Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

thousand or six thousand were encamped at Green Brier.

listening to those whispers, lying on a wet log, holding my horse by the bridle, I fell fast asleep! The colonel had to give me a hard shake to get me awake when he was ready to move. I readily saw how it was that the exhausted soldier could lie down and sleep among the dead and dying.

Colonel Ford's orders were to proceed about six miles to the Gum road Station, with a force, and Duam's gun, at the junction, and picket the road, so as to prevent all possibility of a flank movement. The only trouble he had was with the detachment of cavalry, who accompa- I know not how long we halted, but we had nied him, and cowardly refused to take the not proceeded much further, when welcome advance. He reached the Gum road, and had daylight appeared. We had just made the dehis men all stationed, and admirably stationed, scent of the Cheat Mountain ridge, and were too, by daylight. passing through a small farm and extensive Col. Millroy's orders were to deploy skirmish-"deadening." We followed the valley until we ers in the advance from the Gum road, and drive reached the Gum road, where the Thirty-second in the pickets. He met with no opposition Ohio was stationed, where we made another until he reached the first Green Brier bridge, halt. In a few minutes, General Reynolds and just after daylight. A full company of rebels his Staff, with a cavalry escort, who had left were stationed at the bridge, but on some camp at daylight, came up and rode on. I account they were not seen until the enemy joined that party, and moved at a swifter pace. were aware of their advance, and fired at Making a long but easy descent of another mounthem at random. Two of Millroy's men fell tain, we soon came to the Green Brier. As we one dead and the other severely wounded. neared the bridge, we saw the body of one of Without waiting for orders our men dashed on Millroy's men lying in the bushes, just where to the bridge, pouring a volley into the picket he had fallen when shot by the rebel pickets. guard; three rebels fell and the rest took to their heels.

4.

They had a fight at the bridge," was the only remark, and we passed on.

Our men took after them, both parties drop- At a farm-house near the bridge, we came ping knapsacks, blankets, &c., to accelerate across the rear of the column ahead of us, with their speed in the chase. An exciting race of piles of knapsacks in an adjoining field, left there about a mile and a half was had, but the reb-under guard, the infantry thus relieving themels proved, as usual, the fleetest of foot, and escaped without further harm.-Millroy's men picked up numerous knapsacks, blankets, arms, &c., as trophies.

Millroy, after driving in the pickets, was to remain a mile and a half from the enemy's fortification, the other forces to fall in his rear, and await the arrival of the General.

I proceeded to the field of battle with the Fifteenth Indiana, Colonel Wagner leading the reserve. At three o'clock I was in the saddle, and beside the gallant colonel. The regiment was soon formed, and this order given—`

[ocr errors]

'Attention, Fifteenth! Let your captains do all the talking. Fifteenth, forward, march!"

The night was to me fearfully dark, and I was uneasy as to my riding over a precipice, until I found my pony more trustworthy than myself. Down the mountain we marched in this terrible darkness, the whole column stepping with precise regularity. The tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp of over a thousand feet, all moving as if by machinery, deadened all other sounds.

Not a word was spoken by the men, as they moved at common time behind their silent leader. I was rather melancholy that morning, having been indisposed the day before, and while riding at the head of this silent column of armed men, in the heavy darkness, experienced a peculiar sensation. At a distance of three miles, a halt was ordered for rest. I dismounted, and lay down on a log, holding my horse by the bridle. I observed that even in the halt the men were obedient to the order of silence. Not a word was spoken above a whisper. While

selves in expectation of the fight. The General rode on to near the head of the column, where he obtained a distant view of the enemy's camp. Soon the order was given to forward.

The rebel camp is located on a high steep elevation known as Buffalo Hill. It is located at a sharp turn of the road, and so situated that an attacking force had to come directly under the guns and intrenchments of the right of the camp, to obtain even a view of the left. The formation of the ground is particularly favorable for the formation of terraces, and the rebels had made good use of the advantage. Their defences rose one above the other, far up the hill, extending even into the forest above the camp. It was estimated from the number of tents, that ten thousand men held the posts. The sole attack contemplated was directly in front, with artillery, the infantry to be used merely to protect the batteries.

