ridge, on the
Berryville and Winchester pike. The fighting of other portions of
the army had been severe, but indecisive. There were some indications
as we approached the battle-field soon after noon that the forces
engaged in the forenoon had been overmatched. About 1 P.M. this
division was formed on the extreme right of the infantry line of
our army, the First Brigade, under my command, in advance, and the
Second Brigade, Colonel D. D. Johnson commanding, about sixty yards
in the rear, forming a supporting line; the right of the Second
Brigade being, however, extended about one hundred yards farther
to the right than the First Brigade. The division was swung around
some distance to the right, so as to strike the rebel line on the
left flank. The rebel left was protected by field-works and a
battery on the south side of Red Bud Creek. This creek was easily
crossed in some places, but in others was a deep, miry pool from
twenty to thirty yards wide and almost impassable. The creek was
not visible from any part of our line when we began to move forward,
and no one probably knew of it until its banks were reached. The
division moved forward at the same time with the First Division,
Colonel Thoburn, on our left, in good order and without much
opposition until they unexpectedly came upon Red Bud Creek. This
creek and the rough ground and tangled thicket on its banks was in
easy range of grape, canister, and musketry from the rebel line.
A very destructive fire was opened upon us, in the midst of which
our men rushed into and over the creek. Owing to the difficulty
in crossing, the rear and front lines and different regiments of
the same line mingled together and reached the rebel side of the
creek with lines and organizations broken; but all seemed inspired
by the right spirit, and charged the rebel works pell-mell in the
most determined manner. In this charge our loss was heavy, but
our success was rapid and complete. The rebel left in our front
was turned and broken, and one or more pieces of artillery captured.
No attempt was made after this to form lines or regiments. Officers
and men went forward, pushing the rebels from one position to
another until the defeated enemy were routed and driven through
Winchester."

About 5 P.M. Sheridan galloped along the front line of the Sixth
Corps with hat and sword in hand and assured the men, in more
expressive than elegant language, of victory in the final attack,