Sketches (Reminiscences) of the Campaign of General Floyd (contd.)

Gen. Wise's force was ordered back to
our old position at Dog Wood leap,
much to the displeasure of his men, who
did not understand the necessity which
demanded the movement -- A day or two
after arriving here, McCausland's &
Thompkins' regiment reinforced Gen. Floyd.
For a few days were were occupied in
fortifying our position on the hill, & it
is now very formidable. The distance
to Summerville is eight miles.

On the night of the 25th. We learned
that Tyler's force had advanced
upon us to within one mile & a half
& had taken positions at the Cross
LANES. Gen. Floyd determined to
attack them early the next morning.
Hence our whole force was in motion
long before Sun rise on the 26th.
August. Just as the sun appeared
in the East, we engaged the enemy
who were posted on two eminences
near the Cross Lanes. For a few minutes
^'the' fight was very fearce furious.
Col. Heth lead the center. Col. Reynolds
the right wing & Col. Thompkins
McCausland the left wing. Col.
thompkins was held in reserve, &
took no part in the action.

In 15 minutes the enemy were dis-
lodged & retreated in great confusion.
Gen. Floyd & staff exposed them-
selves greatly & made narrow escapes.
From information obtained since, it
appears that they were ignorant of our
force & intended attacking us.
Their force was between 900 & 1800
ours about 2000 though we had
no more engaged than the enemy.
Tyler & staff officers, except his
Major, fled when the firing commenced
or they wld. have been captured.

Col. Tompkins' regiment was the 22nd Virginia. George S. Patton (the first) later succeeded Tompkins as Colonel. (Woods consistently misspells Thompkins for Tompkins)