The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1861-08-08


give further command, was taken to one Of the log
buildings from which the enemy had Just been
driven, refusing 10 be taken to the rear. Before
leaving the field Col. Norton sent a messenger TO
Col. Lowe, the principal in command, stating that
the enemy had been driven from their right and
center, and that he tCol. Lowc) must charge with
his center and right wing, in order to sustain the
left, and that this movements ir done quickly, would
gain victory, their right and center had already
rctreatcd and they had raised whito flag upon
their battery. The messenger either failed TO give
the message as ordered or Col. Lowe neglected TO
rcgordit The messenger was Lieutenant Ewing,
Co. d, 2lst regiment. He says he delivered The
message and that Col. Lowe refused 10 do as re-
quested. Hence the Federal troops were repulsld
and obliged to retreat The rebels seeing that they
were not pursued and that no effort was made by
our right and center to sustain us, and at this mo-
mant being reinforced by 500 men, returned and
obliged our men to retreat, leaving Col. Norton in
the building to be taken prisoner. While retreat
ing many of our men were wounded. and som, NOR
tally, among whom was the gallant Lieut. Pomcroy
who died in three days after from the effects of his
wound; he being the second commanding officer in
company y that was killed in this cngagcmcnt.--
One word us to Col. Lowe. From the time the en-
cmy opened fire upon us he gave no command. He
did nothing to inspire his with confidence. He
kept well in the rear, out of the range Of fire. and
ON but one occasion did he approach the line-whcn
our mon were firing, and then took good care to
keep log building between himself and the shots
Of the enemy. Had he approached them properly,
with his men formed in line, he could have, in
L..
the rebel battery, either by flank movement upon
their left turned their position, or by direct charge
in front and liuc, have completely routed them. -
And this with less loss of life and with much more
credit to himself and satisfaction to the troops. Or
had he sustained Col. Norton in his charge with the
left wing by charging with his right and center af
ter receiving the message sent Lin by the hand Of
Lieut. Ewing from Col. Norton, the day would un-
doubtedly have been ours. AS to Gen. Cox, had
he sent the artillery with enorccments on the
Sunday previous when urged to do 80 by Col. Nor
ton, they could,by march Of miles, have reached
the cncmy's position by daylight, and gained an
easy victary-taking the cannon of the rebel force
and undoubtedly many prisoners and routing them
from their camp at the mouth of Cole river, When
Gen, Cox came up with the main body, instead OF
I
at the mouth of the river Poca. We could have
been at Charleston by Monday evening had he so de-
signed, and by this he would have saved the NOR
tlication of disgraceful defeat the loss of three
Coonels and two captains who, taking more inter
est in the battle than he, supposing the day to be
ours, rode incautiously into the enemy's camp and
are still detained as such. He could also have
saved or s days of valuable time, and probably
| the lives of several soldiers and officers and the
! cripplng for the time being, Col. Norton himself,
! During the entire time Gen. Cox was lying with the
main body in camp, he did not send out a scouting
party, nor did he take any pains to ascertain oul
relative position with the enemy. He knew well
that the enemy were in place chosen by them.
selves as battle ground, and they were daily be
coming better and better prepared for the conflict
And even after the firing had commenced and hat
lasted for hours, Gen. Cox refused to send us re
Inducements, or allow the balance of Col. Nortons
regiment to march to the aid Of their gallant Colo
mel although they were under arms and chatting
under confinement, impatient for the ordcrto marcl
and join in the battle. And after the battle whei
the 2lst begged him to send party with flag o
truce to bring dead and see to the welfare o
Col. Norton, this brave General Cox indignant,
repled--that the enemy would have no more re
spcct for flag of truce than any other white rag
During the advance and battle Gen. Cox action wa
most unsoldierliko and questionable The rebel
took Col. Norton's horse, horse cquippnge, swort
pistols and even his boots and spurs. lie then re
manned about three days prisoner in hospital an
was then released on parole until exchanged. II
is now at home. His wounds though serious ar
not dangerous. lie is now doing well and wi
probably be able in a few weeks to return to I'll
army. We understand that arrangements have al
ready been made to effect the exchange of Col. Nor
ton for Major Patton, Il rebel Major who is now o
parole from our troops, and who had command &
the battle Of Scary Creek. Too much credit can
not be given to Capt Golfer and Lieut.. Col, Whit
Of the l2th regiment during the entire engagement
They fought bravey and like men, Poor Haven
a member of Capt. Golfers company, was mortal
wounded while passing ammunition to the gun
His entire hip was shot off, and his dying word
were: "Boys, don't mind me; but protect that fla!
and don't let it come down."