Rosecrans, who, in the meantime, had been placed in temporary command to conduct the division, was accordingly instructed to the above effect. Next to the want of troops within my Department in numbers sufficient or available for extended operations, had been, as it continued to be, the absolute and pressing need of transportation. As early as the begmning of April no less than five batteries in the field were found to be without horses, and the case represented to the War Department. From want of horses, also, to get forward guns, at least one opportunity had been lost in the Cheat Mountain District to pursue and capture a retreating rebel force. The Sixth Ohio Cavalry, an excellent regiment, eager for service, was kept unmounted, and, by consequence inactive, for the sole reason that animals could not be obtained to supply it. Requisitions reported, made by my predecessor in command as early as February, for cavalry and artillery horses, mules, wagons, &c., had not been met. Requisitions made direct by myself, under special 6 j^ermisBion, lingered in nnknown channels, and that which was asked for was but partially obtained. Mj earnest and repeated requests for authority to order the purchase of ani- mals needed, M^thout delay, and in the open market, were not acceded to. It was replied that the mode of supply, through requisitions in the ordinary form, was " sufficient for all pur- poses, and the only mode consistent with a proper regard for public expenditure." Delays suffered were certainly re- markable, inasmuch as the Secretary of War constantly and kindly assured me that transportation had been or would be speedily ordered, through the proper department. The frequent and earnest dispatches of General Rosecrans also showed that the troops ordered to reinforce my Depart- ment were even worse off than my own, and difficulties in the way of rapid and efiicient operations at a distance from main points of supply were increafeed, instead of being diminished. Over forty horses were demanded by General Rosecrans to get the batteries of the Blenker Division out of Martins- burg. Thirty-six ambulances and teams were also called for. Forage was scarce, and animals already in hand reported " starving." In addition, it appeared, as late as April 19th, that so illy provided in other respects were the coming rein- forcements, that thirty-eight days had been passed by them without tents or other shelter, and this during tlie inclemencies of a spring seldom paralleled for severity in the history of the Virginia valleys. To obviate a delay in payments and an issue of clothing expected to be made, I directed my troops, as fast as cared for, to be sent forward by regiments or other sufficient bodies to Moorfield. After much correspondence, I had begun to think the difficulties of the Blenker Division at length removed, and was looking for their immediate appear- ance in the Department, wlien, finally, I was informed that the men were too badly in want of shoes to march. With things at this ebb, a dispatch from the Secretary of War, bearing date April 21st, stated the desire of the President to know at what time I purposed moving against Knoxvill^, and by what route. In I'eplv, I had the honor to submit for consideration, through my Chief of Staff", dispatched to "Washington for the purpose, the two separate plans set out in the following letter ; Headquarters MotraxArN Department, Wheeling, Va., April 21, 1865. To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United, States. Sir : In answer to a telegram from the Secretary of Wai", desiring me to submit to the President my proposed plan of operations for the occupa- tion of Knoxville, I beg leave to state that my first intention was, after guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the loyal iuhal)itants of the Department with a force of about 10,000, to transjiort 25,000 men by railroad and the Ohio, to Maysville, Covington, and Louisville, Kentucky ; thence, partly by rail and partly by tumpike, to Nicholasville, and Irom that point march directly upon Kjioxville, tm-ning the enemy's position at Cumberland Gap. The difficulties, however, in the way of obtaining the requisite number of troops, have led to a change of my jilan, which is as follows : The first base of operations being the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the division of General Blenker, which, from the best infoi-mation I can obtain, numbers about 9,000 men, will take position atMoorfiold. At this point, or at Franklin, it ^vill imite with the troops now under command of General Schenck, numbering about 3,000. With these, acting in conjunc- tion with General Banks, I propose to move up the Valley of Virginia, by a course which you will see on the accompanying map, over roads which are as dry and good at all seasons of the year as any in Virginia, and thiough a country where forage is easily obtained. At Monterey I shall be joined by the troops under General Milroy, numbering thirty-five hundred eflective men, and can then strike the railroad at or near Salem, while General Cox, with his seven thousand men, takes possession of Newbem ; or can effect a junction with General Cox, and seize the railroad with a force thus increased to about twenty- two thousand. The base of operations vnll then be changed to Gauley. To this place, by the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, abundant supplies for the army can be transported with the means now on hand and being prepared. Having thus destroyed the connection between Knoxville and the army in Eastern Virginia, and, perhaps, seized some rolling stock, we can advance rapidly along the railroad toward Knoxville, turning the position at Cumberland Gaf>. The forces now imder General Kelly and the Vii'ginia troops will be left as we proceed, to guard the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and to pro- tect the loyal inhabitants of the State from guenillas. The latter is to be effected hj the establishment of a few posts strongly held, from which sudden and frequent attacks can be made upon any organizations existing ©r forming in the Department. Knoxville taken, a thii'd base of operations can be made fi'om Nicholas- ville, from which place supplies can be easily obtained and tran^5ported over level and good roads. The army will thus be in a position to co- operate in any way in the general plan of operations for the prosecution of the war. The original plan, above mentioned, possesses the advantages of rapid- ity in execution, the throwing us forward immediately into the heart of the enemy's country, the striking of the enemy's railroad in the first ui- stance at the most important point, and a base of operations in a friendly coimtry, thi'ough which provisions can be drawn with comparative safety. The second has been suggested only because it enables us to collect the troops now scattered throughout the Department, and thus increase the small force sent. Respectfully, J. C. FREMONT, Maj.'Gen. Commanding. The jji-oposed plan of operations up the Valley of Virginia was approved by the President and Secretary of War, bnt, as subsequently indicated in telegrams from the War Depart- ment, it was adopted in view of the ultimate closing in of my cohmms toward Richmond rather than Knoxville. On the 3d of May, I moved with my staflf to ]Sew Creek, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — my proposed depot of main supply for operations in the field. On the 4th of May, I was apprised by the Secretary of War, of the evacuation of Yorktown by the rebel forces. Foreseeing by this event, and the release of so large a body in the East, that the enemy would be enabled to augment, westwardly, his force along my front, I judged it desirable to get forward and concentrate, at an early moment, my strongest available supports. Lea^nng New Creek on the 5th, and taking with me upon the route the Sixtieth Ohio, a portion of tlie Eighth Virginia, a compan}'^ of Indiana cavahy, and a body of men sent forward with baggage from Blenker's Division, I proceeded toward Petersburg, arriving on tlie evening of the 7th. General Schenck, who had been ordered early in April to advance from Romney and Moorfield to operate on the road leading by Elkhorn to Franklin, in connection witli move- ments with General Banks up the Shenandoah Valley, was already well in advance. Overcoming many obstacles in the form of swollen streams and difhcidt roads, he had, by the 6 til of May, reached Franklin. Farther to the front, and occupying McDowell, a small village about twelve miles east from Monterey, was General Milroy. General Cox, in the District of the Kanawha, also under orders previously given, was moving in force in the direction of Lewisburg and Peters- town. The command of General Kelly, posted to gnard the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad, as well as to Avatch and punish guerrillas, was necessai'ily left in rear. A small j^ortion of his force, however, from the Potomac Home Brigade, subse- quently reported to me at Petersburg, under Lieut.-Col. Downey. The Blenker Division, though ordered upon the 1st of April, had not so much as entered within the limits of my Department until the 4th or 5th of May. Taking into Aaew their ill-provided condition, as reported and set forth in the foregoing, their delay upon the route Avas less a matter of sur- prise with myself than had been expressed to me in dispatches from the War Department. Upon the Tth the brigade of General Stahel being reported at Ronmey, and still in need of shoes, a supply was ordered from New Creek. The issue was made while the men were upon the road — companies halting for the moment to receive what could be spared them. On the 9th of May the advance of General Blenker's Di-vision joined me at my camp near Petersburg, and by the 11th his whole command had arrived. The division was composed of three brigades, commanded respectively by Generals Stahel and Bohlen and Colonel Stein- wehr. Assmning the data as then sent in, Gen. Blenker stated his effective force at over eight thousand. Subsequent investigation placed the number of men and officers actually present and fit for duty at considerably below seven thousand. The condition of the men, as exhibited upon review, was not such as could be desired. They were worn and exhausted by hardships scarcely credible, and, in spite of efforts by my- self and others to supply their wants, a large portion were without articles of first necessity for service in the field. Of shoes, blankets and overcoats, there was especially very great need. Wagon and artillery-teams, brought forward by the several batteries and regiments, were found, on inspection, to be very much jaded and weak from the long march and want of forage. The horses of a portion of the cavalry were so nearly starved 2 10 and broken-down as to be well-nigh useless. The number of wagons was much below the standard for supply on any length- ened route. By report of the Medical Director, afterward sent in, but about one-fifth of the necessary ambulances had been brought along. One regiment had none. In the im- portant matter of arms there was great deficiency, Belgian or Austrian muskets, of old and indifferent patterns, being car- ried by many of the regiments. Having fortunately at hand a superior lot of Enfield rifles, I was enabled to re-arm the corps most needing them. Ammunition was also supplied, as far as resources would then permit. A pontoon train having been previously ordered from Pittsburg, upon my personal responsibility (though the Government afterward sanctioned the contract), and being already well upon its way to Peters- burg, it was of less moment that none was found attached to my reinforcing column. Restrictions upon my Chief Quartermaster at Wheeling having been at this time in a technical form removed, it was reported, in encouragement, that team and cavalry horses were coming freely in. These, together with wagons, harness, and other equipage, would be promptly forwarded. The Sixth Ohio Cavahy, having now the opportunity, procured their mount — joining by companies, according as they were furnish- ed and equipped. A battery of mountain howitzers for one of the companies heretofore alluded to as specially authorized, had also arrived at New Creek. Being brought forward as packed, with jsarriages, implements, and harness, they were, on the last night of my stay at Petersburg, mounted and made ready for the field. With a view to future service, a brigade of light troops was made up at Petersburg, consisting of the Sixtieth Ohio, Col. Trimble, and the Eighth Yirginia, under Major Oley. Col. Cluseret, of my staff*, a French oflicer of experience, and especially so in the tactics of skirmishers, was assigned to the command. In the meantime. Gen. Banks had been wdthdraAvn from his advanced position near Staunton, and my left became dangerously exposed. Seeing his advantage, the enemy 11 was not slow to profit by it. Turning promptly to the west, and, uniting with his own the forces of Johnson and Ewell, the rebel leader Jackson, upon the 7th of May, attacked the outposts of Gen. Milroy. The simultaneousness of his onset indeed, with the retirement of Banks, argues strongly that — by whatever means obtained — the rebel gene- ral had early information of the projected movement. On the 8th of May, with an aggregate of upward of fourteen thousand men. and thirty pieces of artillery, Jackson advanced upon the main body of Gen. Milroy's force at McDowell. Push- jng forward, in a march of thirty-four miles in twenty-four hours, Gen. Schenck arrived from Franklin in time to unite with and support Milroy. An obstinate engagement took place. Official reports of the action were, at the time, sent in by me to the War Department. Under the leadership of their gallant commander, the men of Milroy's brigade repeatedly attacked and charged a greatly superior force, exhibiting a courage and tenacity worthy the highest praise. The Ohio troops behaved with equal gallantry, and suffered severely. After several hours of fighting, how- ever, our troops, outnumbered at every point, reluctantly yielded portions of the field to the odds fiowing in against them. The enemy's loss was over forty killed, and between two and three hundred wounded. Our loss was thirty-one killed and missing, and two hundred and seventeen wounded. Finding his position at McDowell untenable, and looking to the chances of a night attack. Gen. Schenck, now in com- mand, decided to withdraw toward Franklin. The retrograde was executed with skill and address, and, bringing safely off his trains, artillery and wounded. Gen. Schenck re-entered the above-named town on the 10th of May. Here, disposing hi^ troops to guard against farther advance of the enemy, he awaited the approach of reinforcements from Petersburg. Less than twenty-four hours' rest had been given to por- tions of the command arriving with Gen. Blenker, but deem- ing the situation of increased importance, I determined to move at once to the relief of Gen. Schenck. I was unable to carry forward with me necessary supplies, owing to the still 12 entirely inadequate transportation, but was obliged to rely npon renewed efforts at the rear to get forwa d in time what- ever should be most needed to sustain my troops. At four o'clock in the morning of the 12th my advance had forded the Slienandoah at Petersburg, and on the forenoon of the 14:th, after a camp of one night upon the route, I reached Franklin. Preferring to avoid any immediate encounter with my force as concentrated, Jackson, leaving temporarily a thin curtain of his people to disguise the movement, began an early retreat. By sundown of the 15th he had disappeared in a southeasterly direction from my front, taking the road toward Shenandoah Mountain. Although hitherto crippled for want of transportation, and wanting more than ever supplies of every description, I had reason to expect that with economy in the camp, as well as just eifort on the part of agencies elsewhere, deficiencies would yet be made good. Accordingly, for the ten days next follow- ing upon my arrival at Franklin, I addressed myself to the task of getting into order and condition my troops, as well as to details of the movements projected against Knoxville and the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. While thus occupied, I received from the Secretary of War the following urgent dis- patch, which made me still more deeplj'' regret the embarrass- ments of my situation : "Washington, May 16, 1862. Major- General Fremont, Franklin. TTie President desires to know whether you design to move on to the Virginia and Tennessee Raih'oad, and break it between Newbern and Salem, according to the plan you proposed and he approved ; and also whether, having reached and broken that road, you cannot move forward rapidly upon Richmond by that route ? And by what time you can reach the Railroad, and how long it will take you from there to reach Richmond Please answer immediately. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. In the meantime the campaign was being well carried forward. In execution of the plan upon my right, the opera- tions of General Cox were resulting in brilliant success. Moving forward as directed, with a view to reach and sever 13 the railroad, his fore 'acked at Lewisburg, May 23d, by a body of the enemy over mree thousand strong, under the rebel leader Heth. After an engagement of several hours, the enemy were routed, and fled in disorder from the field. Foiu- pieces of artillery were captm'ed by General Cox's troops, two hundred stands of small arms, and over one hundred prisoners. Our loss was ten killed and about forty woundedy^^j this brilliant aifair the conduct of Colonel Crooke's I?j.^^*„,. ^v'oear- ing the brunt of the attack, cannot be too high^/ praised. The rebel loss in killed and wounded^ ^a this action was also severe. ' But events were now taking place in another direction, which had the effect to terminate suddenly my proposed cam- paign, and divert my column, intended for Ivnoxviile, upon a line of march entirely new. The rebel General Jackson, quitting my front, and turning abruptly to the north into the Shenandoah Valley, had, with his customary impetuosity, attacked General Banks at Front Royal, pressing liim backward toward Strasburg and Win- chester, and tlireatening the whole valley of the Potomac. With the intelligence of these events, dispatched to me under date of May 24th, came also an order from the President directing me to break camp, and march againat Jackson at Harrisonburg. As stated in the order, the objects of the movement were, first, to relieve General Banks ; secondly, to cut ofl:' and capture Jackson and his force in the Valley of the Shenandoah. It was the seventh or eighth da}^ of a storm. Urging forward by forced marches troops already worn with fatigue, I had reached Franklin in advance of supplies, to relieve Schenck and Milroy. The streams at my rear were swollen by the incessant rains, and the roads had become almost im- passable. With a complement of wagons much exceeding that upon the route, the supply would have been but meagre, even in fair weather. With the limited number available, together with the hindrances encountered, the supply was far below the need, l^ot so much as one-qup"ter forage was got forward, and, except an incomplete rat' .a of bread, no rations 12 entirely inadequate transportation, but was obliged to rely upon renewed efforts at the rear to get forwar "■ in time what- ever should be most needed to sustain my troops. At four o'clock in the morning of the 12th my advance had forded the Shenandoah at Petersburg, and on the forenoon of the 14th, after a camp of one night upon the route, I reached Franklin. Preferring to avoid any immediate encounter with my force as concentrated, Jackson, leaving temporarily a thin curtain of his people to disguise the movement, began an early retreat. By sundown of the 15th he had disappeared in a southeasterly direction from my front, taking the road toward Shenandoah Mountain. Although hitherto crippled for want of transportation, and wanting more than ever supplies of every description, I had reason to expect that with economy in the camp, as well as just effort on the part of agencies elsewhere, deficiencies would yet be made good. Accordingly, for the ten days next follow- ing upon my arrival at Franklin, I addressed myself to the task of getting into order and condition my troops, as well as to details of the movements projected against Knoxville and the Yirginia and Tennessee Eailroad. While thus occupied, I received from the Secretarv of AVar the following; urgent dis- patch, which made me still more deeply regret the embarrass- ments of my situation : Washington, May 16, 1862. Major- 0€7ieral Fremont, Franklin. Tlie President desires to know whether you design to more on to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and break it between Newbern and Salem, according to the plan you proposed and he approved ; and also whether, having reached and broken that road, you cannot move forward rapidly upon Richmond by that route ? And by what time you can reach the Railroad, and how long it will take you from there to reach Richmond Please answer immediately. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. In the meantime the campaign was being well carried forward. In execution of the plan upon my right, the opera- tions of General Cox were resulting in brilliant success. Moving forward as directed, with a view to reach and sever 13 the railroad, his forces were attacked at Lewisburg, May 23d, by a body of the enemy over tliree thousand strong, under the rebel leader Heth. After an engagement of several hours, the enemy were routed, and fled in disorder from the field. Four pieces of artillery were captured by General Cox's troops, two hundred stands of small arms, and over one hundred prisoners. Our loss was ten killed and about forty wounded. ^ i this brilliant affair the conduct of Colonel Crooke's P ,^ , ^oear- ing the brunt of the attack, cannot be too high'/ ptaised. The rebel loss in killed and wounded '.i this action was also severe. * But events were now taking place in another direction, which had the effect to terminate suddenly my proposed cam- paign, and divert my column, intended for Knoxville, upon a line of march entirely new. The rebel General Jackson, quitting my front, and turning abruptly to the north into the Shenandoah Yalley, had, with his customary impetuosity, attacked General Banks at Front Royal, pressing him backward toward Strasburg and "Win- chester, and threatening the whole valley of the Potomac. With the intelligence of these events, dispatched to me under date of May 24th, came also an order from the President directing me to break camp, and march against Jackson at Harrisonburg, As stated in the order, tlie objects of the movement were, first, to relieve General Banks ; secondly, to cut oft' and capture Jackson and his force in the Valley of the Shenandoah, It was the seventh or eighth day of a storm. Urging forward by forced marches troops already worn with fatigue, I had reached Franklin in advance of supplies, to relieve Schenck and Milroy. The streams at my rear were swollen by the incessant rains, and the roads had become almost im- passable. With a complement of wagons much exceeding that upon the route, the supply would have been but meagre, even in fair weather. With the limited number available, together with the hindrances encountered, the supply was far below the need. Not so much as one-quarter forage was got forward, and, except an incomplete ration of bread, no rations 14 had been got up for the men. For days together, fresh beef, with a little salt, was the only provision on hand for issue. Coffee, so essential and desirable in the field, was becoming a luxury almost unknown. Subsistence arriving under invoice to a particular brigade, w^as taken by order, and, so far as it would go, distributed among all. Sick-lists were largely on the i^^'Yjy^'se; and such was the demoralization induced by privy ']s endured, that demonstrations among the men, amoi , n . ,^"^ Imost open mutiny, had, in instances, to be put down by thev^ong hand. Of forage iti^the country about, scarcely a single pound could be gleaned. \.Tt had b^en already too well stripped by rebels. Our animals,, then, were starving — dying, in fact, and by scores, as even prio"' to my reaching Franklin, they had, from the same causes, bt3;un to do out of the command of General Schenck. With the order directing my march, authority was now given me to order the purchase of horses, or otherwise in the language of the dispatch to " take them wherever or however I could get them." But it came too late to aid me. Naturally, upon the absence of forage, and the causes which led to it, animals also had disappeared. As to waiting for the arrival of horses or mules from Wheeling, that was impossible, under the terms of the order. I was to move at once. Of the diiferent roads leading from Franklin to Harrison- burg, all but one had been obstructed by Jackson in his re- treat. Bridges and culverts had been dvjstroyed, rocks rolled down, and, in one instance, trees felled across the way for the distance of nearly a mile. The road still left open ran south- wardly, reaching Harrisonburg by a long detour. Granting, however, that loss of time by removal of obstacles, or by taking the longer route, was no consideration, a march in any direction, tending to lengthen my line of supplies, W£ little better than a physical impossibility. The condition of my troops forbade it. Strategically speaking, also, a move- ment toward Harrisonburg would not have simply endangered, it would have been fatal to my lines of supply. Jackson, re- treating from his raid, could strike westwardly from Strasburg 15 or Winchester, by way of Komney or Moortield, or both. Indeed, as the sequel will develop, it was afterward regarded probable by higher authorities that he had taken these very directions. Reaching New Creek, then, and Petersburg, the rebel leader would have destroyed mr depots at these points, and captui*ed every train upon the route. Again, while as a practical relief to General Banks, the movement by way of Harrisonburg would have been of no greater import- ance than a movement striking the valley farther north, or lower down, it would, at the same time, have permitted the enemy to avoid all chance of collision with my force. M' own and the rebel columns would have been const moving in opposite dii'ections upon opposite sides f*' cies of parallelogram, having for its four corners Harrisonburg, Strasburg, and Petersburg — or otherw Chester, Pomney, &q. Our relative positions only would havi been changed, with the difference that the gain would hav been all upon the side of the rebel — the loss upon mim Defying contact, also, Jackson would have escaped intar with his prisoners and plunder. This was a contingency n desired by the President, nor contemplated in his dispatch. Accepting, then, the spirit, rather than the letter of t order — or, if the letter, the added expression to " opera against the enemy in such way as to relieve Banks — I judge it within my discretion to select another than the route speci ically set down. This, even though ample means had existec with a fresh and active column to move southward upon my original destination, or toward the immediate east. Instead, then, of the attempt through a barren district by any of the above-named roads, I determined to move rearward as far as Petersburg ; thence striking easterly by way of Mooriield and Wardensville, to Strasburg. Retracing thus for a short distance my supply-line, I could feed my hungry troops, gather stores, and, possibly, by vigorous effort, reach the Shenandoah Yalley in time to intercept Jackson, going south. Happily, before leaving camp the next morning. May 25th, a later order was received from the Secretary of War, confirm- 16 ing previous conclusions, and leaving me free to choose raj line of march. I was to " direct my attention to falling upon the enemy wherever I could tind him, with all speed." With the Secretary's despatch came also the information that General 5^' nks had abandoned Strasburg, been driven from Winchester, and M'as in full retreat upon Harper's Ferry. That the enemy would, of his own will, relinquish pursuit, was not consistent with his manifest objects in enter- ing the valley. I was therefore fully apprised of the situa- tion. General McDowell, it was farther stated to me in •'^ference to the movement about to be made, would operate rd the same object as myself with his troops. '*ing to the chances of a possession of the telegraph ,ny moment by the rebels, I did