The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1864-10-20
.aherlaan,g VICTORY. . -


count Of Gen, Sheridan'S last victory.
| II vas midnight. and all around wss
the stiffness usual to that hour. While
this stiffness was prevailing, tho enemy
had noisslessly messed ahaavy column
in front Of Crook, bebird the hills on
the southwest side OF Cedar Creek, aud
directly in front Of the position occupied
BY our extreme pickets. a.ia .'stra.
AtS given Signol, as we afterwarl
learned, the enemy advanced rapidly, il
solid columns Of regiments. Our pick
els were charged, some ofthem captured
and some driven in, hardly before they
had time to discharge their muskets.--
In fact, what few picbetS did come in,
the enemy came in go soon after and 50
close to them, that il was near lie
which party warned the.SlumbOring camp
Of tho danger near at hand.
Having driven ia or captured our
pickeis on tho loft of the line OF tho in
faDtry, the enemy charged across Cedar
Greek at the ford. and very soon after
crossed on the bridge over said stream,
ard reached the side Of the hill and
breustwoikU occupied ~ Thorbum's di-
vision Of the 9lh Corps. The rebels
did not hesitate, but pressed on over all
barriers. completely surprising and in n
measure stompcding the LEFT Of Shsri-
dams line. Iol l. ag
By thiS.sueeess Tho enemy gained some
artillery, ! believe the 4tb Pennsylvania
Battery and some pieces Of regular
battery The suddeuuess Of the attack.
and its wonderful success, for short
time bewildered che troops. Many of
them were taken prisoners. but by far
the greater portion got away with their
arms. vgE Iua. l...|.s
The other division OF Crooks corps
which was allowed some time 10 form,
did so, and was soon formed into line by
the reminding portion of Thorburn's di,
vision. AHthis while the enemy KEEP.
pressing on AMI pouring in upon our
men a rapid and murderous fre-a FIRE
from muskstry, as also, from artillery
posted upon the bill. from the opposite
side Of Cedar Crock. Having directed
a column against Crooks forces, The enc
my quickly turned his attention toward
the right Of the pike, where The 10th
Corps, General Emery's command, was
gotten 10 line, and his artillery 10 work
a, short range. AT this time a bold
charge was made by the enemy under
cover oIhis guns, to capture Emery's
artillery; 10 . measure this charge was
successful, although it wos resisted
with great yigor by FIRE tina! would
have done credit 10 the best Of veterans
under the most trying uircpmslances
On the charge, the rebels took ono or
two pieces Of the LIST Maine battery, and,
believe, aportion ofthe Chase Battery.
What mostheIped the rebels was the
exact range which they got Of our pieces
the ones captured from the elevated
commanding position on the opposite
side Of the creek. As soon as the fight
commenced, and it was known that the
left had suffered, the 9th corps passed
from its position ofreservc over to where
the 9th corps was located in the COM
mencemoht Of the engagement The
trains, too, were got out as speedily as
possible, taking the pike road 10 Win
chester, where they arrived in safely.
The enemy discovering the success of
his surprise, and believing that it was
now time for him only 10 triumphantIy
advan CO. and by the way, must men.
lion that II was now broad daylight
brought his columns and artillery across
Cedar Creek to press the pursuit with
vigor. While this was being done, and
bref lull prevailed, our line was con-
tracted aud commenced slowly falling
back. 40.
The enemy pressed the pursuit rapid.
ly and with great persislency. General
Sheridan was on his way from Washing
ton back to his headquarters when the
attack was made. He reached Winehes-
.!er tha night bcfore the attack, and re-
manned there for consultation, Early in
the morning hearing cannonading,
mounted his horse and pushed forward
to the front. On his way up he me, a
string of teams going to lhe rear, accom-,
panied by the usual number Of wounded
and stragglers which proceeded from a
reverse. Pressing onward he found
some considerable opposition was being
made to the exullant foe He seemed
to comprehend the true state ofaffairs at
glance, and at once proceeded to rem
edy the evil. recognizing his forces,
then seemingly more given to q retreat
than an advance, he promptly changed
the aspect ofour military affairs, and
turned the tide Of battle SO rapidly grow
ing toward q disastrous defeat into o