The next morning, by order of General Ewell, we moved up the Valley turnpike, somewhere along which we were to await the arrival of General Early, who was to strike the turnpike near Newtown. We halted about two miles from Kearnstown, where shortly after a second order arrived directing us to halt at Newtown and there await Early’s approach. It was too late, however, for we had passed that place, and fearing the effects a retrograde movement would have upon his raw troops, Col. Herbert determined to take the responsibility of waiting for Early where he was. In an hour or two that General joined us with his division of infantry. Our approach had by this time been discovered by the enemy, for a regiment of cavalry was descried in the road less than a mile in our front. A piece of Griffin’s battery was now run up and masked by a small party of horsemen, and a shell thrown into the midst of the surprised cavalrymen, who scattered in every direction. In a few minutes a battery made its appearance upon a neighboring hill, when a lively exchange of compliments took place between it and the Baltimore Light Artillery. Meanwhile Early was engaged getting his troops into position. Three companies of the Second Maryland, under the command of Major W. W. Goldsborough, were thrown forward as skirmishers, with orders to advance until the enemy were developed in force. Griffin’s opponent had now retired, and the whole command moved forward in line of battle. In a little orchard, near Kearnstown, which was flanked on the right by a strip of woods, the skirmishers first encountered them, and a sharp fight ensued. Steadily the Marylanders pressed forward, and although subjected to a severe artillery fire from a battery on a hill a short ways off, drove the enemy before them. General Early had in the meanwhile formed his troops for a charge, and in a few minutes a yell on our left announced it. It was Gordon with his splendid brigade of Georgians. In beautiful order they dashed forward and drove the enemy pell-mell into Winchester. That night (one never to be forgotten, for the rain poured in torrents until morning) we held a position at Hollingsworth’s Mills, but half a mile from Winchester. At early dawn the rain ceased and the troops were all on the alert. Shortly after sunrise the skirmish line along the whole front got in motion and approached to within two or three hundred yards of the suburbs of the town. Here they halted for a few minutes exchanging shots with the enemy, when the Marylanders charged into the town, and a lively skirmish ensued in the streets of Winchester. Although opposed by a greatly superior force they held their ground for some time until ordered back by General Gordon.