Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-10-11
THE BATTLE or KANAwHA GAP.

The Western Virginia correspondent of the
Cincinnati Gazette gives the following account
of the late engagement at Kanawha Gap:
There were about $50 troops under the com.
their camp Monday morning, 3Oth ulto, and
took up their line of march for the enemy.
The forces moved together until they reached
Peytona, on Cole river, where they separated ;
Col Enyart going up Cole river Col Enyart
did not meet the enemy in force at any pfaesj
but his men did meet and ford swollen rivers,
and marched on short rations, and were anx.
ioas to meet with the running enemy of Old
Virginia. Col. Enyart did not meet Col. Pistt
until they met on the Kanawha, on their return
Col. Piatts command Immediately proceed
ed thence to Boone Court House, and oamped
that night one mile beyond. The next day,
after proceeding some sixteen miles, they came
up with the advance gusrd Of the enemy, con-
sistlng OF cavalry, when brisk fire was ex-
changed, the cavalry retrsating. After the
retreat Of cavalry the battalion was immedi-
atsly put in order of battle. The advance
guard of fifteen men was led forward by Adjt
Clarke, proceeding along the road. Scouts
were sent out on either side of the road to
meet and repHlse the sharp-shooters OF the
enemy.
The force proceeded in this order for about
two miles, meeting the pickets of the enemy,
exchanging shots with them incessantly, and
a.
each charge.
Being unable to ascertain the position of the
rebels, the entire force halted for few mo-
ments, and Col. Piatt rode in advance and
took observations with his glass but could not
ascertain their force and position, as it was
covered With thick growth of uuderbrush
after these observations a command was issued
to forward the column. The scout, moved on
with raridity and enthusiasm, the main BODY
moving up the narrow road cautiously and
firmly. The fire continued to increase, and
shots were rapidly exchanged from the right
and left with the enemy, until our advanced
guard reached within sixty yards of their
main force. The column was some eighty
yards from the enemy when they received a
perfect volley OF fire upon their right, indi-
eating that the rebels we're in force in that di.
rection. Company ga, +" commanded by Capt.
Rsthbone, was ordered to deploy as skirmish.
ers to the right, up the side Of the mountain,
AID If possible to flank the enemy on the left.
Company sc" commanded by Capt. Miller,
was ordered to the right, up a similar noun.
tsln, to flank the enemy on their left.
Company "I commanded by Capt Ander.
son, was ordered directly up the ravine, on
the left In this position he drew the concen-
trated hre of the rebels upon his company
who made use of the knowledge thus obtained
By rapidly charging upon and destroying the
enemy's bresstWorks. The center moved d.
LeOhy up INC rOau. Win thl6 dl6posltl9n OF
the forces. Col. Pistt routed them from their
strongly fortified and we'll selected position, in
confusion. Capt. Anderson was the first to
mount their breastworks, his men following
him in the face of terrible fire without finch.
ing or confusion.
As Capt. Anderson scaled the breastwork,
Capt. Miller closed upon the left and Capt.
Rathbone came in upon the right, his men
crying =" Zouave!' The main column moving
up the road in double quick-until they were
brought to temporary halt by distractions
placed in the road by the enemy
The rebels, terrified by the strange bravery
and almost wild enthusiasm that was exhibited
by each advancing column, ran in confusion,
leaving their dead, wounded, clothing, guns
horses, &e., making their escape By Capt
Rath bones right; his company being too far
up the mountain to cut of their retreat Capt
West, commanding company F, was detailed
to scour the mountain on the west, on the left
Of the road. Capt. o. P. Evans on the west
side Of the mountain, on the right side of the
road. Capt. Herman Evans, commanding
Company q, on the east side of the mountain,
on the left Of the road
Each Of these companies moved with dis
patch, yet such was the knowledge of the
rebels Of the by-paths in the mountains, and
belonging to the "F. r. VS." and having
been drilled at running all summer, that but
two were captured.
Among interesting objects captured was a
genuine secession flag, captured by Lieut..
Brown.
The ensmy's loss was thirty killed and fifty
wounded.
We regret to know that four of our men were
killed and eight wounded.