Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 72

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

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but escaped capture. Early then established his post in the Upper Valley and prepared for a move down towards the Potomac. The latter part of June he had a small but resolute army, and began feeling his way North. July Ist he crossed Cedar Creek and rested for one day, when he made a rapid march to Martinsburg, where he landed July 3rd, hoping to surprise Siegel; but the latter made such hasty exit that only a few stragglers and abandoned army sup- plies were captured. Early continued his march, crossing the river; struck the Old National Turn- pike and marched boldly on to Frederick City, where he learned that a Federal force under Genl. Lew Wallace, was on the Monocacy about 5 miles distant. He fearlessly attacked the Fed- erals, inflicting heavy loss before they fled to- wards Baltimore. Rockville was his next ob- jective point, where he arrived just at night- fall, July 10, 1864. They then struck a bee-line for Washington, but halted only long enough to give his command time to see the capitol plainly. Many rumors were afloat as to the ob- ject of this campaign. The capture of the city seemed easy; but he deliberately turned his col- umn towards the Valley, where he arrived some- what refreshed by his visit. Genl. Lee had pointed out the misfortune that might result from an engagement. All that was desired was to make demonstrations on Washington, strong enough to require the withdrawal of troops from Grant's Army, so as to relieve Lee. This was done; the 6th and 19th Corps hurried away to the capital. This proved a serious interruption of Grant's plans, for he had planned for these corps to harrass Lee's rear and flanks, while he was changing his base to the James. Lee was free to follow his movements; and waged battle at every available point, until Grant was com- pelled to make City Point his base. We will not stop to consider if this was not really advan- tageous to Grant in carrying out his general plan. Early when safely in camp in Winchester, summed up his captures and embodied them in his official report, which bubbles over with humor and sarcasm. He had stirred up the Washington authorities. Their loss of several thousand horses and beef cattle, and train loads of rich army stores, was small, calculating the ease with which it was done. This gateway to Washington must be closed, and vigorous measures were made ready. Sheridan was preparing for the command of the District. Hunter was ordered to raid the Valley again, and was given authority to collect the scattered forces. This required a full month. During this time, Early was hovering over the Lower Valley without any serious interruption. Imboden's command was doing duty as caval- ry. To this was added a brigade commanded by

Genl. McCausland, of West Va. Early sent this brigade on a raid to stir up a little interest across the Potomac, and to turn Hunter's at- tention in that direction. McCausland proceeded as far as Chambersburg, and burned part of that town on the 30th of July, in retaliation, as many believed, for the wrongs done to his people in Western Virginia by Federal scouting squad- rons. McCausland says it was done because the citizens refused to comply with a levy made on them to furnish supplies for his hungry troopers. The raid ended in disaster to this command, which endeavored to escape to the Valley by a circuitous route. Overtaken at Moorefield when they felt secure, they were surprised and routed. Many condemned this fruitless raid. McCaus- land was not equal to such work as Stuart and others successfully accomplished. This stirred up strife among the Federals. Hunter was urged to move, which he did about the Ist of August, '64. Early met him near Winchester, very nearly on ' the same ground where Genl. Ramseur had a pitched battle on the 20th of July with Averill's large force of cavalry, supported by artillery. Ramseur had made a gallant fight, losing many of his men and such officers as Gent. Lilly, Lewis and others. He was compelled to fall back on Genl. Early, who was then at New- town 8 miles South of Winchester. For the first time Early failed to render proper support to one of his subalterns-Ramseur had been left to fight the battle alone. It is true Early had given some support on the left, as the lines ex- tended over the Martinsburg Turnpike; but why he fell back to Newtown without notice to Ram- seur, none will ever know. In an interview between himself and a correspondent for one of the large newspapers, Genl. Early said: "It was part of the plan of strategy; that the Federals would be flushed with victory and would reck- lessly rush into one of his chosen positions." Subsequent events show this was not his last misconception of the intentions of his adver- saries.

