South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1836-06-11

AIDS Inc lower ioTu, and ABOUT y "A. NJ.
/. got cur baggage and cannon across ;
we had nine pieces Of brass artillery,
consisting Of one six inch howilZer,
81 ort skies, long and 2 short fouss,
with several small pieces for throwing
musket balls we then commenced our
advance towards Victoria we mad
advanced several miles without receiv-
ing any intelligence of the enemy by
our videttes, and at about 10 A. M.
halted to Craze our cattle & take some
reffeshment on the outskirts of some
timber We had just passed ; we tarried
about three fourths Of an hour, when
we ogain took up the line of march {;
We had advanced about A miles into
the prsirie when we had intelligence of
the enemy's approach. Col. Horizons
cavalry, who were ordered in the rear,
had neglected to remain in that posi-
ton, and in consequence, the enemy
had advanced within the distance OF
f,om one TO two miles, ere they were
discovered by the Infantry in The rear,
and almost Simultaneously they we're
deserted upon both tanks, evidently
with the design OF surrounding Us.
The enemy lad now formed semicir
Gle on our right and left, aud as we
had no means Of moving our artillery
but by stubborn and wCrn out oxen,
were fast surrounding US. Captains
! Hurst and Hollsnd, of the artillery,
| were ordered TO the rear, TO keep up a
reIreatirg fire, under cover of which
the army advanced abou, mile and a
half in the face of The enemy. 1t nov
became necessary for Us to take po-
sition, as we were entirely surrounded,
cur cavalry cut off from US, and escap-
ed leaving Us now two hundred and
fifty effective men, Consisting Of tie
following companies:
New Orleans Grays, Captain Pellis.
Rcd Rovers, Capt. Jack Sbackle. from
Alabama.
Mustangs, Captain Duyal.
M. bile Giays, Captain Macmananan.
Regulars, Captain Westuver.
LIST company artillery, Captain Hurst.
I'D do do Captain Holland.
sd do do Capt. Schrusnec-
XII, Polish engineer.
We were about 800 yards TO the
left Of the road, in valley Of about 6
feet below the mean base, of about one
fourth of a mile. We were unfortu-
nately obliged to take that disadyan-
lageous position in consequence of our
having pursued our advance so far, in
prder to gain the woods. We drew
our wagons into cluster, formed our
selves into an oblong circle around
hem, and posted our artillery iposi-
ions 10 defend it. The circle was about
40 feet Of shortest central diameter, g.
about 60 feet Of longest diameter. 1t
was now l O'Clock P. M. at which,
ime We were attacked on all sides by
he enemy, with brisk fire of musket.
~. We were ordered not to fire until
he word of command was given, in
order 10 draw the enemy within rifle
shot. We reserved our fire for about
0 minutes, and several were wounded
q cur ranks previous to our firing. AT
he request Of the officers, the artillery
Sas permitted TO open fire. The
vind was blowing slightly from the N.
J. and the smoke of our cannon COW
red the enemy, under which they
made q desperate charge, but were re-
ulsed with severe loss. Our cannon
kas loaded with canisters of nusket
alls, and the howiszer with grist. In
bis manner the action was kept up
kilb great fury by the enemy ; charge
fier charge being made by cavalry
nd infantry, and always repelled with
eavy loss on their part. Our men
thaved molly and although surroun'
cd by overwhelming numbers, not q
henge Of coun,eaance could be seen.
Thrs was the battle kept up; and
pom the repulse Of each charge, COL
n,n upon column of the enemy were
tD ~ fdiI flhC UECS
ere, woald be seen horses flying in
|ery direction without riders; and
ere disnounted cavalry making theIr
cape On foot, while the field was lit
ally covered with dead bodies. Ii
as sorry sight to SEE our small cir
= ii had become muddy with blood.
81. Fsnnin had been SO badly woun.
ID at the first or second fire as TO
Sable him. The wounded were
rieking for water, which we had not
give them. The fight continued IN
dusk, hen the enemy retreated,
wing Us matters of the field, with 10
In killed and wounded, while the
my lay around, heap upon heap.
II