Chapter V: Part 5

The troops were immediately put in motion, and were placed on the cars at Harper's Ferry. General Grant was recognized and cheered by the men; riding twenty-five miles, stopping at Bolivar Heights, near Halltown, remaining there three days; the weather very warm. On the 6th of August General Sheridan arrived, and after a conference with General Grant in relation to military affairs in that vicinity, General Grant left for City Point by way of Washington on the 7th. The middle military department and the departments of West Virginia, Washington and Susquehanna were constituted into the middle military division, and Major-General Sheridan was assigned to temporary command of the same. Two divisions of cavalry were sent from the army of the Potomac, commanded by Generals Tolbert and Wilson. The middle military division now numbered nearly fifty thousand men well armed and equipped, ready to move and attack the rebel army now in position near Winchester; they had also received re-enforcements, a division under General Anderson having arrived. Both armies were nearly equal in strength, with the advantage on the side of the enemy, as they had no capital to cover, and could move in whatever direction they pleased. The men were engaged in thrashing wheat and forwarding it to Richmond, having compelled every farmer to give all their proceeds to the help of the Confederacy, keeping but one-tenth for themselves.

On the 10th of August, the troops moved out from their position at Halltown, marching fifteen miles, passing through Charlestown, where John Brown was hung. The march was continued the next day, marching eighteen miles more, the enemy retreating up the valley, our forces following them. After marching fifty miles in three successive days, overtaking their rear guard on the afternoon of the 12th at Cedar Creek, having passed through Newtown and Middletown, secesh villages, filled with Mosby's guerillas, who were very peaceable until our army passed, when they were ready to fall upon our rear guard, plundering, robbing, and even murdering all they could. The main body of the rebels were strongly entrenched on Fisher Hill, a place almost impregnable, that could not be carried by a direct assault. The Shenandoah Valley was filled with waving fields of grain, the crops ripe and ready for the scythe. For nearly one hundred miles, the valley was level, and the scenery splendid, this being the prettiest part of Virginia. At a distance of seven to twelve miles apart, were villages that could be discerned in the distance from Harper's Ferry to Stanton. No engagement took place at Cedar Creek, as was expected, as we were too far from our base of supplies to risk a battle. After lying near Cedar Creek three days, the troops were ordered to fall back for the purpose of drawing the enemy from Fisher Hill; starting at dark, moving back on the valley pike; marching all night, passing through Newtown, Middletown and Kurrentown, halting at Winchester for breakfast, passing through the place, once a fine village, but now nearly deserted; no business was transacted, as both rebel and union armies occupied the place at different times. The troops marched during the night eighteen miles, and during the morning ten miles, halting on a hill.

The enemy supposing us retreating, followed us closely, skirmishing with the cavalry at Winchester, in which a portion of the 1st New Jersey brigade was captured while supporting the cavalry. Our rear guard was driven from Winchester with considerable loss. The troops were compelled to move the next day eighteen miles, encamping near Charlestown, the enemy again halting at Winchester. In retaliation for Chambersburg, the men burned and destroyed everything, entering houses and helping themselves to all that came in their way. The men were out of rations, living on the country two days, but flour, green corn and chickens in abundance.

Both armies were again in camp, with tents up in regular order, the operations during the month of August being both of an offensive and defensive character, resulting in a few skirmishes, but as yet no general engagement had taken place. The two armies now lay in such a position, the enemy on the west bank of the Opequan Creek, covering Winchester, and our forces in position at Charlestown, so that either army could bring on a battle at any time. Defeat to us would lay open to the enemy Maryland and Pennsylvania for long distances, before our army could check them, and under such circumstances Gen. Sheridan hesitated to attack, and waited for more positive orders from Grant. The 14th regiment was again recruited, swelling the number to about three hundred men. Colonel Truex being at home, the regiment was commanded by Major Vredenberg. Lieutenant Colonel Hall having been wounded at Monocacy, resigned his commission. Major Vredenberg having been for the past year inspector general on headquarter staff, he being the ranking officer was relieved, and ordered to the command of the regiment at Halltown on the 19th of August.

Sunday, August 21st, the enemy surprised our camp at daylight attacking in force. The troops soon formed in line of battle, fighting during the day and building works; but few were lost on either side, as nothing but skirmishing was kept up. At night our forces fell back to our old position at Halltown, eight miles distant, the enemy pursuing and firing upon our rear guard, compelling them to fall back in a hurry within the defences of Maryland Heights, when the pursuit was abandoned, the rain pouring in torrents. For several days bodies of troops, mostly cavalry, were sent out on a reconnoissance, which discovered the enemy still in position at Charlestown. The men were fast losing confidence in General Sheridan, as he did nothing but advance and retreat without fighting a decisive battle; but none of the men knew the energy and determination of their gallant leader, who was only waiting for orders from General Grant to bring on a general engagement.

The troops remained in camp at Halltown six days, until Sunday, the 28th, when orders were given to move, passing the enemy's works near Charlestown (the enemy having fallen back), and halted in a wood. During the afternoon Chaplain Rose delivered a brief discourse as the men lay in line, after which we moved again, halting in the old camp we were driven from the previous Sunday, eight miles from Halltown, remaining there until September 3d, when the troops moved again, marching eight miles, encamping at a place called Clifton Farm. The 8th corps being on the advance, met the enemy at Opequan Creek, and after a severe engagement drove them back across the creek, with heavy loss on both sides. Darkness and rain ended the contest, the troops sleeping on their arms. Both armies were now very vigilant, as they were but a few miles apart. The troops lay in camp at Clifton Farm fifteen days, drawing extra rations and clothing. On the 15th of September, the 2d division of the 6th corps with a brigade of cavalry, moved out on a reconnoissance to Opequan Creek. The enemy were found in force, with strong works erected on the opposite side, they were completely surprised. The 2d division succeeded in capturing a South Carolina regiment, numbering four hundred men, together with its officers and colors.

After exchanging a few shots, the division returned with the prisoners captured, the rebels crestfallen at our daring, but afraid to follow us up. The men were very tired of maneuvering up and down the valley, and were anxious to meet the enemy and decide which of the two armies was the most competent to hold the valley. Grant finding the use of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, which were both obstructed by the enemy, became so indispensably necessary to us, and the importance of relieving Maryland and Pennsylvania from continuously threatened invasion so great, that he determined to visit General Sheridan and order an immediate attack. Leaving City Point on the 15th of September, he visited him at Charlestown to decide after a conference with him, what should be done, and after a calm deliberation it was decided to attack as soon as the army and trains could be brought into position. For convenience of forage the teams for supplying the army were kept at Harper's Ferry. Grant remained at Sheridan's headquarters but one day, giving his final orders, and leaving Harper's Ferry for City Point, Sheridan returning to his headquarters and issuing orders for a forward movement.

On afternoon of Sunday, the 18th, orders were given the troops to move at a moment's notice. All now felt that the time had arrived when the rebel army under its audacious leaders, should be driven from the Shenandoah Valley, where for the last two months they had bid defiance to the loyal North, and with their frowning earthworks at Winchester were ever ready to resist our advance. For several mornings previous to the attack, the cavalry had darted up to their front and then retired, after exchanging a few shots. This was done so often that when the attack was made they were not as well prepared as if this had not been done, as the advance was led by the dashing Custer, with his brigade of cavalry.

At two o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, the troops on two roads moved out, and marching twelve miles, crossed at Opequan Creek. As usual the cavalry in stronger force than heretofore, attacked them in their position. The rebels were completely surprised. Kershaw's division had left the day before for the purpose of burning and destroying what they could in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They were at Bunker's Hill, ten miles off, when the attack was made, and Gen. Early sent immediately for them, when they returned in haste, nearly all the way on a double quick.

Both armies soon became hotly engaged, and for some time it was doubtful which side was gaining, but after a most sanguinary battle, which lasted until six o'clock in the evening, the enemy were defeated with heavy loss, their entire position carried from Opequan Creek to Winchester, together with several thousand prisoners and five pieces of artillery; the enemy rallied several times, only to be broken again by the terrible onslaught of the Union boys. Kershaw's division arrived during the afternoon, but too late, and with their comrades were compelled to fall back. During the morning, the 19th army corps, which was on the extreme left, was driven in, but supported by one division of the 6th corps they rallied, and in turn drove the enemy back some distance; it was a hard fought battle, and the enemy with their thinned ranks in a demoralized condition retreated in haste through Winchester. General Early was so intoxicated that it was with much difficulty that he could keep upon his horse; the rebel press attributed their defeat to this. The rebel soldiers were positive that Grant was in command, as Sheridan never before had exhibited such generalship. The 3d division lost heavily in killed and wounded; Colonel Ebright commanding the 126th Ohio was killed, also General Russell, commanding 1st division 6th corps.

The 14th lost in killed and wounded one hundred and sixty men, but the greatest loss of all was Major Vredenberg. A braver officer never lived. He was at the head of his regiment, ordering the men to charge a rebel battery, when a shell struck him in the breast, knocking him from his horse and killing him instantly. He was carried to the rear and his remains sent to New Jersey. His loss was deeply felt by the men, as he was always esteemed a brave and competent officer. The regiment charged the battery, captured it, and the last order ever given by him was executed with promptness, and the death of Major Vredenberg avenged. Lieut. Green, commanding Co. I, was killed, and Capt. Bodwell, of Co. E, wounded. Capt. Janeway was as conspicuous as ever, and fought well. He was again placed in command of the regiment, as every other officer was disabled, either killed or wounded. The 87th Pennsylvania had but a few days to stay, but were as eager as ever to join in the fight. Several of them were killed whose term had already expired. The rebel loss was very severe in officers and men. Gens. Rhodes and Wharton that led the attack at Monocacy, in which the 3d division suffered so severely, were both killed.

The ground was covered with the munitions of war, as our victorious army pressed on after the flying rebels. The groans of the wounded and dying were forgotten. Ghastly sights everywhere presented themselves to the eye, but to the soldiers were as nothing, as such scenes were every day sights. The houses in Winchester were filled with rebel wounded, who were kindly cared for by the ladies of the place, both loyal and disloyal. The news of our success was telegraphed immediately to Washington, and the papers North were full of praises of our gallant little Sheridan and his noble army; there was now no fear of another invasion, and our National Capital was out of danger. The army now reposed every confidence in Sheridan, and gave him the name of "Little Phil," and those who but a few weeks before were ever ready to denounce him were now the loudest in his praise. One hundred guns were fired at Washington in honor of this great victory, which in itself was considered one of the decisive battles of the war. Had our forces been defeated and driven back, both Washington and Baltimore would have been taken, and before another army could have been raised, both places would have lain in ashes. This was the third and last attempted invasion of the North by the Confederate army, which had each time ended in disaster. The rebel papers were clamorous for the removal of Early, who had praised him so highly but a short time before.

The enemy retreated during the night, and made a stand in their strong position at Fisher Hill; here they were confident of success, as it was thought impossible to dislodge them from their position. Here Early intended to make a stand until he received re-enforcements from Richmond, and then retrieve his fast falling reputation. He supposed General Sheridan would not attack, and he would have time to recruit. Our column had halted at Winchester until daylight the next morning, when they rapidly pressed on; the enemy were at this time on Fisher Hill, twenty-two miles from Winchester; the troops halted at nine o'clock at Newton for breakfast. The men had marched up and down the valley so often, that every house and barn was familiar to them. Kurrentown was the birthplace of the rebel General, Stonewall Jackson, whose remains now repose there; had he then been living, and in command of the rebel forces in the valley, it would have been different, for as a strategic leader he had no equal. One day he would be in our front, the next day in our rear, and it would have required all the skill of our leaders to oppose him; as it was, Early was completely out-generaled by General Sheridan.

The troops halted at Newton one hour, and then moved forward; squads of rebel prisoners were picked up, as they were too tired to proceed farther. The number of prisoners captured in all was about five thousand, while our loss at Winchester would not exceed one thousand five hundred. After marching twenty-two miles, we crossed Cedar Creek on a bridge built by the enemy, halting in the same woods the troops were in five weeks before. The rebel army had just been paid in Confederate money, which to them was as nothing; gold, which had been up to its highest notch, now fell some twenty per cent., and produce in proportion.

The 21st of September was spent in forming the troops in position, as General Sheridan had determined to attack; but nothing was accomplished till night, when the 126th Ohio and 6th Maryland regiments charged the enemy's skirmish line, driving them back two miles, and occupying a splendid position for artillery; batteries were placed and the enemy shelled, they not replying, as their ammunition was scarce. The morning of the 22d found the troops in position; batteries from all parts of the line opened, but as yet no response from the rebels. At three o'clock Sheridan ordered an advance, the troops moving forward in eight lines of battle. Early, expecting an attack in his immediate front, withdrew his forces from the left of his line; taking advantage of this, the 8th corps, with the 3d division, moved on their flank, and before they were aware of it our cavalry were completely in their rear. A desperate battle now ensued, which lasted until dark, when the enemy were driven pell mell from their fortified position and retreated in confusion, flanked both right and left, and their cavalry, under Imboden and Jones, were compelled to run in one demoralized mass, followed by our victorious columns pouring shot and shell into their retreating ranks. The 3d division captured six pieces of artillery, two of them were taken by the 14th regiment. Twenty-four pieces of artillery, fifteen stand of colors, and one thousand one hundred prisoners were the fruits of this victory. Sheridan was now almost worshiped by the men, as Fisher's Hill had always been considered as impregnable, but "Cavalry Phil," or "Flanking Sheridan," as he was called, had accomplished what Fremont, Hunter, Banks and Shields had failed to do in the early days of the rebellion. He was appointed a Maj.-General in the regular army, to fill the place vacated by McClellan. In the battle of Fisher's Hill, the loss in the 14th regiment was small, as they were on the flank with the 8th corps; the 2d division lost heavily in killed. The casualties in the regiment were but ten killed and thirty wounded. Captain McKnight's battery of the 3d division created considerable panic in the enemy's ranks, as every shell they fired fell among them. Under cover of this battery, the division advanced and captured a line of works with four hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery. No time was allowed the men to rest, although tired and weary and begrimed with dirt and powder. The flying rebels were pursued during the night of the 22d, marching twelve miles, through Strasburg and Woodstock, halting for a few hours' rest in the morning. The enemy had a mortal fear of Custer and his cavalry, as he was always on their flank and rear when least expected; with one brigade to charge and another to blow the bugle, they could not stand. Their cavalry leader, Imboden, was called "Runboden," as he was always first to run when our cavalry appeared in sight. Four days' rations were issued the men at Woodstock, the trains having followed. The 87th Pennsylvania had served their three years, and were ordered to return home, with the exception of the re-enlisted men, whose term of service had not yet expired.

Leaving Woodstock on the afternoon of the 23d, the troops marched six miles, passing the village of Edenburg, and encamping in woods near the railroad. The enemy had again halted on a hill and were skirmishing with the cavalry. In the battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, the enemy had lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, fifteen thousand men, fifteen stands of colors, and thirty pieces of artillery, while the Union army had lost but four thousand men. The troops were now pretty well rested, and moved again on Saturday, the 24th, marching twenty miles, passing the villages of Mount Jackson, Hawkenstown and New Market, still following the enemy and skirmishing with the entire march. The pike was level, and the retreating rebels could be plainly seen. McKnight's battery was placed on the skirmish line, continually shelling the rear. It was a splendid sight; the troops, in four parallel lines, with cavalry on either flank, pursuing the flying rebels, they making a stand several times, but our skirmish line compelled them to leave. The weather was yet very warm. At dark the enemy opened upon us from a hill with four pieces of artillery, but were soon compelled to leave. It was a splendid picture for an artist--the sun setting behind the hills; the flash of the cannon and musketry was grand beyond description. The men foraging lived well, as the country was filled with vegetables of all kinds; the army was now forty-two miles from Winchester and thirty miles from Staunton. The troops entered camp for the night, marching the next day eighteen miles in line of battle up the valley; the enemy could not be seen, having moved during the night up the Luray Valley; halting at Harrisonberg, 3d division headquarters at the house formerly occupied by Fremont and Hunter as their headquarters. The troops remained in camp at Harrisonberg ten days, confiscating tobacco, sugar, matches, etc.; Harrisonberg is a very pretty place, twenty miles from Staunton, of about one thousand inhabitants. Squads of men were sent out each day to forage on the country, as the troops were out of rations, and it was necessary the men should be supplied. The army was now one hundred and four miles from Harper's Ferry, the base of supplies; it took the teams four days to go and four to come; the route was infested with guerillas, making it necessary to have a strong guard; but in spite of all vigilance numbers of men were killed and the wagons captured.

On the 29th the troops moved out at four o'clock, marching seven miles to relieve the cavalry at Mount Crawford. Finding the enemy in strong position they were driven back, as they were strongly posted in a gap in the mountains; they were not again attacked and the troops moved back to Harrisonberg.

On the first of October the supply train arrived from Harper's Ferry, with mail and papers, also the paymaster; the troops receiving two months' pay. It was rumored in camp that Grant had moved at Petersburg, capturing fifteen guns and four hundred prisoners. The cavalry again started off, reaching Staunton, destroying the bridges and a large amount of supplies, and advanced as far as Charlottesville.

On the 6th of October orders were given to move; marching back, the valley was now clear of the enemy. As it was feared they would again return, every barn, out-house and hay-stack was burned on the route, to prevent the enemy from subsisting in the valley, as most of the farmers were secesh and helped the guerillas along. It was a splendid sight to see the fires as the troops moved up the valley, from mountain to mountain one continual blaze of fire. Twenty-four miles were made that day, as it was cool, and the men were out of rations; the supply train could not get up, and the valley was stripped by troops continually passing. The troops slept that night in sight of Mount Jackson with nothing to eat. The next day we marched seventeen miles, through Mount Jackson and Woodstock, halting at dark; on the 8th marching twelve miles to Strasburg, passing Fisher's Hill, where the enemy were whipped so badly on the 22d of September. After stripping the valley of the most of their supplies for the rebel army, the troops halted at Strasburg, and took position on the north bank of Cedar Creek.

Having received considerable re-enforcements, Early again returned to the valley, and on the 9th of October encountered our cavalry near Strasburg. Custer with his brigade advanced, and after a brief encounter the enemy captured thirty wagons from General Torbert; the weather was very cold and windy. Our whole force of cavalry now arrived, and the enemy was driven back some distance, with the loss of eleven pieces of artillery, a number of prisoners, and all their wagons, with those captured from Torbert, our forces following them vigorously.

As the valley was supposed to be clear of the enemy, the 6th corps was ordered to Petersburg. Grant had moved several times and had captured the Weldon Rail Road, extending his lines some distance. On the 10th, orders were given to move, marching seventeen miles, passing through Strasburg and Middletown, halting at Front Royal near Manassas Gap. During our stay there, a man was accidentally shot in the Regiment, dying the next day; his name was Ayers, of Co. B. A petition was circulated among the Jersey soldiers to return home and vote; it was signed by the officers, but was not carried through. The Legislature of New Jersey was opposed to it, and used their utmost endeavors to prevent it. While all other troops were allowed to vote in the field, New Jersey was in the hands of the Copperheads, and her soldiers were not allowed the privilege, and with bitter feelings of enmity towards them the soldiers were compelled to stand it.

The troops were now ordered to Petersburg, as there was no sign of the enemy in the valley. On the 13th the corps started from Front Royal. The troops had been in the valley some time, and did not wish to leave. Sheridan was loved by all, and the men were still anxious to be under his command, but positive orders from Grant were that the corps should again join the Potomac army, having been only temporarily detached. The weather was very cold, and visions of earthworks and trenches in front of Petersburg rose vividly before the men, and none wished to go. After marching fifteen miles, passing a place called White Post, the column was ordered to halt, and soon it resounded throughout the line that the order was countermanded. Cheer after cheer was given, and it was noised around that Grant had taken Petersburg, with sixty pieces of artillery and thirty thousand prisoners. The men were very jubilant over the move, as it was believed. Moving back, the troops halted at a very pretty place called Millwood, and the men immediately commenced foraging, as there was provisions in abundance, no troops having ever encamped there. It turned out that Grant's taking Petersburg was a hoax, and instead, Early was moving down the valley, having received considerable re-enforcements. The 8th and 19th corps were compelled to fall back from Fisher's Hill, and encamped on the north bank of Cedar Creek. Soon the deep booming of the cannon was heard at Millwood; at first the men thought it a salute in honor of the great victory, but it proved to be the 8th and 19th corps engaged with Early at Cedar Creek. On the morning of the 14th at 2 o'clock, the corps was ordered to move immediately back the same road to Fisher's Hill, marching twenty miles, and halting in position near Middletown, as the enemy were again in force on Fisher's Hill. All idea of going to Petersburg was now abandoned, as there was enough to attend to in the valley. Early again had a large army and once more confronted Sheridan, this time with both flanks heavily guarded on Fisher's Hill. It was not then known how many troops the enemy had, as their coming was unexpected. Pickets were doubled, and a line of works erected on Fisher's Hill for the purpose of resisting our advance. The troops now moved forward to Cedar Creek and were formed in line as follows: The 8th corps on the extreme left, near Manchuhattan Mountain; the 19th corps next, and the 6th on the right. Every morning the men were routed out early expecting an attack, but none was made, and the vigilance of the men was relaxed; five days the troops remained in camp near Middletown. General Sheridan being on a visit to Grant at City Point, during his absence the army was commanded by General Wright. All was thought secure, and the men began to think the enemy's force comparatively small; but they were in force, and the boys of the Union soon knew it. Early had determined to make one grand effort, and if possible save his reputation and recover all he had lost. Filled with this determination he moved his whole force on the night of October 18th, crossed the mountain in single file which separated the branches of the Shenandoah, forded the north fork, and early on the morning of the 19th, under cover of the darkness and the fog, surprised and turned our left flank, and captured the batteries that infiladed our whole line, some 24 in all; the men were aroused from slumber only to find the enemy in their rear. The 8th corps, panic stricken, fled, leaving all their arms and ammunition in the hands of the enemy; they knew not which way to turn, and hundreds were shot down and numbers captured. The 6th corps, used to such things, rallied, and formed in line near Middletown. By this time the wagons were on the road to Winchester. It was a complete surprise, the troops falling back in confusion five miles. General Wright ordered them to re-form, but with the 8th and 19th corps in full retreat, the 6th could not stand alone, and with the rest were compelled to fall back, but in order. A terrible battle was now fought, and Early, confident of victory, urged on his men, who fought with desperation; and visions of Washington again appeared before them. The spoils that fell in their hands were a great compensation for what they had lost; shelters, rubbers, knapsacks, blankets, and well filled haversacks fell in the hands of the Johnnies, and to their half starved and half clothed bodies were indeed prizes. After falling back five miles our lines were partly rallied and the retreat stopped, but at a fearful loss of life, and our boys were mad, fairly mad to think that after ridding the valley of the enemy as they supposed, and whipping them so badly, they were again in force and our army retreating from them. Where is Sheridan? was the cry, as all seemed to feel that if he was near the tide of battle would be turned in our favor. Soon a cloud of dust was seen on the road; far in the distance, and with thunder tread, came the well-known horse, carrying with it its rider, the brave Sheridan; reaching the disordered line he inquired for General Wright. The men soon knew that Sheridan was near, and all felt confident of success. When the battle commenced he was at Winchester, but he arrived in time to arrange the lines and repulse a heavy attack of the enemy. The 8th and 19th corps were now partially rallied and formed in line, with the 6th corps in the centre, immediately assuming the offensive and attacking the enemy in turn. After considerable maneuvering Sheridan ordered a charge, and the enemy in turn were driven back with great slaughter, with the loss of their trains and artillery and the trophies captured during the morning. Had not Sheridan arrived as he did, all would have been lost. The cavalry under Custer were sent on their flank, driving them pell mell across Cedar Creek, slaughtering them like sheep. Sixty-one pieces of artillery were captured from them and eight thousand prisoners. Our success was complete, though our loss was heavy, and victory crowned our arms. Capt. McKnight's battery lost four pieces, and nearly all their horses were killed or wounded. The 14th regiment was commanded by Captain Janeway and lost heavily. Adjutant Burroughs Rose was killed; he was formerly a private, and for gallant conduct had been promoted from one position to another until he received his commission as Adjutant, in place of Buckalew, who had resigned on account of wounds received at Monocacy; he was a fine officer, and his loss could not easily be supplied.

The wreck of the rebel army escaped during the night, and fled in the direction of Staunton and Lynchburg, and pursuit being made by the cavalry to Mount Jackson, hundreds of them were captured. The battle of Cedar Creek will long be remembered by the 6th corps. At first driven back with severe loss, they in turn rallied, and to the brave 6th corps will be attributed the tide of battle turning in our favor; for, had they retreated in such confusion as the other corps, the enemy would have been victorious. But the Wilderness, and those hard-fought battles of the Potomac army, were lessons not easily forgotten, and the 6th corps, as usual, was ready for any emergency. The 2d division lost heavily in men, more so than the rest, as our lines fell back. The enemy had stripped our dead and wounded as they lay on the field, and when our men recovered their lost ground they were seen lying as they fell, stark naked, and cold in the embrace of death. Such scenes only made our men fight the harder, and Early paid dearly for his boldness in surprising us in the morning. The rebel General, Ramsuer, was mortally wounded and fell in our hands a prisoner. He died at the headquarters of General Sheridan, and his remains were sent South by way of City Point. Thus ended the enemy's last attempt to invade the North via the Shenandoah valley; and Early, with his demoralized and disheartened troops, was seen no more in that vicinity. Ninety pieces of artillery had been taken from them at different times in the valley, and with ten pieces of artillery, and about ten thousand men, they reached Staunton, and all but one brigade were transported to Richmond, there to take part in the subsequent battles near Petersburg. Our forces encamped in their old position, and the next day engaged in burying the dead, the ground being covered with both Union and Rebel soldiers. The field was hotly contested by our men, and although surprised they were not whipped. General Sheridan rode along the lines and was cheered by the men. General Ricketts was temporarily placed in command of the 6th corps, and was severely wounded early in the day. He was the best division commander in the service, and when the men heard of his wound, all were anxious for his safety. The papers spoke of him in the highest praise as an excellent and able general. The following is an extract from Harper's Weekly, which is quoted for the benefit of those who knew him well:

General James B. Ricketts, wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek, is
a native of New York, from which State he was appointed a Cadet to
West Point in 1835. He graduated in 1839 with the grade of 2d
Lieutenant of artillery; in 1846 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant,
and in August, 1852, was appointed Captain, having since 1849
occupied the position of Regimental Quarter Master.

General Ricketts was wounded in the first battle of Bull Run and
taken prisoner. For distinguished service in that battle he was
promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and in nearly all the
Virginia campaign he has commanded a division. His division of the
6th corps was in July last detached from the army of the Potomac and
sent to Harper's Ferry, taking part in the battle of Monocacy and in
all the subsequent battles in the Shenandoah Valley. In General
Sheridan's absence, General Wright assumed command of the army of
the Valley; his place at the head of the corps was occupied by
General Ricketts, who was wounded in the early part of the battle on
the 19th, and was for some time supposed to be in a dying condition.
If his wound should indeed prove a mortal one, the country will have
lost a very able officer.

General Sheridan had again immortalized his name. As he came down the pike, he exclaimed to the men: "Join your commands, boys, I'll wax h--l out of them before night." At the sight of him our men pressed forward with their usual impetuosity, and soon the Johnnies were in full retreat. Thus a decisive battle was gained, which, but for the timely arrival of General Sheridan, would have resulted in disaster. The troops again entered camp, the tents on a line, with the cavalry in pursuit of the flying enemy far up the valley. General Custer succeeded in recapturing the colors lost by the 15th New Jersey; their color-bearer being killed, it fell into the hands of the enemy. He complimented the men for their bravery, telling them not from cowardice, but through accident, they were lost, and that he was very much gratified to return them.

The weather was now very cold, and there were yet no signs of Winter quarters. Nearly six months had passed since the troops crossed the Rapidan, and what had been accomplished? Lee was driven step by step from his stronghold in the Wilderness, flanked several times by Grant, until he was within the fortifications of Richmond, his supplies cut off, and closely besieged by Grant. Sherman had driven Johnson and his successor, Hood, whipping them in every battle, and finally capturing Atlanta, their stronghold, in the very heart of the Confederacy. Early had been whipped in four pitched battles by Sheridan, and driven far up the valley to Staunton, his artillery nearly all captured and his army completely routed, and everything that an army could subsist on in the valley destroyed. Price, in Missouri, had been driven in confusion, and was in full retreat, followed by Rosecrans. The Copperheads North, defeated in their every scheme, the soldiers now looked for the re-election of Lincoln, and for a speedy termination of the war.

It was now currently reported that Longstreet had succeeded Early, and with thirty-five thousand men was again advancing up the valley. The troops lay in camp at Middletown nineteen days, and it was discovered the enemy had left the valley. On Nov. 6th the troops were ordered back in the direction of Winchester, but the morning being very cold and frosty the order was countermanded. On the 8th the election for President was held in the various camps; the people of New Jersey had denied their soldiers that privilege, and with bitter curses toward them, the men lay quietly in camp. McClellan was scarcely thought of, and the votes for Lincoln were far ahead. New Jersey had long been considered as disloyal, and had she been one of the border States, would long ago have seceded. Staunch old Maryland stood firm, and was far more loyal than Jersey. But the rule of the Copperheads was of short duration, and when the war was ended, and the boys in blue returned to their homes, they were soon ruled out and their places filled by loyal men.

On the 9th of November the orders to move were again given, marching ten miles, and passing for the last time Middletown and Newtown, halting at Kurrentown, a very nice place; wood plenty, but water scarce. The enemy's cavalry had again advanced, under their leader, Rosser, and attacked our out-posts, but after considerable skirmishing they were driven back in confusion and retired during the night. The papers now arrived, and the re-election of Lincoln was hailed by the soldiers with joy, as the majority of them were in favor of him. Many of the men now commenced to build Winter quarters, and log huts were rapidly erected, with chimneys built of sod. Officers and men were uncertain what to do, as no orders were given to build Winter quarters.

Nothing of importance occurred during the month of November; as usual rumors were plenty. The different regiments were detailed to guard the supply trains to and from Martinsburg, our base of supplies, as the guerillas still infested the route. A railroad was commenced, and was soon built from Halltown to Winchester, and was heavily guarded by the 8th corps. Winchester now became a lively place, as Sheridan's headquarters were there.

The 6th corps was reviewed by General Sheridan, and preparations were again made to leave, as orders from Grant were to send the 6th corps to Petersburg. The review was witnessed by the people of the surrounding country; the day was not pleasant, but rainy and disagreeable. General Sheridan took a farewell leave of the men, thanking them for their bravery, and was sorry to see them leave; to the 6th corps the praise of saving Washington was given. The men gave three rousing cheers for Sheridan and the Shenandoah Valley; he then rode to his headquarters, and the troops dispersed to their various camps. Their work in the valley was over, and they were to again join the Potomac army, to take part in the final drama--the capture of Richmond. Since leaving Petersburg, the troops had in five months fought five pitched battles, each time victorious, and had marched nearly 1,000 miles, a record that no other corps in the army could boast of. The men deserved the praise which was awarded them.

On the 1st of December the 1st division moved, and was placed on cars at Winchester for Washington. It was now certain the corps was to leave and Winter quarters were abandoned. On the 3d, the 3d division followed the 1st, General Wright having gone the previous day. The division marched ten miles, taking the cars at Stephenson Station and riding one hundred and forty-two miles on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, again passing Monocacy Bridge; it being night the men were mostly asleep; arrived at Washington on Sunday morning. But a few months before, when the city was in danger and the troops were hurried from City Point, the people flocked to see them and cheer them on their way, now scarcely a sound was heard, Washington was out of danger. The 6th corps was again to return to City Point, and by the people their hardships in the valley were forgotten; they passed scarcely noticing the men, and without a reception of any kind the troops were placed on transports for City Point. The weather had changed and was as warm and as mild as spring. The troops were furnished with three days' rations, and by three o'clock were all on board. The 14th was placed on transport Keyport, passing Fortress Monroe, and arriving at City Point at 11 o'clock on Monday morning, riding on Grant's railroad sixteen miles. This track is laid on the ground without grading and runs up hill and down in range of the enemy's shells. The corps was to take the quarters of the 5th corps, they moving on a reconnoissance to Weldon, North Carolina, for the purpose of cutting the Southside railroad, and as much of the enemy's communications as possible. The regiment had been in the middle department nine months, lying at Monocacy Bridge; in the Potomac army one year; and in the valley five months, and now back in the Potomac army again. The 5th corps' quarters were on the Weldon railroad that had been captured at an immense loss of life. There were now but two roads leading into Richmond, the Southside road and the Danville road, which were now aimed for, and as soon as the 6th corps arrived, the 5th with two divisions of cavalry, moved out to Hatcher's Run, on the Boydton plank road. They did not wish to leave their quarters, but were glad to see the 6th corps come back and willingly gave up their quarters to them. The troops halted until morning, and then occupied the tents vacated by the 5th corps. The headquarters of the 3d division was in a pretty place, having been fitted up with considerable care, but the quarters of the men were very poor, being put up in the Fall with no intention of remaining.

The troops remained in quarters but one day, when they were ordered to the support of the 5th corps, which had attacked the enemy at Weldon, destroying thirty miles of the Southside road, and burning a large amount of rations, besides capturing a number of prisoners and contrabands. The division returned the next day, having marched but ten miles, the 5th corps needing no assistance. It was snowing hard, and the men suffering severely lying out in the storm. Both armies now confronted each other for a distance of forty miles, with works in some places but a few rods apart, but every precaution was taken to prevent a surprise. The men from both sides were on friendly terms, talking with each other and exchanging papers. In front of Petersburg was a fort named Fort H--l from its close proximity to the rebels. Firing from this fort was incessantly carried on day and night, and the men gave it that name as it was continually under fire, killing numbers daily.

Winter quarters were now fairly established, the men fixing up the old tents very comfortably. Cold weather had now commenced and rainy days were frequent; furloughs were granted the men from ten to twenty days, large numbers visiting their homes. General Sherman was moving through the heart of Georgia. His campaign is familiar to my readers, and as the 14th was in the Potomac army, it is not necessary to give an account of Sherman's march. It was supposed by the men that the armies of Grant and Sheridan would be consolidated in time, but all ideas of soon moving were abandoned, as the roads were almost impassable, while Sherman was farther south and able to move with his heavy trains, living on the country. It was the main object of Grant to hold Lee in check to prevent him from re-enforcing Johnson, and in time to sever all communication from Richmond, compelling Lee to retreat farther south or to surrender. By frequent moving he had extended his lines some distance, thereby weakening the enemy's lines considerably. They were getting short of rations, as Sherman was cutting their railroads in every direction. A vast amount of supplies was stored at City Point for the use of our armies; sutlers were in abundance and City Point in reality soon became a city. The headquarters of General Grant were on a hill near the river. Immense guns and fortifications were seen in all directions, fully manned by men, while it was with difficulty that the enemy could raise enough men to fill their works. Pickets and videttes from each side were but a few rods apart, and frequently conversed with each other. The battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg were forgotten, and no one would ever think that those men who now were so friendly with each other, had ever engaged in terrible strife on the field of battle. The men from Early's command were in front of the 3d division, and when on picket the scenes of the valley were often talked of, but always with bitterness on the side of the enemy. Our boys would cry out, "Halloo, Johnny Reb., did you get enough of the valley?" Johnny replies, with his fingers up to his nose, "Do you Yanks see anything of the South-side railroad?" Our men had been aiming for that, but had failed repeatedly.

The 14th was now re-organized, having received several recruits, to the amount of two hundred. Captain Janeway, for bravery and meritorious conduct, was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, he and Lieutenant Baily being the only old officers from Freehold. The officers were now mostly enlisted men, and by their conduct had won for themselves a lasting reputation. Among those that distinguished themselves, and in every action were at their posts, were Captains Wanser, Manning and Marsh; Lieutenants Foster, Barkalew, Fletcher, Hanning, White and Manderville. Each one had entered the ranks and had won for himself his position. Colonel Truex was still in command of the brigade, acting Brigadier General. The division commanded by General Seymour, formerly commander of the 2d brigade, being captured in the Wilderness, he was taken to Charleston and subsequently released, and placed in command of the division in the absence of General Ricketts.

All was now quiet in camp, with the exception of cannonading in front of Petersburg, and picket firing along some portion of the line. This was the third and last Winter in the army for the regiment; the first Winter was spent at Monocacy, the second at Brandy Station, and the third at Petersburg.

Reports from various sources led Grant to believe that the enemy had again detached three divisions from the army in front of Petersburg, to again attempt the capture of Washington, via the Shenandoah Valley. He therefore sent the 2d corps and Greggs' division of cavalry from the army of the Potomac, and a force of General Butler's army, to threaten Richmond from the north side of the James to prevent Lee from sending troops away, and if possible to draw back those that were sent. In this move six pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners were captured. Detained troops that were under marching orders ascertained that but one division of the three reported detached had gone, which soon returned when the movements of our forces had been discovered. The enemy having drawn heavily from Petersburg to resist this movement, the 5th corps moved out on a reconnoissance on the left, to take possession of the South-side road. During the day there was considerable fighting, but the enemy were found in force, and the 5th corps was ordered back, forming a line in rear of the army and building new quarters.

The 6th corps was under marching orders, but did not leave as they were not needed. Camp life again passed very pleasantly, as quiet was resumed. A branch railroad was completed from the City Point and Petersburg Railroad to the Weldon Railroad, and supplies were forwarded in all kinds of weather without difficulty to all parts of the line. Occasionally the enemy shelled our trains as they passed, but our batteries opening theirs were soon silenced, as our ammunition was plenty and theirs scarce. Recruits now arrived rapidly, and the army was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand men. The enemy, by merciless conscription, had pressed every man and boy in the field capable of bearing arms, leaving none but the negroes at home to do the work. Each Friday there was an execution of some kind in the army; men were hung for deserting to the enemy, and others were shot for jumping bounties and then deserting. It soon became a common thing, but it was necessary as a lesson to others that these men should be executed. The troops had lain in camp some time, when Grant again attempted to take the South-side Road. The 2d corps followed by two divisions of the 5th corps, with the cavalry in advance and covering the left flank of the army, forced a passage of Hatcher's Run and moved up the north side of it towards the South-side Road, until the 2d corps and part of the cavalry reached the Boydton Plank Road where it crosses Hatcher's Run; at this point our advance was but six miles distant from the South-side Road, and the whistle of the enemy's engine could be plainly heard. But finding that we had not reached the end of the enemy's communications, and no place presented itself for a successful assault, it was determined to withdraw within our fortified line, and orders were given accordingly. On the return the enemy moved out across Hatcher's Run, and made a desperate attack on General Hancock's right and rear. Hancock immediately faced his corps to meet it, and after a bloody combat drove the enemy within his works, and withdrew that night to his old position.

From this time forward the operations in front of Richmond and Petersburg until the spring campaign of 1865 were confined to the defence and extension of our lines, and to offensive movements for crippling the enemy's lines of communications, and to prevent his detaching any considerable force to send south. Visitors from the north again came in large numbers, among them several distinguished foreigners. Our lines were to them a wonder, as they thought it impossible for two armies to lie in such close proximity to each other without fighting all the time; but the past had taught the men that picket firing was but murder, and resulted in no advantage to either side. The men drilled daily and were inspected each Sunday. The spring campaign was looked forward to as a hard one, as it was supposed that Lee and Johnson combined, if once together, would move south, and we would have to follow. The tents of the men were ordered to be cleaned neatly, as several cases of small-pox had made their appearance. General Seymour commanding the division, was a strict disciplinarian, and orders were issued by him that were thought by the men to be useless; every non-commissioned officer was ordered to wear his chevrons, and if not obeying was immediately reduced; each man in the division was also ordered to wear his badge, and if any private was found without the blue cross, he was placed under arrest. Division headquarters were but a short distance from the troops, and were near the camp of the 50th New York engineers, they having the prettiest camp in the army. They built a splendid church, and negro minstrels were held nightly, officers of distinction visiting it, and divine service was forgotten; each night found the church full of men, who, if service had been held, would not have been found there.