the Albemarle, and Commander Roe, of the Sassacus, was given permission to attempt to run it down. With thirty pounds of steam and throttle wide open, the Sassacus, at a speed of ten knots, rushed for its antagonist, and, striking it amidships, crowded it heavily upon its side.

At the moment of collision, a hundred pound shot passed through the Sassacus from stem to stern, but without material damage. A black muzzle again protrudes from the foe, but a Parrott gun is trained upon it, and before the hostile gun can be fired, a ponderous shot shivered its muzzle. The contestants were within ten feet of each other-the powder from each blackening its antagonist. It was "broadside to broadside," and “yard-arm locked to yard," while the crew of the Sassacus threw shot, shell, and hand-grenades into the ports of the Albemarle. Gun answered gun in quick succession, while sharpshooters were working death on either side. Another gun protrudes from the ram, and another Parrott is trained upon it, and both discharge together. But, hark! A sound more fearful than belching cannon or bursting shell, strikes the ear of the Union crew. The enemy's shot has pierced the boiler of the Sassacus, and instantly the steamer is filled with scalding steam. Scores are writhing in the burning mist, but the brave gunners stand to their guns, and ply their ponderous missiles upon the mailed sides of the foe.

It is a duel for life, and the divisions stand to their guns with a gallantry unequaled since the days of Decatur. At length, one of our one hundred pound shot crumbles against the port of the iron craft, and wedges it securely against further use. Still our batteries continue their incessant pounding against the foe, but the Sassacus's wheels refuse to revolve, and it drops helplessly away from the Albemarle. When the steam and smoke. had cleared away, the Union crews saw the Albemarle retreating towards the Roanoke river. The prow of the Sassacus had pierced the hull of the Albemarle, and all haste was being made by the latter to reach Plymouth. Nineteen had been severely burned and one killed by the scalding steam, and though the burns were deep and painful, they forgot their sufferings and cheered lustily over their victory.

Sheridan's noted Ride.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1864.

*THE SURPRISE AND STAMPEDE.-A BATTLE LOST AND WON AGAIN.*

The Cavalry Leader's Appearance and How He Turned the Tide.

By WILLIAM F. MACKAY, 5th Cavalry Division.

HE Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, up to the summer of 1864, seemed to have all the ill and none of the good luck enjoyed by other armies. This state of affairs was changed when General Sheridan assumed the command of the forces in the valley. His presence encouraged every one, and we felt that the old game of racing up and down the Shenandoah. was over. After having severely handled Generals Early and Breckinridge, at Opequan and Fisher's Hill, besides several severe cavalry engagements, our army pursued the enemy to Port Republic, and capt

ured most of their train. We then turned back by easy marches, destroying many grist mills and fine barns filled with grain and forage, followed at a safe distance by a small Confederate cavalry force under General Rosser. The burning of the large flour mill at Port Republic presented a rare sight. The mill was fired contrary to orders, as the owner was a Union man and had been assured that it would not be burned. The overshot wheel outside the mill continued to revolve, and after the weather-boarding had been burned off, all the machinery inside could be seen in motion, until the flames had burned every support away. A large barn at the village of Woodstock was burning as our rear guard passed, the sparks from which had

fired several houses close by. There being no one but old men, women, and children in this place, by common impulse our men dismounted, and saturating carpets with water, hung them from the upper windows to save the adjoining buildings.

After incessant marching and countermarching, during the summer and fall, the men were delighted at the prospect of going into winter quarters. It was with a feeling of security that we went into camp on the east side of Cedar Creek, about the 16th of October, 1864. The infantry lay upon three ridges, Crook's 8th Corps in front, Emory's 19th next, and Wright's 6th Corps on the third ridge. The first cavalry division was commanded by Major-General Merritt. The dashing Custer's division was upon the right flank and rear, while Powell's division was upon the other flank, picketing the north fork of the Shenandoah river, in the direction of Front Royal. It was one of the rumors of our camp that our army was to go into winter quarters right there. How this rumor originated no one knew, yet all seemed to accept it as a fact.

The night preceding the surprise and battle of Cedar Creek was a beautiful one. Part of our regiment had been detailed to do guard duty at the headquarters of the 1st Cavalry Division. On this particular night, I was sentry on Post No. 1, in front of the commanding officer's quarters. I went on duty at two o'clock in the morning. The air was chilly and a heavy fog had fallen. It was about three o'clock a. M., when I was startled by lively picket firing, accompanied by muffled yells. After waiting a few moments to be certain that I was not dreaming, I awoke the bugler at headquarters. The firing had increased, and above all could be heard the well known yell of the enemy. We concluded to waken the general and report the facts.

Going to his marquee, I put my head inside and said: "General, there is something wrong on our front." He came outside in his night clothes. The rattle of small arms was now continuous and heavy. He seemed to comprehend everything in an instant, and said: "We're surprised; bugler, blow boots and saddle."" Then turning to me he said: "Sentry, you are relieved. Report to your company.”

Soon everything and everybody was in confusion, each asking the other what it was all about. Cavalry calls were heard in every direction, while the long roll of the infantry was plainly audible. It was a complete surprise, particularly to the

infantry on the extreme front, many of the men being shot or bayoneted in their beds. No one thought General Early

nearer than Staunton at least.

Men who had made such elaborate preparations for spending the winter at this camp, showed their disgust and disappointment by savage growls, and language not found in books of a pious nature.

As the fog lifted, there began a rush, scramble, stampede, or whatever it may be called. The men passed by on the run, singly and in squads, many with only their underclothing on, others partly dressed, while but very few carried their muskets. Their one thought was, get to the rear and get there quickly. As daylight increased, the firing became louder, and the flash of artillery added to the general confusion. Most of the fugitives belonged to the 8th Corps, and their officers vainly begged, threatened, and commanded them to halt and form. Appeals were in vain. Every man seemed intent upon going on the old maxim: "Every fellow for himself, and the devil take the hindmost." The tide of men came surging by, and we moved back some distance and formed a single line, the men being placed at short intervals with orders to turn back every man or shoot him on the spot.

The

We succeeded in stopping a large number, and they began making breastworks of rails. By this time the 6th and part of the 19th Corps had formed in line of battle, and gave the enemy something to do besides plundering our camps, but we continued to fall back slowly in the direction of Middletown. turnpike was jammed with army wagons. General Sheridan had gone to Martinsburg, and it was the sentiment of all present, that had he been with the army, this stampede would not have happened. Near Middletown, one of our batteries took position on an elevation near the pike, our regiment being its support.

At this time, when all felt sure that our army would be either captured or cut to pieces, Sheridan himself appeared on the field. Mounted on a large black horse, he came on a gallop, every appearance denoting anger and excitement. As he passed, he shouted: "Steady, lads, we'll give 'em h-1 yet. This wouldn't have happened if I had been here."

The men gave him cheer after cheer. Every one felt that somehow or other, he would bring us safely through. Army

trains were turned into the fields and parked, and stragglers ran voluntarily to the front. Sheridan's staff had failed to keep up with him and now came galloping in, one by one. Firing gradually ceased-our lines being withdrawn a short distance and reformed, while the cavalry were massed on the flanks, Custer on the right, and Merritt on the left.

a

About 2 P. M. the battle was renewed. The 3d Brigade, 1st Division, after being twice repulsed in charging a stone wall, succeeded in clearing the fence and getting in the enemy's rear. It was in this charge that General Lowell, of the regular cavalry, fell. Custer having succeeded in turning their flank at about the same time, both divisions charged down in their rear. This was more than they could stand. They started on run, shouting: "We're flanked! we're flanked!" They were broken and demoralized far worse than we had been in the morning. The pursuit was kept up until darkness set in, and the next day we all occupied our old camps again. We recaptured all our artillery, and took much of the enemy's, besides many prisoners and much war material. Thus ended one of the most remarkable battles in history. There is no doubt that if General Sheridan had not come, our army would have been badly whipped, and the coast left clear for another invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The faith of every man in General Sheridan was strong. His presence was an inspiration. The men believed in him, and showed their faith by again engaging and defeating the once victorious enemy.