The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-09-23
WAR DEPARTMENT.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20-9:3O A. NJ.
To Major General Die:
Yesterday Major General Sheridan attacked
Early, fought great battle and won a splen-
did victory. Over $500 prisoners were cap
tured, also nine battle.iags and five pieces of
artillery.
The rebel Generals Gordon and Rhodes were
killed, and three other general officers wound
ed. All the enemys killed and most Of their
wounded are in our hands.
The details are stated in the following Off
cial kilograms received by this Department.
The Department learns with deep regret that
we lost many killed.
HARpER's FERRY, Sept. 49, p VI.
To lion. +. ". Stanton:
Just heard from the front. Our cavalry, un-
der Averill and Merritt, engaged Breckin-
ridges Corps at Darksyille about daylight and
up to one o'clock had driven him beyond Ste.
VEINS depot, a distance of seven miles, killing
and wounding quite number and capturing
1000 prisoners from Gordon's division.
On the centre and left the enemy were driven
about three miles beyond the OpeQuap into a
line of earthworks, our infantry attacking
them in position since then. AS the officer
left he could distinctly hear heavy artillery fir
ing, and it is still continuing to this hour.
Every indication is most favorable to US.
(SignedO JNO. d. STEVENSON,
Brigadier General.
HARrERs FERRY, Sept. 20-7:4O p. NJ.
To E. VI. Stanton:
have just heard from the front that Sheri-
dan has defeated the enemy, capturing $500
prisoners, five pieces of artillery, and five bat
tie flags.
Rebel Generals Gordon and Rhodes were
killed, and York wounded.
Our loss was about 1000. Gen. Russell, of
the 9th corps, was killed, and Gen. Mcintosh
lost leg.
The enemy escaped up the Valley under
cover of night. Sheridan is in Winchester.
(SigneD J. D. STEVENSON,
Brigadier General
Generals Upton, Mcintosh and Chapman
are wounded.
Gen. Sheridan transmitted to Gen. Grant the
following official report, which has just been
received by this Department:
WINCHESTER, Va, Sept. 19--7:30 2. NJ.
Lo Lieut.. General Grant:
have the honor to report that l attacked
the forces of Gen. Early over the Berryville
Pike at the crossing of Opequan Creek, and
after O most stubborn and sanguinary engage
ment, which lasted from early in the morning
until 5 o'clock in the evening, completely de-
feated him, driving him through Winchester,
capturing about $500 prisoners, five pieces Of
artillery, nine army flags and most of their
wounded.
The rebel Generals Rhodes and Gordon were
killed and three other general officers wounded.
Most of the enemys wounded and all their
killed fell into our hands
Our losses are severe among them Gen. d.
A. Russell, commanding q division in the 9th
corps, was killed by cannon ball. Generals
Upton, Mcintosh and Chapman are wounded.
I cannot tell our losses.
The conduct of the officers and men was
most superb. They charged and carried every
position taken up by the rebels from Opequan
Greek to Winchester. The rebels were very
strong in numbers and very obstinate in their
fighting.
desire to mention to the Lieut.. General
commanding the gallant conduct of Generals
Wright, Crook and TOrbett and officers and
men under their command. To them the
country is indebted for this handsome victory.
A more detailed report will be forwarded.
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Major General Commanding.
Full details of casualties will be given when
received by the Department.
(SigneO +. NJ: STANTON,
Secretary of War;