On the 4th of August, Hunter and his new army appeared at Winchester. Early was then beyond Cedar Creek. The cavalry met in skir- mishes. Averill came to redeem himself with a large force of cavalry, with Genl's Torbett and Wilson Chiefs in Command. South of Win- chester several severe engagements took place, as Hunter slowly advanced and Early slowly re- tired. Both Generals seemed willing to avoid collision. Hunter had already applied the torch in several sections. As his infantry covered the ground, his two columns of cavalry-one towards Front Royal and the other on the Valley Turn- pike and the two back roads-moved cautiously, spending several days on their way South, for-

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aging and pillaging every hamlet and home through the country. The infantry and artil- lery seemed disinclined for fight. Hunter in this style of advance, proceeded far enough to disclose Early's lines near Strasburg. The column of cavalry that entered Front Royal on the 15th, met stubborn resistance from a quarter they re- garded as clear. They waited to get communi- cation with Hunter at Strasburg. The cavalry of the back roads had been repulsed several times, yet they pressed on. The central column planted two heavy pieces of artillery on a high ridge South of Middletown, and fired some harmless shells in the direction of Early's lines. The latter supposing Hunter's army to be Sheri- dan's, declined battle on the 16th, and fell back on the highlands near Woodstock; the indica- tions being that the flanking column at Front Royal intended to cut off his retreat while he fought on the centre. He again fell back; and before he learned that reinforcements were at Front Royal, and the Federals were at a stand- still at that point, word was sent Hunter during the night of the 16th, that Lee and his whole army were entering the Valley at Front Royal. Hunter immediately ordered the army to retire, but to sweep the country clean of every barn, mill, hay or wheat stack, and to gather all cat- tle, horses and sheep into herds and drive them out of the Valley, and to kill all hogs and any broken-down horses. Details were made from each regiment, of men who would faithfully execute this order. When daylight came, the whole army was in motion and the work of de- struction had begun. The cavalry detachments were scouring the country for hours before the army started, and the herds were forming on every road, all hurrying towards the Potomac, then nearly 50 miles away. When day dawned, the poor war-stricken country presented a strange scene to the citizens, as they beheld the numer- ous cavalcades hastening on, increasing every mile as the last cow or horse disappeared from the home. Their amazement was soon to take the form of fear, for at 6 A. M. the torches were applied; and from the Shenandoah to the Little North Mountain, the volumes of smoke that rose high in the air, betokened destruction of their homes. Steadily the tide rolled. Hunter rode to the front, leaving the infantry and artillery to protect the rear of the vandal hordes. When Early learned that Kershaw's division of infan- try and Fitz Lee's division under Genl. R. H. Anderson, had arrived at Front Royal and were seeking a juncture with him at Strasburg, he was astounded. He had expected reinforcements, but looked for them by way of Luray and New Mar- ket, and expected their arrival in time to make a grand stand and stem the tide of Sheridan's

army as it rolled South. Caught unawares, he waited until the 18th before he changed his base. Moving down to Strasburg, he found Ker- shaw and Fitz Lee exasperated over the situa- tion. Their long march had ended amid heaps of desolation, instead of the oasis full of plenty they had longed to see once more. The 17th of August, 1864, will go down in history as the blackest day the Lower Valley has ever seen. By 11 o'clock the atmosphere was stifling with smoke; the lurid flames that shone in the early morning from river to mountain, were obscured by the increasing pall of darkness that rested on the once beautiful landscapes. The besom of destruction swept on to the gates of Win- chester. The Valley troopers of their own ac- cord, plunged through the smoke and ruins, seek- ing to avenge the terrible wrongs perpetrated by demons who gladly obeyed the hellish order of the insatiate wretch who claimed the right to wear the uniform of an officer in the United States Army, and also the right to bear the name of a family Virginia has honored through suc- cessive generations. His deeds of infamy will never stain the name of the Hunter family of Virginia. Not to the manor born, he will go down to posterity as an alien to the Common- wealth of the Old Dominion.

Many startling incidents occurred that day that may not be told here. Lest some be confused as to the date of that day of gloom, we add there were two burnings of the Valley; the other will appear in its proper place.

