March 7, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The Richmond Examiner gives us the following particulars of a brilliant success recently gained by our cavalry in the Valley of Virginia:
A few days ago a detachment of Marylanders, from Gen. Jones’ command, had captured nine of the enemy’s pickets, with their horses and equipments, at Kearnstown, four miles from Winchester. On last Friday 480 of the enemy’s cavalry, belonging to Milroy, came to within four miles of Woodstock, in pursuit of the party who had been at Kearnstown. Gen. Jones was in Woodstock at the time, and at once ordered the 11th Virginia Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Funsten commanding, to meet them. Two squadrons of this regiment at the time were on detached service, leaving but 150 to respond. Approaching within about four hundred yards of the enemy, the order to charge with the sabre and not to use the pistol was given, and was most gallantly responded to by Col. Funsten, and the officers and men under his command – Gen. Jones heading in person the charging column.
The advanced guard of the opposing column was ridden down, and every man of it either disabled or captured. Then commenced a running fight, which continued for a distance of thirty miles; the enemy, scattered and routed by the violence of the onset, were never permitted to rally until they reached the top of the hill beyond Cedar Creek Bridge. In the mean time the gallant Eleventh had fastened itself upon the rear of the retreating column, and with their yells and sabres added to the consternation of those in front.
At this point the enemy were reinforced by two squadrons of New York cavalry. The numbers of the Eleventh having been reduced by details to carry back the prisoners, and by the horses of many having given out in the run through the mud to about twenty men, the enemy were enabled to rally and charged this remnant; but, fortunately, at this time the Seventh Virginia cavalry, commanded by Colonel Dulaney, came up, and, with sabres drawn, dashed in. The enemy were again driven back, and another run commenced, which continued to Winchester.
As the Yankees, closely pursed by the Confederates, dashed through Strausburg and Middleton, the whole population seemed to be wild with delight, men cheering, women and children shouting and waving hats and handkerchiefs, exhibiting a lively interest in the turn which affairs had taken.
The loss on our side was two killed and about fifteen wounded. The principal loss of the enemy was the capture of 212 prisoners and about 175 horses, besides equipments, pistols, &c.