Diary Entry by Brigadier General Bryan Grimes Describing the Defeat at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864
Our left wing shamefully gave way, which necessitated the drawing in of our lines, which was done with considerable confusion. At that time the Yankee cavalry charged and completely routed our men. It was impossible to check the flight, officers and men behaving shamefully. Twice the Yankees got between me and the route I had to travel, which rendered it necessary for me to take to the woods to avoid capture. . . . It was the hardest day's work I ever engaged in trying to rally the men. [I] took our flag at different times, begging, commanding, entreating the men to rally; would ride up and down the lines beseeching them by all they held sacred and dear, to stop and fight, but without success. I don't mean my brigade, but all. The demoralization was too great. . . .
