[Home] [Robert Mackay Clan Links and Information] [McKay Family Homes] [Fairview]Stop 10 Fairview (Battle of Front Royal)(Retrieved page from the now defunct Battle of Front Royal website)
Not only did the New Yorkers offer no resistance; they reversed their tracks and headed northward in a panic, running over Kenly's men as they attempted to deploy in a line of battle. In the confusion, some of Kenly's own infantry fired into New Yorkers and many fell. Kenly knew that escape was impossible. As for Jackson, he declared afterwards that in all his experience of warfare, he had never seen so gallant and effective charge of cavalry. The panic-stricken Federal infantry laid down their arms, their gunners were cut to pieces and Kenly himself was severely wounded and captured. The Federal losses in the battle were 904 killed, wounded and captured. With the town, had been captured $300,000 worth of quartermaster and commissary stores. The victory at Front Royal opened Jackson's way to Winchester and the opportunity for complete destruction of Banks' Army.
Company B was first upon the enemy, and charged most gallantly right through their lines, breaking them and throwing them into confusion. This company was supported by Company E from the left, and Companies K and A on the right. The enemy was driven from his position, but soon reformed in an orchard on the right of the turnpike, where these companies again charged putting them into a complete route.
When the charge was commenced their cavalry took to flight. The two pieces of artillery were abandoned and taken with nearly the entire infantry force taken prisoner. Southern Historical Society Papers (FIGHT AT FRONT ROYAL) Diary of John C. Donohoe, Hughesville, VA May 8, 1896. Colonel Kenly says: "I still pushed on in an orderly, military manner, and had actually gained some four miles from the river when Major Vought rode up from the rear and informed me that he was closely pressed. . . The infantry in the field poured in a very close volley, which nearly destroyed the leading company, but it did not check the advance of the succeeding squadrons, which charged in the most spirited manner. Larger numbers of them, turning into the field, charged upon the men there, who continued fighting desperately until nearly all were captured, some five or six officers and about 100 men alone escaping. There was no surrender about it." An amusing incident by Company K member, John C. Donohoe, witnessed Captain Baxter query two soldiers not connected with the company in front. The elder wore a dingy gray coat and an old military cap, pulled well forward, and rode a raw-bone sorrel horse, while on his right rode a youth who seemed to be more neatly dressed than the other. These disconnected riders did not ride fast enough for the ardent and impatient spirit of Baxter, who, in no very choice language, peremptorily commanded them to "get out of the way of his men." Younger rider motioned "This is General Jackson."
You are at Cedarville and Reliance Road. Safely cross over lanes of traffic to the 10th stop. It is immediately to your right near the homes of the McKay Families. [Next page]© 1997 steer_family@hotmail.com |
As Jackson observed the vulnerable Blue column making its way north, the General seized Colonel Thomas S. Flournoy's 6th Virginia Cavalry and ordered it up the Winchester Turnpike in pursuit of the retreating enemy. The race was on to capture Kenly's command.
Leaving the Boat area of "Guard Hill" retrace your steps to the intersection of Route 522 and turn right heading towards North towards Winchester. Cross under Interstate 66 and pass a gas station on your right. Continue your trip past a lumber store on the right and begin slowing down in the left lane for a left turn at the cross-over.