CLOSE OF THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN.
After the return from Cedar Creek, the main body of my troops remained in their camp for the rest of the month without disturbance, but on the 26th of October the enemy's cavalry attacked Lomax at Millford and, after sharp fighting, was repulsed. Having heard that Sheridan was preparing to send troops to Grant, and that the Manassas Gap railroad was being repaired, I moved down the Valley again on the 10th of November. I had received no reinforcements except about 350 cavalry under General Cosby from Breckenridge's department in South Western Virginia, some returned convalescents, and several hundred conscripts who had been on details which had been revoked. On the 11th, on our approach to Cedar Creek, it was found that the enemy had fallen back towards Winchester, after having fortified and occupied a position on Hupp's Hill subsequently to ihe battle of Cedar Creek. Col. Payne drove a small body of cavalry through Middletown to Newtown, and I followed him and took position south of the latter place and in view of it. Sheridan's main force was found posted north of Newtown in a position which he was engaged in fortifying. I remained in front of him during the 11th aud 12th, Rosser being on my left flank on the Back
officer or soldier on that day received an order from me to halt, unless he was going to the rear. My orders were to press the enemy from the beginning and give him no time to form, and when I found that my troops had halted, I endeavoured to advance again, but J discovered it would not do to press them further. Those who have known me from my youth, as well as those who came in contact with me during the war, know that I was not likely to permit any other to plan a battle for me, or assume my duties in any particular. Yet I was always willing to receive and adopt valuable suggestions from any of my officers.
There was another false report, as to my personal habits during the Valley
Campaign, which obtained some circulation and credence, but which I would not notice, except for the fact that it was referred to on the floor of the Confederate Senate by two members of that body. The utter falsehood of this report was well known to all my staff and General oflficerg, as well as to all others who associated with me.
