n during the night around our left flank by the base of
the Blue Ridge, in single file, many not even carrying their canteens,
fearful that the least noise would be made. In this manner they
succeeded in reaching Middletown, a mile and a half in the rear of our
breastworks; before daylight a feint was made on our right to attract
our attention in that quarter; a short time after a volley or two of
musketry was heard on our left, the enemy dashing on the 8th Corps in
desperate fury, completely surprising them. So sudden was the attack
that many were captured before they had time to leave their tents or
seize their muskets. On pressed the successful mass, shouting and
yelling in the wildest manner.

The 8th Corps, badly demoralized, poured back on the rear of the 19th
Corps, closely pursued by the enemy. Our Division was going out to
reconnoiter, and were in line, but from their position could do but
little, the enemy being in our rear, so that not a shot could be fired
without danger to our own men. The 1st Division, 19th Corps, was sent
to support the 8th Corps early in the morning, and suffered severely,
meeting the first onslaught of the enemy. Our Division (the 2d) took
position in front of the breastworks, but being of no service there,
we filed to the right and fell back to the rear where we could be
re-formed and occupy a position in front of the enemy.

The enemy steadily pressed us back four or five miles. Matters began
to look blue, when the dashing "Little Phil" came up as fast as his
noble black steed could carry him, leaving his attendants far in the
rear. The noise of the battle had reached him at Winchester early in
the morning. The appearance of Sheridan immediately instilled new
vigor, energy and determination into the men. He passed along the
whole line amid the most marked enthusiasm, telling the men they would
quarter in their old camp again that night.

The broken lines were speedily re-formed, the General passing along
hat in hand, encouraging the men. This was sufficient, and from this
dates the last advent of Early in the valley.

It was now our turn. The enemy charged us, and for the first time were
repulsed. We pressed on determined to win. The success of the morning
turned to a most irretrievable and disastrous defeat to the enemy.
They were completely routed, suffering a terrible slaughter.
Twenty-four guns captured in the morning were retaken, besides a large
number of prisoners, and most