Winchester, Wa. Here

occurred, during the Civil War, three sharp battles. March 11, 1862, Jackson, having evacuated Winchester, where he had been stationed, marched up the valley to be in easy communication with Johnston's army. Learning that Shields, weakened, by the withdrawal of part of his force, was pursuing him, Jackson determined to engage that general. He commanded 10,000 Confederates, while Shields had 7,000 Federals. However, the latter concealed his true strength by feigning retreat. The battle took place just outside of Winchester, Shields holding a strong position. The Confederates suffered a severe defeat.—Again, June 15, 1863, the Federal ieader, Milroy, lay encamped near Winchester with about 7,co0troops. Hooker was following Lee, who was then supposed to be marching on Washington. Ewell and Long street, ieading 18,000 Confederates, came upon Milroy as they were hastening to join Lee. Milroy, ignorant of their superiority in numbers, held his post until it was tuo late to retreat. Then he defended himself as best he could, but in vain. The Confederate lines closed around him, defeating him utterly. Part of his army escaped to Harper’s Ferry and part fled into Pennsylvania. Twenty nine guns and 4,000 prisoners were captured.—Also during Early's raid through the Shenandoah Valley part of his army encountered near Winchester, July 12, 1864, a small force of Federals under General Averell. The battle did not last long, for Averell was greatly outnumbered. He was easily defeated, losing three guns and about 400 men. Early then marched on Chambers burg, Pa.—In 1864, while Sheridan, commanding 40,000 Federals, and Early with nearly as large an army of Confederates, were maneuvering around Winchester, an engagement occurred near that town, in which the Confederates were defeated, Sheridan capturing nearly 25,000 prisoners. ‘The battle occurred September 19, and is sometimes called the battle of Opequon, from Early’s position along the banks of that creek. The Federals opened the fight by charging upon and breaking Early’s first line. This attack was repelled, but, being struck upon the flank, the Confederates gave way and fled in confusion to Winchester. 389