The National tribune., 1883-09-27
VETS In THE VALLEY
Continued from LIST pdqe.1
had been signed that morning by President
Lincoln He was but thirty y-two years of age.

Continued from LIST page.
had been signed that morning by President
Lincoln. He was but thirty-two years of age.
Not till the line was perfected-till artillery
cavalry, and infantry all were in postion-was
the thunderbolt launched upon Early.
Walking ever now TO the gronnd occupied by
him, we see how the decentralization that ever
follows great success began to disintegrate the
Confederate army. The flush of victory was
upon the Confederate soldiers They were
reveling in the spoils,-trying on coats, boots,
shoes, plundering the suffers stores-and one
soldier was putting Federal shirt over his
tattered gray coat They were singing songs,
dancing, yelling. Having had no breakfast,
they soon rekindled the snuudeTing fires, sup
plying themselves with bareback and coffee
from the captured commissary stores. They
had delivered staggering, unexpected blow,
and like the bruser OF the ring, were feeling
the inevitable exhaustion that follows put
ting-forth of strength.
RARLY's FATAL BLUNDER.
General Gordon saw possible danger, after
such success and advised Early TO gather up
the spoils and take secure position. 1t was
mere suggestion. He knew that Sheridan had
arrived upon the field. He knew. from the
cheers that came swelling across the valley,
that the Union army, though routed had not
lost heart Quite likely has knowledge of the
that there would come vigorous effort 10
redeem the day. 1t is said that General Early
had celebrated his victory of the morning by
taking large potatiens of applejack, and did
not care a red cent for Sheridan. and would
not retreat. Be that as il may, he did not accept
the suggestions of Gordon He did not know
that under the inspirlting influence of that
eompactly-buiit man, who was riding up and
down the Union lines. telling the soldiers that
they should sleep in their old camps that
night, each soldier was getting his temper up
TO white heat.
Fight yes: and not only drive Early pell-
nell across Cedar Creek but sweep the whole
Confederate crew cut of the valley thrifty
housewife clears her house of rubbish!
The word came, and we know the result.
Back, through fields. woods. ravines. fed the
Confederates. At sunset Earlys army practi-
caly ceased to exist. The Union army. be-
tween defeat and victory, had been re-eDforced
only by one mani
A DAY AT HARRISONBURG.
On the morning of Saturday, September 90,
the town hall at Winchester was packed by
the people of the town TO bid kindly farewell
to the veterans who expressed their grateful
feelings in resolutions, followed by remarks by
Colonel Wright, the mayor, aud the presenta-
ton of a huge bouquet to Major Buffum-the
gift of Winchester ladies.
The last day of the veterans in the valley
was taken mp by an excursion TO Harrisonburg.
Several weeks ago placard appeared on the
walls and fences of the town with large-sized
type. Thus it read:
q A great day IN Barrisonb8g!
People Of Rockingham, turn out en- masse
and welcome the Union veterans to the Shen-
andoah!"
This, with much more that was fraternal,
kindly and enthusiastic.
doubt if anything less than Barnums circus
would have brought such gathering TO the
old town as that which welcomed the veterans
/ am sure that 10 Fourth of July ever saw such
display of flags from window. portico and
doorway, with festoons of red. VIII te and blue
and crowd which cheered Itself hoarse as the
procession of carriages containing the ladies of
the party, turned into the square. followed by
the Harrisonburg military company, an ex-
Confederate commanding, followed in turn by
the Confederate veterans In the absence of the
mayor, al old Confederate officer. j. r. Herns-
berger, welcomed the visitors. followed by fit
ting reply from Colonel Wright and the singing
OF the new version of "Tenting on the Old Camp
Ground by the quartette, over which pro-
ceedings the crowd cheered itself hoarse again.
Then came grand dinner at the Revere House,
determination, private hospitality. bestowal OF
bouquets, handshaking, and when the train
departed din of music, cheers and hurrahs.
| Arriving at Winchester in the evening, the
veterans found dense crowd at the depot
this time largely composed of ladies with bon
quets for the veterans. With much hand
shaking, with cheer upon cheer, the train
moved away, carrying with il. if | can read
Alright the hearts of the peope.
At HATper's Ferry there salvo of artil-
lery and discharge of rockets 20 the veterans,
once more victorious and crowned with fow-
ers, retreated once mere from the historic
valley.
The songs Of the camp-fires are blended,
The North and the South Ar q more;
The confet forever is ended
From the lakes to the paln-girded shore.
One people united forever,
In hope greets the promising years;
No discord again dissever
union cenented by tears.
The past shall retain bat one story
record of courage and lovei
The future shall cherish glory,
While sIaFs slime responsive above
CARLETON.