BERRYVILLE, VA., August 17, 1864—9
p.m.
Lieut. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
Commanding Armies of the United
States:
All your dispatches have been received. Kershaw's division
is here, and Wickham's and Lomax's brigades, of Fitz Lee's cavalry division,
also another brigade from Reams' Station. The First Cavalry Division captured
300 prisoners yesterday; most of them belonged to Kershaw's division. One
division of A. P. Hill's corps is reported here, but no prisoners taken. The
position that I held in front of Strasburg was a very bad one, from which I
could be forced at any time precipitately. Winchester is untenable except as a
provisioned garrison. I have, therefore, taken a position near Berryville,
which will enable me to get in their rear if they should get strong enough to
push north. Winchester is now held by the cavalry, with one brigade of infantry
of the Sixth Corps to act with it. The cavalry engagement in front of Front
Royal was splendid; it was on open ground; the saber was freely used by our
men. Great credit is due to Generals Merritt and Custer and Colonel Devin. My
impression is that troops are still arriving.
Kershaw's and Fitz Lee's divisions came through Culpeper.
Mosby has annoyed me and captured a few wagons. We hung one and shot six of his
men yesterday. I have burned all wheat and hay, and brought off all stock,
sheep, cattle, horses, &c., south of Winchester. The prisoners captured
belong to Kershaw's division, and Wickham's and Lomax's brigades, of Fitz Lee's
cavalry division.
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Major-General.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
43, Part 1 (Serial No. 90), p. 822
