Campaign of the Fourteenth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers Part 3

The 1st and 2d divisions of the 6th corps had been sent from City Point and landed at Washington, and on a double quick proceeded to Fort Stephens; by this time the enemy had reached there. Skirmishers from both armies were immediately thrown out; the enemy, with dismay, saw that instead of one hundred days' men and men from the Invalid corps, they saw the red and white cross of the old 6th corps; they had laid in front of Washington during the afternoon, intending to attack at night; during that time the 6th and 19th corps had reached there, and Washington was out of danger. The 3d division deserves all the praise for saving the National Capital; holding them in check so long at Monocacy, enabled other troops to arrive, but not a moment too soon. A severe skirmish ensued, in which we lost about two hundred in killed and wounded; the enemy's loss supposed to be greater. All was anxiety in the city, as the fighting was but three miles distant, near Tennelly Town, but when the veterans from the Potomac army arrived they were loudly cheered, and were treated well. President Lincoln and members of the Cabinet were present in Fort Stephens, witnessing the fight; the skirmish lasted two hours, in which the enemy were defeated and driven back; Washington almost within their grasp, was no longer in their power. Vain delusion! Had the 3d division retreated from Monocacy without fighting, the enemy would have reached there twelve hours sooner, and the place would have been taken and hundreds of men lost their lives. Every drop of blood shed at Monocacy, every life lost, was sacrificed in a n.o.ble cause. Those fallen heroes, whose bones lie bleaching there, if they could only know that their lives saved our National Capital from destruction, would willingly exclaim, "I die content, I gave my life for my country."

The division remained at Ellicott's Mills until Monday afternoon, stragglers coming in every few hours in squads; the men were placed on baggage cars for Baltimore, sixteen miles distant, arriving there at dark, lying near the track until morning; then marching two miles to Druid Hill Park, near the outskirts of the city. This park was fitted up at a great expense and was a beautiful place, the citizens were very unwilling that the troops should encamp there, but General Ricketts promising that nothing would be disturbed, consent was given, the men encamping in regimental order; tents on a line and orders given not to molest a thing, which was done. The rolls of the different regiments were called; but one thousand three hundred men reported for duty of the five thousand men embarked from Petersburg; three thousand seven hundred had been killed, wounded and captured at Monocacy Bridge; an equal number of the enemy were slain as they advanced in four lines, and a bullet was sure to hit one. General Ricketts reported the division unfit for duty; the men had lost their blankets and all their clothing, keeping nothing but their guns. General Early finding that re-enforcements had arrived retreated from Washington and was pursued by the two divisions of the 6th corps, and the 8th and 19th corps on the afternoon of the 14th. The division was ordered to join in the pursuit; being placed in baggage cars for Washington, forty miles distant, reaching the suburbs of the city at night, encamping until morning. The next day marching through the city and through Georgetown, halting in the afternoon near Tennelly Town; rations were issued and cattle furnished for a tramp; moving again, marching in all eighteen miles; halting at night near Cross Roads twelve miles from Washington.

Learning the exact condition of affairs at Washington, General Grant telegraphed the a.s.signment of Major General Wright to the command of all the troops that could be available to operate in the field against the enemy, and directed that he should get outside of the trenches with all the force he could and push Early to the last moment. On the 16th the division started early, marching twenty-five miles; crossing the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, wading it, nearly one mile wide and waist deep. While the remnant of the Potomac army was lying in their camps at Petersburg, the 6th corps was marching in the hottest of weather from fifteen to twenty-five and even thirty miles per day, moving up and down the Shenandoah Valley until a decisive battle was fought at Winchester, resulting in defeat to the enemy and victory to us. On Sunday, the 17th, but eight miles were made; the column halting near Leesburg; the 3d division joining the corps as they had halted for us to come up, and now began the hardest marching, unparalleled in history. The 6th corps having the name of marching farther than any corps in the army and were called Wright's walkers, for their rapidity in marching; horses and mules fell lifeless along the road and were speedily replaced by others, but the men that fell never to rise again could not be replaced. The ambulances were full, and every baggage wagon with those that could not walk. The army now numbered over forty thousand men, all under command of Major General Wright, and was called the middle military division, composed of the 6th, 8th and 19th army corps, with sixty pieces of artillery.

The 6th corps was temporarily commanded by Gen. Ricketts, the 8th by Gen. Kelly and the 19th by Gen. Emory. The rebel army confronting us were thirty-five thousand strong, commanded by Gen. Jubal Early, and formed in five divisions, commanded by Gens. Rhodes, Ramsen, Wharton, Pegram and Gordon, with the notorious guerillas, Imboden, Jones and Harry Gillmore, the latter from Baltimore, together with Mosby, ever hovering in our rear and on our flank, and knowing every foot of the ground. These for a time were more than a match for our gallant little army, as every house our army pa.s.sed contained persons that would not hesitate to inform the enemy of our movements, and who were in league with those guerilla bands. The troops were all now together, and were encamped near Leesburg, until three o'clock on the morning of the 18th, when the troops were routed out, drawing three days' rations, with orders to move. Marching out on the Georgetown pike, pa.s.sing a place called Hamilton, and then marching ten miles, through Snickersville, near Snicker's Gap, the Potomac army encamped on the same ground the previous year when in pursuit of Lee--reaching the banks of the Shenandoah river during the afternoon; the enemy had halted, and were in force on the opposite side, with a determination to resist our advance and to give battle if our troops attempted a crossing; everything was in their favor, as our men had the river to cross under fire. There was no other alternative but to wade it nearly waist deep, and with a raking fire from concealed batteries posted on a hill. The column halted, and a skirmish line was formed, the men cooking dinner. Nearly every man had something that he had picked up on the way, as the country was filled with everything, such as hogs, chickens, honey and potatoes; all served for a meal, and was eaten with a relish. Hard-tack and salt pork remained in the haversack until needed.

