hem. Some of the mortally
wounded were just able to greet their returning comrades, hear the
news of victory, and send a last message to their friends before
expiring. Corporal Charles M. Burr was shot above the ankle just after
the battalion had risen up and started to retreat. Both bones of his
leg were shattered and he had to be left. In a few minutes the rebel
battalion which I have already mentioned came directly over him in
pursuit, and was soon out of his sight. Then being alone for a short
time he pulled off the boot from his sound leg, put his watch and
money into it and put it on again. Next a merciful rebel lieutenant
came and tied a handkerchief around his leg, stanching the blood. Next
came the noble army of stragglers and bummers with the question,
'Hello, Yank, have you got any Yankee notions about you?' and at the
same time thrusting their hands into every pocket. They captured a
little money and small traps, but seeing one boot was spoiled they
did not meddle with the other. Next came wagons, picking up muskets
and accoutrements which lay thick all over the ground. Then came
ambulances and picked up the rebel wounded but left ours. Then came a
citizen of the Confederacy asking many questions, and then came three
boys who gave him water. And thus the day wore along until the middle
of the afternoon when the tide of travel began to turn. The noble army
of stragglers and bummers led the advance--then the roar of battle
grew nearer and louder and more general, then came galloping officers
and all kinds of wagons, then a brass twelve-pounder swung round close
to him, unlimbered, fired one shot, and whipped off again--then came
the routed infantry, artillery, and cavalry, all mixed together, all
on a full run, and strewing the ground with muskets and equipments.
Then came the shouting 'boys in blue,' and in a few minutes Pat
Birmingham came up and said: 'Well, Charley, I'm glad to find you
alive. I didn't expect it. We're back again in the old camp, and the
Johnnies are whipped all to pieces.'"

The victory was as complete and satisfying as it was spectacular; the
enemy was at last so thoroughly beaten that a dangerous attitude could
not be taken again. It was a fitting close for Sheridan's famous
campaign in the Shenandoah Valley.

* * * * *

To the Second Connecticut the day at Cedar Creek brought losses nearly
as heavy as were suffered at Winchester just a month before:
t