Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-10-03
GINA

from the Richmond Examiner sept. r.
Intelligence of the most important and critical
nature has reached here from the seat Of war ia
the West, by special express arrived yesterday
evening. The news from our camps on the eau
ley line is as late as "Wednesday last, furnishing
a most uncommon instance of tire dispatch Of in
tcligence from that quarter.
On Friday last Gen. Lee arrived at Floyd's
camp at Meadow Bluff lie was accompanied
by an escort Of twenty men and three baggage
wagons. Gu the Sunday following Gen. Lee
proceeded to Nise's encaupmeut, on the Big
ScWell, and made a thorough reconnaissance Of
the position.
Ii was known thai Rosencranz had crossed the
Gauley, and was making his way towards our
lines. 1t was reported that Il. had crossed the
Guuley at Hughes Ferry, taking up his line Of
march on the Wilderness road, but learning the
position Of llOyd's forces, had retraeed his
march, crossing tine iyer again at CuncEax (the
locality ct the late baule) and directing his
movements towards Wise's position on the Bic
Sawel
Gen. Lee had taken four regiments Of Flovd's
command to reinforce Gen. Wise. The June
ture OF these two forces would not, it Is said,
amount to more than 5000 men, and it had been
determined 20 give battle on he approach of the
enemy. Rosencrgnz' force was estimated az
II 1000 men.
1t IS understood that the position of Gen. Wise
was exceedingly strong. The dispositions Of he
forces had been made by Col H~enningsen. and ii
was hoped that they would be- able TO check
liOSencrauz, Notwithstanding the considerable
superiority of his numbers
On Wednesday last Gen. Floyd had prepared
dispatches TO hurry up achievements on points
from the route to Richmond. Col. RusseTs Mis-
sisSippi regiment had arrived Qua. as has Col.
Phillips legion on battalion, COO strong.
At the time of the preparation OF these dis
patches il was reported in Gen. FlOyds camp
That an engagement had already taken place,
or WAS in progress. between Gems. lee and Wise
and the enemy. Meadow Bluff is about fifteen
miles distant from Wise's position. fan action
had taken place, or was being contested, its re-
suit was not known or certainly anticipated at
tine last reliable accounts which have reached
here through special express.
ii 1t should become necessary iur cur forces 10
fan back from the Bic SeWell, It is understood
that they will do So upon General Fl0vd's posi-
lion. which is said To be iInpresnable. defended
Is it IS, on one side by a mountain bluff, and on
the other by a considerable stream. Our forces,
in the position now occupied by Floyd's COM
mand, could not be Outhanked. They would
command the Wilderness. road and the Boyer's
ferry road, both OF which connect with the pike
and guard the only passable approach 10 Lew
ishUg.
The Dispatch of the same date gives the fol-
lowing order from General Floyd's adjuiant:
HEADQUARTERS ARyn OF rHE KASAwHA.1
Meadow Bluf, September 2jtb. 1861.
The enemy have concentrated their entire
available force in Western and Northwestern
Virginia on this road, and it IS absolutely neces-
sary 10 the command OF Gen. Floyd and to the
cause that be should have Endorsements. The
enemy have already appeared before Gen. Wise
in large force. Gen. Lee went to his succol
with four Of F1oyd's regiments, which leave the
latter with a very small force. Hence You SET
the necessity of rapid reinforcement.
P S.-Gen. Wise was fighting Yesterday, but
with what success Is not learned.