Dixie Victorious: An Alternate history of the Civil War

by Peter Tsouras

  The Southern commanders were generally successful against the likes of Sigel and Hunter, but the odds were just getting too long. They outmaneuvered and outfought them, and, thanks to Hunter’s general gun-shyness, the Northerners gave the Valley up by default to the outnumbered, determined Confederates before Early made his presence felt.

  Fort Stevens, Washington, D.C., July 11, 1864

  Early and his little army had helped clear the Valley of Federal troops. Now he was at the outskirts of Washington, skirmishing with the units that had been rushed to defend the capital. Wright’s VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac was disembarking from steamers at the Potomac docks and rushing into Washington’s formidable defenses. Early was not strong enough to take and hold Washington, even though Cleburne’s large division of 10,000 veterans, including 1,000 cavalry and 30 guns, was coming up the Valley as fast as Cleburne could drive his men.

  While the outpost bickering was going on, President and Mrs Lincoln drove up to Fort Stevens and stopped to get out. The President wanted to see at least part of the war first hand. Dressed in a light colored linen coat and his familiar stove-pipe hat, Lincoln, ignoring the occasional, though constant, musket firing towards the fort, climbed up to the parapet to get a good look at the enemy and the Union troops that opposed them. Seemingly oblivious to the increasing rate of fire among the Confederate troops, Lincoln stood calmly on the parapet, ignoring the pleas of his wife to get down.

  Finally, an exasperated Union officer turned around and shouted, “Get down, you damned fool, before you get shot!” An amused Lincoln looked at him and then a familiar, ugly sound echoed along the parapet. It sounded like an axe being sunk into a thick log, and as others soldiers on the parapet looked towards the sound, they saw a surprised look on the President’s face and at the same time heard a shrieking scream from his wife. The President seemed to hang in mid-air for a moment, and then toppled over like a giant oak tree that had been felled by a lumberjack. He had been shot through the head and was dead before he hit the ground.

  Officers rushed to the President’s aid, but itwas obvious that it was useless. Mrs Lincoln had toppled over in a dead faint, and the President’s body was quickly removed to their carriage. General Wright was summoned, and he dispatched aides to the city to inform the Vice-President, and the Secretaries of War and State what had happened. This was a disaster of epic proportions, especially with the national election only months away.

  On the other side of the fence, Early and his commanders had no idea what had happened. He held his army before Washington until dark, and then expertly slipped away back down the Valley to take up positions around Winchester and await both his reinforcements and whatever the Yankees were about to send against him. He would have to try against Washington again after Cleburne joined him. If not, he would have to destroy the Union forces in the field.

  Sheridan

  The North was in a political crisis of epic proportions. Lincoln was dead, the sitting vice-president Hannibal Hamlin had been sworn in as President, and the government was in a low state of panic and a very high state of complete uproar. Hamlin had no discernible political following outside of his home state, and had been chosen for precisely that reason. He was reliable and honest, but was not a viable candidate for the fall election for president. Not only was the election now in doubt, but the war effort itself was in danger of collapsing. Something had to be done quickly to seek a decision, and the Valley was now the center of attention, both militarily and politically. Early had to be dealt with and dealt with decisively.

  Grant sent Sheridan with the entire Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, save one division, and Wright’s VI Corps into the Valley to reinforce whatever troops could be salvaged or rallied to face Early. As reorganized, Sheridan’s new command was composed of Wright’s corps, his own cavalry corps, Crook’s VIII Corps, and Emory’s XIX Corps. Qualitatively it should be the equal of Early’s veterans. Quantitatively, at about 35,000 men in all, it would outnumber the Confederates and be able to drive them down the Valley.7 Sigel was relieved for cause, Hunter relieved of all responsibilities in the field, though he maintained his position as the nominal departmental commander. Sheridan was given complete autonomy in the Valley, reporting only to Grant.

  Sheridan’s orders from Grant were simple and succinct: First, find and defeat Early, destroy him if possible, but drive him from the Valley. Second, render the Valley incapable, by whatever means, of supporting the Confederate war effort with food, horses, cattle, or anything else. Then, rejoin the Army of the Potomac with the VI Corps and the cavalry, leaving the other two corps at the head of the Valley to protect Washington.

  Unknown to Sheridan, Cleburne had finally joined Early after Early’s return to the Valley in July. Early now outnumbered Sheridan. Mosby had kept Early informed as to Sheridan’s movements, and he took up a defensive position at Winchester to entice the Federals to attack him there. Sheridan obliged him. Boldly planning a double envelopment of Early’s position, Sheridan and his army were up and moving at 3.00 a.m. on September 19, anticipating an annihilating hammer blow to take control of the Shenandoah away from the Confederacy, once and for all.

  Outside of Winchester Virginia, September 19, 1864

  The Yankee horse artillery battery was in march column along the road waiting for the battery commander to come back from his reconnaissance of the gun position. Section chiefs and other NCOs were dismounted and walking along the column checking guns, harness, ammunition loads, and quietly talking to some of the gunners. This was a horse artillery battery, the elite of the service,8 and each gunner was individually mounted. It was a sharp outfit, and the gunners were proud of their record. They belonged to Wright’s VI Corps, which had been “Uncle John” Sedgwick’s. He had been killed at Spotsylvania, though, and was gone. Wright was a good commander, but he was not Uncle John.

