ckets. This indicated, as was the fact, that close behind them
were heavy bodies of infantry which it was desired to closely mask.
At midnight I had an interview at my own solicitation with Milroy
at his headquarters, when the whole subject of our situation was
discussed. I was not advised of the orders or dispatches he had
received, nor of his dispatches to Schenck expressing confidence
in his ability to hold Winchester. Milroy persisted in the notion
that only cavalry were before him, and he was anxious to fight them
and especially averse to retreating under circumstances that might
subject him to the charge of cowardice. He also sincerely desired
to hold the Valley and protect the Union residents. He reminded
me fiercely that I had believed in the attack coming on the 10th,
and it had turned out that I was mistaken. I could make no answer
to this save to suggest that the cavalry battle at Brandy Station
had operated to postpone the attack.

During my acquaintance with Milroy he had evinced confidence in
and friendship for me; now he manifested much annoyance over my
persistence in urging him to order a retreat at once, and finally
he dismissed me rather summarily.( 8)

Early the next morning I received an order to report with my regiment
near Union Mills on the Strasburg pike, and to move upon the Cedar
Creek road, located west of and extending, in general, parallel
with the Strasburg pike. It was soon ascertained that the enemy
had massed a heavy force upon that road about three miles south of
Winchester. A section of Carlin's battery under Lieutenant Theaker
reported to me, and with it my regiment moved about a mile southward,
keeping well on the ridge between the pike and the Cedar Creek
road. The enemy kept under cover, and not having orders to bring
on an engagement I retired the troops to the junction of the two
roads. About 2 P.M. I was informed that Milroy desired me to make
a strong reconnoissance and develop the strength and position of
the enemy. To strengthen my forces, the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Lieutenant-Colonel Moss, and a squadron of the 13th Pennsylvania
Cavalry, were assigned to me. I moved forward promptly with the
12th on the left on the plain, the infantry and artillery in the
centre covering the Strasburg pike, and the squadron on the ridge
to my right, which extended parallel with the pike. We proceeded
in this order about a mile, when my skirmishers became closely
engaged