The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-06-05
HARD F|GH TING
AT W|NCH HES TER
Fedcrals Outnumbcrcd Southern
Troops in Last Valley
Campaign.
ny EMMA HOWARD WIGHT,
0iIddIctoyyn. yn.

Tho battle OF Winchester. which Is
frequently designated as the battle of
the Opequan, occurred on October 10,
1854. This battle was the commence
ment OF the active campaign in the
Shenandoah Valley, ending a month
later with the battle of Cedar Creek.
The battle OF Winchester was also
Philip H sheridan's nrst battle as
general. commanding the Federal
troops In the Shenandoah Valley. up
to which time he had been practically
unknown TO the army and the country.
The battle commenced at daybrcak and
lasted until o'clock In the afternoon.
eliminating in tho defeat OF the Con-
federates.
Location of the Armies.
At the time OF the battle OF Win
chester Earlys much depleted army
was encamped west OF the Opcquan
Creek, on the turnpike between Win
chester and Martinsburg. In a line fac
ing east. Sheridan's army was en-
camped on the opposite sido of the
Opequan, near the town of Berryville,
facing west The armies had occupied
these positions for two weeks, with
nothing In the way Of hostilities save
some occasional sKirmishing, the Fed
erals being on the defensive. At
the contsderates had no intention OF
withdrawing from the Valley or aban-
doning their threatening attitude. Lieu
tenant.General Grant paid visit to
the Federal army for the purpose OF
deciding as to the advlsabiiity of open
Ing UP an active campaign. The looa-
ton and condition OF the two armies
having been explained to him. orders
were given Sheridan TO commence hos
Utilities TWO days later. on September
10. Sheridan attacked Early.
The battle of Winchester Is known
as one OF the most sanguinary battles
end most stubbornly contested victories
OF the civil War. Sheridan's immense
force of infantry. cavalry and artillery
acting in splendid harmony. were con-
centrated upon the Confederate forces
which they greatly outnumbered. The
Federals charged and carried ever.
position taken by the Confederate:
from the opeouan to Winchester. II
his official report OF the battle to Gen
eral Grant Sheridan Is said to have
stated that "the rebels were very OBJ
,stinate in their resistance
Confederates Outnu1nbered.
Tho fact is that the Confederate:
fought bravely. valiantl?. tenac!ouslS
"a forlorn hope" They had absolutely
no chance OF victory from the hrst
owing to the superiority of numbers or
the part Of the Federals. The Confed
crates were driven from opeqaan creei
to Winchester. through the town ant
beyond. That Sheridan, under the con
ditions that existed, failed to capture
Early and his entire army leaves hin
open 10 great deal OF criticism, Il
say the least
The North was especially jubilan
over the victory OF the Federals 4
Winchester, IL being their first victor!
IN the Shenandoah Valley. A New
York paper in an editorial the da!
after the battle. while exulting owe
the victory. declared that UP TO tina
time the Shenandoah Valley had proye'
"a valley of humiliation to tho North
President Mckinley In the Battle.
1t was at the battle of Wiucheste
that President Mckinley was raised t
the rank OF major for valor upon tn
field, 1t seems that Mrs. McKinle? al
ways addressed her husband and spok
Of him by his title of major. It Is pos
sible that the title, which hc had wo
by bravery and valor upon the field Q