On the 11th of October, marched back to the north side of Cedar Creek, which we commenced fortifying. The enemy brought heavy Batteries and shelled the 8th Corps camp on the left. The trains were sent to the rear, and the troops placed in line ready for action, but the enemy appeared to be reconnoitering, and fell back to Fisher's Hill.
All remained quiet until the morning of the 19th of October. Early had received large reinforcements from Richmond, and now made a last desperate effort to redeem his lost laurels in the valley. It was a well executed and daring move, and for a time promised success. He moved his men during the night around our left flank by the base of the Blue Ridge, in single file, many not even carrying their canteens, fearful that the least noise would be made. In this manner they succeeded in reaching Middletown, a mile and a half in the rear of our breastworks; before daylight a feint was made on our right to attract our attention in that quarter; a short time after a volley or two of musketry was heard on our left, the enemy dashing on the 8th Corps in desperate fury, completely surprising them. So sudden was the attack that many were captured before they had time to leave their tents or seize their muskets. On pressed the successful mass, shouting and yelling in the wildest manner.
The 8th Corps, badly demoralized, poured back on the rear of the 19th Corps, closely pursued by the enemy. Our Division was going out to reconnoiter, and were in line, but from their position could do but little, the enemy being in our rear, so that not a shot could be fired without danger to our own men. The 1st Division, 19th Corps, was sent to support the 8th Corps early in the morning, and suffered severely, meeting the first onslaught of the enemy. Our Division (the 2d) took position in front of the breastworks, but being of no service there, we filed to the right and fell back to the rear where we could be re-formed and occupy a position in front of the enemy.
The enemy steadily pressed us back four or five miles. Matters began to look blue, when the dashing "Little Phil" came up as fast as his noble black steed could carry him, leaving his attendants far in the rear. The noise of the battle had reached him at Winchester early in the morning. The appearance of Sheridan immediately instilled new vigor, energy and determination into the men. He passed along the whole line amid the most marked enthusiasm, telling the men they would quarter in their old camp again that night.
The broken lines were speedily re-formed, the General passing along hat in hand, encouraging the men. This was sufficient, and from this dates the last advent of Early in the valley.
It was now our turn. The enemy charged us, and for the first time were repulsed. We pressed on determined to win. The success of the morning turned to a most irretrievable and disastrous defeat to the enemy. They were completely routed, suffering a terrible slaughter. Twenty-four guns captured in the morning were retaken, besides a large number of prisoners, and most of the enemy's artillery, numbering over fifty pieces. Our Regiment took 16 officers and 34 men as prisoners, in this engagement. We lost Captain Richmond, one of the best officers in the Regiment, and a brave, noble fellow. He was shot in the afternoon, when success began to turn on our side. None braver paid the penalty of death for his country. We had 2 privates killed, 10 wounded, and 5 taken prisoners.
The cavalry pressed the beaten foe until horse flesh could do no more, taking a large number of prisoners and all sorts of war implements and materials. Thus was this long day spent in fighting and running, advancing and retreating, now one side victorious, then the other, when finally success crowned our efforts.
Major Hart, of our Regiment, on General Grover's Staff, was wounded and taken by the Rebels. He was not attended to in time, and lost so much blood as to cause his death.
On the 20th, the forces moved about three miles up the valley, overlooking Strausburg, the cavalry continuing the pursuit to Harrisonburg, capturing more artillery and wagons. On the 21st moved back to our old position on Cedar Creek.
From this time until the 1st of January, 1865, the men were engaged in erecting breastworks, preparing Winter quarters, frequently moving and occasionally skirmishing with the enemy along the lines.