Crook’s division executed a brilliant flank movement about three o’clock in the afternoon, from the extreme right of the Federal lines, for which the enemy seemed to be fully prepared. The battle at that point was for a time of the most desperate character; and the prolonged and heavy firing from that quarter, which appeared to deaden the noise from the many lesser points of attack and defence, excited much anxiety in the minds of all for the issue. But the gallant charge of Crook’s troops upon the very stronghold of the enemy, became the signal for the advance of the whole Federal line; and an impetuous charge now took place, which the rebels found it impossible to resist, and they were soon routed with great slaughter, and driven back into the woods.
The Federal cavalry now came forward, and dashing upon Early’s disordered regiments, scattered them wildly in all directions, and drove in their prisoners in large numbers. The Federals captured five thousand prisoners, five cannon, and six thousand small arms. The entire rebel loss must have exceeded seven thousand men.
BATTLE OF FISHER’S HILL, VA.
September 21, 1864.
Though badly defeated, the strength of General Early’s army was not broken. He retreated up the valley beyond Strasburg, and on the succeeding day, the Federal advance found the rebels confronting them on a strong position known as Fisher’s Hill. After a thorough reconnoissance General Sheridan at once determined to attack the enemy in his intrenchments.
Early’s forces lay on the north fork of the Shenandoah river, with his left on North Mountain, his line extending across the Strasburg Valley.
The attack was made by Sheridan on the 21st of September, and the combat lasted with varying success until evening, when the Confederates were driven from their intrenchments in great confusion, leaving the line of their retreat strewed with the debris of a routed army.
Eleven hundred prisoners and sixteen cannon were the fruits of this victory, besides an immense quantity of wagons, caissons, horses and camp stores. Sheridan pursued him with great energy through Harrisonburg, Staunton, and the gaps of the Blue Ridge. After stripping the upper valley of most of the supplies and provisions for the rebel army, he returned to Strasburg, and took position on the north side of Cedar Creek.
Having received considerable reinforcements, General Early again returned to the valley, and on the 9th of October his cavalry encountered General Sheridan’s near Strasburg, where the rebels were defeated with the loss of eleven pieces of artillery, and three hundred and fifty prisoners.
During the interim of the defeat of the rebels and the return of Early, with reinforcements, General Sheridan, not anticipating important movements, had gone to Washington, and was on his return to the army at the time of Early’s advance. The Union army was posted on Cedar Creek, behind breastworks, in a line of four or five miles in extent, while the rebel camp was about four miles distant. Custer’s cavalry on the right, was assailed on the 16th, but after a severe skirmish the enemy were driven back.