[350] to General Auger: ‘I do not believe Pickett sand Field's divisions are here, but the rebels have been very bold.’ This latter dispatch makes an old soldier feel
If we did so, tis greater glory for usBut listen to what he has to say a little further on. September 12th, Pond's book, he writes to General Grant. ‘It is exceedingly difficult to attack him (Early) in his position. Opequon creek is a very formidable barrier; there are various crossings, but all are difficult; the fords are formidable. I have thought it best to remain on the defensive until he (Early) detaches, unless the chances are in my favor. The troops here are in fine spirits; some of them not very reliable.’ On 15th (same to same): ‘There are yet no indications of Early's detaching. It seems impossible to get at their cavalry; it is in poor condition.’ Is not this the most remarkable condition of things ever heard of? Who can explain it? We crossed the ‘formidable fords of the Opequon creek,’ and found their cavalry; and yet he could not get at ours; and ‘it was in poor condition.’ 'Tis wondrous strange, the like never yet heard of. Early had held Winchester for more than a month without fortifications, which he would not attempt with his great army to hold at all—and wanted him to detach. All advantages are fair in war! Think what would have been the result had Early had Sheridan's command and Sheridan Early's, where would Early have stopped? T. T. Munford.
That you remember it, than for ourselves
Vainly to report it.
