Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1871-02-15
fpf the hhfNbii'A"
Very Bad School Literature.

II IL docs not inaho hahy iuliV"Nois
in the excellent accomplishment of
swearing, will have a strong ten
dency to paliatc and excuse this exc
cradle practice among the boys. The
poet says:
"Then striking his spurs with terrible oath,
He dashed down the line mid storm of huEzas."
What ine2 The line formed by
Wright of course, before this great
rider arrived. The poem would lead
us TO believe that the presence of
Sheridan was alone the cause of Early's
defeat. This may answer for the ad-
mirers of ''Phil" but will not do as
truthful uttorance of history.
At this late day it is not necessary
to recount the affair at Cedar Creek,
in which Sheridan became so famous.
twill suffice to say that the Confed-
crates under Early dashed upon the
left wing of the Federal army and
drove them in wild confusion from the
field, leaving their camp and camp
equipages in the hands of the rebels.
With the rest of his force Early cross
ed the creek in his enemy's front,
pushed on TO the field attacking in
front and fank-.he whole army Of
Sheridan gave way. Thus Early had
an easy victory in his grasp, the Fed
eral lines were driven, their artillery
all captured or had rushed 10 the rear
in hopeless disorder, the infantry was
stampeded, the cavalry was galloping
from the field
This was the spectacle that greeted
the eyes of the Confederates at Cedar
Creek, on the morning Of the 10Th Of
October, 1864. Unfortunately for
them the camp was rich in luxuries
and spoils of every description, which
they paused to seize upon instead of
pursuing the retreating enemy; the
men went to drinking riotiong and
ransacking whatever the flying Fed
erals had left.
This conduct on the part of the
Confederates was unsoldiery, but
when we pause aud reflect that their
army needed clothing, shoes, blan-
kets, quartermaster's stores, and in
short everything to cat, drink, and
wear, we can easily overlook this, for
it is very hard TO shiver at night
for want of a blanket, to leave blood
marks on the turnpike with naked
feet, to be cold, starving in rags and
not grasp at clothes, blankets and
food, but this brought the punishment.
The delay caused by this disorder gave
the Fcderals time to reform their lines
and take positions; this they speedily
did under General Wright, command
ing the Sixth Corps, for Sheridan rds
at Winchester. Before Early could go
forward the Federal forces were not
only ready ro resist bis further ad-
vance, but were prepared to attack
in their turn. This they did quickly,
and this the poem writer would have
us believe was the result Of the pres
ence of Sheridan who came at full
gallop from Winchester, on a steed
"shod with fire." and with "hurrahs"
-oaths-and the elan of bis bearing
brought the troops up to the mark,
but this is not the truth if we 90
behind the bulletins sent to Washing.
ton and thence to the newspaper re-
ports.
Mr.. Swinton, a northern war histo-
rian and an ardent admirer of Sheri.
dan, says "The dramatic incidents
attending the arrival of Sheridan have
perhaps caused General Wright to
receive less credit than he really
deserves. The disaster ,ods oUer By the
time Sheridan drriped, compact line
Of battle formed, and General Wrilht
tcds on the point Of opening the offensive"
Between Generals Wright and Sher.
idan the candid reader may decide.
We have stated the truth of history
and protest against the well earned
fame of Wright being filched from
him by the crratic rhythm of this
enthusiastic rhymer, and especially
protest against such untruthful stories
being engrafted into school books and
taught to the youths OF tho country.
Dime novels and Ku Klux outrages
are bad enough as they are daily
manufactured, but save us from lies
taught in the common schools.