Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1864-09-29
THE BATTLE OF BERRYVILLE
Graphic Account OF the Action.


Graphic Account OF the Action.
The following is one of the most
graph battle descriptions that we have
read during the war; and notwithstand-
ing its length, we are sure our readers
will be glad to see it. To make room
for its publication, therefore we exclude
our usual variety of matter this morn
ing
1t is description of the battle fought
and glorious victory won by Gen. Phil
II. Sheridan and his gallant army, on
Monday, Sept. 10th; and is taken from
the correspondence Of the New York
World.
THE BATTLE. .fta s
At ii O'Clock in the forenoon, the ar
mics of Sheridan and Early confronted
each other between Winchester and
Opequan creek in the following order
The rebel line extended across the turn
pike covering Winchester - Brecken-
ridges corps in the centre; Rhodes di-
vision of Early's corps on the left,
Ramseaurs division of Early's corps
on the right; Johnson's cavalry on
the extreme right; and Fitz Hugh
Lees, Lomax's, Imboden's and Nc
Causland's cavalry on the extreme
left, opposing our own. The Union
army, the Sixth corps 1.-TWO divis-
ions) on the left crossing the turnpike;
the Nineteenth corps on the right the
Army Of Western Virginia on the Ope-
guam in reserve; Gen. Wilson's cavalry
on the left; Generals Merritt's and Aver
ilPs cavalry on the right.
The cannonading, which had continu-
ed SO fiercely throughout the forenoon
till these dispositions were finally estab-
nshed, partially ceased. As | rode to a
hight directly in the rear of the Sixth
Corps, overlooking most of the field &C.
cupied by our infantry, the old but inf
nitely beautiful panorama of all battle
feids, made still more impressive by the
natural aspects OF this most lovely OF
valleys, was spread before and around.
Seemingly in a circle stood the noun
tains of the Cumberland and the Blue
Ridge. Unto their bases faded away
stretches of forests, and woodland, and
Held, dotted by dwellings, and sparkling
with streams, and glowing with the
kisses of approaching autumn. The
sunshine was mild, the breezes were
faint, the leaves scarcely swayed in
their passing, the spires Of Winchester
were silver threads. Beyond the town,
and along the pike, the enemys wagon
train, making for the rear. meandering
like white serpent. Nearer could be
seen faint Columns of their line of battle.
moving masses, flashing bayonets and
sabres. Their sharp shooters and Skin
mlshers were white specs in the corn
fields, were clustered in groups about
barns and houses, and nearer still our
own skirmish lines, posted along the
edges of the woods, behind rail fences,
across fields, waiting the signal. Still
nearer, directly beneath and around, the
splendid marching columns of our in
fantry had debouched from the pike and
woods upon the fields and plateaus !;
some waiting in hollows behind the
crest; some forming in position for an
advance. The flags of the regiments
had proud look an elastic tread was
in every rank. The Sixth Corps was all
up and mostly ready. The Nineteenth
Corps, ascending the nights to the right,
opposite the pike, were slowly wheeling
into line. The levels and hollows be-
tween the main army and the skirmish
line were crossed and recrossed by gal
Looping staff officers and orderlieg, car
rying and receiving orders. Generals
Sheridan and Wright and Emery rode
swiftly with their stats along the lines.
looking well to every point of advan-
tage upon the ground, examining with
their glasses the position of the foe. and
completing all dispositions for an attack
For moment, on this scene of beauty
and expectation, there stood perfect
calm. For only moment the artillery
and musketry were stll. The smoke
wreaths of cur batteries standing silent
in air mists as the skirRish line faded
away. The pickets and sharpshooters
along the vast line of battle took breath.
In that moment, although, save the ad-
vantage obtained by Gen. Wilson in the
morning. (Which was neutralized and
more than neutralized by the delay
which afforded the enemy time to con-
centraie his army jim the forenoon)
everything was yet TO begin and to be
gained. No one who glanced at the
spectacle of confidence and strength,
disposed for miles along the country
within view, could feel his heart throb
with serious doubt.
The signal long expected was given at
last General Wright, to whom was as
signed the command of the Sixth This
own and the Nineteenth Corps General
EmOry'sI, gave the order to attack at
precisely twenty minutes to twelve
The Second General Getty's) and the
Third General Ricketts9 divisions Of
the Sixth Corps, Joined in the advance:
the First General Russell's) division be-
ing held in reserve. The Nineteenth
Corps, including both divisions, under
Geucrals Grover and Dwight, advanced
entire The lines, at the signal, were