Early hastened to redress these wrongs, and if possible atone for his tardiness. The main body of reinforcements under General Anderson, left Front Royal on the 17th, marching over the Front Royal Turnpike. Kershaw and Fitz Lee joined them later. Early started his army in motion, and on the 18th formed a juncture at Winchester. A sharp engagement ensued be- tween Kershaw's advance and a division of Fed- eral infantry. Some captures were made; and the enemy driven towards Stephensons, where a stand was made. Early continued his pursuit to Harpers Ferry; the Federals gradually fell back, and finally sought the North side of the Potomac for a new base. Early also halted. This was not in accordance with Genl. Lee's plans. When he sent reinforcements, he ex- pected Early with his strong force to boldly cross at Williamsport, and march towards Pennsyl- vania, hoping this would change all of Grant's plans. But the old fighter was not Stonewall Jackson. He could not or would not appreci- ate Lee's strategy; and wasted time in skirmishes, showing no disposition to advance. Lee ordered Kershaw and Fitz Lee back to Culpeper C. H. This was on the 15th of September. Early had

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wasted a month of valuable time; for Sheridan was ordered to proceed in person to the Valley with all the army he needed, and wage a war that would exterminate the Valley armies. Early had fallen back to Winchester before the de- parture of Kershaw; and for the first time it suited Sheridan to enter the Lower Valley with great pomp and show, and truly with an army of banners. He came via Harpers Ferry; and boldly extended his lines along the Shenandoah as far as Berryville. Aside from Hunter's scat- tered forces, Sheridan came with the 6th and 19th corps of infantry, the two divisions of cav- alry under Torbett and Wilson, and the West Virginia division under Crook and Averill, and many batteries. Truly it was a grand army; and was destined to be a bolt of destruction to the Confederacy. Genl. Early congratulated him- self during his entire life that he had so con- ducted his campaign in the Valley, as to compel Grant to yield to the demands from Washing- ton and allow the 6th and 19th corps to remain in easy call to defend the city from his attacks. Be this as it may, General, military critics find you in a precarious position on the 14th, 15th and 16th of September, '64.

Some doubt arises in the study of this cam- paign as to the withdrawal of Kershaw and Fitz Lee from the Valley, in obedience to the order from Genl. Lee, dated Sept. 15th. We will give the benefit of the doubt to the critic and treat the battle of Winchester as if they had not gone before the order was countermanded.

Genl. Early's forces including his reinforce- ments, consisted of about 9,000 infantry and about 2,800 cavalry and three batteries of ar- tillery, to meet the great army stretching itself along his right flank. The fighting old Jubal, as his men delighted to style him, showed a bold front; but the movement he first made adver- tised his blunder. The official map of the bat- tlefield places Early's men about in the following positions : Ramseur's Division (about 1,500 men) and Wickham with Fitz Lee's Cavalry at Win- chester, while Wharton with the remnant of the once grand division, and Lomax with the Valley Cavalry, went to Stephensons five miles North, the terminal of the W. & P. R. R., while he, the General, Chief-in-Command, marched away to Martinsburg with Rodes' and Gordon's divisions, to destroy the railroad. (So stated in his re- ports.) This places Early at the North end of his line of battle, 22 miles long, while Sheridan with his immense army-five times Early's com- bined strength-occupied the country from Charlestown to White Post, within an eight mile march, to cut off retreat on the Valley Turn- pike at any point South of Winchester. Any student of battlefields must conclude that Genl.

Early was either over-confident or had become incompetent. There is nothing to prove that Genl. Early, when he left Martinsburg on the 18th of September and deliberately camped at Bunkers Hill 12 miles from Winchester, had any knowledge of Sheridan's moving from Berry- ville towards Winchester and his column in motion early in the morning of the 19th. The writer and other scouts (now living) informed Genl. Early before he left Winchester for his march to Martinsburg, and also in the night of the 17th apprised him of Sheridan's forward movement, and that it was believed he was seek- ing a point on the Valley Turnpike South of Winchester to form a line in his rear. Nothing in his reports of this campaign indicate that he suspected such movement. The situation was plain to every scout. They informed every out- post of cavalry, and the officers commanding the two positions at Winchester and Stephensons Station knew, that heavy forces of cavalry were pressing every point held by Lomax and Wick- ham. Clearly Genl. Early was outwitted by Sheridan, and allowed the enemy to attack Ram- seur Southeast of Mt. Hebron Cemetery at 5

