Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/35

Rh . The information is, therefore, furnished from the best sources at present accessible. The number of battle flags captured has been large, but at present cannot be stated with any accuracy. From the accounts which seem most entitled to credit the following estimates of results are given: 



September 19th, 1864—Battle of Winchester. Early this morning our cavalry pickets on the Opequon were driven in, and it became evident that an attack was threatened. News came that the cavalry under Fitz. Lee and Lomax, and Ramseur's division of less than 2,000 infantry, were engaged by the enemy near Winchester, and Rodes' division left Stephenson's depot to go to their assistance. Gordon's division preceded us. and as soon as we reached Ramseur we were ordered to "forward into line," and almost as quick as thought we were rapidly hurried to the attack. General C. A. Evans' Georgia brigade meeting overwhelming columns of the enemy, was forced back through the woods, and the Yankees were pressing after them, demoralizing them considerably, and came near capturing some of our artillery, when Colonel Carter and Lieutenant-Colonel Braxton opened on them with grape and canister, and the Yankees halted and then fell back. As they began to fall back, Battle's brigade, which had formed in rear of Evans', rushed forward, and swept, with loud shouts, through the woods, driving the enemy swiftly before it. I commanded the right company of our regiment and brigade in the charge. Colonel Pickens was not far from me, and General Early himself rode near me as we entered the action. I lifted my hat to the old hero as we ran forward, and noticed how proudly he watched our impetuous advance. The enemy soon ran precipitately before us, and officers and men were in the utmost confusion. We raised our well known