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the men from their toilsome and wearied march, I mates at West Point,) and the interview beand amply provided with all the necessary comforts of the camp.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
H. W. BENHAM,
Brigadier-General U. S. V.

CINCINNATI "GAZETTE" ACCOUNT.

FAYETTE C. H., Va., Nov. 15. As I telegraphed you, Floyd retreated the night of the skirmish at Cotton Hill, leaving a strong rear guard behind him. Next morning discovering from our scouts that he had vacated his position, we followed up to Union School House, still apprehensive that he might attack us, knowing that in point of numbers his force was superior to our own.

A scouting party under Sergeant Lambert, who I mentioned in my last, got on his track, killed one of his scouts, and brought information that induced the General to order a forward movement. We left Union School House late in the afternoon, marched some four miles to Col. Dickerson's place, well known through this part of the country, the colonel being probably the most influential secessionist in this part of the country. Here we obtained some items, and captured a few secesh guns. After halting for a couple of hours we took up the line of march, and, tired as we were, toiled on until four o'clock in the morning, when we again halted to allow the men and horses to refresh themselves. Soon after daylight the order to march was given, and we pushed on over roads rendered almost impassable by the heavy rains, and cut to pieces by the recent passage of Floyd's artillery and wagon trains. Our skirmishers, under the command of the gallant Capt. Gard ner, of the Thirteenth Ohio, were in advance of the column on both sides of the road, and proceeded cautiously. Just as they reached a bend in the road, one of the company (private Seig, of Company F) crawled over and espied two squadrons of cavalry under Col. Croghan, of Kentucky, and here commenced the battle of McCoy's Mills.

tween them was, of course, unusually painful. We did all we could for the unfortunate man, but human aid was vain, and he expired the same afternoon. We brought down the body on our return, and Gen. Benham intends forwarding it to his friends at once.

At twenty minutes past twelve our advance reached McCoy's Mills, and a sharp action at once ensued. The enemy's forces consisted of the cavalry engaged in the former skirmish, and at least one-I think two-regiments of infantry. They held their own against our skirmishers, and, having the advantage of ground, bid fair to give us considerable trouble and delay, for some time at least, in our pursuit of their main force.

Gen. Benham at once ordered the Seventh, under Col. Creighton, and half of the Thirtyseventh German, to take possession of a ridge on the right of the road. The advance, consisting of the Thirteenth, Col. Smith-who did the work as well as man could do it-occupied the left, and Captain Schneider's battery being brought to the extreme front, we prepared to dislodge them.

Col. Smith discovered a large body of cavalry in an exposed part of the hill, within fair range; and the gallant German, only too glad of a chance to let his barkers speak, took deliberate aim, and bang went the gun, whiz went the ball, and--away went the cavalry under cover. I rode by the side of the artillery and distinctly saw the shot strike among them. We now poured it in hot and heavy, and they scattered in all directions. All this time our troops on the right were firing whenever they had a fair chance, and constantly advancing. At or before this time a portion of the Thirteenth took up a position on their extreme left, threatening to get in their rear. The rebels, finding the climate becoming too warm for even their Southern constitutions, and the thermometer constantly rising, fled in disorder - dashing down through a cornfield, our men popping away at them in the most lively and pleasant A volley was instantly opened on the enemy, manner. They did not seem to see the point who were, as their wounded afterward acknowl- of the joke: and, from what we saw afterward, edged, taken completely by surprise. At the it is my deliberate opinion that they are runfirst fire several saddles were emptied, and Col. ning yet-at least we never got within gunshot Croghan fell mortally wounded in the abdomen. of them again. It is difficult to correctly estiThe rebels, though surprised, showed fight and mate the loss of the enemy, as we were too retired slowly, firing as they went; but our much hurried to make search for them, but it men having possession of the elevated ground could not have been less than fifteen killed and on both sides, exposed them to a galling cross-wounded-probably much more. We did not fire, and forced them back. The main body lose a man. This all sounds rather fishy, but then advanced, having, as before, strong parties of skirmishers. Col. Croghan was carried to the nearest house, and was cared for as well as the state of the case would admit of by Surgeon Chase, of the Thirteenth Ohio. He was a gallant man and an accomplished officer, and, though an enemy, the sight of his dying agonies "drew tears from the eyes of men unused to weep." The colonel's father and Gen. Benham were old acquaintances, (in fact, I believe, class

