Today in History:

451 Series I Volume XLIII-I Serial 90 - Shenandoah Valley Campaign Part I

Page 451 Chapter LV. THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAMPAIGN.

was suffering acutely from his wound, but to ask him to leave the field was to insult him almost; a more gallant soldier never buckled on a saber. His coolness and judgment on the field were unequaled. An educated and accomplished gentleman, his modest, amiable, yet independent, demeanor endeared him to all his superiors in rank; his inflexible, justice, temperate, yet unflinching, conduct of discipline made him respected and loved by his subordinate. He was upright as a man, pure as a patriot, and pre-eminently free from the finesse of the politician. His last breath was warm with commendations of his comrades in arms and devotion to his country's cause. Young in years, he died too early for his country, leaving a brilliant record for future generations, ending a career which gave bright promise of yet greater usefulness and glory.

After the charge our ranks were soon formed and the command moved forward resist lessly to Cedar Creek. Part of the enemy's forces which had fled by the fords below were followed by detachments of the First and Reserve Brigades, which captured quite a number of prisoners, the First Brigade adding another to its trophies in the shape of a battle-flag. The Second and Reserve Brigades moved to Cedar Creek (the Second Brigade in advance), charged across the fords and bridge, pursuing the enemy with unparalleled vigor to his stronghold-Fisher's Hill-"leaving, like the whirlwind, nothing but the wreck in their track to be gathered up." In this pursuit the Second Brigade lost heavily. I respectfully call attention to the report of General Devin, commanding Second Brigade, who ably conducted this movement. Great credit is due him for its untiring and determination in following up the victory, toward which he and his gallant command had done as much during the entire day as men could do. The Reserve Brigade was also "in at the death," but, in compliance with orders, halted and formed as a reserve, while the First and Second Brigades pursued the enemy on their different roads. Night alone saved Early's demoralized army from total annihilation. As it was, he carried off with him but five pieces of artillery and but few other wheels.

The following morning (October 20) the division moved to Fisher's Hill, where a small force of the enemy's cavalry was found. This disappeared from our front and the command was pushed on to Woodstock. At that point it was ascertained from citizens and prisoners that the enemy was some distance in advance. The First and Second Brigades were halted and the Reserve Brigade ordered on toward Edenburg, beyond which point it went, without, however, coming up with the flying enemy. During this pursuit a number of wagons, ambulances, caissons, arms, &c., abandoned by the enemy, were found on the road and destroyed.

During the battle and subsequent pursuit the following captures were made and property destroyed by the division: 3 battle flag, 22 pieces of artillery, 8 caissons, 37 ambulances, 29 wagons, 95 horses and harness, 141 mules and harness, 389 prisoners of war, including 6 commissioned officers; two of the above wagons were loaded with muskets. Property destroyed; 12 army wagons, 28 ambulances, 81 muskets, 2 caissons.

In concluding this report I must again return my acknowledgments to my staff and subordinate commanders for their untiring energy and zeal in the performance of their duties and implicit and unquestioning obedience to orders; they are commended to the notice of superior headquarters.


Page 451 Chapter LV. THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAMPAIGN.