Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/318

 306 Southern Historical Society Papers.

left flank and his whole army retiring in conclusion. But the artil- lery again distinguished itself by great courage, fighting to the last, and Early had to ride to some of them and order withdrawal of their guns before they would move. Their pertinacity in holding out led to the loss of eleven guns. Otherwise the loss was not great, but Lieutenant-Colonel A. S. Pendleton, the distinguished and gallant adjutant- General of the corps, who had served so long with Jackson, Ewell and Early, fell mortally wounded, leaving a vacuum which it was indeed difficult to supply. Early slowly retired down the Valley to Rude's Hill, between Mount Jackson and New Market, in line of battle, checking the enemy as he advanced, the troops be- having admirably. Sheridan's Cavalry followed as far as Staunton, but Early had simply stepped aside to Port Republic, while they passed on, and then moved to Waynesboro' on the 3Oth of Septem- ber.

In early October he is moving down the Valley again and meditates attacking the enemy at Harrisonburg on the 6th, but he in turn re- tires. By the i3th he is again at Fisher's Hill and Hupp's Hill, and finds Sheridan posted on the north bank of Cedar creek, and there boldly defies him on the field of his late reverses. The enemy, send- ing a division across the creek, is met by Conner's Brigade and repulsed, losing their division commander, Colonel Wells, and the gallant and accomplished General Conner on our side losing a leg. On the 1 5th General Early remains at Fisher's Hill and sends Rosser on a cavalry reconnoissance. On the ijth he displays his full force in front of the enemy's lines to cover Rosser's return, but he is without provisions, and he must either retreat or fight. Well did he appreciate the inspiration of being the assailant, and he deter- mined to assail.

BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.

As the sequel shows, Sheridan had concluded that Early was pretty well used up, and had gone to Washington. General H. G. Wright, of the Sixth Corps, who commanded in his absence, was informed on the i8th that Early had retreated, and the Federal army lay with a feeling of security on the north bank of Cedar creek; but Early was only crouching to spring. Unable to attack the fortified position of the enemy, he determined to take him by flank, and by surprise if possible. He had sent General Gordon, with Captain Hotchkiss, chief engineer, to the signal station on Massanutton mountain, to examine the enemy's position, and Gen-