Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-06-11
By a. y. SIMPLE.
Speaking on this subject, the Louisville
rHF FIGnT AT FHILLIPPI.

$50 HAANHA $3.50
much it is due them for US to say, and we do it
cheerfully and voluntarily.
THF FIGHT AT FHILLIPPI.
Prom the Richmond Dispatch.l
Col J, ". Spslding, OF this city, who was a
participant in the recent fight at Phillippi, gives
Us the following particulars Of that affair. Gu.
forces we're posted in the town OF Phillippii
and numbered in all about 700 effective fight
ing men.
The commanding officer, Col Porterfeld, htv-
ing been informed on Sunday by a courageous
lady who rode from F~airmont, in Marion CO.,
through the lines OF the enemy at Grafton, and
thence to Phillippi, a distance Of % miles, that
it was the purpose Of the enemy to attack US,
and knowing his superior force, determined up
on retiring to Beverley, which is distant 30
miles. Not having at hand the proper mode Of
conveyance, horses and wagons we're impress
ed with the view Of leaving at midnight.
It is stated that an order was issued for the
pIckets, outposts and scouts to be in at eleven
o'clock on Sunday night, and this order was
obeyed. The baggage Of the prospective
companies was placed upon the wagon, but for
some reason best known to the commanding
officer, the horses were not attached, and they
were left standing in the street.
Il was in this position Of affairs that on the
morning Of Monday, about daylight, the enemy
opened Gre uson us frem a two-gun battery Of
6-pounders, posted upon a crowned point upon
the opposite shore Of the Tygarts' Valley river,
which successfully commanded the camps Of
the Churehville cavalry, Of Augusta, and the
cavalry o; Rockbridge, numbering altogether
about $50 men, who were situated on the OPP
posite side Of the river.
The horses OF these corps being unaccus-
toned to the FIRE Of artillery, broke from the
picket ropes, by which they were tied to the
fence, and stampeded in the widest confusion,
dashing in amorg the half formed infantry
and filling the streets.
It was some time before the confusion pro-
ducsd by both the FIRE ana stampede was over
come. Meanwhile the enemy upon the oppo-
site side Of the river endesvored to force the
passage Of the bridge with one piece Of sItil-
ierv, which he had held in reserve but in this
movement be was checked by a bold charge Of
Capt. Richards, Of the Bath cavalry, who was
stationed on the opposite side OF the road. A
running FIRE then ensued, which continued up
the main street OF the town, the enemy having
finally succeeded in crossing the bridge, and
the successive discharges from the troops
brought aim to a stand during every few rods
Of his progress.
On reaehings the curve Of the road leading
toward Beverley, the foot tFoons having been
formed BY their respective officers, the main
engagement took place aud terminated in the
final fight at Sturn's house, a mile and a bali
from the village. Here The enemy received a
check, gave up the chase, and Col. Porterfeld
made good his retreat to the village Of Bever-
ley.
prisoner in his quarters, opposite to CsPott's
Hotel. When last seen be was near the win
dow, having been sn invalid for SOM days.
A Mr.. Martin, OF northwest Virginia, is
also believed to have been captured By the
The corps OF Capt. MoOrman, OF PendletOn
county, were particularly effective, as was also
that Of Capt. Hall, Of Monterey.
Lieut.. Thompson, Of the Fsirmont Rifles,
bore himself well during the action, closing up
his ranks with the GOODNESS Of an old soldier.
So did Captain Higginbotham, Of Upshur's
corps.
The successful termination Of the fgdt, and
the warmth Of the contest may be attributed
10 the wonderful gallantry OF the men, rather
than to the superintendent Of any general
officer, and numerous instances might be re-
lated OF the most determined bravery on the
part Of individuals. The majority Of our men
showed admirable pluck.
The United States soldiers fired at random,
though armed with minnie rifles, which az
counts for our small loss. The enemy was
about 5000 strong, though from the character
Of the country they were unable to bring the
entire body into action. Through a lady, who
has since arrived at Beverley, it appears they
acknowledge to % killed; but the presumption
is. that there were many more, to say nothing
Of sixty OF seventy wounded, who were rapidly
removed from the field.
Our own loss, so far as is ascertained, are
Mr.. Hanger, Of the Augusta cavalry, who was
killed near toe bridge; Mr.. Martin, Of Rock
bridge, and Mr.. Thomas E. Sims, Of Richmond.
The latter individual, when last seen, was
bravely defending himse near the wagon Of
the quartermssfer, to whom be was an assist
ant. The first wound he received was from
a man who was mounted, but who afterwards
met his deserts at the mouth OF q musket. His
last and mertal wound Mr.. S. received while
between his wagon and the fence, when be
was endeavoring to mount a horse near by.
He had been up during the entire night, pre-
pairing the vouchers for the horses which had
been pressed into service, and were to be paid
for. These vouchers were upon bis person,
and, with bis body, are presumed to have been
taken by the enemy.
Captain Richards, Of the Bath cavalry,
who was reported to be killed, escaped unhurt,
and reached Beverly with his corps on Mon
dsy last.
Private L. B. Dangerheld, from the Warm
Springs, was not killed as reported. He receiT-
ed a severe and painful wound on the left leg
lust ADORE the ankle, both bones being crush
ed. He was tskon to Beverley in 4 wagon,
where his leg was removed on Tuesday morn
ing, Just below the knee. Nearly at the came
time Mr.. Dangerfeld was struck, Mr.. Hogs
head received a flesh wound in the arm, and a
number Of others were struck, but not danger
0usly wounded.
One Of the most frightened individuals Of the
entire party was a negro, VINO was knocked
down by the wind Of & six-psund ball. He
Immediately sprang to bis feet, Jumped upon
q horse and reached Beverley two hours in ad-
vance OF any one else.
SHch was the suddenness Of the attack that
some Of the msR had not time to dress.
Col. PorteTield is.now at Beverley, where il
is expected be can successfully maintain his
position until reinforced. No doubt is enter
tanned that the Information Of the absence Of
artillery in the command Of Potterfeld was
communicated to Gen. McCleliand at Graf.
ton, together with the fact that our forces in
tended to remove that night, by resident
~traitsrs.
As an illustration OF the bravery Of Virginia
women, we have above given one instance.
Here is another When the firing commenced,
and Whils Dir Sins was trying to get the
casrtsrmasteI's baggage upon q wagon, 4
lady, seeing bis diheultg, boldly cane forward,
notwithstanding bullets were flying around
her, took one end Of the trunk and assisted
him In his work,
The chest OF the Adams express company
was captured by the Enemy, but fortunately
Quartermaster Jordan had taken the precau-
ton to remove the money it contained, and the
funds are now safe at Beverley.
Anumber OF defective rifles frsm HarBer,s
Ferry were no doubt also taken from tie iail.
but the number OF arms heretofore reported az
captured is greatly exaggerated.