Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-07-24

! oOrrespeLdeuCe Of the Cincinnati Commercial
The steamer Dunleith, Capt. A. D Wilson,
arrived from ParFcr-burg yesterday, bringing
the latest Intelligence from the Kanawha river.
Ghe reports being somewhat contT 4dictory, we
give he statements of both loyal and rebel
authorities.
Capt. Hugh Campbell, of the government
transport steamer Mary Cook, who came pas
senger in the Dunleith, reports that a severe
action took place on Thursday afternoon, be-
tween the rebels ana the federal troops under
Col. Lowe, of the 10Th Ohio regiment, and
seven companies of Col. Norton's regiment.
Capt. Campbell did not learn any satisfactory
details, but states that our troops exhausted all
their ammunition and retired. after a severe
loss, with their two field pieces.
The federal fleet was living below Pocatella
creek, and the action took place at "Searey,"
some distance in the interior. It appears that
our troops were sent out with orders to make
a u reconnaissance, but not attack the enemy,
who were in a strongly entrenched position,
numbering 1900 strong-unless it appeared the
position could be easily carried.
Capt Campbell reported that Col. Norton
was severely wounded while CALAMITY eDcOuT-
aging his men to charge, and he was left on
the field and captured By the enemy.
TIE extent Of our loss is not known, but We
infer that it vas quite serious. The enemy
also suffered seriously. Col. Lowe sent back
during the action for ammunition, and Gen.
Cox sent it forward with endorsements but
our troops were net returning from the field.
Lieut.. Pomeroy, Of 0ttoway, O., was mOrtally
wounded, and sent to this city on the steamer
Dunleith, but be expired at GallipOlis. One
private in the cavalry company which forms
part of Gen. COx's brigade was killed.
Col. Woodruff and Lieut. Col. Nef. of the
ID Kentucky regiments, and major DeViliiers,
of the Sch Ohio, were at the engagements as
spectators, add when Captain Campbell left
POcateile creek, twenty hours after the con-
fict, they bad not returned. The inference is
strong that they were taken prisoners, and we
are afraid our troops me with a severe reverse.
Capt. Campbell reports that they fought gal
lantiy, and did not retire until their ammunl-
ton was completely exhausted.
A REBELS STATEMENT.
Capt, W. o. Roseberry, who it will be re-
membered, was arrested at PIT. Pleasant, Va,
and taken to Columbus, Ohio, but subsequently
released, being charged with sympathy with
the rebels, was also among the passengers by
the steamer Dunleith.
The following is bis version of the conflict.
On the 18th, Gen. Cox ordered the 18th Ohio,
Col. Love, two companies of the 2lst Ohio,
together with the Cleveland artillery and Capt.
Rodgers cavalry company from ~Ironton, Ohio,
to cross the Kanawha river, at the mouth Of
POkey creek, twenty miles below Charleston,
and reconnoitre tue rebel camp five miles above,
on the south side OF the right hand bank of the
KanaWha, three miles below the mouth Of Coal
river, and to SOnnonade and draw them out in
order to estimate their force, and if easily cap
turea, to take their batteries, the enemy
being fortified.
When within three hundred yards Of the bat
terry, they were fred into by the rebels, under
command Of Col. TomPkins, from three to FIVE
pieces OF artillery, when a general engage
ment ensued, lasting about two hours, when
the rebels were reinforced, and the federal
troops compelled to retreat. Col. Norton, Of
Lhe 21st Ohio, was wounded, shot in the hip,
and taken prisoner; Capt. Allen killed-ball in
the forehead, Just between the eyes; Lieut..
Pemeroy was shot through the hip.
He died on the Dunleith, when the boat was
near Gallipolis. The remains will be for
warded to bis home in O5towa, Pdtnam coun-
ty, Ohio, to-day. Lieutenant PomeroY and
Captain Allen were in Company B, Dist Ohio,
Colonel Norton. During the engagement, De
Yillters 1lth Ohio, Col. Woodruff, Lieut.. Col.
Neh, and several Captains, Of the Pad Ken
lucky, mounted, rode up opposite The scene Of
setien, and bad not TetuTed 10 their cams Il D to
u NJ, on the 18th inst. The rebels were re-
por ed to be 1900 strong, previous to being re-
inforced.
nag OF truce nau Deen sent out Oy the
~federals, asking the privilege Of visiting the
rebel camp to gather the dead and wounded.
Petitions were also sent from Pt. Pleasant,
sisnea by Capt Norton, asking the privilege to
bring the Colonel back, who was reputed
wounded.
Lieut.. Pomeroy, Of Company B, twenty
first Ohio Regiment, who was mortally woun-
ded in the battle, and brought on board Of the
steamer Dunlieth, received every attention
from The officers of the boat. He died az the
boat was nearing Gallipolis.