Part 10

There are now on the way to join you three other brigades of cavalry, numbering at least five thousand men and horse. These will be instructed, in absence of further orders, to join you by the south side of the Potomac, one brigade will start to-morrow. In pushing up the Shenandoah Valley, where it is expected you will have to go first or last, it is desirable that nothing should be left to invite the enemy to return. Take all provisions, forage and stock wanted for your command, and such as cannot be consumed destroy. It is not desirable that the buildings should be destroyed; they should rather be protected, but the people should be informed that as long as an army can subsist among them, recurrences of these raids must be expected, and we are determined to stop them at all hazards.

Bear in mind that the object is to drive the enemy south, and to do this you want to keep the enemy always in sight. Be guarded in the course by the course they take. Make your own arrangements for supplies of all kinds, giving regular vouchers for such as may be taken from loyal citizens in the country through which you march.

U. S. GRANT, _Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Armies._

The troops were immediately put in motion, and were placed on the cars at Harper's Ferry. General Grant was recognized and cheered by the men; riding twenty-five miles, stopping at Bolivar Heights, near Halltown, remaining there three days; the weather very warm. On the 6th of August General Sheridan arrived, and after a conference with General Grant in relation to military affairs in that vicinity, General Grant left for City Point by way of Washington on the 7th. The middle military department and the departments of West Virginia, Washington and Susquehanna were constituted into the middle military division, and Major-General Sheridan was assigned to temporary command of the same. Two divisions of cavalry were sent from the army of the Potomac, commanded by Generals Tolbert and Wilson. The middle military division now numbered nearly fifty thousand men well armed and equipped, ready to move and attack the rebel army now in position near Winchester; they had also received re-enforcements, a division under General Anderson having arrived. Both armies were nearly equal in strength, with the advantage on the side of the enemy, as they had no capital to cover, and could move in whatever direction they pleased. The men were engaged in thrashing wheat and forwarding it to Richmond, having compelled every farmer to give all their proceeds to the help of the Confederacy, keeping but one-tenth for themselves.

On the 10th of August, the troops moved out from their position at Halltown, marching fifteen miles, passing through Charlestown, where John Brown was hung. The march was continued the next day, marching eighteen miles more, the enemy retreating up the valley, our forces following them. After marching fifty miles in three successive days, overtaking their rear guard on the afternoon of the 12th at Cedar Creek, having passed through Newtown and Middletown, secesh villages, filled with Mosby's guerillas, who were very peaceable until our army passed, when they were ready to fall upon our rear guard, plundering, robbing, and even murdering all they could. The main body of the rebels were strongly entrenched on Fisher Hill, a place almost impregnable, that could not be carried by a direct assault. The Shenandoah Valley was filled with waving fields of grain, the crops ripe and ready for the scythe. For nearly one hundred miles, the valley was level, and the scenery splendid, this being the prettiest part of Virginia. At a distance of seven to twelve miles apart, were villages that could be discerned in the distance from Harper's Ferry to Stanton. No engagement took place at Cedar Creek, as was expected, as we were too far from our base of supplies to risk a battle. After lying near Cedar Creek three days, the troops were ordered to fall back for the purpose of drawing the enemy from Fisher Hill; starting at dark, moving back on the valley pike; marching all night, passing through Newtown, Middletown and Kurrentown, halting at Winchester for breakfast, passing through the place, once a fine village, but now nearly deserted; no business was transacted, as both rebel and union armies occupied the place at different times. The troops marched during the night eighteen miles, and during the morning ten miles, halting on a hill.

The enemy supposing us retreating, followed us closely, skirmishing with the cavalry at Winchester, in which a portion of the 1st New Jersey brigade was captured while supporting the cavalry. Our rear guard was driven from Winchester with considerable loss. The troops were compelled to move the next day eighteen miles, encamping near Charlestown, the enemy again halting at Winchester. In retaliation for Chambersburg, the men burned and destroyed everything, entering houses and helping themselves to all that came in their way. The men were out of rations, living on the country two days, but flour, green corn and chickens in abundance.

Both armies were again in camp, with tents up in regular order, the operations during the month of August being both of an offensive and defensive character, resulting in a few skirmishes, but as yet no general engagement had taken place. The two armies now lay in such a position, the enemy on the west bank of the Opequan Creek, covering Winchester, and our forces in position at Charlestown, so that either army could bring on a battle at any time. Defeat to us would lay open to the enemy Maryland and Pennsylvania for long distances, before our army could check them, and under such circumstances Gen. Sheridan hesitated to attack, and waited for more positive orders from Grant. The 14th regiment was again recruited, swelling the number to about three hundred men. Colonel Truex being at home, the regiment was commanded by Major Vredenberg. Lieutenant Colonel Hall having been wounded at Monocacy, resigned his commission. Major Vredenberg having been for the past year inspector general on headquarter staff, he being the ranking officer was relieved, and ordered to the command of the regiment at Halltown on the 19th of August.

