Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1861-09-26
B belmont Chronicle.
THE BATTLE OF GAULEY.
u A Vivid Description.
tCorrespoudcncc OF the Cincinnati Commercially
ARA THE ADVANCE.

"
forks, a branch leadinr of towards Gross
Lanes, and the main road conducting to
Carnifax Ferry, three miles distant. The
sounds of skirmishing in the forests were
constantly increasing in animation, and it
was obvious that we we're approaching the
rebel position, but the General was still in
the dark about the roads. lie was inform
cd Of another cross road to Cross Lanes, a
mile or two in advance, and was satisfied the
enemy could not be far from it, since that was
the route by which they had surprised Col.
Tyler. A general reconnaissance was decided
upon. Strong columns were deployed upon
the hills in line of battle, and heavy detach-
ments were ordered to sweep through all
the forests in the vicinity. A more brilliant
spectacle was never seen in Virginia, and
the animated scene cannot be fittingly de-
scribed. Our fine regiments were deployed
across several bold, meadowy knobs, their
wings expanding in imposing proportions,
FURNISHED weapons cleaning in the sunlight,
spirited horses and bold horsemen were
dashing over the face of the field, and the
General stood in bold relief on command
ing eminence, surveying the exciting pros
pect with cool, confident and exultant eye.
Here was battle array
Gen. Benham's brigade was again order
ed to advance. Our skirmishers moved
over the hill driving in rebel pickcts, and
the commander-injchief again pushed to the
front. Shortly afterwards we gained the
anxiously looked for cross road "Now;"
said the General. I'VE are all right-there
is no danger in the rear. The conviction
that we were rapidly closing on the enemy
was impressed on every mind. Every eye
diiated as the word passed, Fight ahead,
lads, fight ahead !! Then we heard skir-
mishlng more i,Ve'y tlah ever, nor iiiie
apparent pursuit. Still We were totally
ignorant of the enemys position. We did
not know indeed whether it was ON the road
we were pursuing, and therefore the column
was divided to guard all the roads until our
knowledge was absolute. The last skirmsh
seemed 50 conclusive, and while discussing
it an officer rode up Announcing, ave have
Just chased a strong detachment of the rebels
from their canp on the hill mile beyond.
and the men are pursuing them in the woods.
Their fires are burning, and their camp
eauipago has been left on the ground. -
Fifty head of cattle were also capturcd. -
Es erdnt was now sounded in earnest
"May push on now General" said Gen.
Benham, and uncover the fox? III do it in
earnest IL YOU say So" The Commander
in-Chicf, musing moment, replied, Yves
40 oNl' And brave old Benham pushod
ahead Quickly, wagging his head and swing.
ing his ponderous arms with obvious suits
faction, saying "I've got my brigade and
we'll 20 on" The Commander-in-C Chief
rode across the rebel camp to a good point
of observation, but Benham moved ahead.
His noble brigade was passing rapidly: Col.
loves regiment remaining Behind to lard
~ % - -
r,,r
! had passed up with the Generl' and
had left him but moment to admire u
rebel ColonePs baggage, which he had left
an his haste, when the whole column pricked
up their ears at the sharp sound OF conflict,
apparently not more than few hundred
yards IN advance. Indeed i sounded as il
1t was directly before US. Twenty or thirty
shots were fired in quick succession, and we
had scarce time To- think, when long,
dreadful! roar and rolling reverberation, as il
the earth had opened under our feet, shook
the cliffs and thrilled every soul. 1t was
the roar Of opening battle.
1t was then precisely 3:45 o'clock, j. NJ
There was discussion at headquarters al
that moment. whether the troops should 60
into camp or into battle. The day had beer
fervently hot. The troops had marched
seventeen and half miles--having been on
foot since o, clock IN the morning, and were
hardly refreshed after the previous days
march. Besides, many OF the best compa
nies had been scouting and skirmishing al
day, Indeed, most OF them were obviously
untit for battle, though all were eager. to go
in.o u, come wnsn IL mlght. but It was @
now oo1 ia.o' Inc deepening roar IN tht
Iores' eoid us uo9 so'eMnly that- discussion
mus. gnu. aoliey aiter voliey IN dread
eohcert c4nllnuau' e minute iater the aw'
aa ~, roaa Vi nVs.'e R cannon struck ~ its deep
u.upason. Gur own pa,terles nau not gone
IpI p,s ~. $1,000 % on !he nill waiting orders. @ :
h;.aons aamSuohela, o"a iiar.sun sent McMuiiin
i nom,'aerS Z. G snu onyIor stwosiS Founders for'
uMI " nJ. nas.e, HORSES aha mules under
= ne a.nn pia"sns ponudtousy onward, inc
snan shHli,oon Tho 9. WAGONS tnuhuuring IN then
T.l oar .ae Ain ah Jhio WIZ ordSreu9p,& rushed
.o,waiu ~ ~ uoIplc-quiGk, Oo, lowe N I'D
vance; Ing brave iads dashed ahead
.nlSpwhlng S blankets St anu khapsacks W wildlyaway
s.u. anu shhoa.ins sho. oneerlly iol Lowe, whom
T saS .lMt i,s noment ior tne las! tline' was cain
a anu ooaec.ia' a"a" anu was urging ms men tor
'u . aoeorYing 70 Hoh. hoseorahv orders
S; ~. nos uhaorstanding the precise route in
a,caIo' S:' ne asAeu 10 80 10 ms brigade
Wnich, ne saio, was sustaining the whole