The position of the 19th Corps at Fisher's Hill; depiction of the aftermath of a battle in Major General Philip Sheridan's Shenandoah, Virginia campaign against General Jubal Early's troops, weakened by his defeat at Winchester (Third). On September 21, the Federal army advanced, driving back skirmishers and capturing important high ground opposite the Confederate works at Fisher's Hill. On the 22, General George Crook's Corps, hidden from Confederate view, moved along North Mountain to outflank Early's line. About 4 PM, Crook attacked Early's flank, held only by Confederate cavalry who offered little resistance. As Crook began his assault, Sheridan ordered a frontal attack. Facing overwhelming force the Confederate defenders broke and ran to avoid capture. Early retreated south to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Federal 'scorched earth' operation. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg were subsequently destroyed in what became known as 'The Burning.' About the Artist: In 1861, James E. Taylor enlisted in the 10th New York Infantry, also known as the National Zouaves. After having been noticed for his artistic talent, Taylor was hired as a 'special artist' for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper in 1863. Having left the military, Taylor continued to follow troop movements and illustrate the battle scenes that he witnessed for Frank Leslie's publication. After the war, he continued to illustrate scenes pertaining to westerward expansion and U.S. relations with Native Americans.
