Fanny Ricketts, on learning of his being wounded,
joined him on the battle-field, and shared his six months' captivity
to nurse him.( 2) The special mention of Wright and Ricketts and
his wife must be pardoned by the reader, as they were of my best
friends, not only during, but since the war. Mrs. Ricketts was
often in camp with her husband, and though a most refined lady,
was, by disposition, education, and spirit quite capable of commanding
an army corps. She possessed great executive ability.

Two other officers whose acquaintance I formed in the Valley in
1864, and who were in after life my friends, I venture to mention
also.

George Crook was an ideal soldier. He was born near Dayton, Ohio,
September 8, 1828, and was a West Point graduate. He was of medium
stature, possessed of a gentle but heroic spirit, and justly won
renown in the War of the Rebellion, and subsequently in Indian
wars. He died suddenly in Chicago, March 21, 1890. His body is
buried at Arlington in the midst of his fallen war-comrades. He
left no children. His fame as a patriot and soldier belongs to
history.

Rutherford B. Hayes, a brigade commander in the opening of Sheridan's
Valley campaign, was born at Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822. He
was not educated for a soldier. He was a man of medium height,
strong body, sandy hair, sanguine temperament, and was always self-
possessed, and gentle in his intercourse with others. He was a
most efficient officer and had the power to inspire his men to
heroic deeds. He was twice wounded, and retired at the end of the
war distinguished as a volunteer soldier. Subsequently he served
a term in Congress, three terms as Governor of Ohio, and was
President of the United States 1877 to 1881.

I assumed command of my old brigade on the 26th of August, near
Halltown. Its ranks had been much depleted, yet it numbered about
2000 effective men, including recruits. It was then composed of
the 6th Maryland, 110th, 122d, and 126th Ohio, 67th and 138th
Pennsylvania, and 9th New York Heavy Artillery serving as infantry.
I found still with it, in command of regiments, Colonels John W.
Horn and Wm. H. Ball, Lieutenant-Colonels Otho H. Binkley and Aaron
W. Ebright, who had each passed safely through the recent bloody
campaigns.

Sheridan's cavalry made daily reconnoissances, and frequently
engaged the enemy in advance of Charlestown. A cavalry reconnoissance
was made on the 29th which brought on an