The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-09-28
Important from the shenan-
doah-A Great Battle I'm
minent.

New York, Sept. 2o.--Ths Herald's
Harper's Ferry special of the 18th says:
As was expected, the visit OF Lieut.. Gen.
urant was to put in motion ssme impor-
tant movement Of the army, Friday
morning last the enemy disappeared en-
tirely from the left wing Of our army on
the Berryville and Winchester pike, and
and only made a feint shew on eur right.
This gives surmise that they had either
taken up line of retreat to Strasburg, or
had massed to their left on our right for
q concentrated movement against US
General Sheridan at once took measures
to ascertain the fact, and fIom informa-
ton obtained soon came to the conclusion
that the attempted clever movement by
Gen. Early was only feint to get troops
on our left, to the west side Of Opequan
creek. The trap was discovered, and the
rebel General thwarted in his designs.
The affair yesterday morning at Mar
tinsburg between the rebels, consisting
of artillery and infantry, and our troops
under Gen. Averill, showed that the reb
els were stoutly guarding the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad, with view to prevent.
ing its reopening from here to Camber-
land.
Shortly after daylight this morning the
enemy were discovered in force on the
west bank of the Opequan, when sharp
skirmishing and brisk cannonade took
place between the armies. Maj Gen.
| Crook, with his veterans of the West
Virginia army, occupied the right OF our
! line, the 9th corps the centre, and the 9th
corps the left.
The great battle for possession of the
! Valley OF the Shenandoah has either COM
menced or cannot be loug delayed 1t is
said the rebels have large reserve con-
cealed in the Valley between North Moun-
tains and Third Hill mountain, with head
quarters at Gamesburg Reports of reb-
I ell deserters and others in regard to the
strength of this force are so coficting that
it is difficult to settle down upon any
stated number as accurate The fact OF
/ the enemy offering Sheridan battle, shows
/ they have a good sized army and hope to
meet with success
The Tribune's special of the 9th says:
News of an important movement of Sheri-
dams army reached here tonight. Up
to the time your messenger lett no de-
cisve result had been obtained Severe
cannonading and skirmishing were going
on up to dispatch time OF the train. 1t
was thought general battle for posses
sion Of the Valley had commenced or was
certain to transplre very soon.
Later--rhe Battle commenced.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20-S:30 A. NJ
Mayor General Die, Ncu York.:
! Yesterday Major General Sheridan at
tackled Early, fought great battle and
won splendid victory Over 2,500 pris-
oners were captured, also nine battle flags
aud five pieces Of artillery. The rebol
Generals Gordon and Rhodes were killed,
and three other general officers wounded.
/ All OF the enemy's killed and most OF
their wounded are in our hands The de-
tails are stated in the following official
kilograms, received by this Department.
4 The Department learns with deep regret
/ that we lost Gen Russell, killed:
HARpER's FEgpY, Sept 1917 p NJ.
Hon, b. N. Stanton:
| just heard from the front. Our cav
airy under Averill and Merritt engaged
Breckenridge's Corps at Larksville at
| daylight, and up to one o'clock had driven
them beyond Stevenson Depot, distance
of seven miles, killing aud wopnding quite
number. and capturing two hundred
prisoners from Gordon's Division On
the center and left the enemy were driven
about three miles beyond the Opequan,
into line of earthworks, our infantry at
tacking them in position. Since then,
as the officer left he could distinctly hear
heavy artillery firing, and it is still con-
tinuing to this hour Every indication
is most favorable, to u.s.
[signedl JOHN D. STEVENSON,
Brigadier General