n the contrary, I had
been informed that pickets and scouts covered my front. It is the
only instance, perhaps, in the war of such a surprise.

The situation of Milroy's command was now critical. He had about
7000 men able for duty, more troops than could be used in the forts
or protected by them. Colonel A. T. McReynolds, of the 1st New
York Cavalry, who commanded Milroy's Third Brigade at Berryville,
some ten miles eastward of us, was attacked on the 13th, and,
pursuant to orders, retired, reaching Winchester at 9 P.M. It was
certainly known on the 14th that Ewell had at least 20,000 men of
all arms, and it was clear that while we might stand an assault,
our artillery ammunition would soon be exhausted, and the surrender
of the entire command, if it remained, become inevitable. About 11
A.M. I was present in the principal fort at what was called a
council of war, but my opinion was not asked or expressed as to
the propriety of undertaking to escape. I ventured, however, to
suggest that if a surrender were contemplated, I could take my
infantry command out that night, with perhaps others, by the Back
Creek or Apple-Pie Ridge road without encountering the enemy, and
could safely reach Pennsylvania by keeping well to the west of
Martinsburg. It was decided about midnight, however, to spike the
guns, abandon all wagons, and all sick and wounded and stores of
all kinds, and evacuate Winchester. The teamsters, artillerists,
and camp followers were to ride and lead the horses and mules,
following closely the armed troops, who were to move at 1 A.M. on
the Martinsburg road. If the enemy were encountered, we were to
attack him, and, if possible, cut through. The movement did not
commence until 2 A.M., and the night was dark. The great body of
horses and mules, being ridden by undisciplined men and unused to
riders, fell into great confusion as they crowded on the pike close
on the heels of the infantry. The mules brayed a chorus seldom
heard, and as if prompted by a malicious desire to notify the enemy
of our departure. My regiment was in the advance on the turnpike.
Milroy did not accompany the head of the column. Elliott was,
however, with it a portion of the time. When we had proceeded
about three miles the familiar _chuck_ of the hubs of artillery
wheels was heard to the eastward, and it soon became apparent the
enemy was moving towards the pike, intending to strike it on our
front. Some of our troops wer