The National tribune., 1886-10-14
ARMY OF WEST VIRGINIA.
Its Gallant Fight Against Early at Winchester.

been repeatedly solicited by members of that
honored organization. the Army of West Nir
ginia, 10 continue history of their campaigns
In the Shenandoah Valley, aud feel moved e
write something further relative 60 the move
ments of that army in the Middle Military
Division. ! notice that two of my comrades
good naturedly criticize my communication
which appeared in your issue Of July ID.
ComTadc ThOs A. Murphy, LIST Ohio battery
claims that ~ guus were unlimberod instead
oi two flr he purpose oi shcillng the rcbs out
OF that brick house al Bunker Hill, and pre-
sumo is right in his version of that affair; but
must insist that my statement Is correct as u
the positions occupied by the infantry regi-
menls IN the engagement az Stevenson Depot
and which has been commented on by COmrade
W M Morris. Go. 4, Sd w Va. Cav. The 9Th
W Va occupied the right of the turnpike 9lst
Ohio next on the left Saith Ohio ZOuaves 90 the
lcf of the 9lst, and cavalry on both Hanks,
with TWO siN-gnn batteries IN the rear and
firing over the heads Of the advancing line OF
battlo would not de,ract one lota from the
honor due the cavalry on that occasion. They
played their part nobly in doubling up the
flanlls of the enemy; but the probabilities are
that If ii had not been for the presence of the
infantry Ramseur would have scooped in y
the cavalry, and maybe vice versa.
One thing is quite certain-the infantry con-
sdefably exceeded iu number the cavalry en-
gagged. Another point, in which, j think my
comrade- viii fully bear me out in the state
ment: The Federal infantry forced Ramseurs
advance position
AT THE POINT OF THE BAYONET.
Quite a number of the 9th Va boys, as well
as members of the 9lst Ohio, freely used their
bay onets aud butts of their muskets on the re-
treating rebels. The Confederate Gen. Lilly
will no doubt be amused TO learn that he WAS
killed at Stevenson Depot, as per Comrade
MoTis's report as he is at present resident of
New ork city. The General had his arm am
putsiled by Surgeons of the 9lst, at Stevenson
Depot
After the battle on that memorable occaso on,
at nIEhtial the infantry and artillery were or
dered five miles TO the rear, while the Federal
cavalry held the battle-ground, and on the fol-
lowing morning occupied the city Of Winches-
ter, while the brigade of infantry entered the
town about 10 O'clock of the same day, and on
the following day the balance of the Army OF
West Virginia, under Gen. Crook, arrived from
Harper's Ferry, making in all an effective force
of anOut 1000 men, leaving Gen. David Hunter
with headquarters at Harpers Ferry. The
Confederate commander Gen. Early, being ap-
prised oi the iorce I'm position at Winchester,
halted in his retreat, ah0ut-iaced, and again
advanced down the valley. His force was va
riOusly estimated at from 10000 TO $4,000 men.
Rumor says that Gen. Crook apprised Gen.
Hunier al Harpers Ferry Of the danger with
which he was nenRced, and asked permission
20 retreat; but here was knotty problem for
Gen. Hunter 10 solve A battle with so large
q force meant retreat, disaster and rout per
haps the sacrifice Of Crooks entire command
retreat without fight would again open the
gates for MI invasion of Maryland and Penn
eylyauia, with It's storm of Indignation from the
people OF the North. Gen. Hunter accepted the
first alternative, aud resolved TO die fighting.
Accordingly Gen. Crook made the best dis
position possible OF the force in hand the bulk
OF which Was posted 10 the south. on the Kerns-
town road. The Second Brigade, which fought
the battle OF Stevenson Depot four days prior TO
this, WAS posted TO the west, on the Romney
turnpike. The rebel forces appeared on the
kernsIown road on Sunday morning, July
"a. Their tactics appeared TO be 10
INVITE A CHARGE
from the Union command. They displayed
but small force in front, while in reality they
were massing great many of their men TO
crush our lClt flank. thus heading off retreat
by way OF Harper's Ferry. A low amphitheater
OF hills and ridges intervened between the
line facing south and that posted on the
Romney road, hence we could hear the
roar OF conflict, but could not sec the SAN
culinary struggle which was being enacted
on the Other side of the dividing ridge. Ii was
evident rom the advancing noise OF musketry
aud tbe cheers Of the rebel soldiers that the left
wing OF the Army OF West Virginia had been
hankcd, not whipped, out of position.
Presently the left of our brigade became en-
gagged The dividing ridge held by the 3ith
Ohio became debau,ble ground. We heard a
fearful voiley OF musketry, followed by hearty
Union cheer, and then we knew that the rebel
ADVANCE here had been checked, but which
proved 10 be but OF temporary duration. A
fresh battalion, with long-drawn rebel veil,
came down on the left of the Bath Ohio, and
IL, too Was soon hanked out of position and
In retreat
The 9lst Ohio was next in order behind q
stone wall, with the 9th Va. next on its
night. The front Of each regiment was covered
with skiunishcrs quarter Of a mile 10 the
mont. These, on the appearance OF the enemy.
were 10 retreat rapidly, pass the Union force
concealed by the stone wall. and make their
escape 10 the rear. The 9lst Ohio had been or
dered 10 puil the rebel skiunishers bodily over
the STONE wall when they came up, and when
the man rebel column arrived 10 rise up. empty
their loaded muskets in their faces. and then
give them the bayonet. Silence had been en-
Joined ON every man; not single shot had
been fred.
Now rebel line of battle crossed the stone
fence obllquely, the left OF their line within q
ball stones throw of the left Of the 9lst Ohio
Every rebel
HAD HIS HEAD UP
at an angle OF about as degrees, evidently IN
anticipation of what he might EXPECT on ar.
rlYing ~ the summit of the dividing ridge
Presently another line followed in usual sun.
porting distance Things now began TO look
bilious, If not desperate. Col Cadot became
excited. He was not choice in his use of ad.
gecilves OF military commands. think the re.
cordlng angel Will drop tear over the language
used on That occasion. Three companies oi
you boys wheel and give them fellows h--.o he
shouted. The order was promptly obeyed and
The rebels went back over that stone wall again
like Sock OF sheep. Now" said the Colonel
get out OF here, and 20 quick, too" which com.
mand was responded 10 by the 9Ist Ohio will
great alAcrty. The 9th Va followed suit
IN abandoning this portion Of the field as IN
tenable.
Crossing the ridge Immediately in the rear !
view uuiOlded itself 10 the vision which wa,
enough 10 bring dismay TO the stoutest heart
the sad spectacle Of a routed Federal army
Cavalry, artillery, infantry, wagon trains were
mixed ln ulre confusion and in widest flight
but ioop-hole remained for this left wing o,
the army 10 slip through and interpose Itself
as rear guard between the advancing foe and
the fleeing iugitives beyond. Gen. Duval. oul
brigade commander, cool calm and far-seeing
was equal 10 the task before him, and brought
order out Of chaos and confidence out of con
fusion lie interposed a line of defense. anc
every effort of the exultant enemy 10 breal
Through 10 the wagon trains beyond proved
nnavailing Section after section of rebel artil
lery was brought forward, playing first upor
one part OF the line and then another. Charg,
Gfter charge was made by the rebel horse. seek
Ing IN vain for some vulnerable point in In,
hrm formation, until the darkness and gloon
OF the coming night lent its friendly GOVERNS
Iof the Iederal 1orce % escape from oYernower