post September 28, 1861

While such facts were only Conjectured at
that time, since it has been ascertained from
Rosencranz himself that had this plan
been executed his army sd. have succumbed
almost without a blow. Five thousand
in front & 5000 in rear, an upper &
nether Mill-stone w could not have failed
of bagging the entire Yankee crew & inflicting
a staggering blow upon the great Yankee
nation. In that Country scarcely for miles
deprived of the mighty forests which have
been flourishing for Centuries, it is near to
impossible to bring into action at any
one time or place more than one or two
thousand men. Our forces thus divided
would have proved amply sufficient to
cope with twice the force opposed to us for
the moral effect of such a movement
we. have been equivalent to defeat to them,
especially since they thought we had at
least twice our actual force. the failure
to take advantage of this opportunity; I con-
sider the greatest blunder in our Western
Campaign, but with a man in com-
mand who apparently is incapable of
seeing more than 200 yes. in front of
his fortifications; such things to say the
least are not unexpected. Having taken
up our position on Sewell we remained
actually praying that the Yankees would
see fit in their infinite wisdom to pay us
a visit; as that a reciprocal compliment was
prohbiited us by our General exemplar
of Caution. In our retreat, Mrs. Tyree
a heroic woman who lives at the Western-
base of Sewell refused to desert her home -
she learning that the Yankeeds intended
making an attack on a certain day dis-
patched a messenger to us with the glad
tidings of great joy. On the following
day the attack was expected & all the
men of the Second stood in readiness to
give our visitors a handsome reception.

post September 28, 1861

For several days after the 28th Gen. Floyd with
McCausland's, Thompkin's Reynold's & Wharton's
regiments remained at Meadow ^'Bluff'. During this
time we were further reinforced by 400
cavalry under Col. Philips of Georgia; Gen. Floyd
though suffering greatly from his wound, could
not restrain the promptings of he ever ardent
spirit to be near the scene of action & if occasion
offers to send his giant arm & energy like
against the foe, which Gen. Lee was still
on the Eastern Summit of Sewell. Recently his
force had been materially augmented by
the arrival of Loring with 5 regts. besides the reinforcements furnished by Floyd, all
of which, when united with Wise's old
ci-devant brigade placed under Lee
a command of about 7,500 men.

On the opposite Summit stood Rosencranz
a mile & a half distant in all his glory--
with somewhere between 10,000 & 15,000 troops.
Lee momentarily expected an attack and
Floyd fearing delay, & always anxious for
decisive action urged upon Lee the propriety
of permitting him (Floyd) to take under him
4 or 5000 men and march by a flanking
road in rear of Rosencranz. The road
he intended traversing runs to the South of
Meadow Bluff, for three or 4 miles, then
turning to the right runs nearly parallel
to the main turn-pike & passes 6 or 7 miles
from Rosencranz's position on Sewell &
comes into the main road about 6 miles
in rear of Rosencranz. This road was guarded
by the very insignificant no. of 300 men at
its junction with the main road & our cavalry
had ventured up to this very point without
encountering a single Yankee. Floyd knowing
this saw that along this road was the path
to success so he earnestly presented the above
plan to Lee. But Genl. Lee ever more desirous
of receiving the Yankees in his own domicil
& there dispensing Virginia hospitality from
behind snug breast works, than of pur-
sueing Napoleon's system & winning brilliant
successes by bold movements & disturbing
the enemy in their own nest -- gave his veto
to Gen. Floyd's proposition. Floyd however
with his entire force was ordered to reinforce
lee & strengthen his pos left wing, which
was with alacrity done; our force pu marching
over the road just described till arriving
opposite Lee on Sewell, when he turned to
the right & reached Lee on the 2nd. day after
leaving Meadow Bluff. Had Floyd's original
policy been adopted, our arms in Western
Virginia wd. have been crowned with so
signal a success that the destiny of Western Va.
would been linked to the South for evermore.

John McCausland, 1836-1927. Colonel of the 36th Virginia Infantry in 1861. Living well into the 20th century he was one of the last two surviving Confederate generals.

Col C. Q. Tompkins

Alexander Welch Reynolds, 1816-1876. Colonel of the 50th Virginia Infantry in 1861. After the war entered the service of the Khedive of Egypt and died in Alexandria, Egypt.

