The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-29
OPERATIONS IN WESTERN VIRGINIA.
The Affair ut Cotton HIIs-Our SUGGESTIVE
Flight Of Floyd-The Scene Of Operations,
&c, &c, &c.
OUR SPECIAL ARMY CORRESPONDENCE

GAuLrY BRIDGE, Western Virginia. Nov. 10, 1851.
Again Floyd with his rebel host has proved the coward
Fearing 10 encounter the little army that General Rose
Grams silently sending against him. he did
make stand at his ntrenchments but, seized with a
panic has shameruy to the southern counties Ten
days ago he pushed his command forward to New river
and the Knnawha, and, establishing batteries upon the
hills that overlooked positions, commenced system,
OF attack upon that bockadcd only road auley,
and cut OF from provision depot. 1t became
to disOdge him. The General anxious that he should
come as far into the hills possible made but little
ply to his tire except drive in his skirmishers but
last all prepared and word sent to the different
brigades to be ready at a moments warning.
1t was extremely desirable to turn Floyds position and
get into his II possible and for this purpose Major
Crawford Of the United States Army member Of Gene
raj Rosecfans staff directed to make an eyaminat
Of the slope Of the mountain towards deserted ferry
known as Townscnds Ferry, and from which, after
crossing the river and ascending the opposite mountain
| road led directly to the town OF Fayette
in the OF Foyds position After incredible labor
road was made down the mountain the distance Of
mile and rocks and down ravines Major Crawford
with his force Of pioneers passed several boats and two
large floats capable Of containing ninety hundred
men. The enemy were net watching the ferry on the
opposite side, and by Monday plight all was ready.
y.
boats were in the river and the about BIO
made when the river suddenly rose and in short time
became dashing torrent To attempt to cross would
have hazarded the lives OF the men. But one thing was
TO be dcneas could not strike them in the rear VIC
could reach their Hank and the order given the
brigade to below the entrance of New river into
the Kanawha
Meantime the First Kentucky regiment had been
ordered across under Major Leepcr, attack them
the hill opposite to Gauey. This done and the hill
taken, with loss Of four killed five wounded and
six missing. Twenty OF the enemy were killed and
wounded. Five miles down the river General Benham
had crossed with his entire brigade, and was coming
up rapidly. The enemy fell back towards line Of in
trenchments thoy had constructed at Dickerson's
farm, the road from Gauley to Fayettc
Fearing that they would retreat, General Rose
sent orders General Benbam to push for.
ward at once large force TO Cassiday's MILL the key
point OF the position. road led from this mill directly
to the road running from Fayetts Raleigh over which
the enemy must pass should he determine to retire.
was the intention Of General Rosecrans that this force
should have been thrown upon The flank Of the retreatng
army, while Schenck's and Bcnham's brigades pushed
them IN the rear BY some strange Encouragement
upon the part Of General Benham the force at the mill
ordered by him TO rejoi his command by another
road The enemy, knowing that would outaank him
by the very road from Cassdays mill made no stand nj
his inrenchments and hastily retrcated. The road
strewn with tents, tent poles, cooking utensils
and ammunition as he lightened his wagons in his
fight. Bcnham now pressed his through Fayette
and along the Raleigh road and came up with his
guard, about miles from the town He attack
ed this force, consisting Of four hundred cavalry aud
several regiments Of infantry killing Colonel Croghan,
who commanded the cavalry, and several others He
brought up his artillery and opened IRE upon them with
effect Again they retreated, closely pursued until
nighfali, when, from the exhaustion of our men, who
without food or blankets, halt ordered and
shortly afterwards order from the commanding
general arrived directing 4 return Of our forces.
Floyd had 1000 men and large train of 800 wagons
Mrs. Floyd was with him. Our men are now across the
river and line Of communication is not likely TO
be interrupted. The people rebels, and our boys
levied heavy contribution in the way Of chickens tur
keys aud sheep. ] met stout Germaa who Informed
mo "there is beny shcclses, better than catles Tor
eat"
We hold the country and will continue 10 hold il
time The mistake Of Benhan. at Cassdav s mill
lost opportunity to end the campaign in Western
Virginia. with the capture Of Floyd and his entire army