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in the afternoon at Purcellsville at the base of the Blue Ridge near Snicker's Gap, where it was ascertained that the retreating rebels had already passed through the Gap, either on the 16th or the 17th inst. Gen. Sullivan had been superseded in the command of the whole force by Gen. Crook, and on the 18th inst. three brigades of the latter general's command passed over the Blue Ridge at the Gap above named and the regular ford across the Shenandoah, being originally defended by rebels, made a detour to the right and by rapid march and a hurried clash in clearing the rebels from the western branch we succeeded in crossing the river at a little frequented ford about one mile above the principal fording. Here took place what is known as the battle of Snicker's Ferry, in which three brigades of the army of West Virginia for a time contended against the whole of Early's force, but were eventually driven back across the river. The whole Union force was commanded by Col. Thoburn, and the brigades by Col. Wells, 34th Massachusetts, the 116th Ohio, and the 11th Pennsylvania. The 54th was included in the command of the latter officer and an idea of the severity of the contest may be inferred from the fact that of the six field officers present with the brigade, one was killed, one mortally, one severely and two slightly wounded. The original line of battle was formed parallel with the river and about six rods from it. The enemy attacked the right of the line on the flank, advancing up the river for that purpose, their line being formed at an oblique angle with the river. To meet this advance a change of front of the left of our line was ordered, which was gallantly executed under fire and the enemy for a time repulsed. But this change of front causing our left to be formed at right angles with the river, threw forward our left flank unguarded and “flying in the air.” Upon this flying flank the enemy soon made an attack which resulted in the discomfiture of our troops, who were forced back over the river, forming on the eastern bank prepared to resist any advance of the rebels. In this battle the 54th occupied the right of the left brigade and was one of the last regiments to give away. Col. Frost, the brigade commander, was killed, and the loss in the killed and wounded in the regiment was heavy. Two days afterwards the army of West Virginia, and the Sixth Corps of the Army of the Potomac crossed the Shenandoah, the enemy in the meantime having retreated, and on Friday, the 22d, our troops were encamped near Winchester, Virginia. A rearrangement of troops made at this place placed the 54th in the division of Col. Mulligan, 23d Illinois. On the 23d the enemy, having apparently learned of the withdrawal of the Sixth Corps and therefore of their numerical superiority, commenced demonstrating on our lines and lively skirmishing, in which the 54th participated and which resulted in the withdrawal of the rebels ; it was kept up for the greater portion of the day. Early the next morning a vigorous attack
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