VOL. III.-Doc. 33

they had no artillery, and all of our men within reach of their musketry were kept carefully under cover by their commanding officerswhose caution and skill cannot be too highly commended. From this point we had abundant evidence of the utter route and hasty flight of the enemy. They were badly scared, and though in the course of our march we passed positions which competent officers assured me were almost impregnable, they did not attempt to

take advantage of one of them. Floyd was blind drunk the night he came through Fayette C. H., and I think has been in a state of chronic intoxication for some time; he certainly is much better adapted for pilfering than fighting, having not the least stomach for any thing in the shape of danger. All along the road we found flour, clothing, knapsacks, canteens, tents, &c., &c., scattered at short intervals. Now commenced our hardships. We had been much delayed by the action; and knowing that the Virginia chivalry are perfect race horses, in running from an enemy, however dilatory they may be when advancing on one, we hurried our movements as much as possible, hoping, if nothing else, to capture the wagon train, which was in the rear; but we fought against insurmountable difficulties. From the Ceneral down there never was a more gallant body of men. They struggled on mile after mile, through the most wretched apology for roads that the imagination ever conceived of. Some, worn out by fatigue, dropped down by the way, (all were picked up afterward,) but those who could by any possibility keep their feet struggled on. Colonel Smith I noticed particularly wading through the mire nearly knee-deep, having dismounted to give his horse to a sick captain, as jolly as if he were on four horses.

From information received from our guide, (who by the way is a rara avis in this country, a true-blue Virginia Unionist,) we thought we should overtake the wagon train at Three Mile Hill, seven miles from Raleigh. On reaching the Blake farm, one mile from the foot of the mountain, we sent forward mounted scouts, who returned with the disheartening news that the aforesaid vehiculary conveyances, like the "hieland laddie" of musical notoriety, were "o'er the hills and far awa'." What could we do? Our men were used up; we had neither tents, provisions, ambulances, nor heavy artillery, (having been obliged to leave Schneider's pieces some distance behind,) and were deep in an enemy's country with a chance of our retreat being cut off if we advanced further. General Benham wisely resolved to proceed no further that night. We bivouacked in the open fields, and if I had loved Western Virginia before with all the ardent affection of one of her own gallant bushwhackers, that night would have turned my love to bitter hate. I strongly advise all who read this, and who may be afflicted with a mania for this part of a soldier's life, to do it on paper, for, take my word for it, "it don't pay, sir, nor can't be made to pay." That night at ten o'clock, the General received orders from General Schenck-who had crossed the river at Gauley, but none of whose reinforcements had as yet reached us-to return. We took up our line of march at two o'clock A. M., and reached this place at about one P. M., where both brigades are now stationed. This ends the campaign in Western Virginia. Floyd is driven clear out of the country, and swears he will never return. I admire his taste, though

I cannot say as much for his courage. And here, before closing, let me pay a well-merited tribute to the army which I had the honor to accompany.

General Benham's plans were laid with skill, and carried out with his usual promptness and energy. If the reinforcements which were promised had reached him in season, and permission had been granted him to advance upon Raleigh, I have no doubt that he would have succeeded in getting possession of the wagon train, if not capturing the entire force. There appears to be a disposition on the part of some of the military authorities here to tie General Benham's hands; but, in spite of all his disad vantages, he has done the fighting. He was put in the rear to guard the point where the enemy was not expected to be, but when the fight came, he was in the advance; and, tired as his troops were, he maintained his position till ordered back.

