As Winchester,Virginia fell to the Union forces in September of 1864,the area north and west of town was occupied by Sheridans' Union Cavalry of which the famed "Michigan Wolverine Brigade"was a part of.

My daughter and her family lived just west of Winchester on Route 50. Many Spencer Rifle casings and other things have been uncovered in their back yard, so Union Cavalry was there.

She,(a transplanted yankee) jokingly has said that she could rest easy at night, knowing that she was surrounded by friendly Union troops.

Well just maybe, a young trooper of the 5th Michigan Cavalry from Ionia County,Michigan was indeed looking out for his great great niece. WHO'S TO SAY???