Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/113

Rh course. Then came another voice, 'Who comes there? ' and I knew I was once more on the right side. I soon reached the regiment I was seeking, and then there was no more trouble." Thus he disposed of an incident which was both exciting and full of peril, for had the Confederate sentinel known he was a Yankee, he would have been shot on the spot.

Following the contest in the dark came two more weeks of marching in the valley, leading up to the battle of Opequan, where McKinley again distinguished himself, although in a manner almost as unique as when he furnished the men on the firing line with hot coffee and meat.

The battle of Opequan was fought under the direct generalship of dashing Phil Sheridan and was one which added greatly to the laurels of that already famous officer. He had followed General Early up and down the Shenandoah Valley until he was at last satisfied that he had the Confederate just where he wanted him. The battle lasted till evening, and the enemy was driven from Opequan creek to Winchester with the loss of hundreds killed and