The Shasta courier., 1864-10-29
WAR NEWS

\ New York, 2lst. Worlds special corres-
pondent with Sheridan's army says every
morning during present Eeek, bpt this one,
troops have been ip readiness TO march at
daybrcak for expected attack, For. some
reason the caution was omitted this morning,
[apprehensi Of attoek having probably died
AWAY. Aywy D2stea along north hank q
! Cedar Run, ID Wincllester< nnd Strasbuse
pike, 10Th corps in center and 9th corps on
right. In absence of Sheridan, Wright COM
manded. Dense mist enveloped country, ia
voring enemy's movements. Previous night
Early, who commanded rebels, massed three
divisions of infantry at concealed points,
threatening our extreme left, while two re-
naming divisions moved from Fishers Hill,
along pike, threatening our center. Shortly
after daylight, while army dreamless of dan.
ger and soundly sleeping, an assault was
made on right. Rapid aud continuous dis
charges of sentinePs muskets extended thence
along front towards left, when suddenly reb-
el infantry advanced Crooks position in SOL
id column, pouring fierce fire on our flank
and front. Only portion of our troops had
manned athe breastworks when the assault
commenced. 1t was so energetic and deadly
as to break our lines Immediately. Men were
swept from breastworks instantly, into which
enemy came floating like sea. They en-
tered encampment in rear of works, where
soldiers had scarcely wakened. and were act
ually rising from their blankets. To save
artillery at breastworks became desperate
object when assault was first discovered. but
nature of ground rendered this next to i'm.
possible. Battery B, 9th Pennsylvania, six
guns, was captured by superhuman efforts,
and all but one gun of 5th Regular Battery
saved. Meanwhile enemy advanced, com
pletely turning our left flank and were near.
ing pike on heights above. Whole army was
by this time aroused. Wagons and ambulan-
ces making for rear. 10Th corps, which had
stood firm during ASSAULT on Crook, now
found itself confronted by ID division of ene-
my, which had moved up pike and attacked
iercely front flank with musketry and artil-
lery. Col. McCausley's brigade, I'd division,
on left, swung out of its position in front to
receive flank fire of foe. Assault increased
in ferceness and whole division reformed it.
self to meet shocks. Rebels advancing mount
ed breastworks in its 'front.' with withering
vollies and forced it back in retreat Entire
10Th corps abandoned all its works and now
fought retreating and partially ..broken.-
Left Of army completely turned and half ar
my Western Virginia was flying in dismny
through fog.
Greater part of its camp material in pos
session of enemy. Remnant together with
part of provisional division of Colonel Kitch
ings command, which has been encamped in
rear, were fighting still for possession of pike.
10Th corps fighting stubbonrnly, falling back
and constantly leaving stragglers. Country
about Middletown and beyond in rear was
+11 a. 4
ment that army OF Western Virginia and 10Th
Corps were found falling back. Wright sent
X der's 9th corps to change front and stem
torrent. Scarcely moment elapsed when
its columns were seen moving by left flank
straight into heat of conflict, opening mo-
ment for passing ofstragglers and then clos
ing up Immediately. For moment career
of rebels in center was brought to a pause.
Some of their cavalry had already penetrated
into Middletown on left and were just passing
pike above when Merritt's, Powers, and Gus
tar's divisions were Withdrawn from right
center to prevent further advance of rebels.
After check of enemy in center, the lines of
9th and 18th corps reformed, 9th on left, and
10Th on right. 1t was then found necessary
to withdraw whole line some distance in order
to connect with cavalry. who were advancing
to drive enemy from pike on left and hold
field at that point. Retrograde movement
was not accomplished without loss Enemy
followed so closely and so vengefully that
their bullets rained on artillery killing horses
and men, and embarrassing attempts of ar
tillery men to move the guns to the rear.
The guns were fought splendidly. They
fought everywhere until last moment, when
it was found they could not be removed. Six
guns were lost in attempt to remove them
when lines had reached creek. just to right
where second stand was made. and where
charges of enemy were repulsed. Nearly
every field officer of lst division of 9th corps
was wounded. 'Rickett-, commanding the
corps, was so badly wounded, was forced to
leave field. Bidwell commanding Sd brigade
ID division, was mortally wounded by she'll
which tore left shoulder into pieces. Here
at 10 O'Clock for first time during day the ar
my presented consistant front towards foe,
holding its own against further attack. Re-
suits of contest everywhere gloomy, We had
been surprised, and driven from a splendid
position, lost heavy in prisoners. % guns, "a
ambulances and including all the medical
wagons and medical supplies of 10Th corps,
and several quartermasters wagons. We
had yielded more than two miles of battle
field to enemy. Many of the finest officers
were killed and disabled. Enemy, relinquish-
ing attack, contented himself with use of hos
pitals.
AT this moment loud cheers ran along the
line in the rear. Sheridan had ridden post
haste from Winchester, and was approaching.
His appearance created widest enthusiasm.
Beginning at left he rode along whole army,
waving his hat amid widest cheers.
Retreat was stopped in an instant. From
that time until 3 P. NJ, every nerve strained
to get the army into an offensive position
At3 O'Clock the whole army, 9th corps in
centre. 10Th corps on right, Crooks com
mand on left. with Merritt's cavalry on ex-
treme left, and Custer's on extreme right,
made magnificent and resistless charge and
swept the enemy off the face of the earth
everywhere before it. Enemy had actually
begun to throw up breastworks, and was
preparing to go into camp, when the charge
was made. lie was driven back at double
quick through Middletown, and across Cedar
Greek, whence he was then pursued by
cavalry beyond Strasburg. 4s pieces Of ar