Sunday, August 21st, the enemy surprised our camp at daylight attacking in force. The troops soon formed in line of battle, fighting during the day and building works; but few were lost on either side, as nothing but skirmishing was kept up. At night our forces fell back to our old position at Halltown, eight miles distant, the enemy pursuing and firing upon our rear guard, compelling them to fall back in a hurry within the defences of Maryland Heights, when the pursuit was abandoned, the rain pouring in torrents. For several days bodies of troops, mostly cavalry, were sent out on a reconnoissance, which discovered the enemy still in position at Charlestown. The men were fast losing confidence in General Sheridan, as he did nothing but advance and retreat without fighting a decisive battle; but none of the men knew the energy and determination of their gallant leader, who was only waiting for orders from General Grant to bring on a general engagement.

The troops remained in camp at Halltown six days, until Sunday, the 28th, when orders were given to move, passing the enemy's works near Charlestown (the enemy having fallen back), and halted in a wood. During the afternoon Chaplain Rose delivered a brief discourse as the men lay in line, after which we moved again, halting in the old camp we were driven from the previous Sunday, eight miles from Halltown, remaining there until September 3d, when the troops moved again, marching eight miles, encamping at a place called Clifton Farm. The 8th corps being on the advance, met the enemy at Opequan Creek, and after a severe engagement drove them back across the creek, with heavy loss on both sides. Darkness and rain ended the contest, the troops sleeping on their arms. Both armies were now very vigilant, as they were but a few miles apart. The troops lay in camp at Clifton Farm fifteen days, drawing extra rations and clothing. On the 15th of September, the 2d division of the 6th corps with a brigade of cavalry, moved out on a reconnoissance to Opequan Creek. The enemy were found in force, with strong works erected on the opposite side, they were completely surprised. The 2d division succeeded in capturing a South Carolina regiment, numbering four hundred men, together with its officers and colors.

After exchanging a few shots, the division returned with the prisoners captured, the rebels crestfallen at our daring, but afraid to follow us up. The men were very tired of maneuvering up and down the valley, and were anxious to meet the enemy and decide which of the two armies was the most competent to hold the valley. Grant finding the use of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, which were both obstructed by the enemy, became so indispensably necessary to us, and the importance of relieving Maryland and Pennsylvania from continuously threatened invasion so great, that he determined to visit General Sheridan and order an immediate attack. Leaving City Point on the 15th of September, he visited him at Charlestown to decide after a conference with him, what should be done, and after a calm deliberation it was decided to attack as soon as the army and trains could be brought into position. For convenience of forage the teams for supplying the army were kept at Harper's Ferry. Grant remained at Sheridan's headquarters but one day, giving his final orders, and leaving Harper's Ferry for City Point, Sheridan returning to his headquarters and issuing orders for a forward movement.

On afternoon of Sunday, the 18th, orders were given the troops to move at a moment's notice. All now felt that the time had arrived when the rebel army under its audacious leaders, should be driven from the Shenandoah Valley, where for the last two months they had bid defiance to the loyal North, and with their frowning earthworks at Winchester were ever ready to resist our advance. For several mornings previous to the attack, the cavalry had darted up to their front and then retired, after exchanging a few shots. This was done so often that when the attack was made they were not as well prepared as if this had not been done, as the advance was led by the dashing Custer, with his brigade of cavalry.

At two o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, the troops on two roads moved out, and marching twelve miles, crossed at Opequan Creek. As usual the cavalry in stronger force than heretofore, attacked them in their position. The rebels were completely surprised. Kershaw's division had left the day before for the purpose of burning and destroying what they could in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They were at Bunker's Hill, ten miles off, when the attack was made, and Gen. Early sent immediately for them, when they returned in haste, nearly all the way on a double quick.

Both armies soon became hotly engaged, and for some time it was doubtful which side was gaining, but after a most sanguinary battle, which lasted until six o'clock in the evening, the enemy were defeated with heavy loss, their entire position carried from Opequan Creek to Winchester, together with several thousand prisoners and five pieces of artillery; the enemy rallied several times, only to be broken again by the terrible onslaught of the Union boys. Kershaw's division arrived during the afternoon, but too late, and with their comrades were compelled to fall back. During the morning, the 19th army corps, which was on the extreme left, was driven in, but supported by one division of the 6th corps they rallied, and in turn drove the enemy back some distance; it was a hard fought battle, and the enemy with their thinned ranks in a demoralized condition retreated in haste through Winchester. General Early was so intoxicated that it was with much difficulty that he could keep upon his horse; the rebel press attributed their defeat to this. The rebel soldiers were positive that Grant was in command, as Sheridan never before had exhibited such generalship. The 3d division lost heavily in killed and wounded; Colonel Ebright commanding the 126th Ohio was killed, also General Russell, commanding 1st division 6th corps.

