Читать книгу A Summer in Maryland and Virginia; Or, Campaigning with the 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry онлайн

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At this time dissatisfaction with Hunter’s policies became acute, and he tendered his resignation. Gen. Grant had for some time been contemplating organizing a new department to be known as the Army of the Shenandoah with Gen. Phil. Sheridan at its head. Fears had been felt that Sheridan was too young for such an important position. Grant, however, had confidence that the right man had been found for the place. Accordingly Sheridan was placed in command on August 7th and at once began organizing his army. General Sheridan’s force consisted of the Sixth Corps, one division of the Nineteenth Corps and two divisions from W. Virginia under Crook, with Averell’s and Torbett’s divisions of Cavalry. The Sixth Corps was commanded by Major Gen. Horatio G. Wright, an engineer of high reputation but one of the few engineers who had shown marked competency for a high command in the field. The divisions of this Corps were commanded by those splendid officers, Gens. Geo. W. Getty, David A. Russell and James B. Ricketts. Gen. William H. Emory was in command of the Nineteenth Corps. Brigadier Gen. George Crook commanded the two small divisions which represented the army of West Virginia. Brigadier John C. Kenley’s independent brigade consisted of the 144th and 149th Ohio, the 3d Maryland Infantry, and Alexander’s battery of Light Artillery. It was an imposing army of young men, numbering 30,000 Infantry and 10,000 Cavalry. On the 12th of August Sheridan moved up the valley, passing along the road near our camp. The General and his staff rode at the head of the column. The cavalry came next riding in columns of four, followed by the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, the army of West Virginia and the Artillery. Our brigade was detailed to guard the wagon train.