It was discovered that the rebels had placed a large infantry force three-fourths of a mile in front to dispute our approach. They lay in ambush beside a fence thickened with small trees to the right of the road, and in the timber on the hill-side to the left. On making this discovery, Colonel Kimball was ordered to clear the way for the artillery with the rugged Indiana Fourteenth. The boys received the order with a shout, and firing a volley into the ambush, rushed upon it with a wild cheer.

The concealed enemy instantly took to their heels, some rushing across the valley, and others up the mountains on our left. The gallant Fourteenth, its ragged breeches flapping in the air, started up the mountains with a cheer,

popping over the rebels at every crack. The Ninth Indiana, its colors flaunting beautifully above the green grass, rushed after those across the valley. A cheer went up from the whole line, as the ambushed rebels took to flight, the Hoosiers in purcuit.

pieces would send forth a simultaneous roar, making the earth tremble, and the return fire seemed spiteful, as it whizzed the shot mostly over our heads. For thirty-five minutes every gun on our side was worked without cessation. Now a shell would go ringing through the air, making a beautiful curve, and, dropping just on the spot intended, burst, and destroy every

inventions of war, it is these shells. They tear men and horses to tatters in an instant, as they fall whizzing among them.

The Fourteenth made sad work with the rebels on the mountain. Eighteen of them were found dead in one pile, and seven in anoth-thing for yards around. Of all the infernal er. They also captured several prisoners, and took care of a few wounded. The Seventh came near the retreating rebels on the opposite side of the valley, and poured a raking fire into them as they sought a laurel cover. How many were killed and wounded there, the enemy must tell, for our boy did not search the laurel.

In less than ten minutes the rebels were driven to their intrenchments. Loomis immediately moved rapidly forward, unlimbered his pieces, and gave them an invitation in the shape of a shell. The enemy immediately responded with pounders, all of which fell short of our battery. In the mean time Howe had discovered a favorable position very near to the enemy's first line of fortification, and, bold as a lion, dashed into it with his full artillery. The first shot from his battery was greeted by a shout from our infantry.

Down with his single gun followed Howe, and in a few minutes before, in fact, the retreating rebels had fairly reached the intrenchments our whole thirteen guns were banging murderous shot and shell at them. The rebels responded with seven guns. Loomis now ascertained he could do better execution a little closer, and took position square in the valley, in full view of the whole opposing force.

I at first took position on an eminence just in front of the reserve, and nearly a mile in the rear of our batteries; even there I could plainly perceive the white tents of the enemy, and see the shells whizzing through the air. Every crack of a gun rolled through the valleys, and reechoed upon the mountain sides. The reverberations were terrific, and the scene, even at the distance, one of exciting grandeur. After Loomis changed his position, I could see nothing but the white smoke rolling up against the breast of the mountains, nor hear any thing but the incessant roar of artillery.

My reportorial inquisitiveness got the better of my timidity, and determining to have a closer and better view, I mounted, and rode nearer to the scene of strife; in fact, before I knew it I was upon the road nearly opposite Loomis' battery, with shell and shot flying over my head. But having confidence in the shelter of a high, rocky bank, I stood my ground, at least long enough to pick up a few items.

The enemy's camp was in full view. His terraced battery was belching forth fire and smoke. Shot from our batteries were tearing up the ground all through the encampment, and shells were scattering destruction and insuring death. There was no cessation of the infernal roar of the artillery. Sometimes a half dozen of our

And as you hear their unmusical hiss coming toward you, you, if as green as I in military strife, will try to dodge the screeching devil. With the shell flew the round shot into the enemy's camp, and all about our batteries. With a whack they would strike the earth, and bore themselves into it like iron moles operated by steam.

