Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-12-23
rsadiness 70 snter Che ield- vas an eamess

readiness to enter the 6eid- was an earnest
Of his subsequent activity, received a NOR
tai wound. while leading his men on to a
successful charge-His troops, still feeling
the effect of his gallant example, continued
to advance long after their brave comman-
der had fallen His fate will perpetaate
the memory OF the plain which has been
crimsoned BY his blood. Col Preston was
severely wounded while nobly fighting at
the head of his regiment. The universal
sympathy which is excited by the honor.
able misfortune of this amiable officer, at
test the high estimation which is enter
tanned of his talents as soldier, and his vir-
tues as man. Major Cummings, with
whose military merits and exertiohs II have
long been acquainted, met with a. similar
fate while leading to a charge, and, un-
discouraged by the wound, continued 10
advance, Until loss of blood obliged him
to retire. Many platoon officers received
disabling or slight wounds in the hohor-
able dischargeof their duty report OF
whose names and merits | have directed
the chiefs of brigades to make to me, in
ordec that Fmay transmit it to you.-it is
with great satisfaction acknowledge my
warmest appreciation of the gallantry and
zeal which was constantly displs yed
throughout this esentful day; by Brigadier
General Swartwout, and Col. Coles, who
commanded the detachment of the first
brigade. After the fall of Gen. Covington,
Col Pierce, on whom the command OF the
Sd brigade devolved, conducts! with his
characteristic GOODNESS and valour In speak.
= L. tLov Eala d.
who participated in this battle, Col Canes
and Ripley, 1t Col. Apinwall, and Majs
Morgan, Grafton ard Gardner, their equal
claim to applause, forbids the invidious
task of discrimination. find a pleasure,
likewise in acknowledging the eminent
servica derived from the experience and
activity of adj. gen. Col. Walback; from
the assistance of inspector gen. Col. John
son, and assistant adj. gems. majors Beebe
and Chambers the latter was wounded in
the honorable discharge of his duty. In ad-
dition to these Acknowledgements, a sense
Of justice as well as personal friendship,
induces me to express my entire appreciation
of the conduct Of Lieut.. Henry Whiting,
my abide camp. who was in this instance,
as he has been during the whole campaign
my Jealous and brave assistant Lieut.
Worth, aid delcamp to major gen. Lewis,
led by laudible ambition, left the fotilla,
and volunteered his acceptable services to
me on thsfieid.
Permit me- now to add, sir, that though
the result ofthis action was not SO brilliant
and decisive as could have wished, and the
first stages of it seemed to promise, yet
when il is. reeolected that the troops had
been long exposed to hard priyations and
fatigues, to inclement storms from, which
they oftencould have no shelter; that the
enemy were superior to us in numbers, and
greatly superior to us in position, and sup
ported by or heavy gun boats; that the
action being unexpected, was necessarily
commenced without much concert that we
were, by unavoidable circumstances, long
deprived ofour artillery and that the action
was warmly and obstinately contested for
more than.three. hours, during which there
a few short cessations of musquetry
and cannon; when all these circumstances
are recollected, perhaps this day may be
thought to have added some reputation to
the American arms And if, on this occa.
sion, you shall believe me to have done my
duty, and accomplished any one of your
purposes, shall be satisfied. Allow me to
adjoin my regret, which is felt in common
with the army, that the severity ofyour in
disposition deprived US of your presence on
this occasion. The adjutant general has
been directed to furnish report of the kill
ed, wounded, and all the casualties.
l have the honour to be, sir, with great
consideration and respect, your most ODE.
dent humble servant,
(Signed) JNO. p BOYD,
Brig. Gen. Commanding.