The 14th lost in killed and wounded one hundred and sixty men, but the greatest loss of all was Major Vredenberg. A braver officer never lived. He was at the head of his regiment, ordering the men to charge a rebel battery, when a shell struck him in the breast, knocking him from his horse and killing him instantly. He was carried to the rear and his remains sent to New Jersey. His loss was deeply felt by the men, as he was always esteemed a brave and competent officer. The regiment charged the battery, captured it, and the last order ever given by him was executed with promptness, and the death of Major Vredenberg avenged. Lieut. Green, commanding Co. I, was killed, and Capt. Bodwell, of Co. E, wounded. Capt. Janeway was as conspicuous as ever, and fought well. He was again placed in command of the regiment, as every other officer was disabled, either killed or wounded. The 87th Pennsylvania had but a few days to stay, but were as eager as ever to join in the fight. Several of them were killed whose term had already expired. The rebel loss was very severe in officers and men. Gens. Rhodes and Wharton that led the attack at Monocacy, in which the 3d division suffered so severely, were both killed.

The ground was covered with the munitions of war, as our victorious army pressed on after the flying rebels. The groans of the wounded and dying were forgotten. Ghastly sights everywhere presented themselves to the eye, but to the soldiers were as nothing, as such scenes were every day sights. The houses in Winchester were filled with rebel wounded, who were kindly cared for by the ladies of the place, both loyal and disloyal. The news of our success was telegraphed immediately to Washington, and the papers North were full of praises of our gallant little Sheridan and his noble army; there was now no fear of another invasion, and our National Capital was out of danger. The army now reposed every confidence in Sheridan, and gave him the name of "Little Phil," and those who but a few weeks before were ever ready to denounce him were now the loudest in his praise. One hundred guns were fired at Washington in honor of this great victory, which in itself was considered one of the decisive battles of the war. Had our forces been defeated and driven back, both Washington and Baltimore would have been taken, and before another army could have been raised, both places would have lain in ashes. This was the third and last attempted invasion of the North by the Confederate army, which had each time ended in disaster. The rebel papers were clamorous for the removal of Early, who had praised him so highly but a short time before.

The enemy retreated during the night, and made a stand in their strong position at Fisher Hill; here they were confident of success, as it was thought impossible to dislodge them from their position. Here Early intended to make a stand until he received re-enforcements from Richmond, and then retrieve his fast falling reputation. He supposed General Sheridan would not attack, and he would have time to recruit. Our column had halted at Winchester until daylight the next morning, when they rapidly pressed on; the enemy were at this time on Fisher Hill, twenty-two miles from Winchester; the troops halted at nine o'clock at Newton for breakfast. The men had marched up and down the valley so often, that every house and barn was familiar to them. Kurrentown was the birthplace of the rebel General, Stonewall Jackson, whose remains now repose there; had he then been living, and in command of the rebel forces in the valley, it would have been different, for as a strategic leader he had no equal. One day he would be in our front, the next day in our rear, and it would have required all the skill of our leaders to oppose him; as it was, Early was completely out-generaled by General Sheridan.

The troops halted at Newton one hour, and then moved forward; squads of rebel prisoners were picked up, as they were too tired to proceed farther. The number of prisoners captured in all was about five thousand, while our loss at Winchester would not exceed one thousand five hundred. After marching twenty-two miles, we crossed Cedar Creek on a bridge built by the enemy, halting in the same woods the troops were in five weeks before. The rebel army had just been paid in Confederate money, which to them was as nothing; gold, which had been up to its highest notch, now fell some twenty per cent., and produce in proportion.

