The next day we moved up the valley to Strasburg; where on the hills beyond, the Rebel army, in a naturally strong position, had fortified themselves, determined again to try the issue of battle. We were maneuvered around some until the morning of the 22d, when the two divisions of our corps were moved back about three miles, where getting under cover, we changed our direction to the left, up the side of the mountain, and then silently stole towards the Rebel lines. We crept along the mountain until about 3 o’clock P. M., when getting squarely on their flank, our lines were formed for the charge, but while doing it we were discovered by the enemy, who immediately opened on us with shot and shell; but it was too late, the order was at once issued, “Double-quick, charge!” and we were upon them before they could make any preparations to receive us, capturing their artillery, and turning their left completely; we went sweeping down their breast-works, like the wind, every man yelling at the top of his voice; at the same time that we charged them on their left, the 6th and 19th corps’ attacked them in front. Routed at every point they were soon in wild retreat, the ground being literally strewn with arms and accoutrements. The cavalry kept up the pursuit throughout the night, keeping the fleeing army on the jump for twenty-five miles. The victory was complete—eleven hundred prisoners and sixteen pieces of artillery falling into our hands, and accomplished with but very little loss to us; our regiment losing seven wounded. We _bivouacked_ on our arms, where darkness overtook us, being completely tired out with the day’s work. Here occurred one of those accidents, which, from its sheer needlessness, caused a cold shudder to run over all. The 34th Massachusetts of our brigade, camped in our immediate vicinity, and while all was bustle and confusion, their Major, was shot by the accidental discharge of a musket, at the time, he was standing with a group of officers around a hastily constructed camp-fire. It seemed hard, that after having gallantly and safely passed through so much hard fighting, thus to be stricken down, while quietly discussing the day’s battle. In the morning the army pushed rapidly forward, leaving our brigade to collect the debris, care for the prisoners and wounded and bury the dead. At 10 o’clock A. M., on the 24th, we moved on after the army, through Woodstock, Edinburg and Mt. Jackson, going into camp two miles beyond, making a twenty-seven mile march; pretty good considering that the regiment marched on the flank of the train all day, and until 10 o’clock P. M., through brush, over fences, up and down hills, and sometimes fording streams, causing every one to feel glad when the order came to go into camp wherever a good place could be found.