Such was the distant view of the picture. A little in advance of me, and on a line with our batteries, standing on a knoll, was the General, his countenance calm and indicative of satisfaction at the result.

Around him, in the saddle, were his aids, one or more of whom were constantly dashing over the field to convey his orders. He was so near the enemy's camp that he could observe their movements with the naked eye. Several shells fell near him, but did not in the least disturb his composure.

To my rear were the ambulances, with the surgeons, distinguished by green sashes, waiting to perform their duty. Some were very careful to remain out of harm's way, while others braved danger to search for the wounded.

The ambulances were not long idle. First came a man carried on a blanket, writhing with pain. He had received a shot in his stomach. Next, another who had lost an arm, and was fainting from loss of blood. Then came three or four slightly wounded, leaning on the shoulders of their comrades. Not far from me, in a little ravine, lay three rebels, one dead, another dying, and a third slightly wounded. The latter was placed in an ambulance, and carried to our hospital.

Away up the road, scattered on its sides, some sitting, some lying, were exhausted infantry men, most of whom seemed totally unconcerned as to the strife; and at other points of a viewing distance, groups of unengaged cavalry were viewing the strife with deep interest.

For thirty-five minutes our batteries kept up an unceasing fire. First one, and then another rebel gun was dismounted, until only one remain ed. This was peppered with shell and shot, but we were unable to do more than slacken its fire.

It was the only well served piece in the rebel fortifications, its shots doing all the artillery mischief to our side. When our shot became too hot for the gunners there, they would load the piece rapidly, fire, run under cover, remain there a few minutes, and then repeat the

performance. The thirty-five minutes' firing | the road was open for the enemy to scamper was a magnificent artillery duty. Old soldiers, off up the mountain. who have been in many a fight, say they never have seen any thing equal to it.

But General Reynolds, appreciating the valor of our troops, consented to let the infantry try a flank movement, and, if they could do nothing more, gain information as to the location of the ground. The regiments selected for the movement were the Seventh, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Indiana, and the Twenty-fourth Ohio. The Seventh Indiana, Colonel Dumont, was selected to lead—why, I cannot imagine, as it is a new regiment, but its Colonel is an experienced and fearless soldier.

While this was going on, the Fourteenth Indiana, under the gallant Kimball, the dashing Harrow, and the enthusiastic Blynn, and the Twenty-fourth Ohio, under the veteran Ammon, and Gilbert and Butler, had been scouring the mountain on our left, to prevent a flank movement. They were much exposed to shot and | shell, but were successful in dodging them. The other regiments, except the Fifteenth Indiana and the Twenty-fifth Ohio, held as a re- The enemy observed the movements, and, serve, were protecting our right, and the bat-paying but little attention to our batteries, preteries.

pared to receive the infantry as they marched up through the woods. All the regiments received the order to advance with cheers, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth throwing off their bayonet. The Seventh took the lead, and the rest followed bravely. They had proceeded but a short distance, however, before the rebels turned several of their guns to the timber, and sent into it a terrible fire of shell and canister.

After the enemy had been driven from their lower intrenchments, and their battery reduced to one gun, our artillerists slackened their fire, and took it more easily. The infantry bright-coats, and preparing for a free use of the ened up, expecting orders to charge the works. But the General, who was more observant, did not give the order. When the fire of our batteries was raging most fearfully, the rebels sent up two or three rockets, which the General supposed was a signal to hurry up expected reinforcements from the mountains. He consequently kept a sharp look-out on the mountain road, as did others, who were of the same opinion.

They did not have long to wait. Down the mountains, in the rear of the camp, came a column of men estimated at five thousand, bringing with them several pieces of artillery of a superior character. The reinforcements were received with cheers by their rebel and badlyrouted comrades. The fresh pieces were planted upon the upper works, and sent forth a new tune from the rebel side. They were at first badly served, the shots going far overhead. This they ascertained, and began to take pretty good aim.