The 21st of September was spent in forming the troops in position, as General Sheridan had determined to attack; but nothing was accomplished till night, when the 126th Ohio and 6th Maryland regiments charged the enemy's skirmish line, driving them back two miles, and occupying a splendid position for artillery; batteries were placed and the enemy shelled, they not replying, as their ammunition was scarce. The morning of the 22d found the troops in position; batteries from all parts of the line opened, but as yet no response from the rebels. At three o'clock Sheridan ordered an advance, the troops moving forward in eight lines of battle. Early, expecting an attack in his immediate front, withdrew his forces from the left of his line; taking advantage of this, the 8th corps, with the 3d division, moved on their flank, and before they were aware of it our cavalry were completely in their rear. A desperate battle now ensued, which lasted until dark, when the enemy were driven pell mell from their fortified position and retreated in confusion, flanked both right and left, and their cavalry, under Imboden and Jones, were compelled to run in one demoralized mass, followed by our victorious columns pouring shot and shell into their retreating ranks. The 3d division captured six pieces of artillery, two of them were taken by the 14th regiment. Twenty-four pieces of artillery, fifteen stand of colors, and one thousand one hundred prisoners were the fruits of this victory. Sheridan was now almost worshiped by the men, as Fisher's Hill had always been considered as impregnable, but "Cavalry Phil," or "Flanking Sheridan," as he was called, had accomplished what Fremont, Hunter, Banks and Shields had failed to do in the early days of the rebellion. He was appointed a Maj.-General in the regular army, to fill the place vacated by McClellan. In the battle of Fisher's Hill, the loss in the 14th regiment was small, as they were on the flank with the 8th corps; the 2d division lost heavily in killed. The casualties in the regiment were but ten killed and thirty wounded. Captain McKnight's battery of the 3d division created considerable panic in the enemy's ranks, as every shell they fired fell among them. Under cover of this battery, the division advanced and captured a line of works with four hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery. No time was allowed the men to rest, although tired and weary and begrimed with dirt and powder. The flying rebels were pursued during the night of the 22d, marching twelve miles, through Strasburg and Woodstock, halting for a few hours' rest in the morning. The enemy had a mortal fear of Custer and his cavalry, as he was always on their flank and rear when least expected; with one brigade to charge and another to blow the bugle, they could not stand. Their cavalry leader, Imboden, was called "Runboden," as he was always first to run when our cavalry appeared in sight. Four days' rations were issued the men at Woodstock, the trains having followed. The 87th Pennsylvania had served their three years, and were ordered to return home, with the exception of the re-enlisted men, whose term of service had not yet expired.

Leaving Woodstock on the afternoon of the 23d, the troops marched six miles, passing the village of Edenburg, and encamping in woods near the railroad. The enemy had again halted on a hill and were skirmishing with the cavalry. In the battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, the enemy had lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, fifteen thousand men, fifteen stands of colors, and thirty pieces of artillery, while the Union army had lost but four thousand men. The troops were now pretty well rested, and moved again on Saturday, the 24th, marching twenty miles, passing the villages of Mount Jackson, Hawkenstown and New Market, still following the enemy and skirmishing with the entire march. The pike was level, and the retreating rebels could be plainly seen. McKnight's battery was placed on the skirmish line, continually shelling the rear. It was a splendid sight; the troops, in four parallel lines, with cavalry on either flank, pursuing the flying rebels, they making a stand several times, but our skirmish line compelled them to leave. The weather was yet very warm. At dark the enemy opened upon us from a hill with four pieces of artillery, but were soon compelled to leave. It was a splendid picture for an artist--the sun setting behind the hills; the flash of the cannon and musketry was grand beyond description. The men foraging lived well, as the country was filled with vegetables of all kinds; the army was now forty-two miles from Winchester and thirty miles from Staunton. The troops entered camp for the night, marching the next day eighteen miles in line of battle up the valley; the enemy could not be seen, having moved during the night up the Luray Valley; halting at Harrisonberg, 3d division headquarters at the house formerly occupied by Fremont and Hunter as their headquarters. The troops remained in camp at Harrisonberg ten days, confiscating tobacco, sugar, matches, etc.; Harrisonberg is a very pretty place, twenty miles from Staunton, of about one thousand inhabitants. Squads of men were sent out each day to forage on the country, as the troops were out of rations, and it was necessary the men should be supplied. The army was now one hundred and four miles from Harper's Ferry, the base of supplies; it took the teams four days to go and four to come; the route was infested with guerillas, making it necessary to have a strong guard; but in spite of all vigilance numbers of men were killed and the wagons captured.

On the 29th the troops moved out at four o'clock, marching seven miles to relieve the cavalry at Mount Crawford. Finding the enemy in strong position they were driven back, as they were strongly posted in a gap in the mountains; they were not again attacked and the troops moved back to Harrisonberg.

On the first of October the supply train arrived from Harper's Ferry, with mail and papers, also the paymaster; the troops receiving two months' pay. It was rumored in camp that Grant had moved at Petersburg, capturing fifteen guns and four hundred prisoners. The cavalry again started off, reaching Staunton, destroying the bridges and a large amount of supplies, and advanced as far as Charlottesville.