a position in front of the enemy.

The enemy steadily pressed us back four or five miles. Matters began to look blue, when the dashing "Little Phil" came up as fast as his noble black steed could carry him, leaving his attendants far in the rear. The noise of the battle had reached him at Winchester early in the morning. The appearance of Sheridan immediately instilled new vigor, energy and determination into the men. He passed along the whole line amid the most marked enthusiasm, telling the men they would quarter in their old camp again that night.

The broken lines were speedily re-formed, the General passing along hat in hand, encouraging the men. This was sufficient, and from this dates the last advent of Early in the valley.

It was now our turn. The enemy charged us, and for the first time were repulsed. We pressed on determined to win. The success of the morning turned to a most irretrievable and disastrous defeat to the enemy. They were completely routed, suffering a terrible slaughter. Twenty-four guns captured in the morning were retaken, besides a large number of prisoners, and most of the enemy's artillery, numbering over fifty pieces. Our Regiment took 16 officers and 34 men as prisoners, in this engagement. We lost Captain Richmond, one of the best officers in the Regiment, and a brave, noble fellow. He was shot in the afternoon, when success began to turn on our side. None braver paid the penalty of death for his country. We had 2 privates killed, 10 wounded, and 5 taken prisoners.

The cavalry pressed the beaten foe until horse flesh could do no more, taking a large number of prisoners and all sorts of war implements and materials. Thus was this long day spent in fighting and running, advancing and retreating, now one side victorious, then the other, when finally success crowned our efforts.

Major Hart, of our Regiment, on General Grover's Staff, was wounded and taken by the Rebels. He was not attended to in time, and lost so much blood as to cause his death.

On the 20th, the forces moved about three miles up the valley, overlooking Strausburg, the cavalry continuing the pursuit to Harrisonburg, capturing more artillery and wagons. On the 21st moved back to our old position on Cedar Creek.

From this time until the 1st of January, 1865, the men were engaged in erecting breastworks, preparing Winter quarters, frequently moving and occasionally skirmishing with the enemy along the lines.

The 24th of November was observed in camp as Thanksgiving Day, and all duties were stopped that could be dispensed with. Thanks to our kind friends at home, we were provided with a bountiful feast of turkeys, chickens, pies and other luxuries, and if they could have witnessed the satisfaction of the men on that occasion, it would have been ample reward for their generosity.

January 6th, 1865, moved to Harper's Ferry. Arrived in Baltimore next morning and quartered in Barracks on Carrol Hill. On the 11th Colonel Waltermire took command of the Regiment, and we embarked on board the steamer Sua-Noda, for Savannah. General Grover and Staff, the 128th N.Y.S. Volunteers and the 24th Iowa were on the same vessel.

On the 18th cast anchor in Warsaw Sound, eight miles from Savannah; and on the 20th the Regiment went up to the city on river boats, and were quartered in the Central Railroad Depot.

On the 26th were moved out to the fortifications, on the West side of the town.

February 1st, fresh bread was issued with our rations, which was a luxury to the boys so long kept on "hard tack." February 19th, fired a rousing salute on hearing of the occupation of Charleston by the Union forces. On the 22d, celebrated Washington's Birth-day in a becoming manner.

March 9th, were ordered on board the Tug boat U.S. Grant, which conveyed us to Hilton Head, where we went into Barracks.

On the 15th, were taken on board U.S. Transport New York, a splendid new ship, and arrived at Charleston, S.C., at one A.M., on the 16th. On the 17th took on board the 52d Pennsylvania, a detachment of the 54th New York, and the 28th Iowa, in all about 1,600 men. Weighed anchor on the 18th at ten and a half o'clock A.M., and moved down the harbor. This gave us an excellent opportunity to see the dilapidated city and its approaches, fortifications and defences; the latter of which were exceedingly formidable, and might be considered impregnable from the water side.

March 19th, anchored off Fort Fisher, at nine o'clock A.M., when we received orders to report at Morehead City, N.C. Reached that port on the 20th, landed on the 21st, and awaited orders.

April 5th, intelligence reached us of the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg, which caused great rejoicing throughout the camp. This was followed by the more encouraging news of Lee's surrender on the 9th. While these great victories were being celebrated, the sad intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln reached camp, and cast a deep sadness over those who had been jubilant but the hour before.

May 3d, ordered to report back to General Grover, at Savannah. Break camp, and embarked on board steamer Star of the South. On the 7th, after an eventful trip, disembarked at Savannah, and found the City remarkably improved in appearance since we left it.

May 11th, ordered to proceed to Augusta. Took up our line of march in a heavy rain storm, and made twelve miles that day through the woods. Next day we accomplished over twenty miles. On the 14th an Orderly from General Molineux' Headquarters reached us, to hurry up our march. The 159th, 128th and 131st N.Y.S. Volunteers in advance of all, to make Wainsborough and take the cars. Reached Augusta on the 17th, pretty well used up from fatigue.

June 7th, a general review of all the troops by General Molineux, on which occasion he issued a congratulatory order to the soldiers, complimenting them for their excellent discipline, and the services they had rendered.

Here the Regiment virtually closed its campaign, nothing further of note occurring up to the present writing, beyond the usual routine of camp life in the city.

List of Field, Staff and Line Officers of the 159th Regiment at date of muster into the United States Service, November 1st., 1862: