Newmarket via Richmond,
Oct. 20, 1864
To Col. W. H. Taylor,
A.A.G.
The 6th and 19th Corps have not left the Valley, I fought them both yesterday. I attacked Sheridans Camp on Cedar Creek before day yesterday morning and surprised and routed the 8th 19th Corps, and then drove the 6th Corps beyond Middletown, capturing 18 pieces of Artillery and 1300 prisoners. But the enemy subsequently made a stand on the pike and in turn attacked my line and my left gave away and the rest of the troops took a panic and could not be rallied, retreating in confusion. But for their bad conduct, I should have defeated Sheridans whole force. On the retreat back to Fishers Hill the enemy captured about 30 pieces of Artillery and some wagons and ambulances. The prisoners were brought off. My loss in men was not very heavy. Genl. Ramseur was seriously wounded while acting with gallantry and was captured by the Enemy.
J. A. Early,
Lt. Genl.
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 8, M2009. 319
Transcribed by Caitlin Connelly, 2016 July 13
