43

At the first evidence of Kenly's withdrawing his forces, Colonel Johnson
ordered the whole of the First Maryland to advance (but three companies having
been engaged), when many prisoners were captured on the river's bank, although
the greater number succeeded in escaping over the two bridges, but in a disor-
ganized condition.

At this point Colonel Johnson halted his command. It had fulfilled its
mission, and the pursuit was to be conducted by cavalry. These overtook the
fleeing Federals after they had gone some three miles, when after a desperate
fight the entire body was captured, though not without severe loss to the
attacking cavalry, for Kenly fought his troops like the brave man he was.

Thus ended the battle of Front Royal, in which First Maryland met First
Maryland, and the scenes that were enacted that night when the prisoners were
brought in are indescribable, for in the ranks of each were found dear friends, and
in some cases near relatives, and the attention shown the vanquished by the
victors did much to cheer them in their hour of captivity. Colonel Kenly and
Adjutant Tarr were severely wounded, and to these Colonel Johnson and his
officers paid particular attention. Colonel Kenly in his official report thus speaks
of the treatment he and his command received at the hands of their captors :

"I desire also to state that since we fell into the hands of the Confederate
troops our treatment has been kind and considerate, except that but a scanty
allowance of food has been given to us, which I ascribe rather to its scarcity
among them than to any disposition on their part to deprive us of it."

But this statement of "kind and considerate treatment of which Colonel
Kenly speaks is at variance with the following extract from an official report
signed by five officers of his command, who were evidently badly scared, and
deserted their companions and their colors in their hour of need, and who never
stopped running until they had reached Hagerstown, from which safe point of
observation the report is dated :

The rebel infantry forded the North Branch stream and flanked us on the left. We
were again ordered to move, left in front, up the road toward Winchester. We had marched
about two miles when a wild shout was heard, and rebel cavalry came dashing into our
lines, cutting right and left, showing no quarter, displaying a black flag. A portion of their
cavalry captured our train, except one wagon and eight horses, which were cut loose by
the teamsters (?) to escape on. A severe fight was kept up until our whole force was cut
to pieces.

THOMAS SAVILLE, First Lieutenant Commanding Company B.

JOHN McF. LYETH, First Lieutenant and R. Q. M.. Company H.

GEORGE W. THOMPSON, Lieutenant. Company D.

CHARLES CAMPER, Lieutenant, Company K.

GEORGE SMITH. Captain. Company C.