Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-22

that the greater part of Early's army would
have been captured in its scamper to the rear
This and subsequent miscarriage of Averell
permitted Early breathing spell, and
no gathered his demoralized troops to-
gether again south of Mount jackson.
Threatened again. however. he soon fell clean
back to Rock Fish Gap. Sheridan then took
position around Port Republic and Harrison
burg.
He now Systematically devastated the country
in the upper valley, destroying mills and crops
mcrcilcssly and driving out cattle and other
live stock for the purpose of making it unten-
able for the enemy. After accomplishing this
purpose according to orders on October 6 he
retired down the valley with all his forces,
taking station along the north bank of Cedar
creek west of the valley pike. Immediately
after his defeat at the Opequan Kershaw's
division aud Cutshaw's battalion of artillery
were hurried back to Early's assistance. and he
followed Shcridan's retrograde closely burn
ing for revenge. He was also under the i'm
preston that large part of the federal force
had been detached to Gen. Grant.
"sHERIDAS's RIDE"
On the 10th Sheridan received a summons to
come to Washington on military business, and
wen. there the next day. After short con-
ference with Halleck and Stanton he started
on his return to the army by special train by
way of Martinsburg, where he arrived on the
evening of the 18th. Here he remained all
night, and the next morning, taking horse
rode out to Winchester, where he slept the
night Of the 18th Oh the morning Of the 10TH
while the general was yet in bed, a picket
officer reported artillery firing in the direction
Of Cedar creek. 1t appeared to be Irregular
indicating a reconnaissance which he had
ordered before leaving, and Sheridan paad but
little attention to it. Presently the officer
came back again and said the firing still con-
tinuod. This made Sheridan restless and
nervous. He asked to have the breakfast hur =
ried Up, and before o'clock Of the 18th WAS
in the saddle again, headed toward Cedar
creek. This .'Sheridan's ride" since made
famous by j. Buchanan Reads poem.
As the Union general rode out OF Winchester
rebel women at their doors and windows made
SheridaDs experienced mind that there was
secret which they guessed, and that there was
some thing up. At the edge of the town be
halted. and, listening. plainly heard the long
unceasing roar of artillery, telling that a heavy
action was in progress toward Cedar creek.
Then riding forward he placed his head down
on the saddle bow, listening intently. irving to
locate and interpret the sullen sound. 1t grew
louder as he advanced. much faster in ratio
than he travelled From this fact he correctly
argued that his own army was coming to-
ward him in retreat.
Satisfied that everything was going wrong.
Sheridan now dashed forward at q regular
swinging pace, when on rising the crest beyond
Mill creek the appalling spectacle of panic
stricken army burst upon his astounded view
Crowds of slightly wounded and other I'M
wounded but utterly demoralized men came
streaming down the pike toward Winchester
He was assured positively that all was lost;
the army WAS routed and broken up. After
comprehending something of the terrific
calamity that probably happened Sheridan
says he walked his horse for awhile. trying to
fl in his mind what was his proper course to
pursue. Then. learning further of the disaster,
taking two aids and twenty men. leaving his
other officers to stop and rally the runaways
Sheridan started for the extreme front
The roads were biockaded with the wounded.
wagons and debris Of a retreating defeated
army. Beyond these he came to a different
class OF men, as be drew nearer to the actual
scene OF the fighting; crowds Of unwounded
who, out Of immediate danger, perfectly cool,
had halted and were cooking coffee. When
they saw the general they abandoned their
coffee, threw up their hats with cheers, and,
what was better. shouldered their muskets and
started after him. This was q most promising
indicauon. To acknowledge this peculiar ova-
ton Sheridan took of his hat ana rode along
the road alone ahead Of his escort
Thousands faced about and followed on.
Mounted officers rode out among the scattered
commands ip the fields on either side Of the
road and shouted that Sheridan was back, and
to fall in The effect was simply electrical
Order was quickly effected and soon columns
OF what but n moment before was a sullen mob
were marching toward Cedar creek again.
Everybody willingly. enthusiastically turned
toward the front as il the one thing needful
was restored to the army. 1t must have been
gratifying moment to this little hero But
all he said as he rode among those men on the
road was: III had been with you, men, this
disaster would not have happened We must
face the other way; We will go back and re-
cover our camp"
MEN VINO STOOD THEIR GROUND.
But oil was not disorganization on this field
Soon the commander came to the sturdy divi-
sions Of Ricketts, and Wheaton, presenting o
bold front toward the south, and part of the
nineteenth corps was also close at hand intact.
Riding still further forward he came to Gctty's
division and the cavalry holding the rebels in
check behind rail barricades- Gen. Torbert
rode forward, exclaiming: my God! lam
glad you've come" This was about q mile
north Of Middleton WI, and between two aud three
miles from the camps where the EARLY cyclone
had struck the army at daylight
When Getty's and Torbert's men recognized
Sheridan they rose up from behind their tenn
porary barricades and cheered him to the echo.
He WIS informed that Gen. Lewis A. Grant of
the old Vermont brigade commanded there.
Ne learned that the army had been surprised
at daylight BY Early, who had made . wids
detour, crossing the Shenandoah twice, strik-
ing Crook ON hauk and rear, giving him . lit
lie Of has own medicine. Crooks troops we're
completely routed, carrying oa the nsld With
them many other commando and losing nsariy
al tho artillery and supplies Of he array We
Sheridan gotnG = - content Witk mnro2y ~.