A. M. on the 19th, before he made any effort to support him. Fitz Lee's cavalry were on the ridges overlooking the Opecquon. Ramseur and this cavalry won laurels of glory on that morn- ing. About 11 A. M., Early got Rodes' division to the field, when desperate fighting ensued. Gordon arrived about this time, and took posi- tion on the left, extending over what is known as the old Hackwood farm. About this time the gallant Rodes, who had distinguished himself so often on other fields, was killed. Wharton fell away from Stephensons and entered the bat- tle, after the memorable fight made to prevent two full divisions of cavalry and three batteries under Genl. Torbet, from cutting off Early in his march from Bunker Hill. Lomax's cavalry had been sent South of Winchester to join Fitz Lee who had swung to the right after the infantry forces met on the Berryville Pike. Willson with his large column of cavalry, was sweeping to- wards the Valley pike to strike a point about two miles South. It now looked like Early was bagged. Fitz Lee, with the dash and daring he always exhibited when occasion demanded, fell upon the Federal advance from Vantage ground, so that the whole column was brought to a stand- still. Gray troopers fired from copse and cover. Willson seemed bewildered; and his column felt that some great disaster was near; and instead of forming his line of battle and sweeping the Confederates aside, he turned the head of the column East and trotted off, exposing a weak point that Lee attacked with such fury, that the trot march ended in a veritable rout. The cav-

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alry then hastened to give aid to the fighting infantry under Gordon, where he was hard pressed. For one hour before Wharton arrived, Genl. Gordon fought a famous engagement. He charged repeatedly over strong lines of the enemy, but was too weak to hold his positions, and was driven back. It was during this hour, that Major James Breathed with his battery of 6 guns, won renown by masking his battery and allowing Torbett's line to sweep around Gordon's left and form on his rear and flank. He then rushed his guns to a position on high ground and swept the entire line. Men and horses went down in great numbers, and the enemy gave way in great disorder. Gordon again charged; and a rout occurred that left him master of the field. About this time Crook loomed up with the 8th corps in such force, the Confederates fell back to new positions, believing the day had been saved. Breckenridge's division under Whar- ton appeared and reopened the battle. Then the two divisions of cavalry under Averill and Mer- ritt, with two light batteries, swept around to the old Carter place on the Martinsburg Turn- pike; and here for one hour a few weak com- panies of Lomax's cavalry and a small regiment of infantry under Col. Patton, held in check the flanking cavalry. It has been often said that for one hour every Confederate that could stand, was hotly engaged .- No Reserves, no support, and confronted by overwhelming numbers at every point on front, flank and rear-so seriously threatened at that hour were they, it seemed im- possible to escape capture. And if Sheridan pos- sessed great skill as a general, he failed to show it. With his immense army, and the ad- vantage he had on the morning of the 19th of September, as shown, he should have compelled the surrender of Early's whole command. It was a sad scene to behold. Men never fought bet- ter than did the Confederates of every arm. They were stimulated by love of the old town and country-side that had so recently cheered them to their work. Now after such heroic struggles, they were driven through the streets to seek shelter. Early in his official report says he retired to Fishers Hill. Brave men who fell in the battle of the 19th of September, and those who survived and retired to Fishers Hill, would never have suffered such disaster under the leadership of their old Stonewall Captain. 2,500 prisoners and several pieces of artillery were left in the hands of Sheridan, along with the many dead stretched along that long battle line. Fitz Lee had been desperately wounded, and many other well-known officers.

The retreat to Fishers Hill was made in good order, although the powerful force of Fed- eral cavalry beat upon the rear, protected by

part of the Confederate cavalry. Early's army arriving at Fishers Hill, immediately formed lines of defence and awaited Sheridan's advance. The new position was a tempting one, but it proved untenable. Flanking columns could pass it on either side and not engage Early. The Lower Valley was open, and heavy columns could by way of Luray Valley cross over to New Mar- ket and join a column that could march up the Back Road near the North Mountain and thus cut off his further retreat up the Valley. The mid- dle column remained on the Valley Pike and made a feint on Early's front. Early soon found him- self in the above position. Torbett tried the Luray Valley, and but for Wickham's appear- ance at Front Royal with a small force of worn-out cavalry, he would have cut the re- treat, as a large body of infantry and cavalry did take the back road, while Sheridan was at his front on the 22nd to force battle. Genl. Early hastened his retreat after having barely escaped the net.

