The American soldier’s Temple of Fame,—
There, with the glorious General’s name,
Be it said, in letters both bold and bright:
‘Here is the steed that saved the day,
By carrying Sheridan into the fight,
From Winchester,—twenty miles away!’”
The men had lost everything not on their persons,—clothing, blankets, likenesses of friends, letters, journals of the two years’ service, and mementos of the Louisiana campaigns; and, worse than all, over thirty of their comrades were on their way to torture and starvation in Salisbury or the Libby. Leaving the cavalry to pursue the flying enemy, the infantry, cold and hungry, bivouacked for the night on their old camp-grounds. In the morning, the army moved two miles toward Strasburg, and remained there until the 21st, when the second division returned to Cedar Creek.
Congratulatory orders from the President to Gen. Sheridan were read to the troops on the 24th; and, on the 26th, the ever-welcome face of the paymaster appeared in camp. The Cambridge companies were gratified, on the 30th, by a visit from Mr. Wellington, who, as usual, brought many articles for the comfort of the men. With the exception of a corps review by Gens. Sheridan, Wright, Cook, and Emory, on the 7th of November, nothing of importance transpired until the 9th, when the army fell back to Kearnstown, and went into quarters between that village and Winchester (Camp Russell), where heavy breastworks were thrown up. The enemy had not yet left the Valley. On the evening of the 10th, the wagons were packed in anticipation of an attack; and there was lively skirmishing at the front during the next day; but, the enemy did not appear in force, and Powell’s cavalry by a bold dash, made a large capture of prisoners and munitions of war.
Monday afternoon, Nov. 14, the regiment broke camp, and marched to Winchester; and, on the following morning started for Martinsburg, as guard to a supply-train, making the entire distance, twenty-two miles, before night. Leaving Martinsburg on the 19th, the regiment returned to camp near Winchester, and resumed camp duties.
The picket duty at Camp Russell was very severe, especially as the weather grew cold. No fires were allowed at night; a vidette was thrown out from every post; and, at daybreak, the picket-line deployed, and remained so until sunrise. At the same time, every regiment stood in line of battle behind the breastworks.