New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1861-12-09
The Guyandotte Expedition.

from the Richmond Examiner, I'd Instant
=, LOGAN, =. H., NOV. H. lS6l.-Ihe cavalry on
the south side of New river, under command of
Col GARRISON has just returned to this place from
an expedition to the Ohio river. He left Gen.
Floyd's camp at Cotton Hill on the 4th instant
and, after fatiguing march, (our roads rendered
almost impassable by recent freshets) we reached
the town Of Guyandotte ON Sunday night, about 8
o'clock. We had learned at Barboursvile, seven
miles above, on the Guyandotte river, that Fed
eral force was stationed at Guyandotte, about 800
strong, and Col. Clarkson deemed it advisable to
attack them at night, Notwithstanding the disad.
Vantages Of night attack fearing that they might
get WIND OF our presence and escape. Accord
lngly we dashed on from Barboursville at as rapid
pace as our Jaded horses could bear. When we
got near the town, Col. Clarkson sent detachment
forward, under Capt. earns, to take possession of
the bridge over the Guyandotte river, near its
mouth, and with the remaining part of his force he
charged through the town, the enemy receiving us
with hot fire from the right and left. After fight
ing IN the streets several minutes the Yankees re-
treated to the houses, and continued to pour on us
an lncessant fire from the doors and windows for
1alt ma an hour longer We were thus cooped up in
the narrow streets and exposed to close fire from
the enemy, under cover, until Col Clarkson dis
mounted, himself, and with part of his men,
broke open the doors and rushed into the houses,
ana soon made the rascals throw down their arms.
number OF houses were thus entered by our
Drave men in the face of a brisk fire. We found
that the strength of the enemy had been overesti-
matea te It being only 200 to $50 strong but long
90 ny hShS iasteu IL Was very spirited. Our loss
was two killed and five wounded. All the wounded
we brought away with us. The enemy lost a large
number Killed, also many who were drowned in
attempting to escape. Their entire loss in killed
wounded and drowned, was from so to 100, and
the number of prisoners taken was upwards of So
Besides these, we took about 200 Enfield rifles, a
large quantity of ammunition, a number of cavalry
horses saddles, clothing, commissary stores etc.
~ Inc value OF the property captured was not less
than $25, 900. =
During the engagement Colonel Clarkson acted
with more than his usual galantry, leading his
men wherever the firing was the hottest and the
danger the greatest. Entering the houses from
which the enemy were pouring their shot, and was
everywhere on horseback and on foot, encourage
ing his men. Itwas his wish and intention to strike
the enemy blow at another point, but the jaded
condition OF his horses would not permit it ac-
cordngly, after spending the night at Guyandotte,
ne fell back slowly to this place. do not think
that we can over estimate the energy and boldness
Wnlch are required to conduct an expedition of
THIS klnd with success, and those are the qualities
possessed, in an eminent degree, by Col Clarkson.
II was very gratifying to all Of us, as well as unex
pected, to lind that we have many loyal citizens
nvlng on the banks of the Ohio river. At Bar.
boursVllle and Guyandotte, particularly, we were
welcomed by the citizens with the most lively de-
monstratlons OF pleasure; every house at the lat
Ter place was thrown ope1feto us, and the ladies
spent the whole night in cooking for our hungry
men; 1t only requires the exhibition of suffci-
ent force in that part of the State to ensure spec
dy return OF the people to their loyalty to the
south, SO tired have they grown of Yankee rule.
The officers and men of the command acted
throughout the fight with great bravery, and bore
the faugaes and privations of the march without
murmur. In conclusion, may say that we were
the first, but hope not the last, party who have
dipped our feet in the Ohio river" since the enc
my nave had possession. of Western Virginia. N