Today in History:

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

Page 552 OPERATIONS IN N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, August 20, 1864.

A portion of our force in the Valley crossed the Shenandoah at Front Royal on the 16th and drove the enemy's cavalry, which retreated toward Winchester, burning the hay and wheat stacks in their route. On the 17th Sheridan began to retire from his position; was pursued by General Early, who overtook two divisions of the Sixth Corps and large force of cavalry at Winchester; drove them through the town and captured over 200 prisoners, some of whom belonged to Wilson's cavalry division. Enemy has fallen back toward Harper's Ferry.

R. E. LEE.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON.

DUNN'S HILL, September 20, 1864.

General Early reports that on the morning of the 19th the enemy advanced on Winchester near which place he met his attack, which was resisted from early in the day till near night, when he was compelled to retire. After night he fell back to Newtown and this morning to Fisher's Hill. Our loss is reported severe. Major-General Rodes and Brigadier-General Godwin were killed nobly doing their duty. Three pieces of artillery of King's battalion were lost. The trains and supplies were brought off safely.

R. E. LEE.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

DUNN'S HILL, September 23, 1864.

General Early reports that late yesterday the enemy attacked his position at Fisher's Hill and succeeded in driving back the left of his line and throwing a force in his rear, when the whole of his troops gave way. This resulted in a loss of twelve pieces of artillery, though but few men.

R. E. LEE.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, September 29, 1864.

General Early reports that after driving the enemy's cavalry from his front near Port Republic he moved to Waynesborough and drove two divisions of cavalry from that place. This last force retreated through Staunton, and a portion of our cavalry entered that place to-day. No enemy south of Staunton. His main force is about Harrisonburg.

R. E. LEE.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON.

CHAFFIN'S BLUFF, October 9, 1864.

General Early reports that Sheridan is still moving rapidly down the Valley. Rosser attacked a large force of enemy's cavalry on the 7th


Page 552 OPERATIONS IN N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. Chapter LV.