On the 20th Early took position at
Fisher's Hill, and on the 22d
Sheridan again attacked him,
Crook's Corps getting in rear of his
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left flank and his whole army retiring in conclusion.
But the artillery again distinguished itself by great courage, fighting to the last, and
Early had to ride to some of them and order withdrawal of their guns before they would move.
Their pertinacity in holding out led to the loss of eleven guns.
Otherwise the loss was not great, but
Lieutenant-Colonel A. S. Pendleton, the distinguished and gallant adjutant-General of the corps, who had served so long with
Jackson,
Ewell and
Early, fell mortally wounded, leaving a vacuum which it was indeed difficult to supply.
Early slowly retired down the
Valley to
Rude's Hill, between
Mount Jackson and
New Market, in line of battle, checking the enemy as he advanced, the troops behaving admirably.
Sheridan's Cavalry followed as far as
Staunton, but
Early had simply stepped aside to
Port Republic, while they passed on, and then moved to Waynesboroa on the 30th of September.
In early October he is moving down the
Valley again and meditates attacking the enemy at
Harrisonburg on the 6th, but he in turn retires.
By the 13th he is again at
Fisher's Hill and
Hupp's Hill, and finds
Sheridan posted on the north bank of
Cedar creek, and there boldly defies him on the field of his late reverses.
The enemy, sending a division across the creek, is met by
Conner's Brigade and repulsed, losing their division commander,
Colonel Wells, and the gallant and accomplished
General Conner on our side losing a leg. On the 15th
General Early remains at
Fisher's Hill and sends
Rosser on a cavalry reconnoissance.
On the 17th he displays his full force in front of the enemy's lines to cover
Rosser's return, but he is without provisions, and he must either retreat or fight.
Well did he appreciate the inspiration of being the assailant, and he determined to assail.
