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The McKay house |
A mile north of
Cedarville, Kenly rallied his infantry for a final
stand at "Fairview," the Thomas McKay home. In vain,
Kenly tried to deploy his companies in the fields
and orchard. The Gray troopers fell upon them before
they could fix bayonets or form a front. Kenly
ordered the 5th New York Cavalry to charge the
advancing Confederate horsemen of the 6th Virginia. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Report of
Colonel Thomas S. Flournoy
Sixth Virginia Cavalry
Operations May 23-26
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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.
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Union Prisoners taken at
Cedarville awaiting movement to Richmond.
Reproduced from the Collection of the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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The force of
the enemy consisted of two companies of cavalry, two
pieces of artillery, one regiment of infantry (the First
Maryland), and two companies of Pennsylvania Infantry.
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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.” |
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DIRECTIONS
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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. |
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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.
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[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Departure- Visitor Center ] [ Stop 1 Asbury Chapel ] [ Stop 2 Belle Boyd ] [ Stop 3 Prospect Hill ] [ Stop 4 Court House ] [ Stop 5 Bel Air ] [ Stop 6 Rose Hill ] [ Stop 7 Richardson's Hill ] [ Stop 8 Bridges ] [ Stop 9 Guard Hill ] [ Stop 10 Fairview ] [ Buckton Station ] [ "Stonewall" Jackson ] [ John S. Mosby ] [ Hotchkiss Statements ] [ Capture of the Flag ] [ Riverside ]
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