In October, 1864, the
National army, commanded by
General Wright, in the temporary absence of
Sheridan at
Washington, were so strongly posted behind
Cedar Creek that they had no expectation of an attack.
They were mistaken.
Early felt keenly his misfortune, and, having been reinforced by
Kershaw's division and 600 cavalry sent by
Lee, he determined to make a bold movement, swiftly and stealthily, against the Nationals.
He secretly gathered his forces at
Fisher's Hill behind a mask of thick woods, and formed them in two columns to make a simultaneous attack upon both flanks of the Nationals.
He moved soon after midnight (Oct. 19, 1864), with horse, foot, and artillery, along rugged paths over the hills, for he shunned the highways for fear of discovery.
The divisions of
Gordon,
Ramseur, and
Pegram formed his right column; his left was composed of the divisions of
Kershaw and
Wharton.
At dawn these moving columns fell upon the right, left, and rear of the Nationals.
It was a surprise.
So furious was the assault before the Nationals had time to take battle order, that in fifteen minutes
Crook's corps, that held a position in front, and had heard mysterious sounds like the dull, heavy tramp of an army, was broken into fragments, and sent flying back in disorder upon the corps of
Emory and
Wright.
Crook left 700 men as prisoners, with many cannon, small-arms, and munitions of war in the hands of the
Confederates.
Emory tried in vain to stop the fugitives, but very soon his own corps
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gave way, leaving several guns behind.
These, with
Crook's, eighteen in all, were turned upon the fugitives with fearful effect, while
Early's right column, led by
Gordon, continued their flanking advance
with vigor, turning the Nationals out of every position where they attempted to make a stand.
Seeing the peril of his army,
Wright ordered a general retreat, which was covered by the 6th Corps, under the command of
Ricketts, which remained unbroken.
The whole army retreated to
Middletown, a little village 5 miles north of
Strasburg, where
Wright rallied his broken columns, and, falling back a mile or more, left
Early in possession of
Middletown.
The
Nationals had lost since daybreak (it was now ten o'clock) 1,200 men made captive, besides a large number killed and wounded; also camp equipage, lines of defence, and twenty-four cannon.
There being a lull in the pursuit,
Wright had reformed his troops and changed his front, intending to attack or retreat to
Winchester as circumstances might dictate.
At that critical moment
Sheridan appeared on the field.
He had returned from
Washington, and had slept at
Winchester.
Early in the morning he heard the booming of cannon up the valley, and supposed it to be only a reconnoissance.
After breakfast he mounted his horse—a powerful black charger—and moved leisurely out of the city southward.
He soon met the van of fugitives, who told a dreadful tale of disaster.
He immediately ordered the retreating artillery to be parked on each side of the turnpike.
Then, ordering his escort to follow, he put his horse on a swinging gallop, and at that pace rode nearly 12 miles to the front.
The fugitives became thicker and thicker every moment.
He did not stop to chide or coax.
but, waving his hat as his horse thundered on over the magnificent stone road, he shouted to the cheering crowds, “Face the other way, boys!
face the other way!
We are going back to our camp.
We are going to lick them out of their boots!”
Instantly the tide of retreating troops turned and followed after the young general.
As he dashed along the lines and rode in front of forming regiments, he gave a word of cheer to all. He declared they should have all those camps and cannon back again.
They believed the prophecy, and fought fiercely for its fulfilment.
The reformed army advanced in full force.
Already (10 A. M.)
General Emory had quickly repulsed an attack, which inspirited the whole corps.
A. general and severe struggle ensued.
The whole
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Confederate army were soon in full and tumultuous retreat up the valley towards
Fisher's Hill, leaving guns, trains, and other hinderances to flight behind.
Early's army was virtually destroyed; and, with the exception of two or three skirmishes between cavalry, there was no more fighting in the Shenandoah Valley.
That night the Nationals occupied their old position at
Cedar Creek.
The promise of
Sheridan, “We will have all the camps and cannon back again,” was fulfilled.
Sheridan was rewarded by the commission of a major-general in the regular army, dated Nov. 4, 1864. “
Sheridan's ride” was made the theme of poetry and painting.