Gabriel Colvin Wharton, 1824-1906. Major of the 4th Virginia Infantry in 1861. Later a state senator and mining entrepreneur.

Sept. 28th, 1861

Meadow Bluff
To day the roads are in a horrible condition.
To my surprise & astonishment Loring's five
regiments marched all day yesterday in the
rain & mud & arrived very near this point
this evening. No news from Gen. Lee.
Mrs. Floyd arrived here this morning.

William Wing Loring, 1818-1886, known as Old Blizzards, lost an arm at Chapultepec in the Mexican War. Later disagreed with Stonewall Jackson over the conduct of the war, was relieved from his post and sent successively to a command in Southwestern Virginia, the Army of the Mississippi, and the Army of the Tennessee. After the war entered in the service of the Khedive of Egypt.

Sept. 27th, 1861

All last night & to day a terrific storm
has been raging. Wise's Brigade & our 5
Regiments on Sewell are without tents & their
condition is really pitiable. Two prisoners
taken by Gen. Lee yesterday, state that Rosencranz
intended attacking us to day with 12 000 men.
This rain has prevented it. Our force there at
present is 4700. Tents &c were blown away
by the furious wind. During the rain, Mr.
P. R. Spracher performed the daring feat of
riding through the wind & storm for 3 miles,
coming near being washed away repeatedly,
after a- a--bottle of--Whiskey!!!
The brave hero after all his perils, failed
to obtain his desired prize. May
his efforts in battle Causes be more pros-
perous! Tents & provisions were sent to Sewell.
The road is so bad that it is doubtful whether
they reach their destination.

Patton Ritter Spracher, Co. G, 45th Va. Inf. Died of tuberculosis the following February.

Sept. 26th, 1861 continued

Meadow Bluff
This morning at 5 o'clock Col. Russell's Mississippi
Regiment & one rifled cannon were sent to support
Gen. Lee. To day every one anticipated a battle
the armies being so near each other. Majors
Glass & Perry & Carr & myself obtained permission
to go to Big Sewell, 14 miles distant, where we
had the pleasure of viewing their our friends, the
Yankees camp, one mile distant from our
eminence. Gen. Lee considers his position strong
but not impregnable. He can at lest hold
the enemy in check there, till our reinforcements
arrive. To day Gen. Wise departed with his staff,
for Richmond in obedience to an order from
the President. This of course was a crushing
mortification to him to be compelled to leave
when in sight of the enemy. However I consider
it the greatest blessing bestowed upon us during
the war. Some dissatisfaction was created in
his brigade.

Sept. 26th 1861

Meadow Bluff

The enemy in strong force occupy
our old camping ground a few days'
since on Big Sewell. Just at night
Col. Wharton dispatched a messenger reporting
that his Pickets had been firred upon &
driven in. Gen. Floyd immediately sent
Maj. Glass & myself to his camp one mile
distant, to get accurate information. Nothing
definite cld. be ascertained. It is probably
that a few of the enemy or union men
were inspecting the position of our camp.

Sept. 25th, 1861

Meadow Bluff

Yes To day nothing of importance occurred.
Gen. Wise's force [now Gen. Lee's] was skir-
mishing with the enemy all day.

Sept 24th 1861

Meadow Bluff

This morning at 5 o'clock Gen. Lee started
to support Gen. Wise in case he should be
attacked. He took Cols. Ector's, Heth's,
Clarke's & Tompkins regiments. About
11 o'clock Col. Russel's Mississippi regt.
arrived -- about 800 men. Early in
the morning reports of cannon were
heard It pro Gen. Wise, we learn, had
some heavy skirmishing, losing one
man. all we want in future is men.

Sept. 23rd, 24th & 25th 1861

Head Qrs. Army of Ka.
Camp at Meadow Bluff

yester Nothing to ripple or disturb the acco monotony till
9 o'clock at night when a dispatch came from Gen.
Wise stating the enemy had advanced very near him
& wld. probably attack him immediately. Orders were
at once issued to all the regiments to strike their
tents, & be ready to march by 5 o'clock in the morning.
Orders were sent to a Mississippi regt. at Bunger's
Mill to march at the same hour.

