Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-09-22

a large portion OF the enemy at that part Of the
field, whice was nearly twelve miles distant
from the point where it was intended our infan-
try should operate aud strike blow which
should result in the signal defeat of Gen Early :
army
The delay IN the arrival of the 18th corps en-
abled Early to move Gordon's division on the
double-quick from Bunker Hill. distant about
ten miles, aud bring il up in time to form a line
of battle with General Brecknridges corps and
General Hardee's command, which had already
arrived and were formed in a belt of woods skirt
ing the Berryvile and Winchester roads.
As soon the 18th corps arrived il was formed
in four line. of battle about 300 yards apart on
the right of the 9th corps, and everything being
in readiness, the advance sounded at about
twelve O'Clock, and the different lines moved for
ward.
The two corps advanced in splendid style, aud
as composedly as though they were marching to
review or on parade. The first line had not ad-
vanced more than two hundred yards before it
became warmly engaged with the enemy, who
were posted in line about six hundred yards dis
tant.
At the same time our artillery opened furi-
Gus cannonade, throwing shells and solid shot
into the opposite woods, where the enemy could
be distinctly seen moving up their reinforce
ments.
vance steadily until within 200 yards of the enc
my's line.
The rebels opened furious cannonade of grape
and canister from two batteries, which they had
previously kept secreted, and which plowed
through our advance line, moving down n large
number of our men,
The first line was obliged to give way under
so murderous a fire On retreating behind the
second line, it thrown into a mOmentary
confusion, and was obliged to fall back behind
the third line which had in the meantime been
ordered to lie down in order to avoid the effects
of the wthering fire which the enemy's bat
teries were directing against our advancing lines
The artillery now brought up and posted
in a commanding position TO silence the batteries
of the enemy, which had caused us so much an
noyance.
Our line was re formed and again moved for
ward, regaining the advanced position which they
had held when they were obliged to fall back:
but this success not gained without the most
absolute resistance on the part of the enemv.
Gen Sheridan had previously ridden along the
lines and received everywhere with the
greatest enthusiasm, and when they advanced
it was with a determination to win or die in the
attempt.
Having regained the advanced position which
we had previously occupied. the different lines of
battle were ordered To lie down and wait the ar
rival of Crooks corps. which was held in reserve
on the east side of the Opequan
They ordered TO take position the
extreme right OF our line in order to cOunteract
a movement on the part of the enemy, who
massing troops on the left with view of turning
our right.
Precisely ut O'Clock General Crook formed
on the right OF the 18th corps, his first division
on the extreme right Of our line, and the second
division in the rear, supporting division of the
18th corps.
Crook having formed his men, rode along
the lines aud received with most vocferous
cheering, the men promising to go in and wipe
out Winchester
Gen. Torbett, with Merit, and AverilPs di-
visions OF cavalry, having crossed the 0peQuan
about 9 O'Clock at Burns aud Khoxs Fords had
been hard at work fighting considerable bodies of
the enemy's infantry and cavalry, and having
been successful in slowly driving them before
them, now arrived on our extreme right. prepared
TO take part in the final struggle which secured to
US the victory.
Gen. Sheridan rode out to where Torbett was
stationed, and after consultation with him as to
the part the cavalry was to take ordered for
ward charge, which was made with an mpetuos-
ity nothing could resist
Our line. extending nearly three miles, at
length advanced amid cheers and wells which
of the artillery and musketry, which for its i'm
petuosity has seldom been exceeded in any battle
of this war
Our men had determined to win the day and
nerved themselves accordingly for the coming
struggle. and as our lines advanced closer and
closer to those OF the enemy, both became more
and more fierce
The slaughter terrible. and at every
discharge men could be distinctly seen dropping
all around the two contending lines, which at
some points could not have been over 300 yards
apart.
Just at this critical point, above the roar OF
the artillery and musketry, the cheers and fierce
wells OF the contendng armies, could be heard
the shrlll notes of the cavalry bugleS sounding
the charge which the death knell to Early's
army.
Then could be seen the gallant Custar and
Merritt, with flag in hand and conspicuous among
the advance squadrons, leading the charge
which, in connection with the desperate courage
of our infantry, gained US the victory
The columns of the enemy were forced to give
way and break before the fierce onslaught which
our cavalry made upon them, with sabre in hand,
rode them down. cutting them right and left.
and capturing 72l privates and non commissioned
officers, with battle flags aud guns
The demoralized divisions comprising Earlys
command now fed in confuson throwing away
everything which could in any way impede their
fl ight. and strew ed the ground with their arms,
and soon made for the heights beyond Winches-
ter, but they were speedily dislodged By Averlll
and forced TO beat IA hasty retreat up the valley,
where such of Early's command are left to
him are now scattered.
Our victory is glorious one and well calcu-
lated to cheer the heart OF every loyal man
Among the killed and wounded are Colonel T.
Bright, l26th Ohio. killed; Capt. Wright, of
General Deven's staff, killed; Capt McGueaton,
81 L. ) cavalry aid to Gen. Merit, killed.
Lieut.: Col Brewer, 9Th Michigan cavalry, killed;
Lieut. jackson, lst Michigan cavalry, arm shot
off; Lient ) Mathews and John Allen, LIST
Michigan cavalry, killed
The Michigan brigade. of Custar's command.
claim the honor of killing Gen. Rhodes when
they charged bis division
From New YORK.
NEW YORK, Sept 81 The Worlds special