Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 3.djvu/534

494 three divisions of infantry, preceded by cavalry, across the country to near Stone's chapel, on a reconnoissance, Vaughn's brigade of cavalry, which had been left at Bunker Hill, having been stampeded by Averell's, the enemy was enabled to get on Johnson's flank and rout the whole command, capturing wagons, etc. Rodes, who had been left at Stephenson's, learning of this attack, moved forward rapidly and drove the enemy back to Bunker Hill. In the afternoon, in consequence of this attack. Early returned to camps in the vicinity of Brucetown and Stephenson's, McCausland moving from Brucetown to Rodes' right. Fitz Lee and Anderson moved toward Berryville, intending to recross the Blue ridge the next day, on the way to Richmond; Lee, hard pressed at Petersburg, having requested Early to return to him these troops. Early intended to move toward Charlestown the next day and engage the enemy's attention during Anderson's movement.

On the 3d of September, Sheridan started two divisions of cavalry, from near Charlestown, through Berryville and White Post, to raid on Early's rear, while he followed with his large infantry force to reoccupy his former position near Berryville. Fitz Lee, marching to cover Anderson's right, encountered the advance of Sheridan's cavalry, on the 3d, near White Post. He retired toward Newtown to guard Early's rear. Anderson, resuming his march on the 4th, crossed the Opequan, and between that stream and Berryville unexpectedly encountered part of Crook's corps, the advance of Sheridan's infantry movement, occupying an earthwork in front of Berryville and barring his progress. He promptly massed an attack and drove the enemy out of its works and back upon the main body of Sheridan's army, which he found occupying and fortifying a strong position, extending for over two miles along the Berryville and Summit Point road.

Informed of Anderson's engagement and the host he had encountered, and comprehending the critical position in which he was placed. Early abandoned his contemplated movement toward Charlestown, and at daylight, on the 4th, marched with three of his divisions for relief and support, leaving Gordon's division, the infantry portion of Anderson's command, audaciously extended as a strong skirmish line along Sheridan's entire front; aware that the Federal cavalry, returning from its raid, which