Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1862-01-16
The Sktrmish at Big Cacap9n
Bridge.

permitted to publish the following official
report in justification of Capt. W. B. Slaugh-
ter. and others, who commanded in person
the forces stationed at the Bridge q
CUMBERLAND, MD, Jan. C, 1862.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL T. 0. OSBORN -!SG =
I have the honor TO report the arrival of my
command, consisting Of Company G, and a de-
tachment from Company e, under Lieutenant
Whipple, at this place yesterday evening, about
o'clock. reported Immediately to General
Kelley, was kindly received and arrangements
made for the comfort of my men.
The afternoon of Friday, the Sd instant,
spent with small party of my Company ana
Lieutenant Rudd in careful reconnaissance from
the top of Great Cacapon Mountain, taking
observations from prominent points, for dis
lance of 81 miles. From these points we could
plainly see indications of the presence in the
valley between us and the Warm Spring Noun.
tain of large force of the enemy. We esti-
mated i. at not less than 1900 men, and in the
distance to the South, two extensive camps.
I accordingly extended my pckets on the
IUOuUltl fuibbk 'HN b'ehNi Nbo pieSi'H '"y
men to sleep on their arms. On Saturday, ]
threw out party of 81 men, under Lieutenant
Rudd, to the top of the mountain, with in-
structions to observe the motions Of the enemy,
(Which we then positively knep TO be APP
preaching Bath in large force,) and TO embar-
rass the approach of any force that might be
sent against us. At about II o'clock, a. NJ
information was brought me that column OF
three regiments was approaching by the Bath
road 1t was deemed probable also that a force
would be brought against us by the Long Hol-
low from the Bloomery Gap. This superstition
was enhanced by the fact, which had learned,
that the movement against Bath was stimuli
taneously made BY large forces by the way Of
Sleepy Greek and the valley east of the Great
Cacapon Mountain | therefore directed Capt.
Dyche. with his company to occupy the ap-
proaches by the Long Hollow and points across
10 the bluffs OF the Great Cacapon Creek, n nd
took measures to defend the bridge and ford
with my Company and the detachment from
Company E, under Leuten ant Whpple.
Breastworks Of timber and railroad ties had
been constructed during the day at, and on
each side OF the bridge, and nature had planted
strong defences along the bluffs of the creek.
Lieutenant Whipple, with thirty men was
posted at the bridge, and the balance of my
force (except the detachment under Lieutenant
Rudd,) was disposed on the bluffs under COM
mand of Lieut.. Savage.
Valuable service was rendered, during the
day, by the detachment under Lieut. Rudd
Having the whole valley west OF the Great Ca
capon Mountain before him, he was able TO
note every movement and disposition of the
enemy, and to perceive their strength. The
column advancing against US, consisted OF
three regiments of infantry and one piece Of
artillery. To check so large force was des-
perate undertaking for twenty-five men, but
as the event proved, not m impossible one.
Selectinga position near bend in the narrow
road which they knew the column must pass,
our boys knelt on one knee and awaited its
approach Not until the foremost files were
within twelve rods was the presence of the
party suspected and then at the critical moment
when the discovery had caused hesitation in
their files, they coolly delivered their fire. Sew
eral of the enemy were seen to fall, and the head
of the column WAS thrown into confusion
| Our party retreated to another shelter. The
enemy was then held at bay for three hours
and i, was not until the darkness of nigh
covered them that they ventured 10 descend
the mountain. Lieut.. Rudd expresses thu
! highest admiration OF the coolress and deter
mina,ion of the men. The whole execution o
his part YVES such az to reflect the hishcs
honor upon him.
The 9Th Indiana, under Lieut.. Col. Foster
arrived on the ground at Great Cacapon abou
six O'Clock in the evening. Col, Foster de
clincd TO take the command, and our plan
were not changed. Had the enemy descended
the west side of the Great Cacapou Mountain
before dark nothing could have saved th
18th ms its retreat would have been eifectuall
cut off. nm firmly convinced that its saliva
ton is due to the courage and Skill of the de
,achment that occupied the mountain road.
About o'clock we became aware Of the fac
that the enemy were fixing gun in position
TO attack us. Decming ii probable that W
should be obliged to retire before their supe
rior force, directed that all the company bag
pape and stores should be placed in car, 6
as to facilitate our retreat when it became ne
ccssary. Ga: loading was not completed whe
the enemy opened fire on us with his cannon
The engineer immediately started the trai
, md moved ar ouud the curve about two mile!
where il could lie in safety. The 18th lndi
! ana, being in the cars, was carried along.
Our men stationed at the bridge, under CON
mand of Lieut. Whipple, could distinctly pei
, ceiye the position of the enemy's gun, an
thew answered its FIRE with their musketrl
6 Alter the md shot the gun was dcser tel
, and i, gave us no further trouble. A larg
force of infantry, at about the same tim
ma de its app sarance at the creek, and reptile
= with muskeis. Our men being well protecte
were able to mai ntain their position with in
punity. The skirmishing continued for abot
three quarters of an hour after the departul
of the train company Of cavalry aud
regiment of infantry made show Of purpos
i TO cross the ford opposite The blum occupie
= bv Lieut.. Savage. They were handsomely r,
pelled. was confident that the position coul
he maintained at Great Cacapon, provide
the Indiana regiment could return and taxi
mart in the defence. accordingly despatche
a message to Col. Foster, with the request ihf
he would bring down his force and assuu
Z. the command Before the messenger reache
him, however, word was brought ne that Il
enemy had crossed the creek mile and ha
J. above and were likely to cut of our retrea
All was quiet in our front, except the sound
ro on tho moun toip road. which ind