Source: The Indiana Democrat, May
28, 1862;
Transcribed by
Shirley Pierce
Gen. Banks has been of late executing a series
of rapid maneuvers, which must have been as surprising to him as distasteful
to his admirers and to the nation at large.He has, within the space of a few days, been crowded clear out of
Virginia into Maryland again.This
raid in force in Northern Virginia by the rebels is undoubtedly intended as
a diversion, and to keep our armies busy nearer home so as to prevent them
giving any assistance to Gen. McClellan in his advance upon Richmond.Gen. Jackson first added his force to that of Gen. Johnson, and then
attacked Gen. Milroy, of Fremont's advance, at Bull Pasture Mountain, and
with indifferent success.He
seems then to have rapidly advanced, and joined Gen. Ewell's army, and
boldly attacked Gen. Bank's advance at Front Royal.This force, after a severe skirmish, retired to Strasburg.The next news we have is that Banks has been obliged to fall back
from Strasburg to Winchester for the purpose, it is said, of securing his
stores and trains from the enemy, and to prevent his communication from
being interrupted.His advance
guard entered Winchester at five o'clock, with all his trains and stores
in safety.A strong attack was
made upon the trains at Middletown by rebel infantry, cavalry and artillery,
but it was repulsed, and a few wagons, abandoned by the teamsters were
secured.