I have had occasion before to mention Colonel Smith, 18th Ohio, who led the advance. He performed his arduous duties untiringly; and to his skill, caution, and gallantry, the army owes much of its success. If all of our Briga dier-Generals were as well, or half as well qualified for the position, we would have fewer military blunders, and more successes to record. Colonel Smith is a West Pointer, and does credit to the institution at which he graduated, and the cause which he serves.

I have neither space nor time to mention others; how can I, when all deserve more praise than I can give them? It is a gallant army, this same fighting brigade of the Kanawha. God speed it, wherever it goes, and send it the good fortune it so richly merits.

I subjoin a detailed list of the force now under General Benham's command, as possibly of interest to some of your readers: 13th Ohio, Col. Smith. 12th Ohio, Col. White

600

500 600

10th Ohio, Col. Wood, (acting Col.) 7th Ohio, Lient.-Col. Creighton comm'ding 500 37th Ohio, Col. Siebur. 700 44th Ohio, Major Mitchell commanding . 500 McMullen's Battery, mountain howitzers. Schneider's Battery, rifled cannon. Small detachments of West's and Pfau's Cavalry.

NEW YORK "WORLD" ACCOUNT,

GENERAL ROSECRANS' HEAD-QUARTERS, ON THE NEW RIVER, NEAR GAULEY, Nov. 21. Again Floyd has fallen back before our forces, and with the same fleetness and secrecy that characterized his previous retreat across the Gauley. He has been driven back, but otherwise the affair is not very creditable to our arms, as we should have bagged his force. Floyd's army is composed of good runners; his artillery is of light field-pieces, easily transported, and he is cumbered with no heavy baggage which would embarrass a quick march. Con sequently he left nothing of importance behind,

and we have gained, by the events of the last few days, only a present foothold where his batteries were stationed. I have no desire to underrate the value of merely gaining a deserted camp in an enemy's territory, but the result does not appear to have been as decisive as it might have been, had wise and prudent counsel, combined with vigorous action, prevailed.

The Great Kanawha and New rivers form less than a right angle in Fayette County, just at the junction of the Gauley. In this angle, and along the banks of both, Floyd had encamped his troops. On the opposite side, that is, the east side of New River, Gen. Rosecrans had his head-quarters. The supplies for our troops came from the Ohio River, along the north side of the Kanawha, by wagon route, crossing the Gauley. Previous to the time that Floyd was engaged in taking his position, Gen. Benham, who foresaw the movement, urged Gen. Rosecrans to change his position, alleging that by a timely and dextrous passage of the New River by a part of the forces at some distance below, they could surround, and capture, or cut to pieces Floyd's entire army; but that, if we kept our army in its present position, Floyd would soon be prepared to enforce a retiring of our lines from within range of his field-pieces on the opposite heights. Gen. Rosecrans deemed it a very ingenious but improbable theory. He had no apprehensions of an attack, situated as they then were. Consequently, no steps were taken to provide for such a contingency, other than those usual to a military force when near the enemy.

| hemmed in, until the night of the 12th, when he took advantage of the darkness to escape, and with so much adroitness that it was not immediately known. He was, however, followed to Fayetteville and thirty miles beyond, where one regiment was overtaken. Our brigade opened the action upon them with great spirit, and the rebels again fled in the greatest confusion. Only one officer attempted to turn them to the conflict. He displayed great courage in endeavoring to rally his retreating men, and attracted the admiration of our entire troops. While our bullets fell thick around them as we advanced at quick-step, he was in the very rear of his regiment cheering his men, and vainly trying to turn them to face us. They fled, but he refused to follow them, and fell in his place before we reached the ground. He was not immediately killed, but his wounds were fatal. He represented himself to Gen. Benham as Col. Croghan, son of a United States navy officer of Pennsylvania, who, in our last war with England, distinguished himself in the defence of a western post against the combined attack of a large force of British and Indians. General Benham conversed with him, received his last wishes, and placed him in care of the brigade surgeon, but he died on the evening of the 14th. The following letter, addressed to General Floyd, shows that General Benham has done all in his power to regard the last wishes of the brave but fatally mistaken man:

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST PROVL. BRIGADE, U. S. FORCES, NOV. 15, 1861, at Hawkins' Farm, Five miles S. E. of Fayetteville. Brig. Gen. J. B. Floyd, C. S. A.: SIR: In the skirmish which occurred yesterday between the United States forces under my command and your brigade, I regret to be obliged to inform you that Colonel St. George Croghan, commanding your cavalry regiment, as he stated to me, was mortally wounded. He was shot through the right wrist and side of the upper portion of the abdomen, the ball passing entirely through the body, and lived from half-past nine A. M., when he was wound

Gen. Benham, however, caused a road to be cut through from that place to a point on the next bend of the river, where he established camp McNeil, and stationed himself so as to be able to cross over in skiffs and attack Floyd's advance. Gen. Rosecrans, however, did not regard the plan with much favor, and declined to give Gen. Benham either orders for crossing, or skiffs, bat mere permission to do so. Floyd, as Benham anticipated, finally did commence to shell Gen. Rosecrans' camp with his batteries, which were so distributed as to com-ed, till half-past two P. M. mand both rivers from Loup Creek to a point below Gen. Benham's position. By this time, therefore, it was not only impossible to cross the New River, but no supplies could reach our camps through the fire that Floyd kept up along the wagon road, except in limited quantities, and in the night. Gen. Benham was therefore ordered to vacate his position and march up to Camp Huddleston, as far up the Kanawha as he was then down the New River. This was done, and here he was obliged to wait a week longer for orders to cross and attack the enemy. These orders were finally received, and Gen. Benham crossed the Kanawha and commenced the attack.

Floyd found himself hard pressed, and was obliged to fall back gradually from all his positions, except Cotton Hill, near the junction of the three rivers. Here he became rapidly

I saw him in passing, a few minutes after he was wounded, and he recognized me, conversing freely, but with pain, and, shaking my hand on leaving him, he requested me to state that he "died the death of a brave soldier,"as he did, in every way worthy of his gallant and noble father.

I left him in charge of my brigade and one other surgeon, with hospital attendants and a guard, and on my return this morning from my camp ground, the hospital steward handed me a small blank memorandum book, in which was a history made by his request, of which I enclose you a copy. He left his address, &c., with the chaplain of the Tenth (Col. Lyttle's) Ohio regiment, Rev. H. E. O. Higgins, and told me that his family were residing in Newburgh, New York. I will endeavor to communicate with them as early as possible, and send each

