Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1904-05-14
HELPED SHERIDAN WIN BATTLE.
little Quakeress Sent Information TO
the Famous Soldier.

little 0uakeress Sent Information to
the Famous Soldier.
Mai-Gen. Philip II. Sheridan
planned, fought and won his first IN
dependent battle on the advice OF
woman, and she, be it observed, was
a little Quakeress, whose sect believes
in peace. Of the truth of this state
ment, we have Gen. Sheridan's written
testimony.
He had always fought under other
generals until ne was placed in COM
mand of tie Middle Military Division,
composed of the Sixth, Eighth, Nine
teenth and cavalry corps. BY order
of Gen. Grant, this force was sent TO
clear the Valley of Virginia; not only
of armed foes, but of all provisions
That campaign was war in all its
cruelty, for it brought ruin to crops,
and suffering to defenseless women
and children. But as a war measure
it was deemed a necessity, because
that fertile valley furnished all of the
food supplies for Lees army. Con-
federate soldiers to-day look upon that
campaign as war measure, but the
writer has seen and conversed with
elderly ladies there who hate the
name of Sheridan because OF the suf-
ferings they endured. They saw their
crops destroyed their barns and
aences burned, and some of them car
rying infants in their arms were left
without roof, food or clothing.
While preparing for his initial
movements in the vicinity of Win
chester, Gen. Sheridan found it very
difficult to obtain reliable information
concerning the location and number
of the forces of Gen. Early. Finally,
from Rebecca L. Wright, little
Quaker girl residing in Winchester,
he secured the accurate information
he needed; and upon that information
he planned, fought and won the bat
tie of Opequan Creek, on Sept. IS,
1864, the battle known in history as
the battle of Winchester.
In the redemption division of the
treasury department the little Quaker
girl has been employed for many
years. She has a gold watch, upon
which these words are inscribed:
Presented to Rebecca L. Wright,
Sept. 10, 1867, by Gen. Phil. H. Sheri-
dan. A memento of Sept. 10, 1864"
The watch is attached to a long
gold chain, fastened at the neck with
a horseshoe clasp, a military gaunt-
let and stirrups. Hanging from the
short end of the chain is a sword, a
seal and key. With the watch came
a letter, of which the following is
copy:
Headquarters,
Department of the Gulf,
New Orleans, Jan. Z, 1857
My Dear Miss Wright: You are
probably not aware Of the services
you rendered the Union cause by the
information you sent by the colored
man a few days before the battle of
Opequan, on Sept. 10, 1864. 1t was
upon that information that the battle
was fought, and probably won. The
colored man gave the note, wrapped
in tinfoil. to the scout who awaited
him at Wildwood. He had carried it
in his mouth to that point, and the
scout brought it to me.
BY that note became aware of the
true condition of affairs inside the
enemy's lines, and gave directions for
the attack. / will always remember
that courageous and patriotic action
Of yours with gratitude and I beg YOU
to accept the watch and chain which
send by Gen. ]. w. Forsyth as a me-
mento of Sept 10, 1864.
Very respectfully yours,
P. H. Sheridan,
Major General.
. The letter was placed in double
frames by Mrs Bonsal, so that the
writing on both sides can be seen
through the glass covering. On the
back Of the letter is an autograph in
oorsement by Gen. Grant, requesting
the appointment of Miss Wright to
the treasury department, and upon
that request her original appointment
was made While in the department
she married Mr.. Bonsal. and after his
death she was reappointed
The Quaker family of Wrights re-
sided in Winchester. AS Quakers they
were opposed to war, prayed for peace.
and remained loyal to the cause of the
Union Because her father would not
light he was arrasted and impris-
oned by the Confederates Because
OF confinement and hardships he-tiied
N prison The widow lived with her
daughter and little boy with undimin-
fshed loyalty They were pitied and
much respected by their neighbors.