Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-06-14
The Fight at Phillippi, Full Details.


Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gszetie.l
GRAFTON, VA, Z. S. June Z.
The skirinish at Phillippi, and the bril-
liant military movement of the rebels, have
already been described at length. But
there are still some things concerning that
memorable rout of the two thousand which
may be pardoned for occupying some
space with. .I q.
1t has now transpired that, had the at
tack been made on Saturday night, as was
once intended, our troops would, in all
probability, have been cut to pieces. Col.
Porterfeld, the rebel commander, had his
picket guards out for two or three miles
on every avenue of approach, and was ex-
pecting an attack. Circumstances render
it more than probable that a capitally pre-
pared ambush was ready for the reception
Of our forces. But they wouldn't walk
into the parlor," like the fabulous fly.
Scouts had been out all day, and the con-
dition of affairs at Phillippi was as well
known, that evening, to Gen. Morris as to
Col. Porterfcld himself. The order for a
march Saturday night was promptly coun-
termandcd, and the rebels were sadly mys-
titled thereby. They then concluded that
there was to DO no attack, and relaxed
their vigilance. The heavy rain storm
Sunday night finished their case. They
had no conception that soldiers could think
of marching eighteen or twenty miles
through such storm as that t. attack
them, and their outposts were accordingly
abandoned, while the chivalry (cach Of
whom you know, is equal to six Northern
soldiers comfortably snoozed under can.
vas.
But for the terrible condition Of the
roads, every man of them would have beer
captured or killed The plan for sur
prise was admirably laid and as admira
bly, carried out. But Sunday was faii
day. the roads were passably good, and cal
culations were made for the time required
by the attacking columns to make thu
march, based on these circumstances
Walking half the time knee deep in muC
and water, and toiling up and down thC
dcclivities of the mountains under tht
peltngs of violent storm, the only won
der is, not that the columns didn't get il
on time, but that they got III at all. Ar
irving as they did, in the grayish light o
: dawn, they were seen by virago Of al
old woman, who was at the door of 10
J cabin by the roadside, and who, on sec
ing the III. S." on the belts of the soldiers
rushed into the house, seized revolver
and hurrying back commenced firing q
g Col. Lander. The gallant Colonel di.
t daned to return the fire, but was con
PEELED, after two or three shots had bee
! discharged, to threaten that . couple {
soldiers should bayonet her, if she did ne
stop
B., All this noise, of course, aroused IL
t camp below. When Landcr's colum
q reached the brow of the hill, there was L
time to be wasted The cannon wei
: ready to fire, but the other attacking co
c umn could not be seen. 1t would ncvC
S do to wait. The rebels were already bus
ling gabout and the inhabitants were thron!
ing into the streets "Bring up the gur
u and open on them" said Lander. 'Bu
/ Colonel" demonstrated the artillery office
IS eve Il perhaps hurt some of those citizei
,e down there" oh the difference
! roared the grizzly bear hero" We can
stand on ceremony now! FIREW Al
/ boom went the cannon balls, crashii
t. through the huts, and stirring out Il
D. rebels like stick thrust into hornet
Is nest The guns were rapidly and acc
rately served, and the few shots fired d
good execution.
As Meantime the Indianians, just conf
be up on the other side, in an instant comp
D. heudod the position, and charged after t
' flying rebels, yelling like fends incarna
> The rest you know, The chivalry, aft
III comfortable nights sleep. could beat o
at exhausted troops running-that was q
be And so they got off with the loss of tn
10 arms. horses, baggage, official correspC
oil dence, and even their ColonePs privi
camp-chest and clean shirts.
nj Too much cannot be said Of the feat {
ID. troops accomplished in making that mar
of Remember, they were going through an
emy's country in pitchy darkness, with
imperfect knowledge Of the roads, wadl
'd' through mud, slush and water, often kn
,re deep, and over hills SO steep as to rent
nd the country almost impossible for buggi
Through such country, and under 81
circumstances those lndianians marcel
'ee t.oenty sir miles, (having a deto''r 10 ma
;en in order to come upon the opposite side
B. the rebel camp while the QhiOnns, W