Sheridan should have pressed the retreating army from Winchester on the 20th with his large force, and a rout of ruin to Early would have occurred. No; "Fighting Phil" was con- tent to move slowly and allow the Confederates to keep out of the way, saving wagon trains, etc.

Sheridan again allowed Early to move slowly off, while he lingered to enjoy the fruits of pillage his men perpetrated on the helpless com- munities. Federal cavalry pursued Early to Har- risonburg, and then returned to the main army that had encamped on the North side of Cedar Creek in the vicinity of Middletown. From this camp, a systematic plundering of the country set in. Foraging parties extended their raids for miles East and West of the Little North Mountain, and swept every home in that sec- tion clean of every particle of food that fell in their way-wearing apparel, bedding and many other articles held sacred by families, were ruthlessly carried away. This also pre- vailed in all the country as far away as the . Northwestern Turnpike East of the Mountain. The horrors of such warfare can only be com- pared to the terrors inflicted by brutes on the helpless palatinates of old, that ultimately drove the refugees to seek homes in America; and here we see their descendants gloating over similar brutalities. This was not war; but hellish treat- ment of the helpless.

Early went into camp in the vicinity of Har- risonburg and Bridgewater; and proceeded to re- organize his remnants. It was not long before he had rallied around him the scattered men. The camps took on new life; and it was ob- served that this army was not yet beaten; and

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old Jubal had fight in him yet. We find by the first of October he was planning for another move down the Valley. On all the roads leading South, Sheridan's cavalry could be seen daily; and fre- quent skirmishes occurred. Often brave men went down; but this warfare went on. On the 5th of October, late in the day, all were sur- prised and delighted to see the Laurel Brigade come into the camp near Bridgewater to reinforce the Fitz Lee and other cavalry. The Laurels had marched from Petersburg in less than eight days, and needed rest; but their old enemy Genl. Custer was in sight, and had been giving them trouble for several days. Rosser assumed command of all the cavalry; and proceeded without delay to cross sabres once more with the long-haired chieftain. The reader will remember Custer and Rosser met at Trevillian Station; and there the former made acquaintance with the gray troopers for the first time. On the 6th, the Laurel Bri- gade led off; and the cavalry, under the im- pression that they would encounter Custer and his gaily attired troopers, spruced up, and tried to look their best. Custer was encountered, and after brisk fighting at many points, the Federal cavalry fell back towards their main army. As the Valley men pursued the retreating legions, they beheld their country groaning under the de- struction the Federal cavalry had inflicted. Barns were burning, and ruin seemed complete in many homes. This was only a foretaste of what the Valley would be called upon to endure, as will be shown later on.

Early now felt strengthened for another effort. More reinforcements came in. The Valley, from his positions to the plains beyond Woodstock, was clear. Confederate cavalry and scouts were bringing word that the Federals had settled down on the North side of Cedar Creek, with their lines stretching from the Cedar Creek Turnpike to Front Royal. The Confederates prepared for a forward movement; and many wondered what Early could do to justify any attempt to re-open battle with Sheridan's great host. On the 17th, the army was put in motion. It has been esti- mated that his force all told did not exceed 9,000 men. When he arrived at Woodstock, a halt was ordered; heavy scouting squadrons were kept busy all day long, skirmishing with bands of cavalry found on the South side of the river below Strasburg and also along the roads leading to Cedar Creek above Strasburg. Rosser kept Early informed. They had planned to surprise the enemy in the night; but finding this impracticable, owing to the constant appearance of Federals on the South side, it was decided to wait until early morning and strike before the camps were astir, or the daily patrols had started. Early moved slowly down the roads, and put himself within

a short march of his coveted prize, and then waited for the darkness to cover his further move- ments. Rosser's cavalry kept up a slight move- ment all day. The camps on the North side were reported as being entirely unconscious of danger. There lay the great army. Immediately in Early's front was the 19th corps, and the 6th and 8th corps on the right and left. Here they had an encampment that will be remembered by every mortal who lived in the territory North for fifteen miles, and the horrors of those times are told to- day by survivors, with trembling lips.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 72

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607