Year: 1879

anu DeyOnu our own DIVISION eXUen0lng
into forest. 1t was evident that we
could here check the enemy's next
advance, and probably could hold him
at bay until he should again outfank us.
At the very worst we could make an or
ganized stand and take up our organized
retreat. General Wright now devoted
himself to arranging the troops on their
new line and to our Division belongs the
credit of rendering the formation possi-
BILE. While we had held the hill near
Middletown SO tenaciously, General
Wright had got together the regiments
of the Nineteenth Corps and of our First
and Third Divisions, and now placed
them on our right. forming a strong and
defenseless line along which rude pro-
lection of earth and rails was at once
improvised. He said that he could yet
defeat the enemy, and his staff have
claimed that he issued orders looking to
a counter-attack, but it is doubtful if
such movement would have been sue
cessful, as the army was much disheart-
ened. Still we now had an opportunity
to rest, and even to breakfast roughly, in
a sort of dogged gloom.


French's Brigade now extended from
the pike down the hill to Meadow Run;
our own Brigade was still IN the centre
of the Division across the Run, and
Warmers on our right. The Third Di.
vision followed by the First and Nine
teenth Corps were coming up to prolong
our line. Across the pike on our left
were two Divisions of cavalry, and Crooks
command also there attempted a shadow
of a fortiGcation, though some of it had
already reached Winchester, and the
greater part Of it was in fair way to
do so soon. A strong and we'll posted
skirmish line again covered our front,
while Col. Tracy after Sheridan's arrival
rode out on horseback to inspect. AS
he was reconnoitring with a field glass
be was brought to the ground, seriously
wounded in his previously unfortunate
left leg, and disabled for months.


While thus waiting for the complete
re-information of the army, sulkily and
it is to be feared profanely growing over
the defeat in detail which we had exper-
fenced, though not in the least disposed
to admit that our Division had been
whipped, in fact little proud of what
we had already done, and expecting the
rebel charge which we grew more and
more confident we should repulse, we
heard cheers behind US on the pike. We
were astounded. There we stood. driven
four miles already, quietly waiting for
what might be further and immediate
disaster, while far in the rear we heard
the stragglers and hospital bummers,
and the gunless artillerymen actually
cheering as though battle had been
won. We could hardly believe our ears.


The explanation soon came, in the
apparition which Buchanan Reads as
yet embryonic, but now well-known poem,
has made familiar. AS the sturdy, frey
Sheridan, on his sturdy, frey steed,
faxed with foam from his two hours mad
galloping, wheeled from the pike and
dashed down the line. our Division also
broke forth into the most tumultuous
applause. Ardent General Custer first
stopped the wonderful Inspirer, and
kissed him before his men. His next
halt was before our own Brigade. Such
scene as his presence produced and
such emotions as it awoke cannot be
realized once in century. All outward
manifestations were as enthusiastic as
men are capable of exhibiting; cheers
seemed to come from throats of brass,
and caps were thrown to the tops of the
scattering oaks; but beneath and yet
superior to those noisy demonstrations,
there was in every heart revulsion of
feeling, and a pressure of emotion, be-
yond description. No more doubt or
chance for doubt existed; we we're safe,
perfectly and unconditionally safe, and
every man knew it.


When our greeting had somewhat sub
sided Col. Tracy. the first man in the
Corpse to address him, rode up. hat in
hand, saying, General, we're glad to
see you." "Well. by G., I'm glad to
be here,' exclaimed the General. "What
troops are these p "Sixth Corps !!
Vermont Brigade p was shouted from
the ranks. His answer was as prompt:
Call right We're all right! Well
have our camps by night! !" and he gal
loped on. So soon had he determined to
defeat the enemy. He soon met Gener-
al Wright and suggested that We would
fight on Getty's line" sending US word
meanwhile that Getty's Division had
out-done itself that morning.


1t was now about noon. The next
hour was spent by the General in riding
through the whole command. confirming
Wright's dispositions and inspiritipg the
troops by his presence and his words.
He thus surveyed the entire field and
felt that he was master of the position.
General Wright, General Getty and
/ n - L.,