HISTORY of the 5th West Virginia Calvary re: Huntersville

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  HISTORY of the 5th West Virginia Calvary re: Huntersville
  
  

   Page n126

  1). G. Smythe is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. He received a common school education, but by diligent study and research, he acquired a good knowledge of history and languages, that was of great value to him in after life. He adopted the theatrical profession and played engagements in all of the principal cities in this country, and was a mem¬ ber of the Pittsburgh Stock company at the breaking out of the war, and announced the fall of Sumpter to the audience when that event occur¬ red. 

  He at once began to procure enlistments for the army, and in con nection with Capt. Alex. Scott and Lieutenant John A. Hunter, recruited the Belmont Guards, Mr. Smythe being commissioned second lieutenant. He served with his company in the battles of Allegheny Mt., Huntersville, and Cross Keys, and in a number of skirmishes. 

  He was correspondent for the Pittsburgh Dispatch, writing under the nom de plume of “Horatio,” giving an accurate description of men and sur¬ roundings, which was very readable to the men, and highly appreciated by the proprietors of the paper. He resigned his commission at Mount lackson, Va., on account of ill health, brought on by exposure during the Huntersville raid. 

   Then he visited the southern country for the benefit of his health, and while at Natchez, Miss., was appointed United States Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, filling this posi¬ tion for three years. He is now a clerk in the transfer depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Pittsburgh, Pa.

• Page n163

  Arthur J. Weaver ranked among the bravest and best soldiers of our regiment. We are indebted to Sergeant G. A. Quimby of his company, for the following facts in regard to him: He resided in Parkersburg for two or more years before the war, his parents living in Frederick, Mel. 

  He was born in the south, place not known, in 1837. and was unmarried, lie seemed to have a presentiment from the time he enlisted, that he would be killed. He was often heard to say that should it be his lot to fall, he wanted the world to know that he freely gave his life for the best government in the world. 

  He was of a genial, cheerful disposition, and in camp freely mingled with the men, joining in their sports. On the march, he would cheer the men, and make their burdens as light as pos¬ sible, often helping to carry the guns of any who were worn out. lie was never absent from the company, or sick a day, during his service, and was on every march and in every engagement until his death, never complaining or finding fault with his condition. 

  On the Huntersville raid December, 1S61, in the severe cold, and heavy rain, with no shelter of any kind, he spread his blanket over his own and Quimby’s shoulders, on which a gum blanket was laid, and playfully said, ‘we will play horse and sleep standing,’ sharing all he had with his comrade. He was very fond of scouting, and in this way did some good work, and gained valuable information.

  Just before the Droop Mountain battle, the men were eating a meal, and he told them to eat heartily as they had hard G A. QUIMBY.

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  • During the stay of the regiment at Beverly, the chaplain was busy visiting the sick, burying the dead, and administering to the men; and the services were very laborious. At Elkwater frequent services were held, and of necessity all were out of doors. The regiment had no buildings until near the close of our stay there, when some small ones were erected for winter quarters, and during the stormy months there the open air was the only tabernacle. 

    One of these services will be remembered, held near the breastworks, when the chaplain used one ol the cannons for his desk, on which he laid his books. He preached with his usual spirit and fervor, and while the sermon was in progress a heavy snow storm swept down the valley. 'The chaplain was not in the least discomfited, but continued the services, the men remaining with him to the last. As they had not been in the habit of fleeing from the enemy, they refused to be driven back by the elements. When the exhausting and dangerous raid, beginning December 31, was made to Huntersville, the chaplain went along, and was in the front, exposed to the dangers of the trip, and deported himself with true soldierly bearing, setting a worthy example of bravery and cheerful endurance. 'The next three months, January to April, 1862, were passed on Cheat Mountain Summit. Here the chap¬ lain rendered a service that was of great value to the men. Very little preaching could be done, except in the company quarters, where occa¬ sionally the men were treated to a discourse of great power. 

    The most of the religious work was done in a quiet way in the organization of Bible classes in most of the companies, which were attended by many bright minds, and the discussions that followed the truths brought out, were of incalculable value to all who took part. Preaching out of doors was impossible. Snow storms, heavy drifts, furious winds, and a general warfare of the elements prevented service of that kind.

    'To attempt it was for the preacher to invite a tornado to catch his breath and fill Ids mouth with snow. But the debates, the sharp criticisms and the close study of the Bible laid the foundation for good and successful work afterward. On the 2 2(1 of February, when the anniversary of Washington’s birthday was celebrated, the elements harmonized with the occasion, and much and good oratory from Col. Moss and Surgeon Hazlett followed. The exercises of the day were appropriately opened by the chaplain, who devoutly invoked the Divine blessing.

  • Page n204

    Floyd and Wise. The predatory bands were called from their fastnesses in the mountains of Western Virginia, and reorgan¬ ized with large additions at Staunton and Lynchburg. Having fully com¬ pleted his arrangements, early in September Lee ordered the advance with 11,000 men. 

    Ashe approached Cheat Mountain he divided his forces into two columns, sending one along the Staunton pike to at¬ tack Col. Kimball, of the 14th Indiana, with his 300 men on the summit of the mountain, and leading the other in person by the Huntersville road toward Elkwater. 

    His object was to get to the left and rear of the latter post. Four companies of Indiana troops, however, held the whole force in check, and forced them to the rear and right of Cheat Mountain, completely hemming in the 300 who held the summit. 

    This event was sprung so suddenly and unexpectedly upon Reynolds’ outposts, that the only wonder is that they were not captured without firing a gun. But the word surrender was not in the vocabulary of the beleaguered Indiana boys, who stood firm to their posts and held the at¬ tacking troops completely at bay until relief came to them.

  • Page n210

     

    Mingo Flats, one at Huntersville and another at Lewisburg. To break up these camps, and capture or destroy their supplies was a desideratum, inasmuch as the inclement season was coming on, and it was important for us to render such posts untenable and thus put an end to enlistments.

  • Page n210

    On the 6th of October, Gen. Reynolds ordered out the 2nd Virginia, 3d Ohio, 6th Ohio, Baum’s battery and one battalion of cavalry, the colonel of the 3rd Ohio being placed in command. About 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the expedition left Elkwater.

     The heavy rains had ren¬ dered the narrow road almost impassable, and the mountain streams were swollen bank full; but the column moved forward, and when night fell on that wild and dreary region, they found themselves in a deserted rebel camp, where they remained without shelter, on the wet ground, until morning.

     It was a fearful night. The rain fell almost in torrents, seeming to ooze from the evergreens over our heads, and as the drops fell on the weary bodies of the soldiers, they cut like icicles, chilling one to the very heart. Any who could were glad to seek shelter under a pile of brush, or under the friendly protection of a fence or pile of stones. The next morning the command was out bright and early, ready for the day’s work. The line of march was taken up, and by noon we arrived at Mingo Flats, but the enemy had heard of the approach of the column, and hastened to Huntersville. 

    The cavalry was sent in pursuit and after following them a few miles, found the tents, wagons, guns, etc., of the confederates all in a pile burning, and their cartridge boxes strewed along the way, while several boxes of cartridges were soaking in a stream near by. This,' aside from the empty honor of having been bushwhacked, was the sum total of our whole work, and we prepared to return to cam]). 'The column started back, slept on the wet ground that night, and reached camp the next day, wading through the swollen streams more than a dozen times in the one morning.

  • Page n211

    On November 1 with a party of eighty men went from the Second, scouring the country in the direction of Huntersville, scaring away confederate recruiting officers and soldiers who were on furloughs to their homes.

     A few prisoners were captured and a large number of cattle brought into camp by them. The regiment had inspired such terror among the bushwackers that not so much of that warfare was indulged in. Though not a thousand strong, by their skill as marksmen .and their indomitable courage, the regiment had become a terror to all the enemy in the Cheat and Fdkwater section, and were masters of the whole region.

  • Page n215

    O11 December 31st a detachment of 400 men of the Twenty fifth Ohio, and 38 of Bracken’s cavalry front Huttonville, and 300 of the Second •Virginia, under command of Maj. Webster, of the Twenty-fifth, went to Huntersville to break up the force concentrating there. 

    Shortly after leaving Elkwater they were followed by the rest of the two regiments. It was a severe march, in the dead of winter, with the roads blockaded, amid drenching rain and sleet, making a distance of 102 miles in a little less than six days, penetrating the enemy’s country thirty miles further than any of our troops had before gone. The expedition was a very successful one, resulting in the complete dispersion of the enemy, who Maj. Webster believed, consisted of ^;co cavalry and several hundred of mounted militia, and two companies of infantry.

