Camp Paxton 
May 26th/62 
Dear Sister: 
 I hasten to let you know of my safety and my whereabouts.  My last letter was written from near Staunton, we left there the next day, marched to Harrisonburg, from there towards Gordonsville but turned off to Front Royal where after a slight skirmish we succeeded in routing the regiment which was stationed there, capturing nearly the whole regiment and a great quantity of stores, &c., &c.  Staid there all night, started the next morning towards Winchester but turned off at the Middle Town road which is half way between Strasburg and Newtown (Banks with his division was at Strasburg) when  
 
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we got to  
Middle Town, Banks force was going through the town; we cut off about 2500 with their train, a part of Ewells force was sent after them, pursued them back to Strasburg and I hear have captured the whole body.  Gen. Jacksons division, Gen. Johnstons and the rest of Ewells went in pursuit of the main body towards Winchester.  They made a stand near New Town but were driven from their position in a short time, we capturing more provisions.  We continued the pursuit to within four miles of Winchester (capturing the greater part of their train, some of which they had burnt).  Here they laid an ambuscade, our brigade was in front at this time, the cavalry in front  
 
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which was driven back, when the 33rd. regiment was ordered up which was also driven back.  Gen. Jackson deployed the 2nd. on the right and surrounded the piece of woods, capturing nearly all of them.  We went on beyond Kenstown, having to stop several times to avoid being surprised.  We stopped within a mile of Winchester.  The next morning finding that that the enemy had taken up position just at the edge of town, prepared for battle and advanced cautiously, the first brigade in front.  Pogues artillery took up a position on a hill, opened fire on the enemy which was returned fiercely by the enemy; the battery suffered severely.  John Moore was wounded slightly on the head, Frank Preston had his left arm broken, which 
 
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will have to be taken off.  Several others were wounded but youi do not know them, two were killed, one (Gregory) was mortally wounded.  Finding that the enemy could not be driven from his position by artillery, Gen. Jackson ordered the 27th. regiment (Col. Echols old reg[iment]) (now commanded by Col. Grigsby of Rockbridge) to charge on the battery which they did and succeeded in driving them from their position.  Ewell had routed them on the right, Jackson in the center, and a Louisiana brigade on the left, taking one battery and a great number of prisoners.  The rout was now general and complete, the enemy throwing away guns, knapsacks and everything that impeded their flight. 
 
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 We came on through Winchester at double quick time, driving them four miles beyond, when we were so tired we could not pursue farther; here we camped and will stay today.  The enemy are now at Martinsburg reported to be making a stand.  I suppose they have been heavily reinforced, as Banks columns will not be fit for service for a long time, if ever.  I suppose we have the greater part of his army, some 6000 or 7000 prisoners, perhaps more.  Our loss was very slight.  We are now in a very critical place as we have no army at Manasses, we are liable to be cut off if the enemy choose to.  I expect Jackson will rest here a day 
 
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or so and then move forward again.  But I forgot to tell you that before leaving town the enemy set fire to Market street and burnt down one or two houses; they were endeavoring to fire the whole town but were so closely pushed that they could not.  You have no idea of the extent of the (booty).  The enemy destroyed a great deal, but we have a great quantity of ammunition stores &c, &c.  Winchester is supplied with coffee, sugar, molasses, oranges, lemons, figs, and every conceivable thing.  It is pronounced here to be the greatest victory of the war, but I think he ought to be content with what he has and not trust (thrust) his neck too far down as there is a railroad from Martinsburg to Washing- 
 
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ton City and they can be reinforced heavily in a short time, and our army is completely broken down. 
 We have now been on the march forty-four days with only two days rest.  Though our regiment was put in front they were not fired upon once, so we have not a man hurt.  I will write again shortly. 
Ted 
P.S.  I went to town and saw some ladies though I have not gotten my clean clothes yet. I am still living dirty. 
        Good bye 
          Ted 
I have a splendid Yankee portfolio and Belgian gun.