Valley Spirit

The unexpected and startling news of the retreat of Gen. Banks' division of the army from Strasburg to Winchester, and from thence to Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry, before an overwhelming force of rebels under Generals Ewell and Johnson, threw our community into a high state of excitement on Monday last. We do not consider that the rebels have gained any permanent advantage by this little flash of victory for them. It only goes to show the desperation of their cause, and that finding that they cannot successfully oppose the advance of the Union army upon their Capital, have made this push of offensive operations to avoid acknowledging a defeat. This movement on their part cannot in any way affect the operations of General McClellan or General Halleck. These Generals will move on with their victorious columns as though nothing of the kind had happened, and a very few days will give us the glorious news of the fall of the rebel Capital, and the defeat of Beauregard's army at Corinth, and we will then wonder at our excitement and laugh at our fears. The idea of the rebel army coming northward is absurd, and our people need have no fears on that score. In the first place they have not the means of transportation sufficient to move a large army northward with such rapidity as would enable them to accomplish any important object and then make a safe retreat; and in the next our army in their rear would effectually cut them off and leave their bones to bleach upon our hill-sides, did they make the attempt, and not one would return to tell the story of their folly.

The enemy may at this time have a sufficient force in the Valley of Shenandoah to force Banks' small army across the Potomac, and they may, perhaps, again destroy a portion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and burn a bridge or two, but that will be the extent of the injuries they can accomplish before they, in their turn, are driven back. Banks has already been heavily re-inforced and but a few days will suffice to regain all the ground lost. The advantage gained by the rebels is only temporary while much permanent good must result from it for the Union cause. It has thoroughly aroused our people and convinced them that nothing but heavy blows, struck in rapid succession, can bring this rebellion to a speedy end. We trust that this Administration will now more than ever see the necessity of laying aside all side issues, that can in any manner distract the Union sentiment of the people, and bend all its energies and resources to crushing cut this wicked insurrection speedily and effectually, and restoring peace to the whole country and re-establishing the Union and Equality of States. The great Democratic party demand this--nothing more and nothing less--and will to a man stand by the Government in accomplishing it.

Monday last was a day of excitement in this place. The news of the massacre of Col. Kinley's First Maryland Regiment and the defeat of Gen. Banks, excited our people to a degree not witnessed before during this war. At an early hour in the morning the drums were out and large crowds of people were collected on all the corners, and at public places reading the extras, and circulating the order issued by the Governor calling out the militia and Volunteers. Many of our most patriotic citizens at once commenced getting up volunteer companies to proceed to Washington for the protection of our National Capitol, or to march to any point for the defence of the border. A most commandable [sic] spirit was evinced by our young men generally to enroll themselves in these companies. We saw several lists with quite a respectable array of names attached.

During the afternoon a fine body of men arrived here from St. Thomas under command of Capt. Elder. This company already numbers over sixty and will be joined by many others. They are as hearty and able-bodied set of men as we ever saw, and will make a most excellent and serviceable company. The Government should secure their services by all means. They will remain at this point waiting orders and transportation, and are ready and anxious to march to any point where there is a chance for active service. We must say "bully for Campbellstown!."

Quite a number of deserters from General Banks army passed through [th]is place on Monday. The first lot numbering about fifty, took possession of the cars and passed over the Franklin and Cumberland Valley Railroad. They claimed to belong to the First Maryland Regiment, and said they were going to Baltimore. Later in the day several passed through on horseback having "contrabands" along, and towards evening a number arrived on foot. We understand orders to arrest those coming this way have been received here, and all who will attempt hereafter to pass this point will be taken up and lodged in jail.

Over one hundred "contrabands" arrived in this place on Monday and Tuesday last and were added to our colored population already too numerous. They have mostly taken up quarters in Wolfstown and "[illegible] rent" will no doubt, be augmented by this index of tenants.

Report of Col. Stumbaugh, commanding 77th Regiment, P.V., at the battle of Shiloh, on the 7th ult., made to the Acting Assistant Adjutant General of the 5th Brigade:

H.Q. 77th Reg't P.V., Field of Shiloh.
April 9, 1862.

Capt. S.T. Davis, A Ass't Adj't General, 5th Brigade--

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following Report of the part taken by the 77th Reg't P.V. in the action of the 7th inst.

Pursuant to Col. Kirk's order, the Regiment moved from Pittsburg Landing to the scene of action, about half-past 7 o'clock, a.m. and took position in reserve for the 34th Ill., moving only as the first line moved, until about 11 o'clock, when I received Col. Kirk's order to go to the support of the 4th Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Roussean, which we did under a severe fire of musketry from the enemy, until about fifteen minutes before 12 o'clock.

Gen. McCook then ordered me to take up a position on the extreme left of his Division and repel the assaults there being made to turn his left flank. We immediately engaged the enemy, and after some ten minut[e]s severe fighting the enemy concentrated their forces to the right of us. We discovered a battery of six guns of the enemy on our left, throwing shot and shell in the direction of the 5th Brigade, (77th excepted,) which were slowly advancing under a most terrific fire of the enemy. Immediately changing front forward on the 8th company, we poured a deadly fire into the battery, killing 6 or 8 men and all their horses, except 6, harnessed in one of the caissons, which made their escape unharmed. At this time we were in quite an isolated position, separated from our Brigade and Division, and the enemy's cavalry supported by infantry, steadily advancing upon us, and the infantry pouring a galling fire at us. We continued to move forward through an open field, under their fire, when their cavalry came down upon us twice, and twice were they repulsed with heavy loss. Following them up closely, they retreated rapidly through the lines of their infantry, who joined them in their flight.

Col. Battles, of the 20th Tennessee (rebel) regiment, was here taken prisoner. His horse being shot from under him, he was not able to keep out of the hot pursuit of our skirmishers.

After receiving his sword I returned to him again. At this point, whilst we were still advancing in pursuit of the enemy, Gen. Buell came up and ordered me to halt.

I restrain from giving special instances of daring, coolness and courage, which came under my observation during the day, on the part of both officers and privates, as, all behaved gallantly: and yet, without wishing to detract from the soldierly conduct of any of the other officers of the Regiment, I mention Captains McKesson and Rose, who were most of the day with their commands deployed in front as skirmishers.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of my superiors, Lieut. Col. P.B. Housum and Maj. Stephen N. Bradford, whose services, during the whole day, were invaluable to myself and command. Also Dr. Franklin Irish, Regimental Surgeon, though not with the Regiment the day of battle, performed very efficient services in the hospital at Pittsburg Landing, that day and night and next day after the battle, being ordered to do so by his superior officers.

The meagre loss in the regiment is, in my opinion, owing to the manner in which they performed the duty assigned them respectively.

The casualties of the regiment are as follows: None killed; 1 mortally wounded; 8 severely wounded.

I am, Dear Sir,

Very Respectfully Yours, &c.,
F.S. Stumbaugh.
Col. 77th Regiment P.V.