     The regular force was stated by Gen. E. Johnson, in command of the rebel troops at Monterey, to be 250. Our force in action consisted of about 700 men, which Gen. Johnson magnified into a force of from 4,000 to 5,000. The contest was a spirited one, but with very little loss on either side, one man of the Twenty-fifth Ohio being wounded, the loss of the enemy not being known. The men were eager for action and charged upon the rebel forces in the town with great impetuosity, driving everything be¬ fore them. 

    A large quantity of rebel stores was captured, estimated to be worth 830,000, all of which was destroyed by fire. In his report of the expedition, Maj. Webster specially mentions Maj. Owens, Capts. Plankv, Gibson and McNally, and Dieuts. West, kicker. Day, Hunter, Smyth, Huggins and Weaver, of the Second, for the prompt, efficient and gallant manner in which they performed their duty on the march and in action. Of the men, he says: “Too much praise cannot be awarded.

    They at all times cheerfully submitted to necessary discipline. For one hour and a-lialf in which they were engaged in driving the enemy from cover to cover, a distance of two miles, not a man flinched. ” Upon our return to camp, the word was passed that we would change our quarters to Cheat Mountain, and all was bustle and excitement over the matter.

  • Page n272

    On July 7th the Second Virginia went to Buckhannon, remaining in camp there until the 15th, when they marched to Beverly during the night, in a heavy rain. On the 17th, six companies of the regiment went on an expedition in the direction of Huntersville, but did not en¬ counter any of the enemy. Companies E and K went to Cheat Moun¬ tain Summit, D remained at Beverly and B at Buckhannon.

     The ex pedition returned to Beverly on the rSth, in a drenching rain, and the next day the regiment resumed their camp at Buckhannon,remainingthere until the 20th of August, when they joined the brigade at Huntersville on the 23d. On the 4th of August Company B went on a scout, and on the 6th Companies E and 1 were sent out, and other scouting parties were constantly keeping a close watch on the front, ready for the forays of the enemy. While here the time was mostly taken up in drilling, the men learning readily the duties required of them in their new arm of service.

  • Page n274

    aN THE 5th day of August the command moved to Capon Springs, and the next day to picturesque little Moorefield, clamering over the mountains to reach this'beautiful little valley. We had a lively bout with some rangers on the 5th, and on the night of the 6th they killed one and wounded four men of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania cavalry. On the 9th we marched to Petersburg, remaining there until the 10th. During our stay here we were annoyed a great deal by the bushwhackers, killing one of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania. The “Swamp Dragons,” a company of about fifty union natives, who operated in the mountains, were doing a good work, and were able to meet the guerillas on an equal footing, being more than a match for their foes. August 19th the line of march was resumed, reaching Frank¬ lin that day, burning the Saltpetre works, and capturing the men that were operating them. 

    The next day, we marched to Monterey, capturing a few prisoners. We reached Huntersville on the 22d, after a very dangerous and exciting march. We had considerable skirmishing, and our wagon train was attacked on the 21st, two of our men being wounded and several horses killed. 'The next day one of our command and two of the enemy were killed.

  • Page n274

    The brigade was joined at this place on the 23d by the Second Vir¬ ginia and Tenth Virginia and two pieces of Capt. Keeper’s battery. The Second Virginia left Buckhannon on the 20th of the month and made the march direct to Huntersville to join their command, meeting with the hidden enemy in the bushes and on the hillsides, not knowing what moment the last call should come to a brave comrade. 

    The march was a hard, dangerous and severe one, but on rejoining their brigade the gallant boys forgot their fatigue and were anxious to meet the enemy now massing in their front under Gen. W. L. Jackson. The command resumed the march on the 24th, reaching Warm Springs shortly after dark, a distance of twenty-five miles.

  • Page n277

    Upon the approach of daylight the battle was resumed, and General Averell tried his best to break the enemy’s line, but in vain. About 10:30 a. m. he discovered that the ammunition of both the battery and other troops was almost exhausted, and he reluctantly gave the order to with¬ draw, retiring in good order, traveling all day, that night, and the next day until 3 p. m., when we arrived at Huntersville, a distance of fifty miles. 

    It was a fearful march, without rest, and constantly harassed by the bushwhackers, who seemed to be in every wooded place, whence they sent into our columns the death dealing bullets. There was not the slightest opportunity to defend ourselves, and it was warfare that was devoid of the excitement of the battle field, hence the harder to bear. The same evening we marched to Marian’s Bottoms, where we rested for the night.

  • Page n280

    On the 20th, I proceeded up the South Branch to Monterey, over a rough road, the Eighth West Virginia and Gibson’s battalion joining the column on the march. A few guerrillas were captured on the road. At Monterey the quarterly court was found in session. Upon my arrival it was adjourned and the principal officials ar¬ rested. It was learned that Imboden had been there the day previous to hold a conference with Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, upon the subject of attacking me at Peters¬ burg. 

    The road to Huntersville was taken on the 2ist, as far as Gibson’s store, my advance, conducted by Lieut. Rumsey, aide-de-camp, driving about 300 of the enemy before it, during the march, to within five miles of Huntersville. Our casualties during the day were only four wounded and six horses killed and disabled, although constantly annoyed by shots from guerrillas who infested the bushes along the way.

     Learning, during the night of the 21st, that the enemy had assumed a position in a ravine, about three miles from Huntersville, which was difficult to carry on account of the precipitous character of the sides, I made a false advance on the 22d with Gib¬ son’s battalion, while the main body taking a by-road to the right, reached Huntersville without meeting resistance, rendering the position of the enemy useless to him, and causing him to retire in haste toward Warm Springs. Col. Oley, with the Eighth West Virginia and one squadron of the Third West Virginia, was sent after the re¬ treating enemy and overtook his rearguard at Camp Northwest, from whence it was driven several miles. 

    Camp Northwest was burned and destroyed, with commissary buildings and stores, blacksmith shops, several wagons, a number of Enfield rifles, gun equipments and a quantity of wheat and flour at a mill close by. A large num ber of canteens, stretchers, and hospital supplies fell into our hands.

  • Page n280

    The 23d was spent at Huntersville awaiting the arrival of the Second and Tenth West Virginia. The Tenth and a detachment of about 350 of the Second West Vir ginia and a section of Keeper’s battery arrived during the day from the direction of Beverly. The Second had 40 rounds of ammunition per man, with 1,000 rounds additional, which were transferred to the Third West Virginia.

     During the day a reconnoisance, under Lieut. Col. Polsley. Eighth West Virginia, was made toward Warm Springs. One lieutenant and five men of the enemy were captured, and 12 killed and wounded. Our loss was only five horses shot. On the 24th the march was resumed toward Warm Springs, through which Jackson and his forces were driven over the mountains east of that place toward Millborough. Our losses during the day were two men severely wounded, some slightly hurt and a few horses shot. Captured many arms, saddles, and other stores from the enemy. 

    The forces under Jackson having been driven out of Pocahontas county too soon to permit them to form a junction with any other bodies of the enemy, and the prospect of overtakng him being very small, I determined to turn my column toward Lewisburg, hoping that my move¬ ment up to the Warm Springs had led the enemy to believe that I was on my way to his depots in the vicinity of Staunton. 

    I relied also on some co-operation from the direction of Summerville. I therefore sent the Tenth West Virginia back to Hunters¬ ville, and on the 25th made a rapid march of 25 miles to Callaghan’s, in Allegheny county, destroying the saltpeter works on Jackson’s river, on my way. Arrived at Callaghan’s, rcconnoitering parties were sent to Covington and Sweet Springs. Some wagons of the enemy were captured near Covington, and the saltpeter works in that vicinity destroyed.

  • Page n282

    At 4 a. m. on the 26th my column was formed, enroute to White Sulphur Springs. The road crossed two mountain ranges before 10 miles had been traveled over. About 9:30 a. m., when about 12 miles from Callaghan’s, a message from Capt. Von Koenig was received by me at the head of the column, that the enemy were resisting his ad¬ vance, and desiring reinforcements. 

    A squadron of the Second was sent on at a trot, and a squadron of the Eighth ordered forward. A few minutes elapsed when the enemy’s cannon announced his purpose of disputing our farther progress and indicated his strength. I at once started the column forward at a rapid gait down through a narrow pass, which soon opened out into a little valley a mile long, inclosed on each side by rugged rocky heights, covered with a stunted growth of pine, oak and chest¬ nut trees. At the opening, the projectiles from the enemy’s cannon first struck the head of our column. 

    A jutting cliff on the right afforded protection for the horses of the Second and Eighth, and the dismounted men of the Second were at once ordered of the line that ammunition was falling short. The slackened firing of the enemy evidently indicated that his supply was not plentiful. The night came with no change in position, and no tidings from the west, whence Gen. Scamnion was expected. Dur¬ ing the night all the ammunition in the wagons was brought up and equitably dis¬ tributed, and every available man was brought to the front. It was quite evident to my mind that if the resistance of the enemy was kept up, I could go no farther in that direction. It was impossible to retire during the night without disorder, and perhaps disaster. 13v remaining until morning two chances remained with me, first, the enemy might retreat, and, second, Scammon might arrive. The morning showed us that both chances had failed, that the enemy had received ammunition, and that re-enlorcements were coming to him from the direction of Lewisburg. 1 he battle was renewed, but every arrangement made in rear for a prompt withdrawal. The ambulances loaded with wounded, the caissons, wagons, and long columns of horses were placed in proper order upon the road, details made for the attendance of the wounded, trees prepared to fall across the gorge when our artillery should have passed, and commanding officers received their instructions. The enemy s re-en¬ forcements arrived and attempted to turn my left about io a. m. At 10:30 o clock the order to retire was given, and in forty-five minutes from that time my column was moving off in good order, my rear guard at the barricades repulsing the enemy s ad¬ vance twice before it left the ground. Successive barricades were formed and my column reached Callaghan's about 5 p. m., where it was halted, fires built, and the men and horses given the first opportunity to eat for thirty-six hours. After dark the fires were left burning and the column took the road to Warm Springs. A scouting party of the enemy in front of us had left word with the citizens that Jackson was at Gatewood’s, with a strong force. This shallow attempt at deception did not deter us from marching to that point, where we arrived at daylight on the 28th. At 9 a. m. the march was resumed to Huntersville, without interruption, but with considerable annoyance from guerrillas.

     At evening we marched to Greenbrier Bridge, or Mar¬ lin’s Bottom, where Col. Harris, with the Tenth West Virginia was posted. 1 he ensuing day the command moved to Big Springs, where it was ascertained that a party of the enemy had entered the road before us for the purpose of blockading it. At 2 a. m., on the 30th, we were again en route, and at daylight came upon a blockade, half a mile long, made by felling large trees across the road. While delayed in cutting it out the animals were fed and a strong blockade made in rear. The com mand arrived at Beverly on August 31, having marched, since June 10, G36 miles, exclusive of the distance passed over by railroad, and of the marches made by de¬ tachments, which would increase the distance for the entire command to at least 1,000 miles. 

    This command has been mounted, equipped and drilled; marched over 600 miles through a rugged mountainous region, fighting the enemy almost daily, had one severe battle; destroyed the camps of the enemy; captured large amounts of sup¬ plies and 26G prisoners, in less than eighty days. The strength of the enemy op¬ posed to ine in the engagement at Rocky Gap was 2,500, as near as could be ascer¬ tained by observations and from the reports of prisoners, and also from statements of rebel officers. I did not have 1,300 men in the front the first day. * * * *

  • Page n282

    of cavalry, mounted infantry and artillery, was in motion from the direction of Moorefield. So far as I could ascertain, Gen. Averell was on a raid toward Staunton. He had driven Col. Jackson from Hightown and his camp near Huntersville, and the lat ter had fallen back to Gatewood’s on Back Creek, on the road from Huntersville to Warm Springs. I had a few days previously ridden over that road, Col. Jackson accompanying me part of the way, and from my own observations and his representa¬ tions, believed that he could detain the enemy on that road long enough to enable me to send a force to his assistance or place it in the rear of the enemy.

     I accordingly ordered the First Brigade of my command, Col. George S. Patton, commanding, to move by the Antony’s Creek road. I joined the brigade myself on that road on the 25th. On the morning of that day I received a dispatch irom Col. Jackson, dated at <j o’clock on the previous day, at Gatewood’s. lie informed me that he had driven back the enemy’s skirmishers to his old camp near Huntersville. The tenor of the dispatch induced me to believe that he could not only check the opposing force at Gatewood’s but could move up and join the First Brigade at the intersection of the Antony’s Creek road from Huntersville to Warm Springs.

     I dispatched him, inform¬ ing him of the movement of that brigade, directed him, if possible, to join it at the junction of the roads above mentioned. I have reason to believe that he never re¬ ceived my dispatch, and that it was intercepted by the enemy. While on the march on the 25th information was received, which I deemed reliable, that the enemy had not only driven Col. Jackson from Gatewood’s but had forced him beyond Warm Springs. Still remaining under the impression that the destination of the enemy was Staunton, the First Brigade was ordered to turn off from the Antony’s Creek road and take a shorter route to Warm Springs. 

    After 10 o’clock that night information was received which satisfied me that the enemy had abandoned the pursuit of Col. Jackson and that while the First Brigade was marching toward Warm Springs, Gen. Averell was advancing from Warm Springs to Callaghan’s. I immediately ordered Col. Patton to return on the Antony’s Creek road in the hope of intercepting the enemy on the road from the Warm to the White Sulphur Springs.

     By a night march our ad vance guard reached the intersection of the latter named road at the same instant that the head of Averell’s column debouched from the defile through the Allegheny Mountains on the road from Callaghan’s. Gen. Averell endeavored to force his way through, but the First Brigade was quickly placed in position when an engagement commenced, which, for five hours, was very warm and continued at intervals until dark. 

    That night the troops occupied the same position that they had taken in the morning. The enemy made two vigorous attacks the next morning which were hand¬ somely repulsed, when he abandoned his position and retreated towards Warm Springs. My cavalry and artillery were ordered in pursuit. For about ten or eleven miles the road passes through a narrow and thickly wooded defile. The enemy availed himself of the advantage offered to retard pursuit by felling trees across the road.

  • Page n286

    On the 1st of November, 1863, the order to march was again given, and the 2d, 3d and Sth Virginia Mounted Infantry, 14th Pa. Cavalry, Gibson’s battalion of cavalry, and batteries B and G, First Virginia Light Artillery, Capts. Keeper and Ewing, took up the line of march, arriving at Hnttonville that evening. Lieut. Col. Alex Scott was in command of our regiment. 

    The next day the troops crossed Cheat Mountain Summit, marching to the Greenbrier river, camping within a mile of camp Bartow. The following day we took the Huntersville road, passing through Green Bank, and camping at night at Dunmore, cap¬ turing some of the confederate pickets, and securing plenty of hay for our horses.

    On the 4th we marched through Huntersville, and chased Jackson’s cavalry, the Second being in the advance of the column. One squadron of the regiment was detached as the advance, under command of Lieut. A. J. Weaver, who captured two prisoners. The Third Vir ginia and Fourteenth Pa. cavalry were sent to head off Jackson’s cavalry, while the Second and Eighth Virginia, with one section of Ewing’s bat¬ tery, were ordered to march at once to Marlin’s Bottoms, six miles north of Huntersville on the Greenbrier river, where Jackson’s forces were supposed to be encamped.

    Arriving about dusk, it was found that Jackson had received intelligence of our approach, and availed himself of the privilege of leaving before our arrival, taking the road to Lewisbnrg, which he partially blockaded. We encamped here for the night. The hills were filled with bushwhackers, who made things lively for us. Lieut. Russell, who was on picket during the night at the camp just vacated by the enemy, destroyed a considerable quantity of small arms and accoutrements, and also burned their quarters, consisting of very com¬ fortable log houses. 

    The obstructions having been removed during the night, we were again in the saddle on the morning of the 5th, at daylight, and followed the Lewistown pike. Cannonading was soon heard in front, which started us into a brisk trot, which was kept up until we reached Mill Point, some ten miles from where we had en camped the night previous. 

    At this place we found the Third Virginia and Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in line of battle, with Jackson’s force confronting them, whose artillery was firing at our columns. Our whole force was soon on the ground. The Second was ordered to take a position in support of Keeper’s battery, when the enemy fell back and took a strong position on Droop mountain. Three men of our com¬ mand were wounded in the little fight. During the night Jackson was reinforced by Genl. Echols, with his force from Lewisburg. consisting of four regiments, two battalions and a battery, thus giving the con federates the advantage in numbers.

  • Page n290

    On the 1 st clay of November, I left Beverly with my command consisting of the Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. J. A. Moor; Tenth West Virginia Vol¬ unteer Infantry, Col. j. M. Harris; Second West Virginia Mounted Infantry, Lieut. Col. A. Scott; Third West Virginia Mounted Infantry, Lieut. Col. F. W. Thompson; Eighth West Virginia Mounted Infantry, Col. J. H. Oley; Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. J. N. Schoonmaker; Gibson’s Battalion, and Batteries, B. and G., First West Virginia Light Artillery, Capts. J. V. Keeper and C. T. Ewing. 

    The command moved on the Staunton pike to Greenbrier Bridge and thence by Camp Bartow and Green Bank to Huntersville, driving before them the enemy’s pickets, and capturing or dispersing the guerrilla bands which infest that part of the country. The com¬ mand reached Huntersville at noon of the 4th and it was there ascertained that Lieut. Col. Thompson, of Jackson’s command was at Marlin’s Bottom, with a force of about 600 men. I at once sent the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and Third West Vir¬ ginia Mounted Infantry on the direct road to Mill Point, to cut off Thompson’s retreat toward Lewisburg, and the Second and Eighth West Virginia Mounted Infantry and one section of Ewing’s battery to Marlin’s Bottom, to attack him at that place. 

    At 9 o’clock I received information from Col. Oley, Eighth West Virginia Mounted In¬ fantry, commanding detachment to Marlin’s Bottom that the enemy had retired toward Mill Point, blockading the road in their rear. A dispatch from Col. Schoon¬ maker, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, received about midnight, informed me that Thompson had effected a junction with the remainder of Jackson’s command, and that it was all in position in his front and threatening an attack. The infantry and Keeper’s and I hoped that by letting the enemy alone during the night, he might loiter on the route and be caught the next day between my command and the force expected from the Kanawha Valley. As we went down the mountain the following morning, we could see the smoke of several camp fires along the mountains to the eastward, show¬ ing that the enemy had been somewhat dispersed. On the 7th I moved rapidly for¬ ward over an excellent road toward Lewisburg. The Fourteenth, which was in ad¬ vance, reached that place at 2 p. m., and found Gen. Duffie with four regiments and one section of artillery already in possession of the town. He had reached it at to p. m., capturing a few stragglers and such material as the enemy had been unable to re¬ move in his flight. I learned that a small portion of the enemy’s main body had passed through Lewisburg in great disorder early on the morning of the 7th on their way to Dublin. I also learned that Gen. Lee had promised Brig. Gen. Echols ample re-enforcements at or near that point. I determined to move with my whole com¬ mand to that place, and accordingly set out on the morning of the Sth. After pro¬ ceeding a few miles a formidable blockade was encountered through which it was necessary to cut a passage. Gen. Duffie reported his command as unfit for further operations, as his infantry had but one day’s rations and was so exhausted as to be able to march only ten miles per day. My own infantry was encumbered with the prisoners, captured property and material. I, therefore, ordered Gen. Duffie to retire to Meadow 131uIf, and Col. Moor, with the Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and Keeper’s Battery to return to Beverly, taking with him all the prisoners and such of the wounded from the battle of Droop Mountain as could be transported. Col. Moor brought from Hillsborough fifty-five of our own and one rebel wounded. He left with those who were too badly wounded to bear transportation, Asst. Surgeon Blair, Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and supplied them with all the rations, hospital stores and medicines which could be spared. Ilis command reached Beverly on the 12th, bringing with it all the prisoners, property, etc., which had been captured up to the arrival of my command at Lewis¬ burg. With the cavalry, mounted infantry and Ewing’s battery of my command, I moved via White Sulphur Springs to near Callaghan’s, passing through the battle¬ ground of Rocky Gap on my way. 

    At White Sulphur I retook the wounded of my command who had been left after the battle of Rocky Gap in August last. At Cal¬ laghan's, on the morning of the 9th, I learned that Gen. Imboden, with from 900 to 1,500 men, was at Covington on his way to re-enforce Echols at Union. Not deeming his command of sufficient importance to delay my march, and knowing the impossi¬ bility of bringing him to a fight, I sent two squadrons of the Eighth West Virginia Mounted Infanti*)’, under Maj. Slack, to drive him away from my line of march. 

    This was accomplished after a sharp skirmish, in which Imboden was reported wounded, and one lieutenant and twenty men of his command were captured. From Callag¬ han’s I moved by Gatewood's up the Back Creek road to Franklin; the main body of the command moved through Monterey and joined me about eight miles beyond that place. 

    At Hightown I met Col. Thoburn, with a brigade of infantry and two pieces of artillery, whom I directed to return to Petersburg. My command reached Peters¬ burg on the 13th where it was supplied with rations and forage. 

    On the 17th I arrived at New Creek, bringing with me about 150 captured horses and 27 prisoners, exclusive 01 those which were sent from Lewisburg with Col. Moor. Several hundred cattle were captured on the march.

  • Page n307

    During the night attack five officers and 119 men were lost by being captured. It was thought that had the regiment in rear been advanced steadily forward, these cap¬ tures might have been mostly prevented, and we should not have been obliged to destroy our wagons and ambulances the following day. 

    The road over the Alleghe¬ nies led us to Antony’s Creek, between the White Sulphur Springs and Huntersville. A force of the enemy was reported at Gatewood’s, which is twelve miles cast of Hunt¬ ersville. My command was yet thirty miles from that point. 

     If I could cross the Greenbrier and reach Marlin’s Bottom before the enemy, my command would be safe. By a very obscure road the Greenbrier was reached and crossed on the 2is(, opposite Hillsboro, and we encamped for (he night at the northern base of Droop Mountain. My scouts thrown out kept me informed of the enemy’s movements and positions.

  • Page n319

    'The nature of the service was necessarily hazardous, severe and ex hausting, testing the courage of the bravest. They were required most of the time to be dressed in confederate uniforms, thus exposed to all the risks and dangers of spies, and were expected to be ready to go at any hour, day or night, when the commander of the forces ordered. 

    Sometimes the order came to go in pairs to visit hostile camps, learn all they could of their number and location, and run the risk of being shot as spies. being dressed as confederates, they would pass as good southern men, and many a letter was given them by mothers and daughters to carry to Tee’s command, from which they frequently obtained very valu able information ; yet in the very midst of the enemy’s country they would often meet strong, faithful union men and women, to whom the general sent them for information. They kept the scouts posted in regard to all movements of the enemy, and were valuable aids to the union cause and true friends to the scouts. 

    Huntersville, Franklin, Monterey and other points between the lines, were the places to which the scouts were frequently sent, and it was no uncommon thing to make long trips through the mountains, requiring the greatest care, and when near the place desired to be reached, a caution was needed that exerted to the utmost the ingenuity and care of the brave men. Under cover of night, when possible, or, at times, in broad daylight, they would slip through the picket lines of the enemy, conceal themselves on the moun tain side or in the dense laurel bushes, and there watch the camp, count their tents, and note all points of information of the enemy’s movements. 

    Then they would, as quietly as they came, steal back through the picket lines, and if no accident overtook them, they generally made the trip in three or four days; but it was nothing uncommon to meet resistance and have a brisk fight with the confederates. It was a brave and superior force, however, that could stand before them, as they were superbly armed and knew well how to use their arms.

  • Page n335

    When Gen. Avcrell’s command reached Huntersville, on the return from the Salem raid, it became necessary to send out some of the scouts to mislead 1 mboden’s forces, who were trying to cut our brigade off on the retreat to Beverly.. Rob’t Gaddis, Will Shirley and Geo. Mooney were selected for the dangerous work. 

    Their instructions were to start up the valley, ride all night, and scatter the news far and wide that they were Echols’ men sent to Imbodcn to tell him that Avcrell was coming up the valley, and to be prepared to intercept him, while Echols would press Avercll closely. Having done this, the scouts were to take* the nearest route to Beverly. 

    The three brave men started on their mission after dark, rode all night and the next day until noon without any serious trouble. Occasionally they met citizens to whom they told their story. About noon they ran into a confederate lieutenant and sixty men, who hailed the scouts and asked them to what command they belonged, while the scouts also questioned them. The three men said they belonged to Echols’ command, and told the same old story. 

    The lieutenant said that they were there on the lookout for Avercll, as they did not know exactly which road to expect him, and when told that he was coming up the valley, they were jubilant, and made the scouts take dinner with them. They fed their horses, put a shoe on Shirley’s horse and were pleasant and kind. Gaddis and comrades accepted the situa¬ tion and made the best of it, and when ready to start, the lieut enant sent a man with them to lead them to Imboden’s camp. 

    The guide took them past the road that led to Beverly, but when he departed they hastily rode back to the right road, put spurs to their horses and dashed toward Beverly. 

    They were now in a section in which they had frequently scouted and knew the road well. They had gone but a short distance when they met a boy on horseback who was going to the mill. One of the scouts said he knew the boy and expressed a fear that he would be recognized, but they pulled their hats over their faces and rode past very fast, went on some distance and came to a house. 

    'They dismounted, fed their horses and went into the house, where there were a man and woman. Mooney was uneasy and restless, and the man acted as if suspicious, but the wife prepared them a meal. Mooney objected to staying and kept going to the door frequently, on the lookout.

     The woman had just got the meal ready, and the scouts were in the act of sitting down, when Mooney appeared with a look on his face that they well understood, when they rushed to their horses, mounted and were away on the run. Looking back they saw coming the lieutenant and his men, who had entertained them at dinner. Now came the race for life. They were about 23 miles from Greenbrier.