May 23, 1862 (Friday): Jackson Takes Front Royal

Union Army Entering Front Royal May 20, 1862 (Forbes)

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

STRASBURG, May 23, 1862. 

(Received 11 p. m.)
Our troops were attacked at Front Royal this afternoon, and, though making a vigorous resistance, were compelled by superiority of numbers to retire toward Middletown. The rebel force is reported at 5,000, and is said to intend advancing on the Middletown road. No definite information has yet been received, the telegraph line having been early destroyed. The force had been gathering in the mountains, it is said, since Wednesday. Re-enforcements should be sent us if possible. Railway communication with Manassas probably broken up. A lieutenant of Captain Best's battery, name not reported, was shot by guerrillas this afternoon. Have requested Colonel Miles to move his available force toward Winchester.


N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

(Copies to Fremont and McDowell.)

STRASBURG, May 23, 1862. 

(Received 12 o'clock.)
The following dispatch has just been received:
WINCHESTER, 23rd.
    Colonel Kenly is killed.* Lieutenant-colonel, adjutant, and all the rest of commanding officers First Maryland Regiment taken prisoners. Regiment cut all to pieces and prisoners; First Michigan Cavalry ditto. The enemy's forces are 15,000 or 20,000 strong, and on the march to Strasburg. If you want me to report in person telegraph to Captain Flagg.


SAVILLE,
Commanding Company B, First Maryland Regiment.

N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.

*A mistake.

Series I., Vol. 12, Part 1, Page 525.

After McDowell, Jackson came back down the Valley to Strasburg, unexpectedly crossing the Massanuttens by the New Market Road, combining his force with Ewell's.  At Front Royal he deployed his now 16,000 strong army against 1,000 Union troops under Kenly at Front Royal.  Kenly held out against the odds for three hours, withdrawing to avoid being cut off.  Finally, a charge by the 6th Virginia Cavalry resulted in the capture of Kenly (severely wounded) and most of his men. Union losses were 904 killed, wounded, or captured out of 1,063.  Jackson lost fewer than 50 men.