Sunday, Sept. 22nd [1861]

Nothing interresting
transpired to day. The Yankees are
reported to be taking the back track
towards Gauley Bridge. Gen. Lee with
an escort of 50 men under Col. Crogham
visited Gen. Wise. Mr. Jno. M. Daniel
arrived from Richmond & joined our
family. This morning I heard Mr. McMahon
preach. In the evening Maj. Glass & mysel
rode out to inspect the fortifications.

Lt. ADC John Moncure Daniel

September 21, 1861 Continued

This march is a memorable one & shouldbe
recorded. In the short space we have spent
in these mountains of Western Va. our
hardships & perils have unsurpassed by
those any been so enormous, that they
appear incredible when told.

General Floyd was much displeased
when he learned that Gen. Wise had remained,
thinking that he had disobeyed a peremptory
ordy. This was explained however b soon.
A messenger was sent to inquire the
reasons for not moving. Gen Wise ex-
plained it, by referring to the language of
the order, & giving sundry other reasons
which showed plainly that it was never
his intention to leave the point at that
time. It is quite unfortunate that gen. Floyd
should have such a character as Gen. Wise
to depend on this his movements, -- from past
experience, we know, that even in the most
perilous positions, it is almost hoping
against hope for General Wise to cooper-
ate with us.

Early on the 17th our forces reached
Meadow Bluff where we now are camped.
Information reached us which we thought
reliable, that Lee with a strong force was
at Summerville in rear of Rosencranz.

This cheered us greatly & Gen. Floyd issued
orders at once that 3 or 4 days rations shld.
be cooked, intending to make a bold,
sudden attack upon the flank of Rosen-
cranz by marching down the Wilderness
Road in the night with all his available
men. this was a good idea & doubtless
wld. have succeeded, had Lee really
been in rear to support us. We ascer-
tained that he was not there & desisted
from making the movement.

On Fortifications were immediately
commenced about one mile west of
Meadow Bluff & are now very formida-
ble. On the 18th I was sent to Lewisburg
to purchase a large number of Blacksmith
tools, which I did with some difficulty &
sent them to Camp early in the morning
of the 19th. That day I remained in
Lewisburg, & returned to Camp on the
Morning of the 19th 20th. While absent
various dispatches came ^'from' Gen. ^'from Wise
stating that the enemy were advancing upon
him which created some sensation in our
camp. As yet however no battle has
taken place & it is likely from present
information none will be fought for several
days at lest. Yesterday the 20th
a messenger arrived from Gen. Lee at
Frankfort informing us that he wld. be
with us to day & contradciting the numerous
reports of his surrounding Reynolds &
cutting to pieces his army. To day that
distinguished General arrived & took
dinner with us. His appearance is com-
manding & I hope he will accomplish
something while with us. Our fortifica-
tions are progressing well.

General Robert E. Lee

September 21, 1861 continued

Our brigade was put in motion just at
Dark 16th Sept. & commenced its march toward
Meadow Bluff. Just before we beheld the
smoke from the camp of the enemy in the
^'country plain' far below us & about 15 mis. distant.

Our people, worn out as they were, considered
it very had to leave the foe when actually
in sight. In the evening an order was
sent to Gen. Wise, "to hold himself in read-
iness to bring up the rear." By this, our
Adjutant General Capt meant that
he should march immediately after us,
but Gen. wise construed it in its letter
literal sense, & to the great surprise of Genl.
Floyd he fpund in the morning that he
still remained at Sewell. One word of our
march in the night. Napoleon performed
his celebrated night marches over moun-
tains & through storms & the heroes of the
Revolution theirs, but & this verily deserves
to be classed with them. Soon after night
the rain commenced falling in torrents
on that dreary mountain -- the roads
became almost impossible & it was as
dark as Erebus. Notwithstanding all
this our troops moved onward for 15
miles over two vast Mountains, with
the baggage & provision wagons in front
moving almost at a snail's pace.

Assistant Adjuntant General William Elisha Peters.
Later on the University of Virginia faculty.