The command of General Hunter had now reached and re-occupied Martinsburg, destroying over one million dollars worth of rations, and capturing one thousand prisoners that the rebels had left as guards, moving by detour, he flanked the enemy. As his force was insufficient to meet them if they should fall suddenly upon him, he with his command reached us while at Snicker's Gap, and reported to General Wright; they had suffered almost incredible hardships, having lived on the country for several weeks. Hunter was ordered to throw out a line of skirmishers, and force the river; supported by the 1st division of the 6th corps they succeeded in crossing the river, when the enemy's skirmishers advanced in three lines, driving Hunter's men pell mell back in confusion, several of them being drowned; the 1st division did not cross, as darkness came on. Both sides commenced sh.e.l.ling, and several in the 6th corps were killed and wounded, the Major of the 2d New Jersey infantry losing his leg; thus the day ended in disaster and defeat; but the men were not disheartened, and rested as quietly on their arms as though at home; a man can soon get used to anything. Many soldiers have slept as soundly in action as if nothing was occurring, the deep booming of the cannon and even sh.e.l.ls striking near, failing to arouse them.

The troops remained at Snicker's Gap two days, and nothing important occurred, the enemy being still in force on the opposite side, and both armies with pickets on each side of the river. All sorts of rumors were circulated throughout camp, some of them very absurd. The men were glad to rest, as none felt like marching, the sun being hot and the sand very dry. On the morning of the 20th, it was discovered that the enemy had left our immediate front, but having no cavalry, Gen. Wright could not ascertain their movements. At eleven o'clock the troops were ordered to move, wading the Shenandoah at Snicker's Gap. A splendid shower came up and was very refreshing, as there had been no rain in sometime; the column halted in a woods on the banks of a river. It was now evident that the enemy were again making for Washington, and at dark the troops were ordered immediately back, recrossing the river; marching all night and part of the next day; moving back on the same road, the men nearly worn out, and halting all night near Goose Run Creek, having marched since crossing the Shenandoah thirty miles.

The men now began to murmur at General Wright for marching them so hard, this march being equal to the retreat from Culpepper, then the weather being cold the men were enabled to stand it better. The next morning the troops moved out again, marching twenty miles; halting at dark near Lewinsville, the men were too tired to cook, and threw themselves on the ground regardless of anything, and were soon asleep; it was now sixteen days since the division had left Petersburg; having travelled during that time, by water three hundred miles, by rail one hundred and sixteen miles, and on foot one hundred and seventy-five miles, total five hundred and ninety-one miles in that short s.p.a.ce of time; but this was comparatively nothing, considering the marching the men were compelled to undergo while in the Shenandoah Valley.

On the 23d of July the troops marched fifteen miles, crossing the Potomac at Chain Bridge; again were the men within the defences of Washington. The paymasters were present, paying the guards, and the various detachments. On the 25th the troops received their pay for four months, remaining at Washington four days, when the enemy again attempted to remove north into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Gen. Wright was ordered to move immediately to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry. The troops started on the afternoon of July 26th, marching ten miles, pa.s.sing Tennelly Town, and halting at Rockville, the next day marching eighteen miles, pa.s.sing Gatysburg and Clarksburg, halting in the afternoon near Hyattstown, with sore and blistered feet. Such marching now began to tell upon the men, and many wished to meet the enemy and engage in battle, rather than be marched to death. On the 28th marched ten miles, pa.s.sing Hyattstown and Urbanna, halting during the afternoon at Monocacy Bridge, on the battle ground of July 9th. The ground was broken up and traces of the conflict could be seen; remnants of sh.e.l.ls, cannon, and unburied corpses lay strewn around. Our boys, with feelings of kindness ever displayed toward the enemy, carefully buried both friend and foe. The members of the 14th regiment visiting their old camp; after leaving Monocacy to join the Potomac army the men had never expected to see the place again, but they were destined to fight as severe a battle on the same ground one year after as was fought during the war, and to see the place several during the three years, as the army moved back and forth eight successive times while in Maryland. They had tried to destroy the railroad bridge, but failed, as the pillars were hollow and could not be blown up. The hotel and tank at the depot were burned, the bridge also, crossing at the main road. There was now a sufficient force to meet the enemy, without fear of flanking, and the men anxious to fight. The 3d Maryland regiment was there guarding the bridge. After resting a few hours orders were given to move, marching eight more miles, halting at Jefferson until morning in the same field the division halted when leaving Maryland Heights to join the Potomac army the previous year. Leaving Jefferson on the morning of the 29th, pa.s.sing Petersville, Knoxville and Sandy Hook, crossing the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, on pontoons, marching twenty-five miles, and halting at Halltown on Bolivar Heights, near the headquarters of Gen. Crook.

In the meantime Early had sent a raiding party into Pennsylvania, which on the 30th burned the beautiful village of Chambersburg, and then retreated towards c.u.mberland, where they were met and defeated by General Kelley, and with diminished numbers escaped into the mountains of West Virginia. From the time of the first raid, the telegraph wires were frequently down between Washington and City Point, making it necessary to transmit messages by boat. It took from twenty-four to thirty-six hours to get dispatches through and return answers back, so that often orders would be given by General Grant, and then information would be received, showing a different state of things from those on which they were based, causing a confusion and apparent contradiction of orders, considerably embarra.s.sing General Wright, and rendering operations against the enemy less effective than they otherwise would have been. To remedy this evil, it was necessary to have a commander with full power, to act as he thought proper. General Grant therefore ordered General Sheridan to have the supreme command of all the forces in the departments of West Virginia, Washington and the middle military division.

General Sheridan had not yet arrived, and General Wright acting under orders remained at Halltown, when it was discovered that the enemy were again bent on invading the north; on the 30th of July the troops were again ordered to move; marching back, pa.s.sing Bolivar, re-crossing the Potomac on pontoons at Harper's Ferry; marching all night, and all next day thirty miles; halting on Sunday evening near Frederick City. As the weather was hot and the roads dry, more than one half of the men fell out; remaining three days, until August 3d, when the column marched six miles; wading the Monocacy at Buckeystown, remaining in camp until the night of the 5th, when orders were given to move, marching five miles to Monocacy Bridge, it raining hard. At this time the enemy were in force near Winchester, while our forces were at Monocacy, at the crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; leaving open to the enemy Maryland and Pennsylvania. General Grant being so far off hesitated to give positive orders for the troops to move lest by so doing it should expose Washington. On the 4th of August, he left City Point, and visited General Wright, at Monocacy, to determine for himself what was best to be done; arriving there he consulted with Generals Wright and Hunter, and then issued to them the following instructions:

MONOCACY BRIDGE, MD., Aug 5th, 1864--8 P. M.

_Maj.-Gen. Wright._

GENERAL: Concentrate all your available force without delay, in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, leaving only such railroad guards and garrisons, for public property, as may be necessary. Use in this concentrating the railroads, if so doing, time can be saved from Harper's Ferry. If it is found the enemy has moved north of the Potomac in large force, push north, follow them and attack them wherever found. Follow them if driven south of the Potomac as long as it is safe to do so. If it is ascertained that the enemy has but a small force north of the Potomac, then push south with the main force, detaching under a competent commander a sufficient force to look after the raiders and drive them to their homes. In detaching such a force, the brigade of cavalry, now _en route_ from Washington via Rockville, may be taken into account.

There are now on the way to join you three other brigades of cavalry, numbering at least five thousand men and horse. These will be instructed, in absence of further orders, to join you by the south side of the Potomac, one brigade will start to-morrow. In pushing up the Shenandoah Valley, where it is expected you will have to go first or last, it is desirable that nothing should be left to invite the enemy to return. Take all provisions, forage and stock wanted for your command, and such as cannot be consumed destroy. It is not desirable that the buildings should be destroyed; they should rather be protected, but the people should be informed that as long as an army can subsist among them, recurrences of these raids must be expected, and we are determined to stop them at all hazards.

Bear in mind that the object is to drive the enemy south, and to do this you want to keep the enemy always in sight. Be guarded in the course by the course they take. Make your own arrangements for supplies of all kinds, giving regular vouchers for such as may be taken from loyal citizens in the country through which you march.

U. S. GRANT, _Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Armies._

The troops were immediately put in motion, and were placed on the cars at Harper's Ferry. General Grant was recognized and cheered by the men; riding twenty-five miles, stopping at Bolivar Heights, near Halltown, remaining there three days; the weather very warm. On the 6th of August General Sheridan arrived, and after a conference with General Grant in relation to military affairs in that vicinity, General Grant left for City Point by way of Washington on the 7th. The middle military department and the departments of West Virginia, Washington and Susquehanna were const.i.tuted into the middle military division, and Major-General Sheridan was a.s.signed to temporary command of the same.

Two divisions of cavalry were sent from the army of the Potomac, commanded by Generals Tolbert and Wilson. The middle military division now numbered nearly fifty thousand men well armed and equipped, ready to move and attack the rebel army now in position near Winchester; they had also received re-enforcements, a division under General Anderson having arrived. Both armies were nearly equal in strength, with the advantage on the side of the enemy, as they had no capital to cover, and could move in whatever direction they pleased. The men were engaged in thrashing wheat and forwarding it to Richmond, having compelled every farmer to give all their proceeds to the help of the Confederacy, keeping but one-tenth for themselves.

On the 10th of August, the troops moved out from their position at Halltown, marching fifteen miles, pa.s.sing through Charlestown, where John Brown was hung. The march was continued the next day, marching eighteen miles more, the enemy retreating up the valley, our forces following them. After marching fifty miles in three successive days, overtaking their rear guard on the afternoon of the 12th at Cedar Creek, having pa.s.sed through Newtown and Middletown, secesh villages, filled with Mosby's guerillas, who were very peaceable until our army pa.s.sed, when they were ready to fall upon our rear guard, plundering, robbing, and even murdering all they could. The main body of the rebels were strongly entrenched on Fisher Hill, a place almost impregnable, that could not be carried by a direct a.s.sault. The Shenandoah Valley was filled with waving fields of grain, the crops ripe and ready for the scythe. For nearly one hundred miles, the valley was level, and the scenery splendid, this being the prettiest part of Virginia. At a distance of seven to twelve miles apart, were villages that could be discerned in the distance from Harper's Ferry to Stanton. No engagement took place at Cedar Creek, as was expected, as we were too far from our base of supplies to risk a battle. After lying near Cedar Creek three days, the troops were ordered to fall back for the purpose of drawing the enemy from Fisher Hill; starting at dark, moving back on the valley pike; marching all night, pa.s.sing through Newtown, Middletown and Kurrentown, halting at Winchester for breakfast, pa.s.sing through the place, once a fine village, but now nearly deserted; no business was transacted, as both rebel and union armies occupied the place at different times. The troops marched during the night eighteen miles, and during the morning ten miles, halting on a hill.

The enemy supposing us retreating, followed us closely, skirmishing with the cavalry at Winchester, in which a portion of the 1st New Jersey brigade was captured while supporting the cavalry. Our rear guard was driven from Winchester with considerable loss. The troops were compelled to move the next day eighteen miles, encamping near Charlestown, the enemy again halting at Winchester. In retaliation for Chambersburg, the men burned and destroyed everything, entering houses and helping themselves to all that came in their way. The men were out of rations, living on the country two days, but flour, green corn and chickens in abundance.

Both armies were again in camp, with tents up in regular order, the operations during the month of August being both of an offensive and defensive character, resulting in a few skirmishes, but as yet no general engagement had taken place. The two armies now lay in such a position, the enemy on the west bank of the Opequan Creek, covering Winchester, and our forces in position at Charlestown, so that either army could bring on a battle at any time. Defeat to us would lay open to the enemy Maryland and Pennsylvania for long distances, before our army could check them, and under such circ.u.mstances Gen. Sheridan hesitated to attack, and waited for more positive orders from Grant. The 14th regiment was again recruited, swelling the number to about three hundred men. Colonel Truex being at home, the regiment was commanded by Major Vredenberg. Lieutenant Colonel Hall having been wounded at Monocacy, resigned his commission. Major Vredenberg having been for the past year inspector general on headquarter staff, he being the ranking officer was relieved, and ordered to the command of the regiment at Halltown on the 19th of August.

Sunday, August 21st, the enemy surprised our camp at daylight attacking in force. The troops soon formed in line of battle, fighting during the day and building works; but few were lost on either side, as nothing but skirmishing was kept up. At night our forces fell back to our old position at Halltown, eight miles distant, the enemy pursuing and firing upon our rear guard, compelling them to fall back in a hurry within the defences of Maryland Heights, when the pursuit was abandoned, the rain pouring in torrents. For several days bodies of troops, mostly cavalry, were sent out on a reconnoissance, which discovered the enemy still in position at Charlestown. The men were fast losing confidence in General Sheridan, as he did nothing but advance and retreat without fighting a decisive battle; but none of the men knew the energy and determination of their gallant leader, who was only waiting for orders from General Grant to bring on a general engagement.

The troops remained in camp at Halltown six days, until Sunday, the 28th, when orders were given to move, pa.s.sing the enemy's works near Charlestown (the enemy having fallen back), and halted in a wood. During the afternoon Chaplain Rose delivered a brief discourse as the men lay in line, after which we moved again, halting in the old camp we were driven from the previous Sunday, eight miles from Halltown, remaining there until September 3d, when the troops moved again, marching eight miles, encamping at a place called Clifton Farm. The 8th corps being on the advance, met the enemy at Opequan Creek, and after a severe engagement drove them back across the creek, with heavy loss on both sides. Darkness and rain ended the contest, the troops sleeping on their arms. Both armies were now very vigilant, as they were but a few miles apart. The troops lay in camp at Clifton Farm fifteen days, drawing extra rations and clothing. On the 15th of September, the 2d division of the 6th corps with a brigade of cavalry, moved out on a reconnoissance to Opequan Creek. The enemy were found in force, with strong works erected on the opposite side, they were completely surprised. The 2d division succeeded in capturing a South Carolina regiment, numbering four hundred men, together with its officers and colors.

After exchanging a few shots, the division returned with the prisoners captured, the rebels crestfallen at our daring, but afraid to follow us up. The men were very tired of maneuvering up and down the valley, and were anxious to meet the enemy and decide which of the two armies was the most competent to hold the valley. Grant finding the use of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio ca.n.a.l, which were both obstructed by the enemy, became so indispensably necessary to us, and the importance of relieving Maryland and Pennsylvania from continuously threatened invasion so great, that he determined to visit General Sheridan and order an immediate attack. Leaving City Point on the 15th of September, he visited him at Charlestown to decide after a conference with him, what should be done, and after a calm deliberation it was decided to attack as soon as the army and trains could be brought into position. For convenience of forage the teams for supplying the army were kept at Harper's Ferry. Grant remained at Sheridan's headquarters but one day, giving his final orders, and leaving Harper's Ferry for City Point, Sheridan returning to his headquarters and issuing orders for a forward movement.

On afternoon of Sunday, the 18th, orders were given the troops to move at a moment's notice. All now felt that the time had arrived when the rebel army under its audacious leaders, should be driven from the Shenandoah Valley, where for the last two months they had bid defiance to the loyal North, and with their frowning earthworks at Winchester were ever ready to resist our advance. For several mornings previous to the attack, the cavalry had darted up to their front and then retired, after exchanging a few shots. This was done so often that when the attack was made they were not as well prepared as if this had not been done, as the advance was led by the dashing Custer, with his brigade of cavalry.

At two o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, the troops on two roads moved out, and marching twelve miles, crossed at Opequan Creek. As usual the cavalry in stronger force than heretofore, attacked them in their position. The rebels were completely surprised. Kershaw's division had left the day before for the purpose of burning and destroying what they could in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They were at Bunker's Hill, ten miles off, when the attack was made, and Gen. Early sent immediately for them, when they returned in haste, nearly all the way on a double quick.

Both armies soon became hotly engaged, and for some time it was doubtful which side was gaining, but after a most sanguinary battle, which lasted until six o'clock in the evening, the enemy were defeated with heavy loss, their entire position carried from Opequan Creek to Winchester, together with several thousand prisoners and five pieces of artillery; the enemy rallied several times, only to be broken again by the terrible onslaught of the Union boys. Kershaw's division arrived during the afternoon, but too late, and with their comrades were compelled to fall back. During the morning, the 19th army corps, which was on the extreme left, was driven in, but supported by one division of the 6th corps they rallied, and in turn drove the enemy back some distance; it was a hard fought battle, and the enemy with their thinned ranks in a demoralized condition retreated in haste through Winchester. General Early was so intoxicated that it was with much difficulty that he could keep upon his horse; the rebel press attributed their defeat to this. The rebel soldiers were positive that Grant was in command, as Sheridan never before had exhibited such generalship. The 3d division lost heavily in killed and wounded; Colonel Ebright commanding the 126th Ohio was killed, also General Russell, commanding 1st division 6th corps.

The 14th lost in killed and wounded one hundred and sixty men, but the greatest loss of all was Major Vredenberg. A braver officer never lived.

He was at the head of his regiment, ordering the men to charge a rebel battery, when a sh.e.l.l struck him in the breast, knocking him from his horse and killing him instantly. He was carried to the rear and his remains sent to New Jersey. His loss was deeply felt by the men, as he was always esteemed a brave and competent officer. The regiment charged the battery, captured it, and the last order ever given by him was executed with promptness, and the death of Major Vredenberg avenged.

Lieut. Green, commanding Co. I, was killed, and Capt. Bodwell, of Co. E, wounded. Capt. Janeway was as conspicuous as ever, and fought well. He was again placed in command of the regiment, as every other officer was disabled, either killed or wounded. The 87th Pennsylvania had but a few days to stay, but were as eager as ever to join in the fight. Several of them were killed whose term had already expired. The rebel loss was very severe in officers and men. Gens. Rhodes and Wharton that led the attack at Monocacy, in which the 3d division suffered so severely, were both killed.

The ground was covered with the munitions of war, as our victorious army pressed on after the flying rebels. The groans of the wounded and dying were forgotten. Ghastly sights everywhere presented themselves to the eye, but to the soldiers were as nothing, as such scenes were every day sights. The houses in Winchester were filled with rebel wounded, who were kindly cared for by the ladies of the place, both loyal and disloyal. The news of our success was telegraphed immediately to Washington, and the papers North were full of praises of our gallant little Sheridan and his n.o.ble army; there was now no fear of another invasion, and our National Capital was out of danger. The army now reposed every confidence in Sheridan, and gave him the name of "Little Phil," and those who but a few weeks before were ever ready to denounce him were now the loudest in his praise. One hundred guns were fired at Washington in honor of this great victory, which in itself was considered one of the decisive battles of the war. Had our forces been defeated and driven back, both Washington and Baltimore would have been taken, and before another army could have been raised, both places would have lain in ashes. This was the third and last attempted invasion of the North by the Confederate army, which had each time ended in disaster. The rebel papers were clamorous for the removal of Early, who had praised him so highly but a short time before.

The enemy retreated during the night, and made a stand in their strong position at Fisher Hill; here they were confident of success, as it was thought impossible to dislodge them from their position. Here Early intended to make a stand until he received re-enforcements from Richmond, and then retrieve his fast falling reputation. He supposed General Sheridan would not attack, and he would have time to recruit.

Our column had halted at Winchester until daylight the next morning, when they rapidly pressed on; the enemy were at this time on Fisher Hill, twenty-two miles from Winchester; the troops halted at nine o'clock at Newton for breakfast. The men had marched up and down the valley so often, that every house and barn was familiar to them.

Kurrentown was the birthplace of the rebel General, Stonewall Jackson, whose remains now repose there; had he then been living, and in command of the rebel forces in the valley, it would have been different, for as a strategic leader he had no equal. One day he would be in our front, the next day in our rear, and it would have required all the skill of our leaders to oppose him; as it was, Early was completely out-generaled by General Sheridan.

The troops halted at Newton one hour, and then moved forward; squads of rebel prisoners were picked up, as they were too tired to proceed farther. The number of prisoners captured in all was about five thousand, while our loss at Winchester would not exceed one thousand five hundred. After marching twenty-two miles, we crossed Cedar Creek on a bridge built by the enemy, halting in the same woods the troops were in five weeks before. The rebel army had just been paid in Confederate money, which to them was as nothing; gold, which had been up to its highest notch, now fell some twenty per cent., and produce in proportion.

The 21st of September was spent in forming the troops in position, as General Sheridan had determined to attack; but nothing was accomplished till night, when the 126th Ohio and 6th Maryland regiments charged the enemy's skirmish line, driving them back two miles, and occupying a splendid position for artillery; batteries were placed and the enemy sh.e.l.led, they not replying, as their ammunition was scarce. The morning of the 22d found the troops in position; batteries from all parts of the line opened, but as yet no response from the rebels. At three o'clock Sheridan ordered an advance, the troops moving forward in eight lines of battle. Early, expecting an attack in his immediate front, withdrew his forces from the left of his line; taking advantage of this, the 8th corps, with the 3d division, moved on their flank, and before they were aware of it our cavalry were completely in their rear. A desperate battle now ensued, which lasted until dark, when the enemy were driven pell mell from their fortified position and retreated in confusion, flanked both right and left, and their cavalry, under Imboden and Jones, were compelled to run in one demoralized ma.s.s, followed by our victorious columns pouring shot and sh.e.l.l into their retreating ranks.

The 3d division captured six pieces of artillery, two of them were taken by the 14th regiment. Twenty-four pieces of artillery, fifteen stand of colors, and one thousand one hundred prisoners were the fruits of this victory. Sheridan was now almost worshiped by the men, as Fisher's Hill had always been considered as impregnable, but "Cavalry Phil," or "Flanking Sheridan," as he was called, had accomplished what Fremont, Hunter, Banks and Shields had failed to do in the early days of the rebellion. He was appointed a Maj.-General in the regular army, to fill the place vacated by McClellan. In the battle of Fisher's Hill, the loss in the 14th regiment was small, as they were on the flank with the 8th corps; the 2d division lost heavily in killed. The casualties in the regiment were but ten killed and thirty wounded. Captain McKnight's battery of the 3d division created considerable panic in the enemy's ranks, as every sh.e.l.l they fired fell among them. Under cover of this battery, the division advanced and captured a line of works with four hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery. No time was allowed the men to rest, although tired and weary and begrimed with dirt and powder.

The flying rebels were pursued during the night of the 22d, marching twelve miles, through Strasburg and Woodstock, halting for a few hours'

rest in the morning. The enemy had a mortal fear of Custer and his cavalry, as he was always on their flank and rear when least expected; with one brigade to charge and another to blow the bugle, they could not stand. Their cavalry leader, Imboden, was called "Runboden," as he was always first to run when our cavalry appeared in sight. Four days'

rations were issued the men at Woodstock, the trains having followed.

The 87th Pennsylvania had served their three years, and were ordered to return home, with the exception of the re-enlisted men, whose term of service had not yet expired.

Leaving Woodstock on the afternoon of the 23d, the troops marched six miles, pa.s.sing the village of Edenburg, and encamping in woods near the railroad. The enemy had again halted on a hill and were skirmishing with the cavalry. In the battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, the enemy had lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, fifteen thousand men, fifteen stands of colors, and thirty pieces of artillery, while the Union army had lost but four thousand men. The troops were now pretty well rested, and moved again on Sat.u.r.day, the 24th, marching twenty miles, pa.s.sing the villages of Mount Jackson, Hawkenstown and New Market, still following the enemy and skirmishing with the entire march. The pike was level, and the retreating rebels could be plainly seen. McKnight's battery was placed on the skirmish line, continually sh.e.l.ling the rear.

It was a splendid sight; the troops, in four parallel lines, with cavalry on either flank, pursuing the flying rebels, they making a stand several times, but our skirmish line compelled them to leave. The weather was yet very warm. At dark the enemy opened upon us from a hill with four pieces of artillery, but were soon compelled to leave. It was a splendid picture for an artist--the sun setting behind the hills; the flash of the cannon and musketry was grand beyond description. The men foraging lived well, as the country was filled with vegetables of all kinds; the army was now forty-two miles from Winchester and thirty miles from Staunton. The troops entered camp for the night, marching the next day eighteen miles in line of battle up the valley; the enemy could not be seen, having moved during the night up the Luray Valley; halting at Harrisonberg, 3d division headquarters at the house formerly occupied by Fremont and Hunter as their headquarters. The troops remained in camp at Harrisonberg ten days, confiscating tobacco, sugar, matches, etc.; Harrisonberg is a very pretty place, twenty miles from Staunton, of about one thousand inhabitants. Squads of men were sent out each day to forage on the country, as the troops were out of rations, and it was necessary the men should be supplied. The army was now one hundred and four miles from Harper's Ferry, the base of supplies; it took the teams four days to go and four to come; the route was infested with guerillas, making it necessary to have a strong guard; but in spite of all vigilance numbers of men were killed and the wagons captured.

On the 29th the troops moved out at four o'clock, marching seven miles to relieve the cavalry at Mount Crawford. Finding the enemy in strong position they were driven back, as they were strongly posted in a gap in the mountains; they were not again attacked and the troops moved back to Harrisonberg.

On the first of October the supply train arrived from Harper's Ferry, with mail and papers, also the paymaster; the troops receiving two months' pay. It was rumored in camp that Grant had moved at Petersburg, capturing fifteen guns and four hundred prisoners. The cavalry again started off, reaching Staunton, destroying the bridges and a large amount of supplies, and advanced as far as Charlottesville.

On the 6th of October orders were given to move; marching back, the valley was now clear of the enemy. As it was feared they would again return, every barn, out-house and hay-stack was burned on the route, to prevent the enemy from subsisting in the valley, as most of the farmers were secesh and helped the guerillas along. It was a splendid sight to see the fires as the troops moved up the valley, from mountain to mountain one continual blaze of fire. Twenty-four miles were made that day, as it was cool, and the men were out of rations; the supply train could not get up, and the valley was stripped by troops continually pa.s.sing. The troops slept that night in sight of Mount Jackson with nothing to eat. The next day we marched seventeen miles, through Mount Jackson and Woodstock, halting at dark; on the 8th marching twelve miles to Strasburg, pa.s.sing Fisher's Hill, where the enemy were whipped so badly on the 22d of September. After stripping the valley of the most of their supplies for the rebel army, the troops halted at Strasburg, and took position on the north bank of Cedar Creek.

Having received considerable re-enforcements, Early again returned to the valley, and on the 9th of October encountered our cavalry near Strasburg. Custer with his brigade advanced, and after a brief encounter the enemy captured thirty wagons from General Torbert; the weather was very cold and windy. Our whole force of cavalry now arrived, and the enemy was driven back some distance, with the loss of eleven pieces of artillery, a number of prisoners, and all their wagons, with those captured from Torbert, our forces following them vigorously.

As the valley was supposed to be clear of the enemy, the 6th corps was ordered to Petersburg. Grant had moved several times and had captured the Weldon Rail Road, extending his lines some distance. On the 10th, orders were given to move, marching seventeen miles, pa.s.sing through Strasburg and Middletown, halting at Front Royal near Mana.s.sas Gap.

During our stay there, a man was accidentally shot in the Regiment, dying the next day; his name was Ayers, of Co. B. A pet.i.tion was circulated among the Jersey soldiers to return home and vote; it was signed by the officers, but was not carried through. The Legislature of New Jersey was opposed to it, and used their utmost endeavors to prevent it. While all other troops were allowed to vote in the field, New Jersey was in the hands of the Copperheads, and her soldiers were not allowed the privilege, and with bitter feelings of enmity towards them the soldiers were compelled to stand it.

The troops were now ordered to Petersburg, as there was no sign of the enemy in the valley. On the 13th the corps started from Front Royal.

The troops had been in the valley some time, and did not wish to leave.

Sheridan was loved by all, and the men were still anxious to be under his command, but positive orders from Grant were that the corps should again join the Potomac army, having been only temporarily detached. The weather was very cold, and visions of earthworks and trenches in front of Petersburg rose vividly before the men, and none wished to go. After marching fifteen miles, pa.s.sing a place called White Post, the column was ordered to halt, and soon it resounded throughout the line that the order was countermanded. Cheer after cheer was given, and it was noised around that Grant had taken Petersburg, with sixty pieces of artillery and thirty thousand prisoners. The men were very jubilant over the move, as it was believed. Moving back, the troops halted at a very pretty place called Millwood, and the men immediately commenced foraging, as there was provisions in abundance, no troops having ever encamped there.

It turned out that Grant's taking Petersburg was a hoax, and instead, Early was moving down the valley, having received considerable re-enforcements. The 8th and 19th corps were compelled to fall back from Fisher's Hill, and encamped on the north bank of Cedar Creek. Soon the deep booming of the cannon was heard at Millwood; at first the men thought it a salute in honor of the great victory, but it proved to be the 8th and 19th corps engaged with Early at Cedar Creek. On the morning of the 14th at 2 o'clock, the corps was ordered to move immediately back the same road to Fisher's Hill, marching twenty miles, and halting in position near Middletown, as the enemy were again in force on Fisher's Hill. All idea of going to Petersburg was now abandoned, as there was enough to attend to in the valley. Early again had a large army and once more confronted Sheridan, this time with both flanks heavily guarded on Fisher's Hill. It was not then known how many troops the enemy had, as their coming was unexpected. Pickets were doubled, and a line of works erected on Fisher's Hill for the purpose of resisting our advance. The troops now moved forward to Cedar Creek and were formed in line as follows: The 8th corps on the extreme left, near Manchuhattan Mountain; the 19th corps next, and the 6th on the right. Every morning the men were routed out early expecting an attack, but none was made, and the vigilance of the men was relaxed; five days the troops remained in camp near Middletown. General Sheridan being on a visit to Grant at City Point, during his absence the army was commanded by General Wright. All was thought secure, and the men began to think the enemy's force comparatively small; but they were in force, and the boys of the Union soon knew it. Early had determined to make one grand effort, and if possible save his reputation and recover all he had lost. Filled with this determination he moved his whole force on the night of October 18th, crossed the mountain in single file which separated the branches of the Shenandoah, forded the north fork, and early on the morning of the 19th, under cover of the darkness and the fog, surprised and turned our left flank, and captured the batteries that infiladed our whole line, some 24 in all; the men were aroused from slumber only to find the enemy in their rear. The 8th corps, panic stricken, fled, leaving all their arms and ammunition in the hands of the enemy; they knew not which way to turn, and hundreds were shot down and numbers captured. The 6th corps, used to such things, rallied, and formed in line near Middletown.

