The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-11-06

CAMP CRossMAN, NEW CREEK, VA,
9Th REGIMENT o. ", Oct. 27, '6l.
Your readers have no doubt learned
through your telegraphic columns the
news of the battle of Romney. But as
such accounts must necessarily be meager,
1 thought that the uume oas friends of the
Ohio 4th and 9Th among your readers
would be gra,i6ed with recital of the he
roic manner with which the boys acquitted
themselves.
On the Oath word passed through the
camp that General Kelley was expected
during the day to pay US visit of inspec.
ton. After some delay be arrived from
Grafton. with bis staff. Everything passed
off satisfactorily. The General proceeded
to Cumberland to perform similar Office
there. aud hurried back to New Creek
An unusual futter was noticeable around
headquarters, indicative of some move
ment. Indeed, all hands knew that some
adventure was on the tapis. and soon it
was made manifest, as an order was is.
sued from the respective regimental Off
GERS to pull mp stakes and prepare for
forward movement. It did not require
much ingenuity to guess the quarter short
ly to be the scene of desperate fight
We all guessed Romney. and many
threat was made that ere the sun again
performed his diurnal journey, Romney
should fall, if the cost should be the life's
blood of many brave heart that then
beat in warm response to the cry of Rom.
ney or death!
The hour appointed was IL NJ. for the
start. The 4th Ohio had left their camp
at Pendleton, distance thirty-two miles,
and were within six miles waiting to join
US. About five hundred of the Vir.
ginia, under command of Lieut.. Col Kel-
ley, son of the General. Captain Dayton
aud Hagan's companies. also Virginia
troops, together with the Ringold Caval-
ry aud McGhee's Virginia Lancers. The
force, numbering about twenty-five hun
dred, with the wagon train, started soon
after l24 p. NJ The General overlook
them next morning, when he took charge
in person, When within seven miles OF
Romney, our advanced guard were at.
tackled by the ambushed pickets Every |
step of ihs way was hotiy contested. the /
Ringold Cavalry, under Captain Keys |
driving the enerIy before them Some
three companies of infantry were ordered
to their support, rushing on in the fee of |
4 hot fire from their heavy pieces of can
non. Shot and shell we're literally rain.
ing around them. The eneny's fire was
we'll directed. but invariably went over our
heads. In the face of heavy musketry
and cannon, gallant dash was made for
The rebel battery, when their whole force
gave way aud took to the woods, making
Flora Temple time. leaving US possessors
IF all their camp equipage, wagons. over
! hundred horses stores aud ammunition,
IN all valued al twenty thousand dollars;
aud this discontinue effected at q loss to !
ls of only one killed aud Eve wounded
The loss occurred in the Virginia
Our boys are full of glee at their success,
and mention is made of several instances |
of personal bravery. Our Quartermasser,
Mr.. Ruess. who was acting as aid 10 the
General, is highly spoken of, for the con-
spicuous part he took in the engagement
If the suffrsges of the 8.h could effect it,
the eagle would soon adorn his shoulder
straps Lieut. Col. Cantweil. OF The h,
now resigned, also took q prominent part,
but, when all behaved gallantly. it wece