The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-04-03
Tlhc Tennornry Pnnic.

Tho attack was, made at o'eiocks
In the morning. a monument. erected
by the state Of Vermont, 10 the E,cy
enth Vermont Regiment. nearly all o.
whom were killed during the nrst
hair.hour or the engagement. marks
the spot where tho first shot was fred
on that memorable morning. The SUR
prise was complete, and, for O. time,
Tps dS'. amohr tho Federal troops.
Tho pickets having been captured, q
rush was made upon the main body OF
the Fedorals, who did not know they
were being attacked until full volieS
was poured into their camp.
Various theories have been advanced;
many reasons have been assigned to
account for Early's defeat at Cedar
Creek. Tho explanation is simple.
Early was outnumbcred, ridicuiously,
pathetically outnumbered. II one may
be permitted the seeming paradox.
Fairy mad but a handful OF men in
comparison with tho large forces of
Sheridan. and 1t was impossible for
certain point. II Early had been abla
to maintain his position until night
he could have made good hts retreat
under cover OF darkness blu. the day
was too long. The holiness, the dar-
ing Of the att.ek caused the 1rederals
70 ee''G ana this lmpres5,on could
have been Sustained the Confederate
/ EaaNe EGpIeu IL NbSiols curry IN
the day. Blu; 1T was an impossible
achievement As soon as the Federai'
realized the true condition, they begaT
To rally and the force or numbers soot
told against the conrederates TheS
| had driven tho Federals three miles
down the Valley toward Winchestci
when Early realized that Ii was use
! less for him 10 try 10 push his adTant
age or to maintain his position. 81
| ne began to retreat.
| IN IL
II was al this stage In the BATH
| that sheridan arrived upon the field
"sheridan's Ride has gone down IL
| history as a wonderful feat; II has beer
| upon his Imagination may be accorded
| tho poet, but the fact remains thu.
! Sheridan did not ride twenty miles OF
the day OF the battle of Cedar Creek
| All told lie rode about eloven miles
The cold facts are these Cedar Creek
where Early attacked the Feticrals. i
fourteen miles from Winchester. Thu
Eonfederatcs had driven the Federal
three miles down the Valley towRrt
winchester, and 1t was there Sheridan
3otneH his troops. Had Sheridan rid
den tvSnty miles, he would have gon
six miles beyond the point where tn
battle commenced. Willie there can b
no question OF the inspiring effect TIL
arrival of Sheridan upon the field hat
upon his tro&ps--they were almost de
Iirious with Sog--nucb or the homo
or the victory at Cedar Creek II du
General virgin, In fact the tide .
Yictory had turrcd before Sheridan ar
rived upon the field. II Is claimed tina
Sheridan gave one rapid glance owe
the neid and then turning 10 Custer
who had hecn tho first 10 greet him
said. Wen camp again tonight q
cedar Creek" Tho deduction may b
drawn from this remark OF Sheridan
that he realized that the battle wa
practically Won.
1t YVES at best a sorry victory. =
tho honor Shnridans or Wrig).GE
Thee were many such victories ptha
Unfair struggle between the Mort
Iand the South--the pitiabie. heart
. rending victory that is due TO force q
numbers; a cruel. inevitable victor
against which skill, daring, bravery
valor and tenacity we're alike ;mpo
tent and powcrJcas