By this time the wagons were on the road to Winchester. It was a complete surprise, the troops falling back in confusion five miles.

General Wright ordered them to re-form, but with the 8th and 19th corps in full retreat, the 6th could not stand alone, and with the rest were compelled to fall back, but in order. A terrible battle was now fought, and Early, confident of victory, urged on his men, who fought with desperation; and visions of Washington again appeared before them. The spoils that fell in their hands were a great compensation for what they had lost; shelters, rubbers, knapsacks, blankets, and well filled haversacks fell in the hands of the Johnnies, and to their half starved and half clothed bodies were indeed prizes. After falling back five miles our lines were partly rallied and the retreat stopped, but at a fearful loss of life, and our boys were mad, fairly mad to think that after ridding the valley of the enemy as they supposed, and whipping them so badly, they were again in force and our army retreating from them. Where is Sheridan? was the cry, as all seemed to feel that if he was near the tide of battle would be turned in our favor. Soon a cloud of dust was seen on the road; far in the distance, and with thunder tread, came the well-known horse, carrying with it its rider, the brave Sheridan; reaching the disordered line he inquired for General Wright.

The men soon knew that Sheridan was near, and all felt confident of success. When the battle commenced he was at Winchester, but he arrived in time to arrange the lines and repulse a heavy attack of the enemy.

The 8th and 19th corps were now partially rallied and formed in line, with the 6th corps in the centre, immediately a.s.suming the offensive and attacking the enemy in turn. After considerable maneuvering Sheridan ordered a charge, and the enemy in turn were driven back with great slaughter, with the loss of their trains and artillery and the trophies captured during the morning. Had not Sheridan arrived as he did, all would have been lost. The cavalry under Custer were sent on their flank, driving them pell mell across Cedar Creek, slaughtering them like sheep.

Sixty-one pieces of artillery were captured from them and eight thousand prisoners. Our success was complete, though our loss was heavy, and victory crowned our arms. Capt. McKnight's battery lost four pieces, and nearly all their horses were killed or wounded. The 14th regiment was commanded by Captain Janeway and lost heavily. Adjutant Burroughs Rose was killed; he was formerly a private, and for gallant conduct had been promoted from one position to another until he received his commission as Adjutant, in place of Buckalew, who had resigned on account of wounds received at Monocacy; he was a fine officer, and his loss could not easily be supplied.

The wreck of the rebel army escaped during the night, and fled in the direction of Staunton and Lynchburg, and pursuit being made by the cavalry to Mount Jackson, hundreds of them were captured. The battle of Cedar Creek will long be remembered by the 6th corps. At first driven back with severe loss, they in turn rallied, and to the brave 6th corps will be attributed the tide of battle turning in our favor; for, had they retreated in such confusion as the other corps, the enemy would have been victorious. But the Wilderness, and those hard-fought battles of the Potomac army, were lessons not easily forgotten, and the 6th corps, as usual, was ready for any emergency. The 2d division lost heavily in men, more so than the rest, as our lines fell back. The enemy had stripped our dead and wounded as they lay on the field, and when our men recovered their lost ground they were seen lying as they fell, stark naked, and cold in the embrace of death. Such scenes only made our men fight the harder, and Early paid dearly for his boldness in surprising us in the morning. The rebel General, Ramsuer, was mortally wounded and fell in our hands a prisoner. He died at the headquarters of General Sheridan, and his remains were sent South by way of City Point. Thus ended the enemy's last attempt to invade the North via the Shenandoah valley; and Early, with his demoralized and disheartened troops, was seen no more in that vicinity. Ninety pieces of artillery had been taken from them at different times in the valley, and with ten pieces of artillery, and about ten thousand men, they reached Staunton, and all but one brigade were transported to Richmond, there to take part in the subsequent battles near Petersburg. Our forces encamped in their old position, and the next day engaged in burying the dead, the ground being covered with both Union and Rebel soldiers. The field was hotly contested by our men, and although surprised they were not whipped.

General Sheridan rode along the lines and was cheered by the men.

General Ricketts was temporarily placed in command of the 6th corps, and was severely wounded early in the day. He was the best division commander in the service, and when the men heard of his wound, all were anxious for his safety. The papers spoke of him in the highest praise as an excellent and able general. The following is an extract from Harper's Weekly, which is quoted for the benefit of those who knew him well: