Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-09-10
THE CITY.
Letter from Colonel Tyler.

CAMP AT GAULET BRiD0E, Va,
Sept. Sd, 1851.
The past week has been q trying one fo
the officers and men Of the Fth. You vii
have received ere this the account OF our en-.
counter with Gen. Floyd's command at Crosl
Lanes We had occupied that place unit
thenight of the 2Ist uIt. after leaving Sum.
mersville.
The probability Of an attack on Gauley
Bridge induced Gen. Cox 10 order US down
to the mouth of Tweuty-mile Creek, six
miles above the Bridge. We left on our re-
turn at 10 o'clock on the morning of the
24th, reaching the ford at Peters Creek, five
miles THE side of Cross Lanes, late in the
afternoon, where we learned of the crossing
Of Floyd's force, 1000 strong, during the
day, and that two regiments were ready to
cross ths. nightover Gsuley four miles from
the Lanes. After ordering a counter-march
of two miles to the junction of two roads
from Cross Lanes, Immediately dispatched
a courier 10 Gen. COX with the facts thus as
certained. His reply was received about 4
o'clock A. NJ, and after consultation with
the commandsns Of the line, we moved on
cautiously with nine companies. numbering
in eli about 700 men, Company being left
with the train guarding the mountain road
and the Summersville pike, assisted by Capt
Bragg's Snake Hunters. Wespent the whole
day feeling our way along, reaching Cross
Lanes about o'clock, driving in the enc
my's picksts on dOuble-quick. Their camp
was two miles below towards the ferry across
Gsuley River.
We secuted the hills thoroughly, driving
in their men and getting full possession Of
the Lanes. Just before dark our whole force
was detailed for guard, and were stationed
at available points, each company being put
under command of its officers, dispensing
with an officer Of the guard. Our men had
neither blankets or tents, and remained
throughout the cool hours of the night, close
ly clasping their guns. Between four and
eVe in the morning orders were given to the
companies 70 breakfastand be ready to move,
while Partaking Of bard bread and some
beef which we took from the Ge0essionists,
the SlsFm guns Of our pickets were heard,
and in less than FIVE minutes we were fred
upon by ct least Z, 500 musksts. We were
soon in line Of battle, and found we had an
overwhelming force 10 contend with, yet our
noble boys rushed on, and for three quarters
Of an hour vehsld their force at bay. Com
psnies K, A and C Rers on the right and
front, receiving the first FIRE of the enemy
like veterans. They were in the hottest Of
the fight to its close, and cut their way
through the aanking lines of the enemy;
Co. A taking stand Of regimental colors
and their bearer, which they brought safe to
this camp: Companies D and b were or
dered up to the front and very promptly re-
sponded, holding their position until ordered
to retire. Companies G, B, and E were
left to contend with 9 regiment of the enc
my's Infantry sent to outaank US on the
left. The action became general, and every
man had his full share of duty, and rer-
formed it we'll. No set of men could have
better held 50 great an odds against them
than did the men Of the 7th. The officers,
one and all, strovs to do their utmost, and
deserve the highest commendation. The
enemy brought 5000 Infantry, squadron
of Cavalry, and ten pieces of Artillery into
action, holding tEo regiments of Infantry
in reserve. The force was altogether too
large TO think Of retresting before in regular
order, and orders were given to retire to the
woods and fall back on Peters Creek, and
thence to Gauley.
-Four hundred and seventeen of our men
are ct Charleston under Major easement
The others are here, and should at once be
got into garrison to recruit thsir health and
numbers. z. B. TYLER.