little memorial from him as I shall be able to collect them, for I yet cannot ascertain where most of his property has gone, as the people of the house where he died would not attend to it. I have sent his remains toward Fayetteville, where they will be interred, if we are not able to take them to Gauley; though I will, if possible, place the body there in a box with salt, to preserve it for his friends. It will be subject to the order of Gen. H. S. Rosecrans. And now, having for the third time the opportunity of extending courtesies somewhat of this character to your officers-as first, in returning the baggage, uniform, &c., of Colonel Porterfield, at Philippi, and afterward, of preserving the sword, effects, and body of General Garnett at Carrick's Ford-I trust your officers will appreciate the desire thus exhibited of mitigating in every way the horrors of this fratricidal strife, as I think you yourself will do me the justice to believe that I most earnestly wish it. I send this by a private citizen, as I thought you would prefer it to a flag of truce, and on account of the uncertainty of the means do not send forward any of the little memorials preserved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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Kanawha at this point on the 6th of Novem ber, and remained five days at the month of Loup Creek, with but six tents per company, in accordance with orders, and one blanket per man. During our sojourn at this point, cur force was joined by McMullen's battery, or, as it is more vulgarly termed, the “Ass Eattery," and, together with the Seventh, Thirtyseventh, and Forty-fourth regiments O. V. İ., our entire command amounted to about three thousand men. Thus equipped and organized, we set out on the march toward Fayette, over a district of the country characterized by lefty mountains and romantic streams, on the 12th of November. Every man was full of life, and eager for the pursuit of old Floyd and his force, numbering three thousand men and thirteen pieces of artillery, as was ascertained from reliable sources. The Thirteenth regiment had the advance position, and was preceded by Com pany A of the Thirteenth and Company Hof the Twelfth, as skirmishers. Nothing transpired to vary the monotony of our rapid match and bold pursuit, until upon our arrival at Cotton Hill, where our progress was suddenly impeded by the sharp volleys of a detachment of the enemy, probably forming the rear guard of the arch-traitor. Too much praise cannot here be bestowed upon our skirmishers for their brave action in the face of an overwhelming force in ambush. Our loss was but one killed and two wounded, although our daring fellows pressed forward, regardless of their own lives, and with a strong determination to outflank and annihilate their opponents, but the bugle sounded the "assembly," and reltetantly our comrades returned to their regi ments. Here we rested for the night in the woods, and every preparation was made for an attack on our part on the following day, but when daybreak occurred not a living being was in sight to oppose our advance. At this point, every indication was a proof of there having once been a large encampment of trai tors, and from information gained our calcula tions as to their force were substantiated. November 13th was not marked by any charge in our proposed plans. We moved forward through their strong intrenchments, having, however, halted at Camp Dickerson for a few hours, where our fun was of the nature of robbing hen-roosts and pig-sties of a secessionist, and justice must be given to us for such theft, CAMP HUDDLESTON, THIRTEENTH REGIMENT O. V. I., for our hunger was great, and especially so was Nov. 19, 1861. the fact in regard to our Dutch brethren, who EDITORS COMMERCIAL: Knowing full well ran short of subsistence. The intrenchments that the hearts of those at home are with were of a most formidable character, and so those now fighting for the national welfare, and situated as would have enabled them to withsacrificing their personal interests for the re-stand the assault of a large force, and had they etablishment of our shattered Government upon its once firm footing, I take this opportunity of informing your patriotic readers of the last hazardous expedition in this part of Western Virginia. This brigade, consisting of the Thirteenth, Twelfth, and Tenth Ohio regiments, under Brigadier-General Benham, crossed the

H. W. BENHAM, Brigadier-General U. S. V. Gen. Benham was within three miles of Floyd's army when the order came giving his command to Gen. Schenck, of Vienna renown, and the brigade was ordered back to a more retired position. His troops, who repose the greatest confidence in his prudence and energy, manifested great regret, but obeyed like soldiers. Gen. Benham resigned his command to Schenck, who immediately withdrew the brigade to a more retired position. Thus, for the present, we are again in statu quo. The soldiers here look upon Gen. Benham as the "coming man of this war. He is a brusque, imperative, and rather overbearing man with his equals and superiors, but his rapidity of movement, fertility of resource, and consummate military capacity are recognized by the rank and file, with whom he is wonderfully popular.

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A "SOLDIER'S" ACCOUNT.

A private in the Thirteenth regiment of Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Smith, gives the following

account in the Cincinnati Commercial:

possessed our spirit, havoc in our ranks would have been produced, and our plans doubtless frustrated. Their only excuse, however, is their unmitigated cowardice and bad consciences. Company F was now detailed as our skirmishing party, and after a halt upon the field three miles beyond the breast-works to

