The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-03
GENERAL JuBAL A. EARLn


narly was virginian, He was born
Franklin county in 1915, graduated at
s~est Point, served with the regulars in
Florida, and with the virginian volun-
teers in Mexico, and at the first Bull Run
led brigade. In his second battle. Will.
iamsburg, Va, May 5, 1852, he was Sc
verely wounded, and did not resume his
command until the battle of Cedar Noun
tain, Aug. 10, 1852. He fought at sec
ond Bull Run and Antietam, and had the
good fortune to- command the line on
Marye's Hill which checked the Union
advance at Fredericksburg in May, 1860.
At Gettysburg he commanded divi-
sion in Ewelps corps and led the same
troops in the Wilderness campaign of 1894
mp TO the battle of Cold Harbor. After
that battle he was sent to Lynchburg to
oppose General David Hunters attack
upon that important position. After re-
pulsina Hunter he planned an invasion of
the border states. General Lee gave him
full discretion in the matter, and with
$4,000 men according u Confederate his
torians) he crossed the Potomac at Shep-
herdstown the first week in July. Grants
army lay at that time In front of Peters
burg, fully engaged In the effort to in
close the place with besieging lines.
Moved Quickly.
So rapid were Early's movements that
che Washington authorities had no fore
warning of the raid. Maryland was in
state of terror. The president called out
the militia of the eastern states, and after
considerable urging Grant sent the Sixth
corps from Petersburg to Washington.
On July Early defeated force composed
of the garrison of Baltimore and a d.
vision of the Sixth corps. all under Gen
eral Lew Wallace, at Monocacy junction,
Md, and Immediately marched to the
gates of Washington.
Meanwhile his cavalry detachments
threatened Baltimore and destroyed the
railways north Of that city, but the delay
caused by those operations was fatal to
Early's plans 1t was the 12th before he
was ready to attack the Washington de-
lenses, and then a reconnaissance showed
him that they were garrisoned by veterans
of the Army of the Potomac. He aban-
doned the movement and returned to the
Shenandoah valley.
Sheridan soon confronted Early I'm the
valley with troops from the army at
Petersburg and defeated HIM in two bat
ties, at Opequon and Fishers Hill, Sept.
10 and 90 But on Oct. 10 Early surprised
Sheridan's camps at Cedar Greek and
came very near redeeming the valley
from Union control Sheridan saved his
army by the memorable ride from Win
chester and stirring appeal to his
troops.
Disappointed In Love.
At the opening Of the spring campaign
In 1865 General Custer defeated Early nj
waynesboro, and Lee was compelled by
public opinion to select another COM
mander for the Confederstes In the val
ley.
After the war General Early practiced
law in Richmond and New Orleans, and
was associated with Beauregard in man.
aging the Louisiana lottery. He died a
bachelor, having had his first romantic
love affair spoiled by the fckleness of q
northern girl whom he rescued from
drowning at While sulphur Springs dur
Ing his cadet days.
The lovers were engaged, and the lieu
tenant was anticipating happy termina-
ton to the romance when his hopes were
blasted by the receipt of newspaper con-
iaininR the notice OF the marriage of his
,hsrmer with northern man. He put
Aside the uniform, with its hateful asso-
citations, and left the army until wars
alarms summoned him 10 the bsttlefields
Of Mexico. After the Mexican war he re-
turned TO civil life.
In 1861 General Early published o me-
moir of his campaigns. He was for q
time president of the Southern Historical
sortatV