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Position of the 19th Corps under General Emery in Battle near Winchester, Virginia

September 21-22, 1864

Graphite on paper

Overall: 4 3/4 x 12 1/4 in. ( 12.1 x 31.1 cm )

James B. Wilbur Fund

1945.580.57

DescriptionCivil War Drawings Collection. Engraved for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 15 October 1864 (XIX:472):60-1, together with 1945.580.92 and significantly modified by the engraver, under the title: "Sheridan's Campaign--Battle at Fisher's Hill, September 23.--Charge of Crook's corps on the right."
See also 1945.580.47, Rebel Line at Fisher's Hill

A battle in Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's Shenandoah, Virginia campaign against Gen. Jubal Early's troops, weakened by his defeat at Winchester (Third).
On September 21, the Federal army advanced, driving back skirmishers and capturing important high ground opposite the Confederate works at Fisher's Hill. On the 22nd, Gen. George Crook's Corps, hidden from Confederate view, moved along North Mountain to outflank Early’s line. About 4 p.m. Crook attacked Early’s flank, held only by Confederate cavalry who offered little resistance. As Crook began his assault, Sheridan ordered a frontal attack. Facing overwhelming force the Confederate defenders broke and ran to avoid capture. Early retreated south to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Federal "scorched earth" operation. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg were subsequently destroyed in what became known as “The Burning”.

InscribedInscribed at upper center in graphite: "clear day Position of the 19th Corps, Gen Emery / 'Our Centre'"; along lower edge: "In the distant woods was fought the most sanguinary portion of the battle-the Rebs were driven from & regained it over, / and finally driven from it to where Crook fought them / the woods was literally filled with dead rebs the ground strewn with limbs of the trees / Winchester lays behind / woods to the left"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS