and he, about the same time, ordered Wilson with his cavalry to
push out from the left and gain the Valley pike south of Winchester.
Torbert, with Merritt and Averell's cavalry, was ordered to sweep
down along the Martinsburg pike on Crook's right to strike Early's
left. The enemy had been pushed back upon the open plains northeast
of Winchester and was trying hard to hold his left against the foot-
hills of Apple-Pie Ridge, and to cover the Martinsburg pike.

Most of the enemy's cavalry and much of his artillery were on his
left. Getty (Sixth Corps), who from the first held the left of
our infantry, steadily advanced, holding whatever ground he gained.
The Nineteenth did not participate largely in the battle after its
repulse. The cavalry bore a conspicuous part in the battle. The
last stand was made by Early one mile from Winchester. About 5
P.M. Wright and Crook's corps, though then in single line, impetuously
dashed forward, while Merritt and Averell's cavalry divisions under
Torbert, somewhat closely massed, overthrew the Confederate cavalry
and swept mercilessly along the Martinsburg pike and the foot of
the precipitous ridge. The enemy's artillery was ridden over or
forced to fly from the field. Torbert reached the left flank of
the Confederate infantry at the moment it was hard pressed by the
advancing troops of Wright and Crook. Our cavalry, in deep column,
with sabres drawn, charged over the Confederate left, and the battle
was won. This charge was the most stirring and picturesque of the
war. The sun was setting, but could be seen through the church
spires of the city. Its rays glistening upon the drawn sabres of
the thousands of mounted warriors made a picture in real war, rarely
witnessed. In this charge, besides the division leaders mentioned,
were Generals Custer and Devin, and Colonels Lowell, Schoonmaker,
and Capehart, leading brigades, all specially distinguished as
cavalry soldiers. The fighting continued into and through the
streets of Winchester. The pursuit was arrested by the coming of
night and the weariness of the soldiers, many of whom had been
without food or rest for about eighteen hours. The significance
of the victory was great, but it was particularly gratifying to
the old soldiers in my command who had fought at Winchester under
Milroy. The night battle at Stephenson's Depot, fifteen months
before--June, 1863--was within the limits of the field of Opequon.
Ewell's corps h