Read Sheridans report to Grant following the Battle of Fishers Hill on this day in 1864. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION, Six miles from Woodstock, September 22, 1864-11.30 p. m. (Received 23rd.) Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT, Commanding Armies of the United States, City Point, Va.: I have the honor to report that I achieved a most signal victory over the army of General Early at Fishers Hill to-day. I found the rebel army posted with its right resting on the North Fork of the Shenandoah, and extending across the Strasburg valley westward to North Mountain, occupying a position which appeared almost impregnable. After a great deal of maneuvering during the day, General Crooks command was transferred to the extreme right of the line of North mountain, and he furiously attacked the left of the enemys line, carrying everything before him. While Crook was driving the enemy in the greatest confusion and sweeping down behind their breast-works, the Sixth and Nineteenth Army Corps attacked the rebel works in front, and the whole rebel army appeared to be broken up. They fled in the utmost confusion. Sixteen pieces of artillery were captured; also a great many caissons, artillery horses, &c. I am to-night pushing on down the Valley. I cannot say how many prisoners I have captured, nor do I know either my own or the enemys casualties; only darkness has saved the whole of Earlys army from total destruction. My attack could not be made until 4 oclock in the evening, which left but little daylight to operate in. The First and Third Cavalry Divisions went down Luray Valley to-day, and if they push on vigorously to the main valley, the result of this days engagement will be still more signal. The victory was very complete. A more detailed report will be made as soon as I can obtain the necessary data. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General, Commanding.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:30:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015