rest our weary limbs for two hours under a single blanket, the command was "Forward!" and onward we trudged, awake because of the prospect in view, and not in accordance with other feelings, aud at midnight Fayette was reached. Here quietness reigned supremenot even a dog-howl greeted us, and, in short, this deserted village presented inhospitality in all its phases. This village was the proposed winter-quarters of Floyd and horde, but our unwelcome approach produced an alteration in their plans. Any one who has experienced a night march can appreciate our feelings, when moving in silence over an unknown road, in expectation of meeting the enemy at any moment. The dull, heavy, and monotonous tread of the men, and the sound of the horse hoof on the hard road made the most self-possessed of us reflect upon what may be our fate, with no unconscious anxiety. Silence, in its majesty, produces thoughtfulness, but especially when a battle stares one in the face. The excitement of the encounter absorbs every reflection, and awakens a desire to push ahead or become victorious at least. Such, I doubt not, were the considerations of many of my comrades, and such is the weakness of human nature. War is au unavoidable necessity under present circumstances, and none but a brute loves to take the life of his fellow-man. Excuse this diversion from my subject, which will be read with more interest than an expansion on individual meditations. After half an hour, we passed through the village with an involuntary desire to reduce it to ashes, and continued on the road to Rolla, and here we began to discover evidences of the increased activity of the rebels' retreat, Wagons, aminunition, tents, &c., were strewn along the route, and ere long a halt till daybreak was ordered. General, colonel, and private lay down together in sleep, and all military distinctions were subservient to the all-controlling desire to rest. Here the Seventh, Thirty-seventh, and Forty-fourth rejoined our forces, having preceded us up Loup Creek. It was only necessary to issue the order and soon we resumed the pursuit, in the same order as upon the previous evening. A drizzling rain soon commenced, and a "heavy" road was our lot, but the life and animation were unabated. About nine o'clock A. M., Company F surprised a detachment of the rebel cavalry under Col. Croghan, (formerly of the United States army,) an 1, in addition to killing the colonel and some men, captured horses, &c. Our success was complete, and consternation among them was the effect.

ment was about to take place, although the contrary was soon known. There is no commander in this valley who is esteemed more highly as a true soldier and gentleman, or one who is favored with more entire confidence of his command than the colonel of the Thirteenth regiment. Ilis military education, experience in the army and elsewhere, in every respect make him worthy of a place among the highest if not most distinguished officers in our country, and the standing of the regiment, in comparison with others, as a well-disciplined and well-offcered body of men, is the strongest proof of his capacity to lead and command. After reconnoitring the surrounding country and forming the regiment again in order, we moved forward, passing old encampments, &c., and admiring the many sights of the antiquated and novel-looking houses and churches; but upon our arrival at McCoy's Station a degree of activity was visible on all sides, which afforded us much pleasure, even in the midst of such a serious affair as a skirmish. When our advance parties were about to cross the bridge, they were visited with a few volleys of musketry, but after a few moments' delay Schneider's battery, under the supervision of Colonel Smith, was placed upon a high eminence, and while the Tenth regiment and part of the Thirteenth were secreted from view behind the brow of the hill, our cannon were brought into action and succeeded in making the rebels double-quick through a corn-field at a faster gait than is allowed by their companion vi et armis Hardee. The scene of this action is peculiarly adapted for carrying into effect their peculiar mode of warfare, being very mountainous, and covered with woods. The road defiles through a valley surrounded by the most abrupt sloping eminences, and winds around on the opposite side of the creek, one of the hills making sharp turns. We skirmished and scouted this section of the country perfectly, and to such a degree that the men and officers were worn out with fatigue, and gladly gave the advance position to the Tenth regiment, Capt. O'Dowd, with his company, acting as skirmishers. But after an advance still further of five miles, Gen. Benham thought proper to halt for the night, and, after making the necessary arrangements, as is customary on encamping, this body of troops sought sweet soothing sleep upon the hills and in the woods, lying on the ground, and getting drenched by the heavy rain falling. It was an awful night, and so trying upon our physical natures as will be ever remembered by those on this march. For prudent and just reasons, It would be injustice did I not mention the at three A. M. Nov. 15th, (following morning,) coolness and bravery of our skirmishing party, we commenced our retrograde march, wet, chiland their valuable services rendered. Colonelly, and with empty bellies. Upon our arrival Smith has exhibited to his command his high military qualifications and excellent management in deploying his advance companies, and evinced his complete self-possession under the circumstances, which were calculated at the moment to convince us that a great engage

again at Fayette, Capt. Mallory, with his accustomed pleasantry, procured houses for the major part of this command, and fed us upon plenty of good, substantial food of the ration kind. Here we were snowed upon, and never did men appreciate more highly a house and

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