and we have gained, by the events of the last few days, only a present foothold where his batteries were stationed. I have no desire to underrate the value of merely gaining a deserted camp in an enemy's territory, but the result does not appear to have been as decisive as it might have been, had wise and prudent counsel, combined with vigorous action, prevailed. The Great Kanawha and New rivers form less than a right angle in Fayette County, just at the junction of the Gauley. In this angle, and along the banks of both, Floyd had encamped his troops. On the opposite side, that is, the east side of New River, Gen. Rosecrans had his head-quarters. The supplies for our troops came from the Ohio River, along the north side of the Kanawha, by wagon route, crossing the Gauley. Previous to the time that Floyd was engaged in taking his position, Gen. Benham, who foresaw the movement, urged Gen. Rosecrans to change his position, alleging that by a timely and dextrous passage of the New River by a part of the forces at some distance below, they could surround, and capture, or cut to pieces Floyd's entire army; but that, if we kept our army in its present position, Floyd would soon be prepared to enforce a retiring of our lines from within range of his field-pieces on the opposite heights. Gen. Rosecrans deemed it a very ingenious but improbable theory. He had no apprehensions of an attack, situated as they then were. Consequently, no steps were taken to provide for such a contingency, other than those usual to a military force when near the enemy. Gen. Benham, however, caused a road to be cut through from that place to a point on the next bend of the river, where he established camp McNeil, and stationed himself so as to be able to cross over in skiffs and attack Floyd's advance. Gen. Rosecrans, however, did not regard the plan with much favor, and declined to give Gen. Benham either orders for crossing, or skiffs, but mere permission to do so. Floyd, as Benham anticipated, finally did commence to shell Gen. Rosecrans' camp with his batteries, which were so distributed as to command both rivers from Loup Creek to a point below Gen. Benham's position. By this time, therefore, it was not only impossible to cross the New River, but no supplies could reach our camps through the fire that Floyd kept up along the wagon road, except in limited quantities, and in the night. Gen. Benham was therefore ordered to vacate his position and march up to Camp Huddleston, as far up the Kanawha as he was then down the New River. This was done, and here he was obliged to wait a week longer for orders to cross and attack the enemy. These orders were finally received, and Gen. Benham crossed the Kanawha and commenced the attack. Floyd found himself hard pressed, and was obliged to fall back gradually from all his positions, except Cotton Hill, near the junction of the three rivers. Here he became rapidly hemmed in, until the night of the 12th, when he took advantage of the darkness to escape, and with so much adroitness that it was not immediately known. He was, however, followed to Fayetteville and thirty miles beyond, where one regiment was overtaken. Our brigade opened the action upon them with great spirit, and the rebels again fled in the greatest confusion. Only one officer attempted to turn them to the conflict. He displayed great courage in endeavoring to rally his retreating men, and attracted the admiration of our entire troops. While our bullets fell thick around them as we advanced at quick-step, he was in the very rear of his regiment cheering his men, and vainly trying to turn them to face us. They fled, but he refused to follow them, and fell in his place before we reached the ground. He was not immediately killed, but his wounds were fatal. He represented himself to Gen. Benham as Col. Croghan, son of a United States navy officer of Pennsylvania, who, in our last war with England, distinguished himself in the defence of a western post against the combined attack of a large force of British and Indians. General Benham conversed with him, received his last wishes, and placed him in care of the brigade surgeon, but he died on the evening of the 14th. The following letter, addressed to General Floyd, shows that General Benham has done all in his power to regard the last wishes of the brave but fatally mistaken man: HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST PROVL. BRIGADE, U. S. FORCES, Nov. 15, 1861, at Hawkins' Farm, Five miles S. E. of Fayetteville. Brig.-Gen. J. B. Floyd, C. S. A.: SIR: In the skirmish which occurred yesterday between the United States forces under my command and your brigade, I regret to be obliged to inform you that Colonel St. George Croghan, commanding your cavalry regiment, as he stated to me, was mortally wounded. He was shot through the right wrist and side of the upper portion of the abdomen, the ball passing entirely through the body, and lived from half-past nine A. M., when he was wounded, till half-past two P. M. I saw him in passing, a few minutes after he was wounded, and he recognized me, conversing freely, but with pain, and, shaking my hand on leaving him, he requested me to state that he "died the death of a brave soldier," as he did, in every way worthy of his gallant and noble father. I left him in charge of my brigade and one other surgeon, with hospital attendants and a guard, and on my return this morning from my camp ground, the hospital steward handed me a small blank memorandum book, in which was a history made by his request, of which I enclose you