  This was also a regular battery, and the gunners, their NCOs, and officers considered themselves a cut above the average volunteer outfit. They had trained hard between campaigns, and the 3-inch ordnance rifles9 with which they were equipped were sweet-shooting guns that could knock the eye out of a squirrel at a mile distance. They had their battle honors on the battery guidon, which was at the head of the column, drooping on its staff in the cool, windless early morning air.

  Horses were being fed by their riders during the halt, or silently cropping grass if they were not, and gunners were munching on hardtack. Some were dozing in their saddles, catching a little sleep, as most of the veterans did whenever they could. Some of the horses had actually dozed off, displaying that amazing characteristic of being able to sleep standing up and locking their knees as they slept. There was no coffee, as the battery first sergeant had forbidden any fires. They were going into the attack this morning, and the order had come down to be as quiet as possible with no lights or unnecessary noise.

  Suddenly there was a pounding off to the left. Horses ears pricked up and they turned their heads to the sound long before their semi-alert riders heard it. Over a small rise about 200 yards away the battery commander and his trumpeter, mounted ona very visible dapple-gray, were galloping towards the battery. By their haste it was quite evident they were about to move on. NCOs hustled along the column, cuffing sleeping gunners and drivers awake, and then swinging into the saddle themselves. The battery commander and trumpeter reined in quickly, both horses sliding along the grass, slick with early morning dew. The trumpeter took his place at the head of the column with the guidon bearer, now awake and alert, the guidon staff in its bucket in the right stirrup, the staff straight to the sky.

  The battery commander quickly conferred with his second-in-command, the only other officer in the unit. All of the gun sections were commanded by sergeants, the battery not having a full complement of officers due to heavy losses and promotions. Good artillery officers were hard to come by this late in the war. Section chiefs were summoned, and a few brief sentences served as the battery commander’s march
order. He had found an excellent gun position and, at his command, the NCOs rejoined their sections. He and the Executive Officer took their places in the column. The battery commander’s hand and arm signal to move out was immediately obeyed by the first gun team, dutifully followed by each in succession, and the long, deadly column moved forward with only the creak of harness leather and rattle of trace chains to mark their passing.10

  Winchester

  Sheridan meant to bring Early’s Confederates to a battle of annihilation as soon as possible. He was convinced that he had Early outnumbered, and he definitely had more cavalry and artillery. He had no idea that Cleburne had joined Early, giving Early numerical parity and over 70 guns. Early’s cavalry arm had also been strengthened by almost 1,000 sabers. Early now had almost 40,000 men, many more than Sheridan expected and more than enough to have a good chance of victory in any fight.

  Mosby hung almost out of sight and range on Sheridan’s flanks. Sheridan did know he was there, but he could not quite pin the elusive “Gray Ghost” down, so that every day couriers galloped to Early informing him of Sheridan’s every move. Early knew Sheridan’s approximate strength in infantry and cavalry, he knew who Sheridan’s subordinates were, and his artillery strength had been accurately counted down to the last gun, limber, and caisson. The only thing Early did not know was if Sheridan knew about Cleburne or not. Well, he would soon find out.

  Early planned a trap. He understood how aggressive Sheridan was, and knew any attack by him would be hard-hitting but might also be impulsive. Early planned a defensive-offensive battle, wanting Sheridan to commit fully to an attack on the Confederates before unleashing his main blow.

  Taking up position at Winchester, Early deployed only Rodes’s infantry division in front of the town. Rodes had orders to hold until relieved by the Southern counterattack. Breckinridge was placed in echelon to Rodes’s left, inviting an enveloping attack. Cleburne’s division was placed under cover on the Confederate right, sheltered by the town itself and not visible to the Federal advance. Gordon was emplaced in position to support Rodes, who had to hold for the plan to succeed. Imboden’s and Brigadier General Thomas Rosser’s cavalry brigades covered the Confederate left. On the Confederate right flank, Major General Lunsford Lomax and Colonel William Jackson’s (contemptuously nicknamed “Mudwall” in contrast to “Stonewall” Jackson) cavalry brigades were placed and assigned a similar mission.

  The battlefield was bordered by two creeks, Redbud and Abraham’s on the north and south, respectively. Sheridan’s attack would come between these two obstacles, the Federals deploying for the attack directly from march column. Their three corps, Wright’s VI, Emory’s XIX, and Crook’s VIII, in that order.

  Sheridan planned a frontal assault to pin the Confederate center in position with Wright’s VI Corps, while maneuvering Crook and Emory to the right for an enveloping attack. As planned, Emory would hit and engage Breckinridge’s division, while Crook would hit deeper, enveloping Breckinridge and rolling up the Confederate left flank. Federal cavalry would cover both flanks, Wilson’s cavalry division being placed on the Federal left to protect the flank and to be available for the pursuit. The Union cavalry divisions of Brigadier Generals Wesley Merritt and William Averell would take station on the Federal right flank.

  Wright’s attack broke on Rodes’s division like an avalanche, blue doom coming on like a cresting tidal wave. The fighting was savage and desperate with the Confederates contesting every inch of ground, but being driven steadily back. Gordon had to be committed on Rodes’s right sooner than expected, and Gordon had to take over command of both divisions after Rodes was killed. However, the front stabilized, and Union losses were very heavy. Russell was killed by a shell fragment that ripped through his chest, and Upton was wounded and put out of action.11

  As the fight on what would become the Confederate left flank became general, and Wright was completely committed, Emory came into action smartly on the VI Corps’ right flank, driving hard against Breckinridge, who was outnumbered. Emory’s attack overlapped Breckinridge’s left flank, which Breckinridge skillfully refused. In the middle of this slug-match, Crook was marching hard for Breckinridge’s left flank to envelop it. He was held up slightly by marshy ground along Redbud run, but finally came into action at about 10.30.

  Imboden’s and Rosser’s cavalry vainly sacrificed themselves to gain time for Breckinridge, but Merritt’s and Averell’s veteran Union cavalry drove the Confederate horsemen from the field. Breckinridge shifted what artillery he could to attempt to slow Crook’s juggernaut and give time for him to disengage partially and form a new line. Fortunately for the Confederates, Gordon was holdinghis own and Wright’s attack seemed spent.

  Sheridan was up and down the length of his line, urging troops and their commanders forward, waving his personal battle flag. Despite heavy losses, the Union troops manfully shouldered forward into withering musket and cannon fire, only to be repeatedly stopped short of Gordon’s line. Regimental commanders and officers of all grades recklessly exposed themselves, summoning their now-exhausted men for another effort, and officer casualties were very heavy. Sheridan, realizing that Wright had shot his bolt, galloped madly to the Union right flank, urging Crook and his troops forward, yelling above the crash and thunder of the battle that the fight was won if they merely advanced one last time. It very nearly was.

  Jubal Early, Harvey Hill, and Patrick Cleburne watched the battle unfold as they had hoped it would. The Union army was fully committed. There were not any reserves to fall back on and rally in case of defeat. Sheridan had really shot his bolt and it was the time for the counterattack. Early, having heard of Rodes’s fall, gave the division to Hill, who saluted and galloped forward to assume command and assist the heavily pressed Gordon. Then he looked at Cleburne, nodded and merely said, “Drive those people away.” Cleburne saluted, turned his horse and hurried to his division. It was now around 11.30 a.m.

  Envelopment

  Cleburne rejoined his waiting division, his subordinate commanders fairly frothing at the mouth to getinto action. He nodded to his artillery battalion commander, who galloped forward and led his guns at full speed to an enfilade position on Wright’s left flank, generally unseen by the Union commanders. Lomax and Johnson, the two Confederate cavalry commanders on the Union right, who had been reinforced specifically for this mission, went after Wilson, who was soon embroiled in a large cavalry fight and out of the picture for the time being. That would not last too long.

  As the Confederate artillery opened up on the Union line, taking Wright’s entire force in enfilade with the fire of 30 guns, Cleburne’s division came booming out of its positions in a howling assault, preceded by the dreaded “Rebel yell” that reminded Wright’s veterans of Jackson’s devastating flank attack at Chancellorsville the year before.

  With two brigades leading in line, and one following in reserve, Cleburne’s division hit the Yankee flank with such force that itshattered Wright’s left wing units so badly they literally disintegrated. What had been a steady, but depleted, line of solid Union infantry, now degenerated into a mob of fugitives swept away by the fury of the Confederate assault.

  Yankee artillery batteries either swung trails or attempted to redeploy to face the onslaught, but they, too, were caught up in the mess and rout, several batteries being overrun before they were able to limber up and displace out of the way of the attacking brigades. At the same time, Hill, who had by now assumed command of Rodes’s former division, and Gordon counterattacked with every available man to complete the rout of the best corps in Sheridan’s army.

  Wright had the presence of mind to send runners and couriers to Emory and Sheridan, but it was too late for Emory. Early had joined Breckinridge and together they led a vicious counterattack that stopped Emory in his tracks. Sheridan quickly ordered Crook to pull back out of his attack and attempt to cover the Union withdrawal that was now necessary, but Crook was about to be faced by the entire Confederate army
as Emory’s corps fell apart under Cleburne’s attack as badly as Wright’s had.

  Wilson saw the debacle before the courier reached him to tell him about it and “to act as he saw fit.” He immediately disengaged from the cavalry fight behind his horse artillery and reserve regiment, the Confederate horse withdrawing as they were outnumbered and had no artillery. Wilson reformed his division and redeployed it to act as a rearguard and screen, behind which the wrecked corps of Wright and Emory could withdraw and rally.

  Sheridan left Crook to get out of the mess as best he could, as he had to see to the rest of his army. Crook was in a horrible situation. Instead of enveloping Breckinridge, he was now about to be faced by the entire Confederate army and possible encirclement. Pulling back his attacking brigades, he reformed his corps to fight in three directions, and prepared an attack “in the other direction” that was the only hope of breaking out of the coming trap and rejoining the army.