not, at this time, com- -.. e my plan of march to the President. It was not de- irable that the enemy should be by any process informed. Upon fjL^e road out from Franklin were met, at various oints, my staUed and scattered trains, laden with provisions nd forage for the command. From the stores contained I IS enabled to supply present necessities, and, by liberal issues men and animals, aftbrd the necessary strength for coming igue and travel. At Petersburg was found an accmnu- tion of imperfect rations for five days. Causing three days' ations to be cooked and phi' *^d in haversacks, I ordered trains lade up to carry forward the remainder, together with supplies >f ammunition and forage. Tents, with the exception of a very few for indispensable staff and hospital purposes, were at this point required to be abandoned and placed in store. In like manner, all surplus personal baggage was directed to be cast off, it being my object to put the column in the lightest pos- sible marching order. My movement northward leaving the Department much exposed, and particularly to the west and south, General Cox was enjoined to double vigilance against the enemy, and ordered to do the best he was able in his position. General Kelly, within the raiboad district, was directed to concentrate, as far as practicable, his force, with a view to the safety of New Creek and other important points. \ 17 My column had reached Petersburg on the afternoon of May 26th. On the 27th at daybreak the march was resumed. The troops, fording the Shenandoah and camping at night near Moorhekl, arrived on the 28th at Fabius, about ten miles easterly from Moortield, upon Brancli Mountain. At this latter point, upon the written protest of my Medical Director against further marching of the command without one day's rest, a halt was called for the 29th. Hundreds of stragglers and broken-down men from the Blenker Division had been left along the road in the ascent of the mountain, and it was plain their condition demanded consideratio;i " They were weak and reduced, not only from recent fatip'^* ,.. and want of food, but from previous hardship and pri IVon on the route from the Potomac. I could not ventui'''r,V^ pro- ceed with them in disorder and undertake with/v/ety the work in prospect. Ay During the day's delay an inspection was ha^^nd roll-calls ordered, in presence of officers specially des%nated to the purpose. The result disclosed material inaccuracies in returns thus far accepted from General Blenker V command, and ex- hibited a falling ofi' in the aggregate of^ effective force at this- time most unwelcome. In Blenker's Division, the number reported present and tit for duty was below six thousand. As an accession, a remaining company of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry, having just obtained horses, joined at this camp. While halting here at Fabius, a party of Indiana Cavalry, scouting well to the front, came upon a reconnoitering party of the enemy near Wardensville and attacked them briskly. The enemy were driven, with loss of two killed and several wounded, Colonel Downey, in command of our force, having his horse shot under him. Later upon the 29th, a dispatch sent forward from Tele- graph Station, brought an order from the President, directing me, under date of the 28th, to halt my command at Moorfield — or, otherwise, " if I heard of the enemy in the general direc- tion of Romne}-," to march upon him. This order was based upon the conclusion that Jackson — who had by this time pressed General Banks as far back as Williamsport — would 3 18 turn westward from "Winchester, along the northern end of the parallelogram I have indicated. It having been subse- quently ascertained, however, that the rebels were still occu- pied with their work in the valley of Winchester and Martins- burg, the order was withdrawn, and I was again directed to move upon the enemy " by the best route I could." On the 30th, I moved forward with my command from Fabius. A renewed storm made the roads heavy and the march most fatiguing. On the 31st my column passed the summit of the mountain between Lost River and Cedar Creek, marching most of the night, and closing up in a drenching i ain, amid intense darkness, at Cedar Creek. " had now reached the point indicated in the following tele- gram. • Washington, May 29th, 1862. Maj.- Gen. 1 ■^.mont : General . rDowell'e advance, if not checked by the enemy, should or probably will ..1 at Front Royal by twelve, noon, to-morrow. His force, when lip, will be about twenty thousand. Please have your force at Strasburg, or, if the route you are moving on does not lead to that point, as near Strasbui'g as the enemy may be by that time. Youx dispatch No. 30 received, and satisfactorj^ A. LINCOLN. Washington, May 30, '1862, 4 P. M. Maj.- Gen. Fremont : Yom's, saying you will reach Strasburg or vicinity at 5 P. M. Saturday, has been received and sent to General McDowell, and he directed to act in view of it. You must be up to time of your promise if possible. A. LINCOLN. At Cedar Creek the road forks, one branch leading to Strasburg, and the other in a northeasterly direction to Win- chester. Expecting to learn something of General McDowell's movements, early in the day I had sent forv/ard Major Has- kell, of my staff, with a party of scouts. He fell in with a party of the enemy's cavalry, and two of my scouts were cap- tured at Strasburg, but no information was obtained. With the arrival of the rear the leading corps of my com- mand again stretched forward, taking the road to Strasburg. At seven in the morning of this day, June 1st, my advance, under Lieut.-Colonel Cluseret, first touched Jackson's main 19 body, driving in the advanced pickets of General Ewell's bri- gade. Pressing forward and encountering and driving stronger bodies of skirmishers, the cohimn, within a short distance, came upon cavahy and a battery in position, which imme- diately opened fire. The enemy's artillery was engaged by detachments from the 8th Virginia and 60th Ohio, under Major Oley, supported afterward by a section of artillery, under Lt. -Colonel Pilsen. The fire of the enemy's musketry now brought into action, indicated the presence of two or three regiments. I was entirely ignorant of what had taken place in the valley beyond, and it was now evident that Jack- son, in superior force, was at or near Strasburg. In anticipation, therefore, of possible demonstratioryon his part before some needed rest could be taken, my co^^^and, as they came up, were ordered to position. Abou^-^oon the enemy's batteries ceased fire, and my troops we>' /Ordered to encamp. Our cavalry being pushed forward, fovfm the enemy withdrawing, and a strong column of infantry just defiling past our front. A reconnoissance by Col. Cluseret, with the Eighth Virginia, pushed to within two miles of Strasburg, showed the enemy withdrawn, and at nightfall this ofiicer with his brigade, accompanied by a battalion of cavalry and a section of artillery, was ordered to move forvv^ard upon Stras- burg, and determine the position of the enemy. The day closed with one of the most violent rain storms I have ever seen, with really terrific lightning and thunder ; and the night being very dark, and Colonel Cluseret being without guides or knowledge of the country, his troops passed the town of Strasburg, and, marching to the light of the enemy's fires, about eleven o'clock came into contact "with Ashby's cavalry which occupied the road, forming the rear of Jackson's posi- tion, about two miles beyond Strasburg, on the road to "Woodstock. Disobeying the order to charge, aQ:er a scattering fii-e, our cavalry broke in a shameful panic to the rear, passing over and carrying witii them the artillery. To the honor of the Sixtieth Ohio, which, at this moment, formed the head of the reconnoitering columUj not a man of them followed the dis- 20 graceful example, but delivered tlieir fire steadily, and checked any movement on tlie part of the enemy. The officers and men, without distinction, of the Sixtieth Ohio and Eighth Virginia, which composed this brigade, de- serve special mention for the steadiness and bravery which distinguished them during the affairs of this day, when both regiments were for the first time under fire. Having ascer- tained the position of the enemy, Colonel Cluseret withdrew his men and returned to camp. The reconnoissance showed the enemy in retreat. "With daylight of June 2d, my command moved in pursuit. iPassing Strasburg, I was joined by General Bayard, who had bek^ sent forward by General McDowell with a cavalry force of ab?nt eight hundred men and four pieces of artillery, with a batti''"on of the Pennsylvania Bucktails under Colonel Kane. mi Further"' long, the locality of Colonel Cluseret's engage- ment of the m^ht before was marked by one of our caissons, which had been disabled and left for the night on the ground, and by several of the enemy's killed and wounded, some ten of whom had been already cared for by Colonel Kane. The route now to be followed lay along the turnpike, s retching southwardly from Strasburg toward Staunton. Its more even and compact surface was a welcome exchange for the mire and sloughs of the mountain region passed. Closely pressed by my advance, the enemy, at about ten A. M., turned to make a stand. He was vigorously shelled by Buell's and Schermer's batteries, under direction of Lieut.- Col. Pilsen, Aide-de-Camp and Chief-of-Artillery, supported by General Bayard's command of cavalry, augmented by about six hundred from my own column, under Colonel Zagonyi, Aide-de-Camp. After determined resistance for an hour, the enemy were driven from position, and again pursued. Ee- peatedly during the day they faced about, and were as often compelled to relinquish the fight. The pursuit was rapid, not less than eighteen miles being made in the space of five hours. In one instance, scarcely a hundi-ed yards separated my advance from the enemy— the / 21 latter, however, gaining a small bridge, and unlimbering rapidly upon a rocky rise beyond. Colonel Pilsen lost, at this time, his horse, shot from imder him, and was himself slightly wounded by a volley from the rebels. But notwith- standing the excellent marching made by our infantry, it was impossible to get forward in time for eflective operation. By sunset the enemy had reached, for the night, the higher points beyond AVoodstock. The retreat was reckless. Over iive hundred prisoners fell into our hands, and a number of our own men, captured from General Banks, were recovered. Several hundred stands of small arms, cast away, or left in ,,■ stacks by the rebels, were also gathered. Of gray-coated / stragglers, at least a thousand were in the woods along the road and country adjoining. Broken ambulances, clcdiing, blankets, and articles of equipment, lined the route. Our loss was small — but one or two killed, and a proportionate number wounded. At the last stand made by the enemy, he lost seven killed, witli a number of horses. His total loss during the day must have been considerable. At about five in the after- noon General Stahel's brigade occupied Woodstock. Although much fatigued by the forced march of the day previous, my command at an early hour of the morning of June third, were upon the road to resume pursuit. Again the rear-guard of the enemy turned to cover his main body or to gain time for placing obstacles, tearing up the road, or destroying culverts and bridges. The lire of the op- posing batteries was mutually brisk, with at intervals an accompaniment of the dropping shots of small arms. Stren- uous effort was made by the rebels to destroy the bridge over Stony Creek, at Edinburg, about five miles out from Wood- stock. A portion of the planks was torn up, and the timbers so far cut that the structure sunk, partially broken, about mid- way of the current. So prompt, however, were my advance troops, that the party left by the enemy were compelled to re- treat in haste, without further execution of their task. A ford was found at a short distance up the stream, and with some difficulty, cavalry and artillery were gotten across. Ultimately my baggage and supply trains passed safely. After some hasty 22 repairs, infantry were enabled to cross the bridge. On account of depth of water at the ford, ammunition was removed from caissons and wagons, and carried over by hands of the men. For farther and more permanent repairs of the bridge. Colonel Raynolds, of my staff. Engineer, was left with a small detail. By noon my command were mainly upon the farther bank, and again in rapid motion. The bridge over Cedar Creek, at Mount Jackson, was saved nearly intact, by the celerity with which the enemy were overtaken. The rr'^l General Asliby barely escaped capture at this point, by Cr >i Conger's com- pany of Third Virginia Cavalry. Th.. ':)any, pressing i^orward under their persevering leader, \v.. in season to coi>;i^e upon a body of the enemy about to fire tlic > larger and more\|mportant bridge, beyond Mount Jackson, crossing the l^orth Tork of the Shenandoah. A gallant charge was made, but volley*^ of grape and musketry drove back tlie small com- mand. General Bayard in the meantime arrived with the main body of cavab V, upon an elevation overlooking the bridge, but it is to be regret i^d that artillery could not possibly be gotten up in time to warr^t his demonstration in heavier force. The bridge was successfully fired. Burning rapidly with thick volumes of flame and smoke, by the time my main col- umn entered Mount Jac^kson Tillage, it had fallen to the stream below. \ A body of the enemy incautiously attempting to go into camp, within range across the river, were speedily shelled by batteries run up upon theblufls, and after some excellent prac- tice on the part of our artillerists, driven out. Our total of loss during the day was one killed and a few wounded. The pontoons procured by me at Pittsburgh, having been kept well up with the column, were now ordered to the front, and preparations immediately made to gain passage by re- bridging the Shenandoah. The stream was at this point wide and rapid, and had been swollen by recent rains. Major Haskell, of active California experience, plunged with his horse into the current, and by swimming to the op- posite bank, was enabled to fix fast the preparatory ropes. A corps of employes, acting as pontoniers, under Lieuten- 23 ant Robinson, of Ohio troops, together with liberal detail from infantry regiments, were also put promptly at work A heavy rain set in, but operations Avere continued through the night. By six in the morning the bridge was made available for crossing, and a force of infantry and cavalry gotten over. Suddenly, however, the river began to rise to a yet greater height. In the space of four hours, flooded by the storm and its mountain tributaries, it had gained full twelve feet, with a current correspondingly turbulent and swift. The drift borne down was working great mischief, and several of the boats were swamped. To save the bridge from utter destruction, the ropes were cut, and the pontoons swung round to the northern shore. Much of the planking and timber was lost. The troops already across being well posted, and amply covered by our batteries upon the bluffs, little apprehension was felt as regarded their immediate safety. Toward night the stream — as suddenly as it had risen — began to subside, and parties at work renewed their eftbrts. Their task was arduous, and itwas not until ten A. M. of the next day, that the bridge was again in condition for crossing. It will be remembered that, at the date of my march from Franklin, information was conveyed to me that General McDowell would operate toward the same objects as myself, in capturing or driving out Jackson. Very earnest assurances to this effect were subsequently given me while upon the route, both by the President and Secretary of War. Whether in General McDowell's case as in my own, departmental lines, or the technicalities of previous orders were temporarily to be lost sight of, was not explained. Arriving, however, within the Shenandoah Yalley, I deemed it not extravagant to expect of that officer that he should so far co-operate as, if not himself in advance, to send me troops to secure and hold fast prisoners as well as to keep intact points of my line in rear. Accordingly, during the delay at Mount Jackson, I despatched to General McDowell Captain Howard, of my staff, with orders substantially to the above effect. The following is a copy of his reply, declining to recognize authority on my part : 24 Headquarters Department Rappahannock, Front Royal, June 6, 1862. Major- General 3. C. Fremont, Commanding Mountain Department, Mount Jackson, Va. General : I received to-day a letter from your Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, ordering me in your name to send some of my troops to Strasburg. Before the receipt of this paper, I had written to Major-General Banks, commanding Department of Shenandoah at Winchester, calling his atten- tion to this point, for such action in the case as he might see fit to take. I did this after failing — on account of the bridges being carried away and all communication cut off— to get the prisoners transferred to this place to send them to Washington. I beg you to call the attention of your staff officer to the terms he has employed in his communication to mo ; making it in the nature of a posi- tive, peremptory order, as if to me under your command. Being, like your- self, the commander of a separate, indtpendent, military, geographical department, with certain troops assigned to me by the Secretary of War, and being here in a neighboring department for a special temporary pur- pose, under the direct orders and instructions of the President, I cannot receive orders from any officer, save in the accidental temporary case pro- vided for in the Sixty-second Article of War, a case which arose when you came in contact with my cavalry brigade at Strasburg. In reference to this brigade, I have the honor to refer to General Orders No. 29, of March 22, 1862, and say that I wish you Avould direct this brigade to march at the first opportunity to join Major-General Shields, at Luray Court House ; it being necessary there to further the instructions under which I am acting. I have the honor to be, very respectfuUj', Your most obedient servant, IRWIN Mcdowell, Major-General Commamling Department Rappahannock. Of the operations of General McDowell, through the col- umns of General Shields, up the vallej of Luray, the value will hereafter be seen. From General Banks, to whom I had in like manner sent a messenger, a reply, though exhibiting the utmost cordiality, informed me that he was without supplies or transportation and unable to move. He would, however, endeavor to send me some cavalry. General Sigel, subsequently addressed, although he would " try his best," found his troops in a condi- tion such as would render them " an incumbrance and not a help to me." It was not until after I had left Mount Jackson that any of the dispatches embodying the above were received. But the fact stood that, at the date of my departure from this town (June 5th), the contest with Jackson, so far as concerned 25 Shenandoah Valley proper, remained upon my hands. Al- though I had crossed the mountains on an errand of aid to others, I found myself without conjunction or combination, either with the forces relieved, or with a force sent upon the same object as my own from an opposite direction. I present the point with the object only that it may be both understood and realized, and with no other. On the 5th of June, then, crossing safely the bridge of pontoons, m}- column, with scarcely more than half the numbers of the enemy in advance, retook the trail, and pushed steadily forward. A lapse of more than thirty hours, since the burning of the main bridge over the Shenandoah, had given the enemy an advantage he proved not slow to use. He Avas not overtaken upon the 5th, and having made eighteen miles, and passing on the way the enemy's fires still burning, my command was bivouacked beyond New Market, the enemy's camp being but a few miles ahead. On the 6th I was enabled by an early and rapid march to restore the lost contact. Our progress was a little retarded by the burnt and blazing culverts which had been tired by the enemy along the road, but sharp artillery and cavalry skirmishing was renewed during the forenoon, and about two o'clock my advance drove his rear-guard through Harrisonburg. The direction taken by the main force of the enemy being uncertain, \nj troops were ordered into camp around the town. Late in the afternoon the First New Jersey Cavalry, with a battalion of Fourth New York Cavalry, came suddenly upon the enemy's camp in the woods, several miles to the southeast, and was driven out with serious loss, leaving Col. Wyndham, and Captains Shellmire, Clarke, and Haynes, in the hands of the enemy. A little before sundown. General Bayard entered the woods with four companies of Kane's Rifles (Bucktails), and the First Penn- sylvania Cavalry. Almost immediately after getting into the timber the Rifles encountered a regiment of cavalry with artil- lery, and a regiment of infantry, from which they received a very damaging fire ; a very severe engagement of half an hour followed, during which the Rifles lost upward of forty in killed, wounded and missing. Colonel Kane was wounded 4 26 and taken prisoner, Captain Taylor a prisoner, Captain Blan- cliard shot throngh both legs, and Lieutenant Swain wounded. This noble bod}^ of riflemen is entitled to the expression of my warm admiration for excellent conduct and efliciency during the march, and for distinguished bravery on this occasion. General Bayard in this, as in all other instances of the kind during the pursuit, evinced the qualities of the true sol- dier. Colonel Cluseret coming up with his brigade to the sup- port of the riflemen, the enemy retreated in disorder, leaving him in possession of their camp. On their part the enemy in this sharp aftair sufl:ered still more severely, losing among the killed General Ashby, who up to this time had covered their retreat with admirable audacity and skill. Leaving their dead and wounded on the ground, with the growing darkness the enemy continued their retreat, precipi- tated b}' the several assaults of our troops. On the 7th, a reconnoissance in force was sent under Gen. Milroy in the direction of Port Republic, and reconnoissances pushed toAvard Keyzeltown and McGreggorsville, and on the Staunton Turnpike to the Middle River where the bridges were found destroyed. These reconnoissances showed that Jackson, abandoning the turnpike, had struck b}' a diflioult and trouble- some road toward Port Republic, and that he was about to turn in force to dispute my further advance. Accordingly, a movement in the new direction taken by him was determined for tlie 8th, and early upon the moriiing of this da}"^ the march was resumed, the command taking the road leading directly through the woods from Harrisonburg to Cross Keys. My column as constituted and now on the road was as follows : The advance — Colonel Cluseret's Brigade, consisting of the Sixtieth Ohio and Eighth Virginia Infantry, reinforced by the Thirty-fourth New York (Garibaldi Guard) — the main column comprising, 1. Dickel's Fourth ISTew York Cavalry; 2. General Stahel's Brigade, consisting of the 8th, 41st and 27 45th New York, and 27th Pennsylvania Infantry; Dilger's, Buell's, and Schirmer's Batteries. 3. General Bohlen's Brigade, composed of the 54th and 58th New York, and 74th and 75th Pennsylvania Infantry ; Weiderich's Battery. 4. General Milroy's Brigade, composed of the 25th Ohio, the 2d, 3d, and 5th Virginia Infantry ; Hyman's, Johnson's, and Ewing's Batteries. 5th. General Scheiick's Brigade, composed of the 32d, 73d, 75th, and 82d Ohio Infantry ; Debeck's and Kigby's "P'.tteries, and a small detachment of Cavalry. Kear guard, following npon ambulances and aramimition trains : General Stein wehr's Brigade, under command of Colonel Coltes, consisting of the 29th and 68th New York the 73d Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments, and Dickmann's Battery. Special investigation and roll-call at Fabius, May 29th, had given as ];)resent effective strength, of all arms, something over eleven thousand. Deducting from this number garrisons, guards, working parties, the Shenandoah Yalley, and especially their energy and promptness on the occasion of the battle at Cross Keys, merits, without exception, my warmest commendation. To the ofiicers generally of my staif, I take pleasure in making my thanks. They are entitled to the most honorable mention I can make for the gallantry, loyalty, and capacity that specially qualified them for the responsible duties which they discharged with courage and fidelity. And particularly, though it is almost unjust to make any distinction, I desire to present to the notice of the Government, for meritorious ser- vice during the campaign, Captains J. R. Howard, E. W. Raymond, and G. W. Nichols, among the younger, and Colonels Albert Tracy, Anselm Albert, Charles Zagonyi, and Lieut.-Col. John Pilsen, among the elder officers. To the four last mentioned I feel specially bound to. record personally, also, my acknowledgments. Their uncommon professional ability, joined to their previous long experience in the field, rendered their services of the greatest value to me throughout a very laborious and hazardous campaign. All but two of the staff ofiicers present ^vith the command during the engagements are now out of the army, havino' either resigned or been mustered out. Doubtless, however, some just form of recognition of past services would be grate- ful to them, even at this day. My Chief Quartermaster in the field, Captain Goulding, as also my Chief of Subsistence, Captain Mallory, performed each his duties with energy and ability. My Medical-Director in the field, Surgeon George Suckley, never failing in zeal and activity in the mass of labors crowding upon him, stands entitled to my earnest commendation and thanks. I would also name as most worthy and efficient in his duties, Brigade- Surgeon and Medical-Inspecter A. C. Ilamlin. Major Clary, Chief Quartermaster at Department Head- quarters at AVheeling, and Major Darr, Provost-Marshal-Gen- eral, rendered at all times zealous and efficient services during the period of my command in the Mountain Department. Significant demonstrations of the enemy, who had been reported largely reinforced, taken in connection with the still isolated position at Mount Jackson, induced my farther with- drawal down the valley to Strasburg, and subsequently to Mid- dletown, wliere I arrived with my command June 24th, eflect- ing a junction with the forces of Generals Banks and Sigel. The tents and baggage left at Petersburg on the 27th of May having been brought forward to Middletown, and camps 40 and hospitals established at healthful points — having due re- gard to positions of defense — the troops of my command were made comparatively comfortable, and the sick began to improve. For the first time since they had started on the campaign the men here received full rations. While thus occupied in preparing my corps for active ser- vice, which telegrams from the War Department were pre- paring me immediately to expect, I received from the Secre- tary of War the President's order of June 26th, which placed my own and the corps then with me under the command of Major-General Pope. Having the coni'iction tliat, consistently with a just regard for the safety of my troops, and with what was rightfully due to my personal honor, I could not suifer myself to pass under the command of General Pope, I asked to be relieved from the duty to which I had been assigned under him. On the 27th of June, having been relieved of my command by direc- tion of the President, I proceeded to Xew York to await further orders. Respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. C. FREMONT, Late Major-Gcneral U. S. Army. In connection with others especially alluded to, the fol- lowing telegrams, extracts, reports, ifcc, gleaned from private memoranda of myself or members of my stafi", and num- bered from 1 to 30, are appended to the foregoing report of operations in the Mountain Department. It is not unlikely that dispatches received from the President may be also on file at the War Office. I will ask, however, to have his own included with the rest, as they serve to make clearer points presented. I would here add that for the topographical map of Cross Keys, forwarded with report, I am indebted to my late Chief of Artillery, Lieut.-Col. Pilsen. J. c. frEmois^t, Late Major-General U. S. Army. New York, N. Y., Dec. 31st, 1865. m