Our artillerists, delighted with the new guns, went at it once more with full force, and no more cheers were heard in the rebel camp. They also threw shells into the timber above, where it was supposed the fresh infantry had sheltered themselves, and with the naked eye a great scampering from the bushes could be observed.

In the mean time the Colonels began to grow fidgety. They did not like the idea of the artillery enjoying all the fun, and asked that the infantry be allowed to "go in."

A council of war was held. The Colonels proposed to take the new batteries by storm. The General opposed this at once, as, even if successful, it would involve a great sacrifice of life. They then proposed to outflank the enemy, and take the camp in that way. Their blood was up, and though they knew that if the position was taken it would be a barren victory, they wanted to try their hand. I say a barren victory, for if the enemy had been routed, the position is now of no use to us, and had our infantry worked in on the flank,

The Seventh Indiana broke and ran, their officers endeavoring in vain to stop them. Their conduct caused some trepidation among the other regiments, but at the command, they righted, and were about to advance, when orders came from General Reynolds to withdraw. Though the trees seemed to rain shot and shell, but few men were hurt under them.

The artillery had now fired about one thousand two hundred shot and shell, and were nearly out of ammunition. Loomis had nothing left but cannister, and Howe was nearly as bad off. Daum's piece had been disabled and hauled off.

Under these circumstances, the General, having gratified the infantry, ordered an end to the engagement. Loomis gave the Green Brier Camp a parting blessing in the shape of cannister, and the artillery was despatched on its return to this point. The infantry followed, tarrying, however, some time in the valley, hoping the rebels would come out and give them a field fight of three to one. But the rebels did not show themselves as long as a blue coat remained in sight of Green Brier.

I have stated our force. At least half of it was not brought into action at all. The rebels taken prisoners state that their force in camp, before our arrival, was ten thousand, which, with the reinforcements received, makes fifteen thousand; yet the rebels had not the courage, at any time, to come out of their intrenchments. It is the experience in Western Virginia that they fight bravely behind fortifications, and will not fight otherwise.

Our loss is twenty-ten killed, and ten so badly wounded as to be unfitted for duty. Their loss is terrible. The groans of the wounded could be distinctly heard at our batteries when the guns were silent. The dead were seen strewn all over their camp, and the lower trench

was said to be full of them. Our fifteen hundred shells and explosive shot made fearful havock. Besides, some forty or fifty were killed by our infantry in the first dash outside of the fortifications. We took thirteen prisoners-they none.

We captured a number of horses, a lot of cattle, and enough small arms to show how the enemy was supplied.

[ocr errors]

limb was taken off as evenly as if it had been done with a knife.

In Daum's Artillery is a young German, who had never stood fire before. He became frightened, and fled from his post. Daum pursued, caught, and brought him back, lashing him with his sword. The poor fellow bellowed wofully, but after ramming home one or two charges, and finding himself still alive, became the bravest of the brave, and worked nobly to the end.

During the whole engagement the enemy threw but three effective shots. One struck one of Howe's artillerymen, another took an arm The rebels would have done more mischief, from a gunner of the same corps, and I think but most of their shells did not explode. The shattered an axle of Daum's gun, rendering it cause, I understand, was a fault in the fuzes. unserviceable. All these came from the same troublesome little piece our gunners could not dismount. Howe had two horses wounded and one killed. Loomis and Daum, for a wonder, did not have either man or beast injured. I cannot speak too highly of the artillery. Guns were never better served, nor by livelier

men.

The fight lasted about four hours. Between twelve and one the return march was commenced, the artillery taking the right. The cavalry followed, escorting the General and his staff. We took it more leisurely, stopping to dispose of our rations, and rest, about three miles from the rebel camp. The Twentyfifth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson commanding, brought up the rear, having charge of the dead, wounded, and prisoners. The wounded, whose wounds had all been dressed | on the battle-field, were carried in easy-riding ambulances.

Before we had proceeded very far on the return, we found that a frightened Union man of this vicinity, who had followed the troops out to see the fight, seeing our troops returning without capturing the rebel camp, had mount- | ed his scraggy horse, and going ahead at full speed, announced that we had been whipped and were on the retreat. He told such an alarming story to Col. Ford, that the Governor had called in his pickets and prepared to cover the retreat. He had the Thirty-second admirably formed for that purpose, but laughed at his trouble when he learned the actual result of the conflict.

The same messenger brought the terrific news to this camp, causing astonishment and uneasiness here; and how much further he went with it I do not know.

It was past nine o'clock when Col. Richardson marched up the mountain with the rear, and after supper, and a bit of rejoicing over our suc cess, the lights were extinguished, and the whole camp, except those on guard, were enjoying sound and welcome slumber. But few had slept any the night before, and, besides the fatigue of battle, had marched twenty-six hours during the day. Sleep was welcome indeed.

The artillerist who lost his arm never uttered a groan. He looked at the bleeding stump, and smilingly said, "That is pretty well done.' The

The rebels must have been terribly frightened. Their guns were heard from this camp during last night, and it is supposed that, frightened at their own shadows, they took the trees for Yankees, and fired at them.

Among the wounded rebels was one engaged as a scout. His brother is in the Federal army, and took part in the action. The rebel brother died before we left the scene of action.

There were, of course, a thousand hair-breadth escapes. Col. Wagner had his cap knocked off by a piece of a shell, and hundreds of others had cannon-balls and shells whiz by them in uncomfortable proximity. It is astonishing how near a soldier can come to being killed and yet remain unhurt.

With one exception, the prisoners taken have a healthy appearance. There are Georgians, Arkansians, and Virginians among them. They are treated with kindness, and seem to be thankful for their lives. They were sent to Beverly jail to-day, and will probably go to Columbus.

Gen. Reynolds accomplished all he sought by the movement. His loss was small, and he now thoroughly understands the position of the enemy before him. When he gets ready to move forward, he can take that position without trouble.

Lieut. Anderson, of Cincinnati, aid to Gen. Reynolds, exhibited great bravery in conveying the orders of his chief. He was constantly galloping over the ground through showers of shot. Capt. McDonald, of Indiana, also aid to the General, was subjected to the same exposure.

While Col. Kimball was leading the Fourteenth Indiana in the flank movement, he had a narrow escape. An officer by his side threw up his arm to gesticulate to his men, and as it was parallel with the Colonel's forehead, it received a cannister-shot.

But for this obstruction, the shot would have entered the Colonel's forehead. He behaved most gallantly throughout the entire engagement.

Col. Anderson's coolness was the subject of general remark. In the flank movement he set an example to his men that nerved them to the task.

I could detail a thousand interesting incidents, but must defer until my next.

Of

The following are the names of the prisoners |spatch of General Jackson himself, addressed to taken. They are from Arkansas and Vir- the Secretary of War: ginia. Of Col. Rust's Third Arkansas regiment -J. W. Brooks, J. Garian, (slightly wounded,) J. G. Carter, G. S. Harris, all privates. Col. Jackson's Thirty-first Virginia regiment First Sergeant Andy Husman, James Alford, George P. Morgan, Evan Evans, G. Thompson, Thomas West, P. Wolf, Solomon Gainer, and J. H. Nay, all privates except the last, who was a teamster, and undertook to have a little fight. These, with a number of others at Beverly, will be immediately sent to Ohio.

GREENBRIER RIVER, Oct. 3, 1861. The enemy attacked us at eight o'clock this morning in considerable force, estimated at five thousand, and with six pieces of artillery, of longer range than any we have. After a hot fire of four and a half hours, and heavy attempts to charge our lines, he was repulsed, evidently with considerable loss. We had no cavalry to pursue him on his retreat. The loss on our side has been inconsiderable. A fuller report will be given through the regular chanThe following is a list of the killed and wound-nels. For several days my correspondence with ed on the Federal side: Howe's Artillery-General Loring has been interrupted. The enJames Enyart and George L. Price, killed; emy's force was much superior to ours, but we Andrew Dougherty, arm shot off; M. Leed- had the advantage of position. ridge and Corporal Andrews, wounded. Ninth H. A. JACKSON, Indiana- Smith, of Company H, killed; Brigadier-General Commanding. Isaac Bryant, slightly wounded in the shoulder. Fourteenth Indiana-Amos Boyd, Company C, and Harmon Myers, Company H, killed; Capt. Foote, Company E, grape-shot wound in the arm--not serious; James S. Jackson, Company D, Corporal John Lyon, Company E, Asa Smith, Company K, all slightly wounded; Sergeant Urner Price was wounded in the thigh by a shell, and his leg was amputated this morning, and he is likely to recover. Seventeenth Indiana-E. T. Dukes, of Company B, killed. He was from Thorntown, Boone County. He was cut nearly in two with a cannon-ball. One private slightly wounded. Thirteenth Indiana -Private Hendricks killed by a shell. One private slightly wounded. Seventh IndianaWilson Fossett, slightly wounded. Twentyseventh Ohio-Corporal McCann, of Company B, from Zanesville, and a private, name not ascertained, killed. Twenty-fifth Ohio-John Everingham, Company E, severe buckshot wound in the ankle.

tained last night, state that the fight was prinFurther private accounts of the battle, obcipally between the artillery, our artillerymen shooting well and fighting gallantly. We had only five or six killed, and eight wounded. The loss of picket guard, who were stationed between our camp and that of the enemy, was not precisely known. The loss of the enemy was estimated at a hundred killed. The most remarkable circumstance of the action is that of the part taken by our pickets, about two hundred of whom are said to have held the enemy in check for an hour and a half. The locality of the battle was on the pike leading from Beverly to Staunton. On their retreat the enemy had fallen back about six or seven miles, to the neighborhood of what was known as Slabin's Cabin. It was not known under whose command the enemy were. Among the killed was Surgeon Graves, of Captain Rice's artillery company. Captain Rice was badly wounded,

ball.

Doc. 68.

OPERATIONS OF THE GULF FLEET.

I have given you as full a report of the affair having had one of his feet shot off by a cannonas it is possible to furnish at present. Although a battle was not intended, the contest was certainly the best fight our troops have yet made in Western Virginia. The rebels received a touch of loyal thunder and lightning that they did not expect in these mountains. The idea occurs to me that if Gen. Reynolds deals such heavy blows in a mere reconnoissance, what will he do when he marches out for a full fight?

Gen. Reynolds has now made a full reconnoissance of the enemy, on both roads before him, and when the Government sees proper to fit him out for an advance, he will go through in spite of all opposition.

INVISIBLE.

REPORT OF COM. ALDEN.

U. S. STEAMER SOUTH CAROLINA, S. W. PASS, Oct. 4, 1861. SIR: I have to report that the two schooners brought here by me were captured by us. The first, the Ezilda, was taken on the 30th ultimo, four or five miles from land, with the Timbalier light bearing W. S., about thirteen miles. The other, the Joseph H. Toone, we caught, after a hard chase of five or six hours, at the entrance of Barrataria Bay. As soon as she discovered us she stood to the S. W. They both claim to be English vessels. The first, the Ezilda, was cleared for Matamoras, by T. 0. Sullivan, of Cork, Ireland, and the log is signed Additional intelligence received at the War by him, but it appears he left her before she Department gives full confirmation of the vic- sailed, and when captured by us she was comtory gained by General Jackson on the Green-manded by an ex-United States Naval officer, brier River. The following is the official de- Wm. Anderson Hicks, of Mississippi, who re

SECESSION ACCOUNT. The Richmond Examiner of October 7, contains the following:

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »