Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-09-28
GRAND VICTORIES
INTHE SHENANDOAHVALLEY!
GEN. SHERIDAN DEFEATS EARLY.
REBEL LOSS IN KILLED, WOUNDED
AND MISSING 10000.

GENERAL GRANT 5 visit to Sheridan was
OF no small Importance, being the prelude to
one OF the most important and decisive We
TORIES of the war Sheridan for The past
few weeks, keeping hold OF therailroad from
Harper's Ferry to Winchester, has held a
position the advantage OF which wosld be-
come Immediately apparent the moment
Early should make his expected movement
toward Martinsburg. At the latter point ON
Sunday, the 18th, Averil's command was
situated, and was there attacked by Gordon
division of Early 5 army. Gordon was driv-
en- back a short distance to Darkesyille.
Sheridan opportunity had now offered; he
immediately broke camp AMI determined the
next morning to cross the Opequan, on the
Winchester and Berryville pike, with his
entire command, including the Army of
Western Virginia under Crook, which was
to march from Its encampment near Sum
nit Point and effect junction with the
main column before crossing At daylight,
on the 18th, Wilson $ cavalry crossed in ad-
vance and gained a position for the infantry
on the Winchester side. The Sixth Corps
was the hrst across and waited two hours
for the Nineteenth, which was delayed.
This delay gave Early time to get Gordon 5
command from Bunker Hill, little south
of Darkesyille, and bring it up to support
the arrival of the Nineteenth the two corps
advanced up TO the enemy 5 lines, which
had been formed IN a position to resist Sher-
Idan' $ advance At first the rebel army al
ready formed and with artillery in position.
had great advantage, and the advanced
line OF the Federal army suffered considera-
bic losses, and was driven back short dis
tance and III some confusion. Order was
soon restored, however; the lines re-tormed
and the artillery got in position, and after
an obstinate fight the lost position was re-
gained. Crook ) army, which had been
held IN reserve, YVES now brought up on the
right, and the two armies OF the Shenan-
doah now coi fronted ch other IN full
strength, as Ayeriils command, with Tor
bert :, having been engaged all day at
point some distance north of the main at
tack, now came up on the right. 1t was
3 0 clock P. NJ. General Crook had formed
on Sheridan 5 right and rear The Federal
line. three miles long, then advanced under
cover OF IA tremendous artillery fire and
shortly after tins advance the cavalry on the
right were led By their mastery leaders in
an impetuous charge which broke the ranks
OF the rebel army. In this charge between
seven and eight hundred prisoners were
taken.
The enemy routed and in confusion fled
toward Winchester, through which and be-
yond they We're pursued by the victorious
cavalry, The rebel loss is roughly estima-
ted at between 1000 aud 5000 killed and
wounded, and 5000 captured The rebel
Generals Rhodes and Wharton are reported
killed, and Generals Bradley Z. johnson,
Gordon, York, and Goldman wounded Eff
teen battle flags we're captured and five guns.
The Federal loss is estimated at 1000: among
the killed is General David Russell, First
Division, Sixth Corps General NJ Intosh,
First Brigade, Third Cavalry Division, was
wounded, also General Upton of Sixth Corps
The fleeing enemy were next day pursued
with vigor, and on the 2yd were overtaken
at Fishers Hill, where Sheridan forces
again defeated them, apturipg sixteen guns
and many prisoneis.