, 1861-09-12
Ihe Fight at Cross LAnes.
The following is Col Iyler's account Of the
recent fight at Cross Lanes, in Western Va:

HEADQUARTERS TTH REGIMENT, Q. Y. NJ,
CAMP AT aAULEY BRtDak, Vs.,
September Sd, 1881.
The past week has been trying one for the
officers and men Of the 7th. You will have
received ere this the account Of our encoun-
ter with Gen. Floyd's command at Esoss
Lenea. We had occupied that place until the
night Of the 21st u1t, after leaving Summers
vile.
The probability of an attack on Gauley
Bridge induced Gen. Cox to order us down to
the mouth Of Twenty-mile Greek, six miles
above the Bridge. We left On our return st
10 O'Clock on the morning Of the 2th, reach
ing the ford at Peters Creek, five miles this
side Of Cross Lanes, late in the afternoon,
where We learned Of the crossing Of Floyd's
force, 1900 strong, durtng the dsy, and that
two regiments were ready to cross that night
over Gauley -four miles from the Lanea. Alter
ordering 8 eounter-match Of two miles to the
junction Of two roads from Cross Lanes,
Immediately dispatched a courier to Gen. Cox
with the facts thus ascertained. His reply
Was received about 4o'clock L. n, and after
9 consultation with the command2nts Of the
line, ne moved on cautiously with nine CON-
panies, numbering In Ill about 7G0 men, COM
pany being left with the train guarding the
mountain road md the aumme1sville bike,
assisted By Capt. BrasgEg's Snake Hunters
We spent the whole day feeling onr way along,
reaching Cross Lanes about s O'Clock, driving
u the enemy's pickets on doublequlck.
luE1E K&z44 WAS tNO NAkA H<1QW EQW8[a6 The
ferry across Ganley River.
Ne secuted the hills thoroughly, driving in
their men md getting full possession Of the
Ianes. Just before dark our whole force Was
detailed for guard, aad we're stationed at avail
able points, each company being put under
command Of Its ot6cen, dispensing with an
efaeer Of the guard Our men had neither
blankets Or tentA, and remained througho1t
the cool hours Of the night, closely claspiug
their guns. Between tour and i've in the
morning orders were given to the companies
to breakfast and be ready to move, while
which Ne took from the secesslonista,
the alarm guns Of our pickets were hssrd,
I and in la@ tha1- i've minutes We ware tired
upon BY 1t least z 500 musket2. We were
| eoon In line Of battle, and found We had N
| overwhelming force to contend with, Jet ouI
Of an hour ve held their forca at bay. Con-
panias Z, 4 and G we're on the right and front,
receiving the first fire OF the enemy like vete.
rans. They were in the hottest Of the fight to
its close, aad cut their way through tho flank
ing lines of the enemy; Company 4 taking q
| which they bxoukht safe 70 this camp. Com:
paniea D md Il were ordered up to the front,
and very promptly responded, holding their
poe1fton until ordered 70 retire. Companies
G,R, II sadR xexe LETT to contend with fagi'
meat Of tho eneuy'a infantry, sent % ousa anK
We VI ING 4E2k 1Q3 AEAA0A 0<%AAsAeo &7AASAe.1
and every m4u Ind hia full share OF duty, and
performed Il well. No vet Of men eoah have
bettef head 10 great N odds agsainst fhan than
did the men of tho 7th. The officers, ono and
~ stroye to DO their utmost, and deserve The
highest eusn1anda&5aa. Tho enemy hso0ghf
5000 inflat1J, squadron Of cay,l1, nd ten
plecas ofaztfiea7 into action, holding two reg
Mrents Of hRnkT n feeerya The foree VIZ
.itosethef TOO 1szfe to think Of rstre<ttng be
:fo7e h N&0iax order, nd ofdsm Wefe R1!ez
70 retire sofhe Woods, and fa2l bAck On fsesE't
Creek, and themes to G4Hley.
1T Charfestoa. E16er llajoE Caseneat- Tha
others sre hare, and shouad 1t once be got lnt<
Il, E, B, TYLER.