The National tribune., 1906-05-17

spurs into the fanks Of his mule, en-
deavoring to get to the rear in the least
possible time. although his great con-
fidence in Sheridan. Newtown was so
crowded with fugitives that the General
was unable . keep the road, passing
east Of the village AS the General
passed, officers who were near the road
waved their hats, informing the men
that Sheridan was going to the front
A short distance beyond Newtown Mai
McKinley-later President of the Unit
ed States-was met. He was on Gen.
Crooks staff, and carried the news OF
Sheridan's arrival to his corps.
A Headlong Pace.
The pace was headIong, the horses
being put to their full speed Never
did General and escort go over 18 miles
in less time. Shortly after leaving New
town a body Of troops west of the pike
had halted-Ricketts's and Wheatons
Divisions of the Sixth Corps A short
distance west and in rear OF these was
the Nineteenth Corps. The General did
not stop. evidently desiring to get to the
front as soon as possible. About mid
way between Newtown and Middletown
ne came up in rear Of Getty's Division
of the Sixth Corps. west Of the pike.
The cavalry and this division were the
only troops in position opposing the
Confederate forces, more as a rear
guard than as line of battle. The first
officer Sheridan met was Gen. Torbert,
Chief Of Cavalry, who exclaimed my
God, General, I'm glad you've GOMEZ"
Getty's troops, now commanded by
Gen. Lewis A. Grant, of the Vermont
Brigade. Getty commanding the Sixth
Corps, were some distance, over a mile.
north Of Middletown, on a rise of
ground. posted behind a fence-rail bar
ricade. Skirmishing was going on with
the enemy. The General jumped his
horse over the barricade. riding to the
crest Of the hill. taking off his hat and
waving 1T. Cheer after cheer went up
from the men, exclaiming, Sheridan
has come! Sheridan has comet"
Sheridan replied: "Boys, we'll get the
tightest twist on them they ever saw;
Wen get all those camps and cannon
thusiasm as he rode along the lines.
Never before did 50 much seemingly
depend upon one man. All were con-
fdent OF success as soon as they heard
OF Sheridan's arrival; and indeed with
him alone rested the safety of thou
sands of lives and the preservation Of
his army.
A Line Of COlOrs.
. A short distance in rear of Getty's
line were a number of regimental coll
ors. Tney were the color-bearers of
STO0h > regiment, VINO ndQ gone 10 the
rear in the morning, the color-bearers
remaining on the field, forming in rear
OF Getty's troops. 1t was line of color
bearers and officers, Col r. B. Hayes
late President of the United States
then commanding a brigade, being
amongst them.
Shortly after this Sheridan establish
ed his headquarters on a rise of ground
a short distance north OF Getty's line.
Here several of his staff joined him, one
Of them remarking to the General: Il
fear the battle is going against us.
suppose Jubal Early intends driving you
out of the Valley"
What" exclaimed Sheridan; three
corps Of infantry and all Of my cavalry?
Jubal Early drive me out OF the Valley!
I'll lick him like blazes before night.
I'll give him the worst licking he ever
had"
After esta ablishing his headquarters he
began reforming his lines. The Nine
teenth Corps and two divisions Of the
Sixth Corps, which were about two miles
to the rear, were ordered to the front
as rapidly as possible. Clusters Cavalry
was transferred from the left to the
right. Merritt's Cavalry remaining on
the left. The infantry line was re-es-
tablished on Getty's line, staff officers
were sent to hurry up the two divisions
Of the Sixth Corps and the Nineteenth
Corps. Finally, the General went back