THE BATTLE OF OPEQUAN CREEK.
On the 19th the two armies met at Opequan creek, and after a hard
fought battle, lasting several hours, the Confederates were forced to retreat.
The Federal loss was 4,990, of whom 653 were killed, 3,719
wounded, and 618 missing. That of the Confederates was 5,000. Early
fell back twelve miles to Fishers Hill, where he was again attacked by
superior numbers and compelled to retreat toward Staunton, and Sheridan
proceeded to carry out Grant's orders respecting the devastation of
the Valley. His cavalry spread over its entire extent, and in its wake
destruction reigned supreme. Nowhere in the New World had such
vandalism been witnessed. At the end of three weeks, Sheridan sent
the following report to Washington:
"The whole country, from the Blue Ridge to the North Mountain, has
been rendered untenable for a rebel army. I have destroyed over 2,000
barns filled with wheat and hay and farming implements, over 70 mills
filled with flour and wheat. I have driven to the front of the army over
4,000 head of stock, have killed and issued to the troops not less than
3,000 sheep. A large number of horses have also been obtained."
