June 22, 1861
Page 2
[From Our special correspondent]
Richmond, June 21, 1861
I hasten to dispatch to you the following authentic intelligence, just received in this city:
Gordonsville, June 21—An engagement occurred at 5 o’clock in the morning of the 19th, at New Creek Depot, eighteen miles west of Cumberland, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the force on our side comprising two companies of the 18th Virginia regiment, under Col. Vaughan, of the Tennessee Volunteers. The enemy’s force, which showed itself in sight of our troops, amounted to about two hundred and fifty men.
The enemy fired a few random shots and broke and fled in every direction. Several of them were killed, but what number is not known. One person was wounded and none killed on our side.
Our forces captured two guns and a stand of colors.
Gen. Cadwallader, commanding the enemy’s forces, was approaching Harper’s Ferry, but has now fallen back beyond Hagerstown.
Our troops, with four or five hundred Marylanders, again hold Harper’s Ferry.
Gen. Johnston is at Winchester.
Two prisoners of war taken at Williamsport go to Richmond to-day in charge of Col. Thomas, of the Maryland volunteers, who carries an official report of the above engagement
Johnston’s position at Winchester commands the whole valley.
His admirable strategic movement from Harper’s Ferry toward Martinsburg, was an advance to meet the enemy and not a retreat. His march was nearly due North [see map]—to meet the enemy who were approaching by Williamsport and Martinsburg.
He also detached a portion of his force to meet the other column of the enemy, thus checkmating the Federal advance in both directions.
The whole valley may now be considered safe and secure for us.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]