September 21, 1861 continued

After the departure of Gen
Wise, important intelligence was received,
which necessitated Gen. Floyd to call a coun-
cil of his officers. In that council, it was
almost unanimously decided to retreat
forthwith to Meadow Bluff. Gen. Floyd &
Maj. Hounshell alone opposed it. Every
Colonel earnestly insisted upon the movement.
While it may be better have been better
to retreat, I now believe that had Gen. Floyd
carried out his plans & acted according to
his own judgement, the results wld. have
been equally favorable. His opinion
& advice about the management of this
army has hitherto proved the most reliable
of any presented. Before Since retreat-
ing over Gauley so unexpectedly, we were
very uneasy about the fate of 3 scouts, whom
we had sent to inspect Cox's camp a few
days before. These men, were of a number,
brought by Gen. Floyd from So. Western Va.,
distinguished for their hardihood & superior
daring & bravery. These men he kept
constantly near him for special service.
When Up to that time they had not returned
& the inference was, that they had either
been killed or had unconsciously strayed
into our old camp, now occupied by the
enemy. However to on that day, 15th Sept.
our doubts were dispelled by the appearances
of the identical scouts, who reported that
they ventured in sight of Cox's camp, thus
wound their way towards Carnifax, when
near that point a troope of cavalry pur-
sued them & fired several rounds at
them, striking the but of one of their
guns & blowing a hole through the other's
hat, This indeed was a narrow escape.
They lived for a ortion of the time on
geen corn & roots. They however con-
soled themselves by the reflexion that
they had slain at least 2 or 3 Yankees.

September 21st, 1861, continued

On the 13th Inst. two more regiments joined
us -- a reinforcement which should have
reached us 2 or 3 weeks before & then we
wld. have been able to hold our position
& whip the Yankees. With this addition the
combined forces of Wise & Floyd amounts to about
4200. H Late the same evening, Major Houn-
shell returned from Carnifax with the force
under his command. While there, he did good
service. The enemy had completed a boat
& were about launching it, when he arrived.
This boat he destroyed & killed 4 Yankees
holding them in check for 2 days. Were
our brigade officered by such men as
the Major, no fears could be entertained
of success & victory. Here the General
determined to stand & meet the foe.

Although this position is very strong, forti-
fications were indispensible f to shield
so small a forces as ours against the
superior one of the enemy. Hence imme-
diately upon arriving at Sewell, he dispatch-
ed me alone to Lewisburg with orders
to purchase, borrow, & press into service
500 spades, axes, hoes, mattocks, picks &c.
This indeed was an arduous duty for
one so young as myself. For a few days
previous, I had been ^'almost' constantly on
horse back, however, I immediately started on
my mission, -- travelled nearly all that
night, collecting utensils &c. on my route &
urging the people to aid me. Early the
following morning (Sunday), I reached Lewis-
burg & during the day performed such
labor as never before I experienced.
By 4 o'clock Monday Morning I deliv-
ered nearly the entire number to Gen. Floyd --
on Sewell after travelling the entire
night. During my absence in Lewisburg
nothing of interest transpired. Rumours were
prevalent that the enemy were crossing at
Carnifax ferry. This point was viewed by our
officers with peculiar anxiety, as well as
Hughes' ferry, 9 miles above on the same
river. On Monday a large number of men
were set to work on, constructing fortifica-
tions. During the day, however reliable
information was received that the enemy
intended coming up the Wilderness Road
which runs from Hughes' ferry nearly
parallel to the James' river & Ka. Pike &
in comes into the it, near Meadow Bluff.
General Floy, knowing that it wld. be
destruction to our small force to permit
a column of the enemy to get in our rear by
this road, which he felt confident they wld.
attempt, should he remain there, determined
late in the evening on retreating. this per-
haps appeared rather strange to Gen Wise.

Earlier in the day he & Gen. Floyd had deter-
mined to stand & so sudden a change was
naturally inexplicable not capable of being
understood by one ignorant of all the
circumstances.

Sep. 21st, 1861

Head Quarters Army of Ka.
Camp at Meadow Bluff
Since last writing in this diary, our cam
movements have been ^'as' active, & my own duties
so urgent that I have been unable to chronicle
regularly the various events which have
transpired since the 12th inst.

The council of war in session at 2 o'clock on
the night of the 12th, decided to fall back at
once to Big Sewell Mountain -- that being a
far more defensible point, & not so easily
accessible in rear as Dogwood Gap.


Hence long before Sun rise on the morning
of the 13th, our whole force was marching
including Gen. Wise's Brigade. Although
This movement being commenced in the
night, a few faint-hearted, white livered,
gallants, who apparently were the chosen
sons of Mars, imagined that the fiery
steeds of the enemy were closely pursue-
ing & ingloriously left their comrades
alone to breast the storm which they
imagined would soon burst upon us.

However such were very few. It is
indeed well for such occasions to present
themselves for then we find discover the
men of true metal, as well as those
who are better suited to attend fine
ladies in their drawing rooms, & afford fit
associates for their beautiful poodle dogs.

A portion of the cavalry especially, displayed
remarkable cowardice. Instead of bringing
up the rear, they rushed ahead of the
infantry securing for themselves a safe
position. The General & aids, of whom I was
one, were the last to desert the encamp-
ment. Just before leaving, we heard the
tramp of horses & of course m thought
the enemy's cavalry was upon us.

General Floyd was in no way excited
& called with stentorian voice to know who
was advancing. For a moment our sus-
pense was great, -- all our pistols were
cocked & ready to fire, but they proved to
be a few of our own men.

Nothing of any value was left at
Dogwood. Our men marched constantly
a distance of 15 miles, in perfect order,
till they arrived at the Summit of
Big Sewell, about 3 o'clock P.M.

Our own Brigade camped at the Summit
Gen. Wise's at the Eastern base.

September 12, 1861 continued

On yesterday we retired from ^'the' eastern bank
of the river to where we are now encamped
with Wises Legion 4 or 5 miles from the Hawk's
Nest. Yesterday ^'the' 11th, a messenger arrived from
Gen. Lee informing us of the approach of Rosen-
crantz & advising to cross the River. This
should have reached us before the battle.

But fortunately it did not & we fought &
saved ourselves too. It is now evident that
Rosencrantz has abandoned the idea of forcing
his way by Lee & penetrating the State by
that route. This attack upon us was a
masterly move & proved Rosencrantz a man
with a high order of military talent.
Doubtless he will pursue us in conjunct-
tion with Cox & we must trust to our
feet to save us from so formidable a foe.

It is now 2 O'clock in the night & a consultation
is being held & doubtless it will be decided to
retreat towards Lewisburg at once.
Our scouts, who have just returned from the
Hawk's Nest report no signs of the enemy in
that direction. A small & inefficient guard was
left at Carnifax ferry, -- this evening Major
Hounshell, a brave, gallant young officer,
who has distinguished himself in both engagements,
was dispatched with a few companies to prevent
the crossing of the enemy & to block up the
road to the ferry. We all expect the Major
to do himself credit as doubtless he will.

To day I wrote home giving a hurried & discon-
nected account of the battle, also received
a letter from "Holkham" which was exceedingly
acceptable. Rumor says that Lee has defeated
the main column of Rosencrantz, however
no reliable information is received. His action
will controll our action. He will, I presume
immediately send us reinforcements.

September 12, 1861 continued

That this movement succeeded was
the most astounding,wonderful, instance
of su escape ever recorded. The firing
of 5 guns I believe, wld. have stampeded
our men ^'&c' the brigade wld. have destroyed
itself. As it was, in the face of an overwhelm-
ing army, in & ^'with' 10 minutes notice, we
withdrew our entire Brigade & baggage
across one of the swiftest streams in
Virginia, & that too, in the darkness of
night. This retreat is not ^'scarcely' surprassed by
the crossing of the Delaware by Washington
in its execution & its its happy results.

According to the bet information,
the loss of the enemy in killed was several
hundred, while none were killed on our
side, but about 20 wounded, some severe-
ly. Several tents & wagons & 2,500 or
3000 rounds of ammunition fell into
the hands of the enemy, together with
the General's stage, containing various
unimportant articles, -- also his flag,
the loss of which grieved us greatly.
A few horses were lost. All this would
have been avoided, had we not been
compelled to bring over upwards of 200
sick men who occupied many wagons.
Having crossed safely, -- destroyed our
temporary bridge, boats, &c we retired
on yesterday to this position, where
Gen. Wise is stained, leaving a
small guard at the ferry.

One event must be mentioned in this
connexion, & it is this, the General's ever
faithful servants John & Sam boldly
ventured to the top of the hill, after it was
entirely deserted & brought away one of
our private wagons. this action was
one that not but few wld. have ventured,
hereafter let me hear no more of the
inferior spirit & courage of our servants.
To the fidelity & daring of these, we
are indebted for all our baggage.

As creditable & honorable as this battle
and signal repulse of the enemy in five
distinct efforts to storm & drive us from out
position was to Gen. Floyd & the gallant sons
of Virginia in his command, nevertheless it was
a sad, unfortunate necessity which impelled u
to desert the position -- a necessity arising from
the gross, outrageous, disobedience of Gen. Floyd's
orders by Gen. Wise, whose envy, jealousy & con-
temptable selfishness imperiled the lives o
men far more precious than his own his.

September 12, 1861 Continued

During the entire action Gen. Floyd exposed himself greatly
& was the first man wounded, -- A minie
ball struck his arm but & inflicted quite
a painful wound but broke no bone.
While on horse back his saddle was
stuck behind & a bullet passed through
his coat. Maj. Glass, Capt. Peters, Mr McMahon
were & myself were near him during the
battle, & hundreds of bullets struck around,
& passed very near us, & several shells explo-
ded in a few feet of us but Heaven protected
us & we miraculously escaped.

At night the conflict ceased, & two
prisoners were taken, who informed us
that Rosencranz commanded in person
10 regiments, with 2 rifled cannon &
3 Mountain Howitzers, also that two
more regiments, with additional artillery
would arrive reinforce them from Cox
during the night. A council of war was
at once convened, & taking into consider-
ation that our men had eaten nothing
since morning, & of course wld. be in bad
condition to fight on the following day,
the immense superiority of the enemy
in numbers & artillery, it was determined to
retreat across the river & the movement was
immediately commenced. Our force, was
with wagons were conveyed over during
the night with inconsiderable loss.

September 12th [1861]

Head Quarters Army of Ka.
Camp Walker. 5 mls. west of Hawk's Nest.
As predicted in my remarks on the 9th, a decisive
move as been made. The reported advance of
the enemy proved true. Mc Causland with his
regiment, waggons &c evacuated Summerville
in the face of the enemy on the night of the 9th &
arrived at Camp Gauley early on the following
morning. The advance of the enemy entered Sum-
mersville half an hour after McCausland left.

Till 12 o clock our scouts came in & reported the
advance of a heavy force on the road towards our
camp. Nothing positive & reliable could be ascer-
tained. Whether the enemy intended passing us
& reinforcing Cox or purposed taking a position
a few miles in advance, & waiting for Cox to
reinforce them, was not known. Indeed till
12 o'clock we were kept in anxious, painful,
suspense. Some were of opinion that the whole army
of Rosencrantz was precipitated upon us -- others that
only a few regiments were on their way from
Suttonsville to reinforce Cox & a consultation was
held to decide, whether we should march out &
intercept them or not. Just before 12 o'clock
we though that, by inaction on our part & the inef-
ficiency of our scouts & pickets, a few regiments
had marched almost in sight of our camp &
passed us unhurt & were out of our grasp.

Of course gloom & disappointment prevailed in the
bosom of all & down cast countenances were seen
of every side. Should this have been affected,
nothing but misfortune & defeat stared us in
the face, for Cox's force wld. have been overwhelm-
ing when compared with ours. Our force consisted
of 5 skeleton regiments, half of the men in each
having been stricken down by sickness or disease--
reducing our force to less than 2200! With these
a line of defence from 16 mls. was to be protected.
The entire line was protected by temporary
breastworks made of trees felled for the purpose,
a perfect defence against small arms. A battery
of 4 guns 6 pdr. iron cannon were stationed in
a temporary fortification about the centre of
our works. About the middle of the day our
^'pickets' came running in at full speed & announced
that ^'the' enemy ^'were' one mile from us & rapidly advan-
cing. then was our doubt dispelled & every
man was under arms in a few minutes.
Heth's regiment was posted on the right
wing & between the cliff & the field
work in ^'which' Captain Guy's battery from
Goochland, containing four 6 Pdr. iron
guns (very common) was stationed.

On the left of the battery was Col Reynold's
regiment, on the left of this regiment,
Col. McCausland's & Tompkin's & Wharton's
regiment were stationed. Just at this
time Capt. Jackson's battery of two guns
arrived from Gen. Wise. Nothing could
have been more acceptable -- not all the
gold in California. Here it must be
mentioned that when we were first
apprised of the enemy's approach, peremp-
tory orders were sent to Gen. Wise
to reinforce us with 1000 men immediately.
Fearing that he might be slow, as he
before had proved himself, in executing
General Floyd's commands, a second
messenger was dispatched with the same
orders, explaining our perilous condition
& urging prompt action. Orders were also
sent to two regiments on their way from
Lewisburg to hurry on, but they were
too far in rear to reach us before the
battle was decided. Hence our^'this' little
force were ^'was' left alone to fight the battle,
& like heroes our men renewed [?] themselves
for any fate. For two hours our ^'the' little
band stood expecting every moment
to be fired upon, & had almost
despaired of a fight. During all htis time
our brave old General was coolly riding
along the lines cheering his men. Capt.
Peters, Major Glass, Mr McMahon &
myself accompanied the General on
horse back. Suddenly at 3 1/4 oclock, the
long wished for enemy appeared about
200 yds in advance of our battery. Immediately
our men commenced the fire with cannon &
small arms, which was at once returned
by small arms. Now the action was
commenced in earnest. In 10 minutes the
artillery of the enemy opened fire.
Volley upon volley now thundered from
each side, & that combined with the
roar of cannon rendered the scene
terrific. During the evening, the enemy
five times boldly charged our lines, &
were as often repulsed with heavy
loss. Three times their battery was
silenced by Capt. Guy's battery which
did terrible execution with grape
& shell. Nearly all the firing from the
enemy's artillery was ineffective, their
balls passing over our heads & shells
bursting beyond us, till late in the
evening when they obtained the range
quite accurately, & wounded several of our men with shells.

Woods continually mispells the name of Union General William Starke Rosecrans.

September 9th: 1861

Head quarters Army of the Ka. Camp Gauley
Heretofore rain has been the order of the day,
& we were nearly coming to the conclusion,
that in these mountains clouds & storms were
the invariable attendants or followers of the
Sun in his daily course. Our operations, as
well as those of Gen. Lee have been serious-
ly impeded by this disagreeable weather &
the consequence of it, bad roads. to day, however
we were cheered by the unobstructed rays
of old Phoebus & the delightful promise of
fair weather in future -- Last night, while
quietly reposing, our slumbers were suddenly
disturbed by the rapid tread of a horse.

It proved to be the arrival of a messen-
ger from Col. McCausland, who is stationed
8 miles north of us at Summersville, with
his regiment of 450 men. The dispatch
stated that the enemy, 6000 strong, were advan-
cing upon us from Suttonville. Though
making the necessary allowance for exagger-
ation, this report was no welcome one
to our General. Sickness, that foe more
istructive to armies ^'than' the bullets of an
adversary, had deprived us of more than
half our men & our regiments were
mere skeletons, the largest not containing
above 600 men. thus our whole force in
this camp does not exceed 2000 men.
This advancing column united to Cox's
at Gauley would form an army so
much more numerous than ours that,
to say the least, it wld. be ^'an' undertaking
which wld. test the bravery & courage of
our soldiers to withstand their attack.
Orders were at once sent to Gen. Wise
to reinforce us with Tompkins regiment
& to place one of his own at Dogwood
Gap in supporting distance.
Early in the morning before breakfast
Gen. Floyd dispatched the ^'to' the camp of
cavalry, at the Cross-Lanes with orders
to Capt. Corns to scout the road beyond
Summerville. Col. McCausland was
also directed to fall back from
Summerville, with waggons, provisions
&c in case the enemy advanced upon
him. the road towards Gauley Bridge
is also Scouted by Capt. Dikinson's company,
with others. From all appearances, some
decisive move will be made in the next
few days. No mail arrived to day; -
a great disappointment to all of us.