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This 'skirmish' in 1861, was where Captain John Quincy Marr(CSA)--the first CSA officer was killed--
JUNE 1, 1861.- Skirmish at Fairfax Court-House, Va.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT N. E. VIRGINIA,
Arlington, June 1, 1861-12 m.
SIR: The following feats have just been reported, to me by the orderly sergeant of Company B, Second Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Tompkins, the commanding officer being too unwell to report in person. It appears that Company B, Second Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Tompkins (aggregate about 75) left its camp about 10 1\2 last night on a scout, and reached Fairfaw Court-House about 3 a. m., where they found several hundred men stationed- Captain Ewell, late of the U. S. Dragoons, said to be in command. A skirmish took place, in which a number of the enemy were killed; how many the sergeant does not know. Many bodies were seen on the ground, and several were taken into the court-house and seen there by one of our cavalry, who was a prisoner in the court-house of a short time, and afterwards made his escape.
Five prisoners were captured by our troops. Their names are as follows, viz:
* * * *
Having no good means of keeping the prisoners here, they are sent to general headquarters for further disposition. As soon as Lieutenant Tompkins recovers, a less hurried report than this will be submitted by Colonel Hunter, commanding brigade.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IRVIN McDOWELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieutenant Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,
Asst. Adjt. General Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington.
Numbers 2. Report of Lieutenant Charles H. Tompkins, Second U. S. Cavalry.
CAMP UNION, VA., June 1, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor the report, pursuant to verbal instructions received from the colonel commanding, that I left this camp on the evening of the 31st May in command of a detachment of Company B. Second Cavalry, consisting of fifty men, with Second Lieutenant David S. Gordon, consisting of fifty men, with Second Lieutenant David S. Gordon, Second Dragoons, temporarily attached for the purpose of reconnoitering the country in the vicinity of Fairfax Court-House. Upon approaching the town the picket guard was surprised and captured. Several documents were found on their persons, which I herewith inclose. On entering the town of Fairfax my command was fired upon by the rebel troops from the windows and house-tops. Charged on a company of mounted rifles, and succeeded, in driving them from the town. Immediately two or three additional companies came up to their relief, who immediately commenced firing upon us, which fire I again returned. Perceiving that I was largely outnumbered, I deemed it advisable to retreat, which I did in good order, taking five prisoners, fully armed and equipped, and two horses. Nine horses were lost during the engagement and four wounded. The forces actually engaged at the commencement of the engagement were two companies of cavalry and one rifle company, but re-enforcements coming in from camps adjacent to the court-house, which I have from reliable authority, increased their force to upwards of 1,000 men. Twenty-five of the enemy were killed and wounded. Captains Cary, Fearing and Adjutant Frank, of the Fifth N. Y. S. M., accompanied the command as volunteers, and did very effective service. I regret to state that Captain Cary was wounded in the foot.
Lieutenant D. S. Gordon, of the Second Dragoons, temporarily attached to Company B, Second Cavalry, accompanied me, and rendered me valuable services. The prisoners, horses, arms, and equipments taken have been this day turned over to the proper authority.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES H. TOMPKINS,
First Lieutenant, Second Cavalry, Commanding Company B.
Colonel D. HUNTER, Third Cavalry, Commanding Brigade.
Numbers 3. General McDowell's indorsement on Lieutenant Tompkin's report.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT N. E. VIRGINIA,
Arlington, June 7, 1861.
Colonel D. HUNTER,
Third United States Cavalry, commanding Brigade:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that Lieutenant tompkins' report of the affair at Fairfax Court-House on the night of the 30th ultimo has been forwarded to their headquarters of the Army indorsed as follows:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT N. E. VIRGINIA,
Arlington, June 5, 1861.
Lieutenant Tompkins behaved most gallantry in the spirited encounter in which he enslaved himself. He had two horses shot under him and is now temporarily disabled form a contused foot, caused by one of the horses which was shot falling on him.
The skirmish has given considerable prestige to our regular cavalry in the eyes of our people and of the volunteer regiments, but the lieutenant acted without authority, and went further than he knew he was desired or expected to go, and frustrated unintentionally, for the time, a more important movement. He has been so informed by me, verbally; and whilst in the future he will not be less gallant, he will be more circumspect.
Respectfully forwarded to the headquarters of the Army:
IRVIN McDOWELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
I am further directed to say that the General-in-Chief has fully concurred in the opinion of the general commanding the department.
It is perceived that Lieutenant Tompkins' first report in this case has been given to the public through columns of the New York Tribune. I am directed to ask you to give such instructions that this may not become a practice. Official reports and papers of this nature are not to be considered within the control of those who make them, but of house to whom they are made.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
------
Numbers 4. Reports of Brigadier General M. L. Bonham, C. S. Army.
MANASSAS JUNCTION, VA., June 1, 1861.
Captain Marr was killed; Colonel Ewell wounded in the shoulder, and one private badly in the right breast. The delay in this work makes me hesitate as to sending forward the main body of our troops at once to Ewell's line. I shall strengthen him to-night. I inclose you, for what it is worth, the following dispatch:
General BONHAM:
Within five days the troops of Fairfax, Centerville, and Manassas are to be attacked. The principal attack at Manassas. This by authority of one who does not which his names as giving information. Mr.--- reports no troops this side of Falls Church. He met the retiring cavalry, much cut up. Fifteen led horses. One dead man and another badly wounded were in a wagon. Many wounded men and horses.
R. S. EWELL.
I have one prisoner on this side of the river the Second Cavalry (Companies -, B, E, I, and G) and several batteries of artillery. Arm our cavalry with shot-guns or muskets, if nothing else can be had.
M. L. BONHAM.
General LEE.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ALEXANDRIA,
Camp Pickens, Va., June 2, 1861.
SIR: The reports of the attack on Fairfax Court-House by the enemy's cavalry, on the 1st instant, from Colonels Ewell and Gregg,* already transmitted, should have been a companies by this report, but a pressure of urgent business has hitherto prevented my sending it forward. Accompanying this is a fuller report from Colonel Ewell. Having taken and advanced position at Centreville, with Gregg's regiment of infantry, and at Bull Run with Kershaw's regiment, I had directed Colonel Ewell, commanding the cavalry of this department, with one company of light infantry (Captain Marr), and two companies of cavalry (Captains Thornton and Green), to take position at Germantown, or at Fairfax Court-House, one and a half miles in advance of Germantown whichever he might deem best, upon examining the positions. I had also ordered Captains, Cabell and Ball, whit their troops of cavalry, to report to Colonel Ewell the evening preceding the attack; but unavoidable circumstances prevented their reaching the place that evening. The reports of Colonel Ewell being full, I do not deem it necessary to add a great deal to what he has said. Unfortunately the two companies of cavalry were poorly armed, which prevented their taking so active a parts as they would, doubtless, otherwise have done.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ewell was wounded in the shoulder. Not only on this occasion, in the face of the enemy, but at all other times he has exhibited promptness, energy, and gallantry in the discharge of his duties. Captain Marr fell early in the action, deeply lamented by all who knew him. His loss to the service will be sensibly felt. His corps of light infantry (the Warrenton Rifles) bore themselves like veterans, twice repulsing the enemy, and finally compelling them to fly across the fields, after fruitless efforts to return through the village by the streets through which they had entered. By Colonel Ewell and others present the bearing and usefulness of Ex-Governor Smith on the occasion are spoken of in the highest terms.
Killed, Captain Marr; wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel Ewell; missing (taken prisoners), five. One of the enemy known to have been killed; wounded, not known-several reported; prisoners, three, each of whom I saw and examined.
The enemy was eighty to eighty-five strong, well armed, and commanded by Lieutenant Tompkins, Second U. S. Cavalry.
I again respectfully urge the thorough arming of Green's Thorton's, and Powells troops of cavalry with double-barreled shot-guns, musketoons, or lances and pistols.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. L. BONHAM,
Brigadier General, C. S. A., Commanding First Brigade,
Dept. of Alexandria.
Colonel R. S. GARNETT, Adjutant-General Virginia Forces.
Numbers 5. Reports of Lieutenant Colonel R. S. Ewell, C. S. Army.
FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, VA., June 1, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: Between 3 and 4 o'clock this morning the pickets on the Little Falls Church road gave an alarm, stating that the cavalry of the enemy had captured our advance pickets, and were rapidly approaching the town. This was immediately followed by the appearance of the enemy, and here rapid firing took place. They did not stop, but passed through towards Germantown. I found Captain Marr's company of Rifles (receiving valuable aid from his excellency Ex-Governor Smith), and took a position on the road by which the enemy had road by which the enemy had gone towards Germantown. In a few minutes the enemy returned, and firing took place on both sides, and the enemy fell back. Having reformed, the enemy again advanced, and more firing took place on both sides. They again retreated, and made their way thorough the fields, by pulling down the fences. Captain Harrison has been sent with this company, to intercept them, and Captain Wickham has been sent on their trail. Some prisoners and some horses have been taken; what number I do not know. Also several carbines and pistols have been picked up in the road. Captain Marr, of the Warrenton Rifles, had been found dead near his company's quarters, having been shot by a detachment of the enemy. I received a flesh wound in the shoulder form a bullet. Dr. Gunnell says that it will keep me from taking the saddle for several days. This is the result as far as known. I am having the roads patrolled. A United States saddle has just been brought in to me. The enemy were driven back twice by the Warrenton Rifles, who did good service.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. EWELL,
Lieutenant-Colonel.
Colonel THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.- A report has just been made me that two of the enemy have been dead on their trail.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
Skirmish at Hanging Rock near Salem, Virginia in June of 1864 when Hunter was being chased out of Virginia after his assault of Lexington, Virginia. Today there is a stone with a brass plaque on it by Route 311 in Salem.
__________________ I've seen these sweat soaked heroes fight, in superheated air,to keep their ship alive and right, though no one knows they're there. And thus they'll fight for ages on, till warships sail no more,amid the boilers mighty heat and turbines hellish roar. So when you see a ship pull out, to meet a warlike foe, remember faintly if you can "the men who sail below"
~ excerpted from "The Men Who sail below", Author unknown.
Last edited by memphis : 05-05-2008 at 07:50 AM.
Reason: addition
The Battle of Cloyd's Mountain in Southwest Virginia was one of the fiercest of the War, yet has been largely forgotten, due mainly to it being overshadowed by the battle at The Wilderness. The toll of dead and wounded was VERY high for such a small battle. The fight evolved into hand-to-hand combat and the Confederate commander Gen. Albert Jenkins was mortally wounded there. The Confederate forces were composed of various units, including even some Home Guard.
Do a little research on this fight, and you'll be surprised. It was quite the little scrap!
Regards,
John W.
__________________ Ancestors in CSA Army: 51st VA, 54th VA, 45th VA, 50th VA, 24th VA
The Battle of Cloyd's Mountain in Southwest Virginia was one of the fiercest of the War, yet has been largely forgotten, due mainly to it being overshadowed by the battle at The Wilderness. The toll of dead and wounded was VERY high for such a small battle. The fight evolved into hand-to-hand combat and the Confederate commander Gen. Albert Jenkins was mortally wounded there. The Confederate forces were composed of various units, including even some Home Guard.
Do a little research on this fight, and you'll be surprised. It was quite the little scrap!
Regards,
John W.
Many thanks, John W. It was in this exact spirit that the thread was opened.
ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
I thought I would share "Cloyd's Mountain" information, from the official reports, just in case Internet browsers are prone to 'hiccup'--
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XII/1 [S# 15]
MAY 10, 1862.-- Action at Giles Court-House, W. Va.
No. 1.--Report of Brig. Gen. Henry Herb, C. S. Army, commanding Army of New River, Virginia. (Should read Henry Heth)
[Excerpt] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NEW RIVER.
Giles Court-House, Va., May 16, 1862.
The Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Peters commanding, stationed at The Narrows of New River, in Giles County, was directed to retire from its position at that point on April 30 by Colonel Jenifer, for reasons which he gives in the inclosed document, marked A.(*)This regiment fell back as far as the base of Cloyd's Mountain, 10 miles from Dublin Depot, Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. When this occurred I was at the White Sulpher Springs, preparing to withdraw the forces on the James River and Kanawha turnpike to some point at or near the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, which was rendered necessary in consequence of the abandonment of the Virginia Central Railroad by the withdrawal of all the rolling stock on that road west of Staunton, thus cutting off my source of supplies. At that time I did not know whether my force on the James River and Kanawha turnpike could render better service by re-enforcing General Jackson or strengthening the force defending the approaches to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. I wrote and telegraphed General Lee on this subject. On receiving his telegram of the 5th instant I proceeded with all dispatch to strengthen my force covering the approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Dublin Depot. As soon as the forces were united I determined to attack the enemy at Giles Court-House and try and retake The Narrows of New River.
On the night of the 9th instant orders were issued to this effect: I divided the command into two brigades and a reserve, the first consisting of the Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Peters), Otey's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Jenifer, and the second composed of the Twenty-second-Virginia Regiment (Colonel Patton), Chapman's battery, and one company of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel McCausland, the reserve consisting of fragments of three companies and two mountain howitzers, under Captain Vawter.
We marched at 10 p.m., and discovered the enemy's mounted pickets about 2½ miles from the Court-House. The pickets were driven in and hotly pursued. On reaching a point within 1 mile of Giles Court-House we found the enemy occupying a ridge running from the main road to the mountain (a strong position), sheltered by a fence.Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, as previously ordered, deployed their commands, the first to the right of the main approach to the Court-House and the second to the left. This was done in handsome style. The battle then commenced by Otey's, Chapman's, and Lowry's artillery opening upon the enemy, the infantry steadily advancing under a line of skirmishers. When within a few hundred yards of the enemy's position, with a determined shout, the force simultaneously charged, driving the enemy before them. The enemy retreated beyond the town of Pearisburg (Giles Court-House), when he made a second stand, but was soon dislodged.e disputed with us a series of hills in rear of Giles Court-House, but was driven from hill to hill until his retreat became a rout. On reaching The Narrows of New River, the great point to be gained, he made his last stand. I ordered two pieces of artillery, under Major King, chief of ordnance, supported by a company of infantry, to cross New River and occupy a commanding position on the right bank. As soon as our artillery-opened, which was admirably served (the enemy losing 4 men by the explosion of a single shell from a mountain howitzer), he retreated, leaving in our possession the key to his approach to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad by way of Giles Court-House.
The force under my command was composed chiefly of the recent levies; they, as all others, acted like veterans. I never witnessed better or more determined fighting. It is with some hesitation, where all did so well, that I mention names. To Colonels Jenifer and McCausland, commanding brigades, my special thanks are due, and they deserve the approbation of the department. The gallant Colonel Patton fell while leading his regiment and carrying the last and probably most determined stand made by the, enemy. I take pleasure in saying his wound is not serious. Lieutenant-Colonel Peters (commanding Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment) displayed much coolness and gallantry, leading his men in the thickest of the fight. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzhugh (Eighth Virginia Cavalry) also displayed great coolness and bravery during the engagement. I recommend Colonel Patton (Twenty-second Virginia Regiment) and Lieutenant-Colonels Peters (Forty-fifth Virginia Regiment) and Fitzhugh (Eighth Virginia Cavalry) to your notice.
Captains Otey, Chapman, and Lowry, commanding batteries, all behaved well and did excellent service. The mountain howitzer is found to be exceedingly useful.
o Lieutenant King (elected major of the artillery battalion) I take this occasion of returning my thanks for the energy displayed by him in procuring artillery for my command and for the excellent service performed by him in driving the enemy from The Narrows.
My command was much exhausted when it went into the engagement, a portion of it having lost three nights' sleep. The enemy was pursued 6 or 7 miles, and this at a ran. Our loss was, providentially, small, only 2 killed and 4 wounded. That of the enemy is known to have been comparatively very large, but not accurately ascertained? from the fact that they succeeded in carrying off most of their dead and wounded by the assistance of their cavalry. From the best information I can obtain their loss amounted to about 20 killed and 50 wounded. We captured a considerable amount of quartermaster's and subsistence stores, including a number of horses and a few prisoners
I respectfully refer you to the reports of the colonels commanding brigades for additional details.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. HETH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
I thought I would add what I have on the skirmish at "Hanging Rock," just in case the Internet browser hiccups like mine did.
WINCHESTER, October 31, 1861.
General COOPER:
Referring to my letter of the 28th instant you will perceive that personal considerations should restrain me from undertaking to give you a detailed account of the affair at Romney on the 26th instant. Duty, however, compels me to report the present condition of my command. The companies of Captains Jordan, Myers, and Harper have been ordered to post themselves at Cacapon Bridge, 23 miles east of Romney. The companies of Captains Bowen, Sheetz, and Shands have been ordered to post themselves at the Hanging Rock Pass, 16 miles east of Romney, on the Northwestern turnpike. This division of the mounted force of my command has been made owing to the impossibility of obtaining quarters for all of them at any one point.
he artillery sent me has been received, but neither ammunition nor harness accompanied it.
I have delayed in Winchester thus long in order that I might have the better opportunity of again supplying my command with the equipments, arms, ammunition, baggage, &c., now so much needed by them. I shall leave to-morrow for the Hanging Rock Pass above mentioned.
I herewith inclose you a copy of a letter received by me from a reliable source, together with the indorsement upon it.(*)
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ANGUS W. McDONALD,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade, C. S. Army.
-----------
HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
Winchester, Va., November 7, 1861.
Maj. THOMAS G. RHETT,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac :
MAJOR: I arrived here on the night of the same day that I was relieved from duty at Centreville.
Finding that General Kelley's forces in Romney, a distance of 42 miles, were about 4,000, and that an advance on this place was threatened, I repeated the call previously made by General Carson for the militia in his brigade and in those of Generals Meem and Boggs. The troops are to rendezvous at this' place. But as General Carson's brigade and that of General Meem are to a greater or less degree in service, and as General Boggs' command includes the South Branch region, occupied by the enemy, not many men will probably respond to the call. The militia actually in the field number 1,461, stationed as follows: At Winchester, 442; at Lockhart's, distant 12 miles from here on the Northwestern turnpike, 155; at Cacapon Bridge, about 28 miles on the same road, 304; at Hammock's Gap, 12 miles this side of Romney, 160 at Martinsburg, 200; at Charlestown, 100; at Front Royal, in Warren County, distant 23 miles, 50; at Strasburg, distant 18 miles, 25; and at Mount Jackson, distant 42 miles, 25. In addition to the foregoing there are 130 mounted militia: At Winchester, 25; at Martinsburg, 75, and at Charlestown, 30. As Colonel McDonald reports direct to Richmond, and is not, from what I can learn, under my command, his forces are not included in the preceding statement ; but they amount to 485, stationed as follows: <ar5_943>
Along the Northwestern turnpike, between Cacapon Bridge and Hanging Rock, 285, and at Flowing Spring, 2 miles below Charlestown, on the railroad, 200. omitted to mention Captain Henderson's cavalry, at Duffield's Depot, about 8 miles above Harper's Ferry, numbering 60 men, which makes the mounted force 190, thus giving an aggregate of 1,651 under my command.
The enemy are, as reported, about 1,800 strong at Williamsport and near 800 opposite Shepherdstown. General Kelley's command, at and near Romney, number about 4,000.
An official report received states that an advance of near 300 came as far as Blue's, 15 miles this side of Romney, but were repulsed by part of Colonel McDonald's regiment, under Captain Sheetz.
I am now informed officially that if the enemy are not speedily driven from the South Branch, our people, who have heretofore been loyal, may yield and take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
So soon as I can get a report of the ammunition distributed I will forward an ordnance report. There is very little ammunition on hand.
The day after arriving here I sent Lieutenant.Colonel Preston to see the Secretary of War, and wrote a letter urging that the troops on the Cheat Mountain route be ordered here, and also those on the Valley Mountain route, if practicable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. J. JACKSON,
Major-General, P. A. C. S., Commanding Valley District
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
[Additional to Hanging Rock Pass]
HEADQUARTERS, Cumberland, Md., January 17, 1862.
GENERAL: I herewith inclose you Colonel Dunning's report of the expedition to Blue's Gap on the 8th [7th] instant.
I am happy to say that the expedition was an entire success. The <ar5_404>effect was, as I intended, to divert the attention of General Jackson from Hancock, he supposing that I was moving on Winchester with my whole force, and therefore beat a precipitous retreat from Hancock and fell back on Winchester.
I am happy to say that the troops under my late command evinced on that occasion the same energy and gallantry that have characterized them ever since they have been under my command.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. F. KELLEY,
Brigadier-General.
General L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General General U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 5 [S# 5]
NOVEMBER 4, 1861-FEBRUARY 21, 1862.--Operations in the Valley District, Virginia, and West Virginia.
No. 7. -- Report of Col. Samuel H. Dunning, Fifth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish at Hanging Rock Pass, W. Va.
ROMNEY, VA., January 9, 1862.
GENERAL: In obedience to your orders by telegraph, received at these headquarters January 7 [6], directing me to make a detail of six companies from each of the following regiments: Fifth Ohio, Fourth Ohio, Seventh Ohio, First West Virginia, Fourteenth Indiana, and, by special request of Colonel Carroll, six companies of the Eighth Ohio, with one section of Baker's Parrott guns, Daum's battery, the Ringgold Cavalry, the Washington Cavalry, and three companies of the First West Virginia Cavalry. Owing to sickness and large numbers on picket duty, the response was small, and the whole force did not exceed 2,000 men.
The command assembled about 11 p.m., and by 12.30 o'clock the column was in motion for its destination at Blue's Gap. The fall of snow, with the disagreeable and cold night, rendered it difficult for the troops to march, but by 7 o'clock in the morning we reached a hill within about a mile of the gap. On this hill the Parrott guns were planted, and from it the enemy could be seen preparing to fire the bridge. I then ordered the Fifth Ohio to advance by double-quick. The order was responded to by a shout, and in a few minutes the advance of the regiment was on a bluff near the bridge, and with a few shots compelled the rebel forces to retire from the bridge to the gap. The column was then ordered to advance rapidly on and over the bridge, and the Fifth Ohio was deployed up the mountain to the left and the Fourth Ohio to the right.
A sharp action then ensued, first on the left of the gap and then on the right. Our forces pressed on, driving the enemy from the rocks and trees, behind which they had taken position, and to the top of the mountain to the left they were found in rifle-pits. charge was ordered, but before bayonets could be fixed the rebels had left their pits and were fleeing down the mountain in haste to the back of the gap. At this time the remaining detachments of infantry pressed through the gap, and the victory was complete. The cavalry was then ordered to charge, which was done promptly, but the enemy had by this time scattered in the mountain, rendering the charge of little avail.
he enemy left behind them two pieces of artillery (6-pounders, one a rifled gun), their caisson, ammunition, wagons, and ten horses; also their tents, camp equipage, provisions, and correspondence. Seven <ar5_405>prisoners were taken and 7 dead bodies were found on the field. Not one of my men were either killed or wounded.
I take pleasure in stating to you that our officers and men seemed to vie with each other in the promptness with which they obeyed orders, and all advanced with the bravery of veteran soldiers.
I desire to return my sincere thanks to Lieut. C. W. Smith, acting adjutant Fifth Ohio, and Adjutant Green, of the Fourth Ohio, for the assistance rendered me on the occasion; also to Lieut. William B. Kelley and Assistant Adjutant-General General Hawkes, of General Kelley's staff, for the efficient manner in which they discharged their duties as volunteer aids in this enterprise.
Finding the mill and hotel in the gap were used for soldiers' quarters, I ordered them to be burned, which was done; but I am sorry to say that some straggling soldiers burned other unoccupied houses on their return march.
The force of the rebels was stated by negroes and citizens at from 800 to 1,000, but their papers show that rations were drawn for 1,800 men.
We marched to the gap, fought the battle, and returned to camp within 15 hours, bringing with us prisoners, cannon, and other captured articles.
Respectfully submitted.
S. H. DUNNING,
Colonel Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Post of Romney.
Brigadier-General KELLEY.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf
My gr-gr-grandfather was with the 45th Virginia at Cloyd's Mountain, just a few miles from his home. Is it any wonder that the 45th fought so fiercely? The enemy was truly at their doorstep.
Regards,
John W.
__________________ Ancestors in CSA Army: 51st VA, 54th VA, 45th VA, 50th VA, 24th VA
Ancestors in CSA Cav: 21st VA, 25th VA
Last edited by JohnW in E.TN : 04-30-2008 at 06:48 PM.
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