The National tribune., 1889-08-15
CEDAR CREEK.
Part Taken by the First Brigade, Second Division,
Army of West Virginia.


Army Of West Virginia.
EDITOR NATIONAL tribune: / have seen
n number of articles written on the battle of
Cedar Creek and published In THE NATIONAL
tribune, but none that como farther from the
truth than Comrade c. w. Buttons, of the 10th
N. Y, published July % I have nothing to
say about the quarrel between the Sixth and
Nineteenth Corps at Opequan, only that they
were virtually whipped until portion of the
army of West Virginia under command of Il.
Il. Hayes reached the left flank of Early's army,
crossed the marsh, and with the help of Clusters
cavalry doubled them up like penknife and
sent the rebel host up the Valley.
Comrade Button says "Oct 10 we occupied
the first line ut Cedar Creek, and on the morn
ing of the 10Th wo were suddenly aroused by
the roar of musketry on the left of the line
The long roll soon called the 10th into line,
but not shot came from the front. All the
muskotry seemed TO come from the rear. This
with the confusion of tho staff officers, made
us pretty sure that the Eighth Corps were
both surprised and fanked, not regiment
being able to form, being attacked in front aud
rear while asleep in their tents, and
many being bayoneted before they could get
away"
Now, here is another case Of seeing battle
afar Off Let me tell what | saw. Gen. K. B.
Hayess Brigade was called out by reveile be-
fore daylight; roll called stacked arms struck
tents when but few picket-shots had been
fired Our Brigade Sutler had his teams driven
around aud loaded up everything while we
were forming in liue Of battle, with the Sutler
between us and the enemy, aud they did not
leave can of peaches or u bottle Of whisky
for the rebs.
While we were forming, a New York heavy
artillery regiment had formed on our left. BY
this time the firing was pretty brisk. The Colo
mel, who few moments before was very
courageous, threatening TO shoot the first man
who attempted TO run, was struck by mimic
ball, called for his men TO take him back and
not leave him in the hands of the enemy; and
l suppose every man in the regiment thought
he meant him particularly, for in IL few min
utes the space they occupied was vacant, aud
we could SEQ tho men on our right running in
all directions. Mosby had passed on our left
aud was trying To capture our train In Middle
town. Our line was parallel TO the pike facing
towards Front Royal We gave up our first
line, fell back across the pike, and formed q
second line getting away with tho force in
front; but tho rebs were soon on both TANKS,
and IL was either retreat or be captured We
made half.wheei aud fell back over the
ground the Nineteenth Corps had camped on
Some of their tents were still standing We
found one solitary piece Of artillery, the Cap
tain on horseback, aud only three men left to
work it, lie called Tor volunteers, and and four
or five Of my men helped to fire the piece six or
eight times, when one Of the three batterymeu
was killed. Then tho Captain ordered US to
upset the piece, which We did
At this time not Sixth or Nineteenth Corps
man was between US and tho enemy. We fell
back little farther. halted in piece of woods,
when orders came TO us TO fall back where tho
Sixth aud Nineteenth Corps were fortifying ;
which We did, taking position on their left
along stone wall. sending out skiTmishers.
This was at the l4th milestone
One of my men lay behind that milestone
aud shot 20 rounds Of cartridges. This was
Just three miles from the Cedar Creek bridge,
as the 18th milestone stands on the bank near
the bridge. Comradc Button says that they
fell back four miles What were you doing
way back thoref | don't wonder he made
few errors III bis article.
Again. he says: While RECALLING our appe-
titles, Little Phil rode along our lines on his
coal black horse, reeking with foam" Hold
on, conrade. What General would be so heart.
iess AS to ride horse from Winchester at the
rate Of speed ho came. aud then stay on his
back all dayP If you OF any other comrado
saw Gen. Sheridan ride the coal.black horse
that day, 1t was along the line of straggers
from Winchester 10 tho i4th milc-post. Gens
Crook, DHyai aud Hayes had dismountod
about 10 rods in rear OF the 23d Ohio, when
Gen. Sheridan rode up and dismouuted. saying
lia iH Hlu hu WHAT ~ TUG HldAteF THIS morn
ing1" Gen. Crook replied: " /. looks "a though
wo were whipped Gen. Sheridan said No;
they have the start this morning, but SO will
turn tho tables on them before night
About this time there was hurried con-
sultation III a low tone. so | heard no more Of
the conversation: bat Crook hostler unstrap-
ped roll Of blankets from Crooks led horse
put them on tho black charger aud led him
around until Just before the signal for advance
4. 4 a.
Crooks iayoFite horse was soErel with four
white feet, white forehead and white nose.
When the consultation ended, which took
less time than IL does me 20 write IL, Sheridan
mounted old I" liaily," AS we all called him. aud
Crook mounted his other horse. aud away they
went up tho lines. none Of sheridan's stall
having arrived yet.
When Sheridan came back ho stopped again,
aud said 10 Gon. Hayes: We have as good a
thing on them as We want; they will be the
worst whipped set Of rebels you ever saw be-
fore sundown," and rodo away again. Then
commenced a reorganization of the liue. just
before tho advance Sheridan came back aud
said 10 Hayes: a brigade Of the Nineteenth
Corps will relieve you" Hayes replied .
Where does my command go?" Gen. Sheri.
dan said You stood the shock this morning
won laurels at Opeqnan aud Fishers lin, and
now | propose To let tho Sixth aud Nineteenth
fighting" Hayes replied :" / propose 10 go in
somewhere" aud faced his command TO the
left aud crossed tho pike just below the lith
milestone, and think We were back in our old
camp as soon As anybody; but we didn't stop
until VIC took the ford on tho Shenandoah
River.
That part Of the Army of West Virginia
were surprised that morning j do not pretend
10 doubt, aud that there was good many stray
glers is a certainty, but that they had plenty
OF company from every corps, division, brigade
aud regiment ID just as certain. If any COM
fade doubts what | say about Gen. Sheridan
riding "old Bally" during that battle lot him
write to Gen. George Crook. | know il is TAX
ing some of the praise from the old charger,
but at this late day the truth should prevail.
Now, comrades, If any of you think I have
made misstatements, pitch in, for my shoulders
are broad.-F. NJ. KELLY, First Lieutenant, Co.
i, 23d Ohio, Seipio Siding, o.
Cases In Point.
With most decided emphasis We say Com
nound Oxygen il ponlE-but ma n rnIa Manila