15 THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. « soldiers fought their way over fortified mountains and through swollen streams, guarded at every possible point by bayonet and battery—lighting with a wily, stubborn foe, from day to day, one victory leading to another contest, and thus for nearly three months. From Missionary Ridge to Dalton, from Dalton to Resaca, and Dallas, and Altoon Pass, and Lost Mountain, and on to Marietta; yet on until our victorious hosts enter Atlanta, with banners flying and shouts of victory bursting forth from every heart. And where is Sherman now ? Echo answers where ? Somewhere in the heart of the enemy’s country, piercing the shell of the Confederacy. May God protect him, and crown his bold endeavor with sue cess, is our fervent prayer ! Need I stop to speak of Sheridan ; young, bold, intrepid? The victories of the Shenandoah Malley are not eclipsed by any of the whole war. Two rebel generals defeated in succession, and their demoralized army driven in confusion, from one entrenchment to another: whirling through Winchester, pausing at Strasburg, to be again attacked and again defeated. In this campaign the* nineteenth of October was a memorable day. Sheridan had fallen back to Cedar Creek. The young commander was absent at Winchester, fifteen miles away. Before daylight an attack is made upon our extended line; the left flank of the eighth corps is turned; twenty pieces of artillery captured; the enemy seem about to regain all that has been wrenched from them by the prowess of our soldiers. But the sounds of battle reach Sheridan, at Winchester, and now he hastens back to the field.
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