a copy. He left his address, &c., with the chaplain of the Tenth (Col. Lyttle's) Ohio regiment, Rev. H. E. O. Higgins, and told me that his family were residing in Newburgh, New York. I will endeavor to communicate with them as early as possible, and send each little memorial from him as I shall be able to collect them, for I yet cannot ascertain where most of his property has gone, as the people of the house where he died would not attend to it. I have sent his remains toward Fayetteville, where they will be interred, if we are not able to take them to Gauley; though I will, if possible, place the body there in a box with salt, to preserve it for his friends. It will be subject to the order of Gen. H. S. Rosecrans. And now, having for the third time the opportunity of extending courtesies somewhat of this character to your officers-as first, in returning the baggage, uniform, &c., of Colonel Porterfield, at Philippi, and afterward, of preserving the sword, effects, and body of General Garnett at Carrick's Ford-I trust your officers will appreciate the desire thus exhibited of mitigating in every way the horrors of this fratricidal strife, as I think you yourself will do me the justice to believe that I most earnestly wish it. I send this by a private citizen, as I thought you would prefer it to a flag of truce, and on account of the uncertainty of the means do not send forward any of the little memorials preserved. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Kanawha at this point on the 6th of November, and remained five days at the month of Loup Creek, with but six tents per company, in accordance with orders, and one blanket per man. During our sojourn at this point, our force was joined by McMullen's battery, or, as it is more vulgarly termed, the "Ass Battery," and, together with the Seventh, Thirtyseventh, and Forty-fourth regiments O. V. I., our entire command amounted to about three thousand men. Thus equipped and organized, we set out on the march toward Fayette, over a district of the country characterized by lofty mountains and romantic streams, on the 12th of November. Every man was full of life, and eager for the pursuit of old Floyd and his force, numbering three thousand men and thirteen pieces of artillery, as was ascertained from reliable sources. The Thirteenth regiment had the advance position, and was preceded by Company A of the Thirteenth and Company H of the Twelfth, as skirmishers. Nothing transpired to vary the monotony of our rapid march and bold pursuit, until upon our arrival at Cotton Hill, where our progress was suddenly impeded by the sharp volleys of a detachment of the enemy, probably forming the rear guard of the arch-traitor. Too much praise cannot here be bestowed upon our skirmishers for their brave action in the face of an overwhelming force in ambush. Our loss was but one killed and two wounded, although our daring fellows pressed forward, regardless of their own lives, and with a strong determination to outflank and annihilate their opponents, but the bugle sounded the "assembly," and reluctantly our comrades returned to their regiments. Here we rested for the night in the woods, and every preparation was made for an attack on our part on the following day, but when daybreak occurred not a living being was in sight to oppose our advance. At this point, every indication was a proof of there having once been a large encampment of traitors, and from information gained our calculations as to their force were substantiated. November 13th was not marked by any change in our proposed plans. We moved forward through their strong intrenchments, having, however, halted at Camp Dickerson for a few hours, where our fun was of the nature of robbing hen-roosts and pig-sties of a secessionist, and justice must be given to us for such theft, for our hunger was great, and especially so was the fact in regard to our Dutch brethren, who EDITORS COMMERCIAL: Knowing full well ran short of subsistence. The intrenchments that the hearts of those at home are with were of a most formidable character, and so those now fighting for the national welfare, and situated as would have enabled them to withsacrificing their personal interests for the re-stand the assault of a large force, and had they etablishment of our shattered Government upon its once firm footing, I take this opportunity of informing your patriotic readers of the last hazardous expedition in this part of Western Virginia. This brigade, consisting of the Thirteenth, Twelfth, and Tenth Ohio regiments, under Brigadier-General Benham, crossed the H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier-General U. §. V. Gen. Benham was within three miles of Floyd's army when the order came giving his command to Gen. Schenck, of Vienna renown, and the brigade was ordered back to a more retired position. His troops, who repose the greatest confidence in his prudence and energy, manifested great regret, but obeyed like soldiers. Gen. Benham resigned his command to Schenck, who immediately withdrew the brigade to a more retired position. Thus, for the present, we are again in statu quo. The soldiers here look upon Gen. Benham as the "coming man of this war. He is a brusque, imperative, and rather overbearing man with his equals and superiors, but his rapidity of movement, fertility of resource, and consummate military capacity are recognized by the rank and file, with whom he is wonderfully popular. A "SOLDIER'S" ACCOUNT. A private in the Thirteenth regiment of Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Smith, gives the following account in the Cincinnati Commercial: CAMP HUDDLESTON, THIRTEENTH REGIMENT O. V. I., possessed our spirit, havoc in our ranks would have been produced, and our plans doubtless frustrated. Their only excuse, however, is their unmitigated cowardice and bad consciences. Company F was now detailed as our skirmishing party, and after a halt upon the field three miles beyond the breast-works to rest our weary limbs for two hours under a single | ment was about to take place, although the blanket, the command was "Forward!" and contrary was soon known. There is no comonward we trudged, awake because of the mander in this valley who is esteemed more prospect in view, and not in accordance with highly as a true soldier and gentleman, or one other feelings, and at midnight Fayette was who is favored with more entire confidence of reached. Here quietness reigned supreme- his command than the colonel of the Thirteenth not even a dog-howl greeted us, and, in short, regiment. His military education, experience this deserted village presented inhospitality in in the army and elsewhere, in every respect all its phases. This village was the proposed make him worthy of a place among the highest winter-quarters of Floyd and horde, but our if not most distinguished officers in our country, unwelcome approach produced an alteration in and the standing of the regiment, in comparison their plans. Any one who has experienced a with others, as a well-disciplined and well-offinight march can appreciate our feelings, when cered body of men, is the strongest proof of moving in silence over an unknown road, in his capacity to lead and command. After reexpectation of meeting the enemy at any mo- connoitring the surrounding country and formment. The dull, heavy, and monotonous treading the regiment again in order, we moved forof the men, and the sound of the horse hoof on ward, passing old encampments, &c., and admirthe hard road made the most self-possessed of ing the many sights of the antiquated and novus reflect upon what may be our fate, with no el-looking houses and churches; but upon our unconscious anxiety. Silence, in its majesty, arrival at McCoy's Station a degree of activity produces thoughtfulness, but especially when a was visible on all sides, which afforded us much battle stares one in the face. The excitement pleasure, even in the midst of such a serious of the encounter absorbs every reflection, and affair as a skirmish. When our advance parties awakens a desire to push ahead or become vic- were about to cross the bridge, they were visittorious at least. Such, I doubt not, were the ed with a few volleys of musketry, but after a considerations of many of my comrades, and few moments' delay Schneider's battery, under such is the weakness of human nature. War is the supervision of Colonel Smith, was placed an unavoidable necessity under present circum- upon a high eminence, and while the Tenth stances, and none but a brute loves to take the regiment and part of the Thirteenth were selife of his fellow-man. Excuse this diversion creted from view behind the brow of the hill, from my subject, which will be read with more our cannon were brought into action and sucinterest than an expansion on individual medi- ceeded in making the rebels double-quick tations. After half an hour, we passed through through a corn-field at a faster gait than is althe village with an involuntary desire to reduce lowed by their companion vi et armis Hardee. it to ashes, and continued on the road to Rolla, The scene of this action is peculiarly adapted and here we began to discover evidences of for carrying into effect their peculiar mode of the increased activity of the rebels' retreat, warfare, being very mountainous, and covered Wagons, ammunition, tents, &c., were strewn with woods. The road defiles through a valley along the route, and ere long a halt till day- surrounded by the most abrupt sloping emibreak was ordered. General, colonel, and pri- nences, and winds around on the opposite side vate lay down together in sleep, and all military of the creek, one of the hills making sharp distinctions were subservient to the all-con- turns. We skirmished and scouted this section trolling desire to rest. Here the Seventh, Thir- of the country perfectly, and to such a degree ty-seventh, and Forty-fourth rejoined our forces, that the men and officers were worn out with having preceded us up Loup Creek. It was fatigue, and gladly gave the advance position only necessary to issue the order and soon we to the Tenth regiment, Capt. O'Dowd, with resumed the pursuit, in the same order as upon his company, acting as skirmishers. But after the previous evening. A drizzling rain soon an advance still further of five miles, Gen. Bencommenced, and a heavy" road was our lot, ham thought proper to halt for the night, and, but the life and animation were unabated. after making the necessary arrangements, as is About nine o'clock A. M., Company F surprised customary on encamping, this body of troops a detachment of the rebel cavalry under Col. sought sweet soothing sleep upon the hills and Croghan, (formerly of the United States army,) in the woods, lying on the ground, and getting and, in addition to killing the colonel and some drenched by the heavy rain falling. It was an men, captured horses, &c. Our success was awful night, and so trying upon our physical complete, and consternation among them was natures as will be ever remembered by those the effect. on this march. For prudent and just reasons, at three A. M. Nov. 15th, (following morning,) we commenced our retrograde march, wet, chilly, and with empty bellies. Upon our arrival again at Fayette, Capt. Mallory, with his accustomed pleasantry, procured houses for the major part of this command, and fed us upon plenty of good, substantial food of the ration kind. Here we were snowed upon, and never did men appreciate more highly a house and 66 It would be injustice did I not mention the coolness and bravery of our skirmishing party, and their valuable services rendered. Colonel Smith has exhibited to his command his high military qualifications and excellent management in deploying his advance companies, and evinced his complete self-possession under the circumstances, which were calculated at the moment to convince us that a great engage eral Floyd and ends the ill-fated campaign in Western Virginia in a blaze of glory for the Yankees." Yet the Examiner designates General Floyd as the hero of thirty engagements. Well may General Floyd exclaim, "No more of that, Hal, an' thou lovest me.' LYNCHBURG "VIRGINIAN" NARRATIVE. CAMP CANTONMENT VERINA, Nov. 29, 1861. warm fires. The former luxury they have not | honest and truthful, as well as detailed account enjoyed during their service in the army. The of the most disgraceful rout that our armies Court House was filled, and so jovial were the have suffered during the war. This unfortumen, that they really neglected the more pru-nate affair eclipses all the rising fame of Gendent course of going to sleep until late at night. They joined in the merry song, and cracked jokes over their cup of warm coffee and hard bread, as we are accustomed to witness at home, surrounded with all its comforts. Here, the thought of the great privation they had endured was overwhelmed by the joys of the moment, and this meagre show of comfort was great in their estimation. In short, all of us were well fed, warm, and happy. At Fayette we found encamped General Schenck and brigade, who, together with our own force, made this village quite a city, and presented a very lively appearance. At eight o'clock A. M. the next day, we resumed our homeward march, under command of our gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins, Colonel Smith having gone ahead to make arrangements for recrossing the Kanawha. The rumor was current amongst us that we were on our way to Camp Dennison to winter, and although we justly deserve just treatment, on account of our labors for the last six months, no substantial confirmation of the fact has as yet reached us. An exceedingly rapid march was made. We crossed the Kanawha about half-past four P. M., and now are again going through the daily routine of camp duties, but looking forward to the gladsome tidings from head-quarters. MR. EDITOR: Perhaps you have not had a correct detailed account of General Floyd's retreat from Cotton Hill, although you may have heard various accounts about it. I was at Meadow Bluff at the time of the retreat, but soon after left there, and joined the brigade here two days ago, and have carefully taken notes from accounts of the retreat furnished me by various officers. It is another dark shadow in the campaign of Western Virginia. It is an event that gives encouragement to and emboldens the enemy on all sides. I regret that it has to be related, but we must be honest, and give a correct account of failures as well as triumphs; though this is not the policy of the enemy, who never give a correct account of their defeats, but magnify them into victories. Our policy is truth, let the consequences be what they may. On the evening of November 11, the enemy made strong demonstrations, near Cotton Hill, The general character of the expedition was of an attack on the next day, and General Floyd an adventurous pursuit of Floyd, meeting with ordered the army to fall back three miles, to great success, and worthy of all praise at the Dickerson's encampment, where the fortificahands of those in power. The report is here, tions were. Next morning it was reported that that the flight of Floyd is to be attributed the enemy were advancing to Fayetteville, to to some cannon shots sent from Tompkins' cut off our retreat, and surround our brigade. farm, but our sharp skirmishing and the re- This news caused General Floyd to order a recently deserted encampments, together with treat, which took place about eight o'clock at the vast amount of clothing, tents, stores, etc., night, when the brigade retreated back to Faythrown out of the rebel wagons on the re-etteville, two and a half miles, and halted to treat, prove too conclusively that only an actual pursuit would have driven them from Gauley. Our officers in command acted with care and military discretion, and the men endured hardships. All that is now asked is credit for what was done. We are here to do our duty, but not, in the performance of it, to be slighted. SOLDIER, Of the Thirteenth Regiment O. V. I. A SECESSION ACCOUNT. This guard the road which the enemy were expected A CORRESPONDENT of the Richmond Whig for the night. During the whole of the retreat, (Dec. 11) gives the following: RICHMOND, December 10, 1861. SIR General Floyd's retreat from Cotton Hill, having been referred to by his friends as a proof of his masterly skill as a tactician, I invite your attention to the following letter, addressed by a reliable party to the Lynchburg Virginian, giving in brief the salient incidents of that retreat. On this letter the editor of the Virginian observes: "It gives, we doubt not, an thus far, there was a great deal of excitement, fear, and especially loss of baggage, property, and provisions and on the night of the 11th, they burned about three hundred tents, several bales of new blankets and overcoats, and a number of mess chests, camp equipage of all kinds, and flour barrels were burst, contents scattered on the ground, and all kinds of provisions wasted and scattered, all to prevent the enemy from getting them. Wagoners were compelled to take the horses from the wagons, mount them, and fly for safety, leaving about fifteen wagons in the hands of the enemy. On the morning of the 14th, the brigade took up their march from Camp McCoy, and had gone but two miles when it was reported that the enemy were near and rushing on the brigade. At this the cavalry under command of Col. Croghan were ordered back to scout the country and ascertain the enemy's distance. When they had gone back two miles they met the enemy's pickets advancing, when Colonel Croghan ordered his men all to dismount, though he did not, when the pickets of the enemy fired on him, and he fell mortally wounded. His men took him up and carried him some two hundred yards to a house, when they discovered that the enemy-who were formed into a V, to flank our cavalry, and the signal to close in was the fire of the pickets in the road who had killed the colonel-were closing in, and the colonel told them to fly and save themselves, for he was dying. At the moment those who were with the colonel discovered that their horses had been taken by the Yankee pickets, who had rushed upon them, they turned and fled, and the whole cavalry came within five minutes of being all cut off and captured. The cavalry then all swept on in abreast until they came up with the rear of our infantry, and proclaimed that the enemy were pursuing in double-quick time. Then appeared a scene in our army indescribable, and of terrific confusion. At the word, "the enemy are pursuing," all broke off in a wild run, some so frightened that they threw away their knapsacks and all they had, but gun and knife to defend themselves with. It required great effort upon the part of the officers, who were somewhat cool, to prevent a perfect rout. The enemy seemed to have the advantage, and pursued faster than our men could retreat, and came upon them even with the cannon, and fired six shot upon the rear of the brigade. The road was so bad and muddy, that the brigade could not march more than eight miles a day. There had been so much rain and wagoning along the road that it was a perfect mire, about half a leg deep, and all had to wade right through it. BY THE PRESIDENT-A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Sovereign Disposer of events, to protect and conflict with their enemies, and to be unto them defend the Confederate States hitherto, in their a shield: And, whereas with grateful thanks we recognize His hand, and acknowledge that not unto us, but unto Him, belongeth the victory; and in humble dependence upon His Almighty strength, and trusting in the justness of our cause, we appeal to Him, that He may set at naught the efforts of our enemies, and put them to confusion and shame; of the Confederate States, in view of the imNow, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President pending conflict, do hereby set apart Friday, the 15th day of November, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; and I do hereby invite the Reverend Clergy and people of these Confederate States to repair on that day to their usual places of public worship, and to implore that He may give us victory over our enemies, the blessing of Almighty God upon our arms, preserve our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to us the restoration of peace and prosperity. JEFFERSON Davis. THE CONFEDERATE FORM OF PRAYER. all the various churches and denominations The following is the form of prayer read in throughout the Confederate States on the Fast Day, November 15. In the Jewish Synagogues the name of Christ was omitted: Almighty God, the Sovereign Disposer of events, it hath pleased Thee to protect and defend the Confederate States hitherto in their conflict with their enemies, and be unto them a shield. "With grateful thanks we recognize Thy hand, and acknowledge that not unto us, but unto Thee, belongeth the victory; and in humble dependence upon Thy Almighty strength, and trusting in the justness of our cause, we appeal to thee that it may please Thee to set at naught the efforts of all our enemies, and put them to confusion and shame. After this day the brigade continued its retreat on toward Pack's Ferry, but with a great deal of toil and difficulty, and finally encamped "O, Almighty God, we pray Thee that it here on the 24th of November. This encamp-may please Thee to grant us Thy blessing upon ment is near Peterstown, in the south edge of our arms, and give us victory over all our eneMonroe County, and it is expected that the bri- mies, wherever they may be. gade will winter near here. W. L. B. Dalton Guard, Phillips' Legion. Doc. 164. FAST DAY IN THE SOUTH. NOVEMBER 15, 1861, was observed by the rebels as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. The following is Jeff. Davis' proclamation: "Preserve our homes and altars from pollution, and secure to us the restoration of peace and prosperity; all of which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Blessed Lord and Saviour, to whom, with Thee, the Father and the Holy Spirit, we will give all the praise and glory in time and throughout all eternity. Amen and Amen.” -Atlanta Southern Confederacy, Nov. 9. |