Today in History:

250 Series I Volume V- Serial 5 - West Virginia

Page 250 Chapter XIV. OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA.

OCTOBER 19-NOVEMBER 16, 1861.-Operations in the Kanawha and New River Region, West Virginia.

SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.

October 19-21, 1861.-Skirmishes on New River.

23, 1861.-Skirmish at Gauley.

November 1-3, 1861.-Skirmishes near Gauley Bridge.

6-15, 1861.-Operations at Townsend's Ferry, New River.

10-11, 1861.-Skirmishes at Blake's Farm, Cotton Hill.

12, 1861.-Skirmish on Laurel Creek, Cotton Hill.

14, 1861.-Skirmishes near McCoy's Mill.

REPORTS, ETC.


Numbers 1.-Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, with dispatches.


Numbers 2.-Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, of skirmishes at Blake's Farm.


Numbers 3.-maj. Samuel W. Crawford, Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, of operations at Townsend's Ferry.


Numbers 4.-Brigadier General Henry W. Benham, U. S. Army, of operations from November 11-16.


Numbers 5.-Colonel Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish on Laurel Creek.


Numbers 6.-Colonel William S. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, of skirmishes on Laurel Creek and near McCoy's Mill.


Numbers 7.-Brigadier General John B. Floyed, C. S. Army.


Numbers 1. Reports of Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, with dispatches.

CAMP GAULEY, VA., November 11, 1861.

Since last night rebels have fallen back to within 3 miles of Fayette. The river too high to cross our force at they ferry above. Their position regarded as impracticable, but which we are prepared to use. Three men attempting to escape from that side of the river came down to cross to our side. Two crossed, and our concealed guard foolishly sprang out, took prisoners, alarming the other, on whom they fired, and he ran away. The enemy was discovered breaking his camp about 8 o'clock, taking position within 2 or 3 miles of the ferry crossing. At which General Schenck nevertheless in unwilling to advance. Benham will occupy position ion their front and flank to-morrow morning, reconnoiter, and engage them. If they stand,i think General Schenck will cross over in their rear and we will bag them.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Brigadier-General.

Major General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN.

CAMP GAULEY, November 15, 1861.

Confirming news of my Numbers 8* I report that General Benham pursued rebels 15 miles beyond Fayette; overtook a rear guard of infantry and cavalry; skirmished with them, and having no train or provision to enable him to go farther, desisted from pursuit and is returning to Fayette.

Floyd's forces reported to have been eight regiments and 700 cavalry. They left considerable camp equipage, ammunition, and knapsacks.

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* Not found.

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Page 250 Chapter XIV. OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA.