Cedar Creek Report, Commander, Lomax's Cavalry Division (OR, 43, 610, 613)

HEADQUARTERS LOMAX'S CAVALRY DIVISION,

November 2, 1864

MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this division on October 19, 1864, to this date:

On the 18th instant my command, with the exception of McCausland's brigade was ordered to Front Royal, to co-operate with the forces moving on the turnpike and to advance to Newtown or Winchester, as circumstances would admit (see accompanying order marked D [Not found]). I found the enemy in small force at Guard Hill; they retired rapidly in the direction of Cedarville. On reaching the latter place I waited to communicate with the lieutenant-general commanding at Middletown. Not being able to hear from him, and judging from the firing that the enemy were being driven, I advanced on the Winchester road, intending to strike the pike near Kernstown, in the enemy's rear. On reaching a point six miles from Winchester it was evident from the firing that our forces were retiring and that the firing was above Newtown. I moved toward the latter place, hoping to strike the flank of the enemy while engaged with our forces. On reaching a point one mile from Newtown I was informed by scouts and citizens that our troops were being rapidly driven back and were at that time beyond Middletown. I then endeavored to strike the pike at Middletown, but found it occupied by the enemy in force. Having been unable to communicate with General Early through the day, and it being evident from the reports of stragglers and citizens that our troops bad been driven back rapidly and to Strasburg, I decided to cross the river at Buckton Station and communicate from that point with General Early. I was unable to communicate from that point, our forces having fallen back beyond Fisher's Hill. My train being at Front Royal I moved to that place and awaited orders, which I received (see accompanying order marked - [Not found]) at daylight on the morning of the 20th, and moved my command to Milford. I met but a small force of the enemy-one brigade of cavalry, with two pieces of artillery.

In conclusion, I will state that this division has been wanting in organization, in discipline, and arms; that it is composed of good material. The senior officers are generally wiIling and equal to perform, the duties required, and by proper instruction and attention will be able to make their commands equal to others who have had the benefit of longer service.

L. L. LOMAX, Major-General, C. S. Cavalry.

Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN,
Adjutant- General Cavalry Corps.