STEPHENSON'S DEPOT (CARTER'S FARM), Engagement at. On 19July 1864 General Averell with 1,000 cavalry, 1,350 infan try and two batteries, marched up the Valley Pike from Martinsburg, W. Va., drove the Confederate cavalry from Darkesville toward Winchester, and halted near Stephenson's De pot, about six miles from Winchester. This placed him in rear of Early, who was at Berry ville, who immediately retreated toward Stras burg, first sending Ramseur's division of infan try and two batteries to Winchester to sup port the cavalry brigades of Jackson and Vaughan, and check Averell's advance. On the morning of the 20th Averell, who had re ceived a reinforcement of 300 cavalry, raising his force to about 2,800, resumed his march toward Winchester, in line of battle, to resist a sudden attack or to make one. A regiment of infantry was deployed on either side of the road, with skirmishers in advance, another regiment marched on each side in column in rear of the right and left flanks, artillery in the centre, on the road, and a regiment of cav alry on each flank. Three miles north of Winchester, on Carter's Farm, Ramseur was encountered, moving with intent to capture Averell, whose force had been reported as a regiment of cavalry and one of infantry. Ram
seur opened fire with four guns and demon strated with his cavalry on both flanks, under cover of which he formed line, Johnson's bri gade on his right, Hoke's on the left, with Pegram's in reserve. Averell deployed his en tire command in one line, withdrew his skir mishers, opened fire from his 12 guns, and, with out pausing, sent in all his cavalry and infan try, drove in the Confederate cavalry, broke Ramseur's left, held by Hoke, which fled in disorder, followed by the remainder of the division to near Winchester, where Averell's immediate pursuit was checked by Jackson's cavalry. Averell captured four guns and about 280 wounded and unwounded prisoners, among them Generals Lewis and Lilly, wounded. Ramseur had 73 killed and 130 wounded. Averell had 53 killed, 155 wounded and six missing. Informed that a large force was gath ering in his front, Averell established a strong picket-line and fell back two miles. On the morning of the 21st he entered Winchester un opposed, the Confederates having retreated toward Strasburg. On the 22d he was joined by Crook and next day both fought the battle of Kernstown (q.v.).