New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-01-29

found risen 40 high to render it most impossible
to cross. After much exertion, rope was finally
stretched across holding to which the men slowly
managed to get At nightfal only regiment,
however, bad landed on the other side, aud while
the remainder were crossing on the morning Of the
battle, orders came from Gen. Thomas that their
assistance was no longer needed, and the brigade
hence retraced their steps to Somerset
During all this time the locks Of Heaven were
almost uninterruptedy OPEN and torrents OF rain con-
tnued to pour upon our devoted troops. Gen.
Tbomas's immediate command was toerably well
protected in Sibley tents but Gen. Carriers brigade
had started out without tents and hence were COM
pIetey exposed to the drencbing rain and chilling
wind. Every man in the brigade was soaked to the
skin before Logan's place was reached, and during
the remainder of Saturday night they lay on the
coax ed ground sheltered only by the woods
That it was Gen. Thomass plan to attack the
rebels on Sunday morning, may be safely in
ferred from the above movements, but he evidently
did not expect to be forestalled in this by an oHen-
sive denomination on the part Of the enemy. But
unlocked for us the latter was, 1t did not take
him by surprise.
On the morning Of the fight the regiments posted
on Logans farm were distributed ss follows: On
the right Of the road to Harris Ford facing toward the
river were the 9th Ohio and I'd Minnesota; directly
opposite them, the left lay Gen. Carters brigade
three quarters Of mile southeast OF 1t were the lth
Kentucky 10th Indiana, and two batterles-the
10th Indiana occupying the most advanced positions
In front Of the last mentioned regiment were en-
campeSabout 100 Of WoIfords Cavalry, the balance
Of the regiment being off escort duty; about two
and half miles further south was our outmoet picket
90 Of Woford's Cavalry-the nth Ohio, and lOth
Kentucky being still encamped eight miles to the
northeast 1t is thus seen that the Union force adj
vanced upon by the rebels included no more than
seyen infantry regiments the detached Michigan
companies, l4O cavalry and two batteries.
Here it will be well to describe briefly the
topography of the scene OF the action. It's man
characteristics are steep, blulke bills, and abrupt
narrow ravines. Tie only comparative Levels are
formed BY the undulatng ridges Of the former
Iogans place extends one OF the most extensive
of these, and, with its large cleared fields, afforded
the best field for battle that could have been found
in many miles around. The whole country Is COW
cred with II thick growth Of timber except where
the husbandman made it yield. The roads are but
succession of olefty ups and downs, tiring TO the
fooman and taxing the wagoners skill to the ut
most in the best weather At this time they are
reduced 10 a state Of absolute boomlesnsss, insuring
almost entire wreck 70 the teamster that ventures
upon them.
And now to the doings Of the rebels preceding and
leading to the conflict. The rebel prisoners being
my authorities, cam Of course, but give informa-
ton on this subject at the expense of violation oil
the order Of events According to their statements
ZoleofIers original force did not exceed G,(sO in
number. which was increased in the last four weeks
TO ten including ten regiments of infantry about sOC
cavalry and fifteen pieces Of artillery. fortnight
since, Maior-General Crittenden Unexpectedly ap-
reared and assumed supreme command ZolicofeE
had been highly popular with ALL but Critenden soon
rendered himself obnoxious, by his drunken habit
and abufe Of authority when under the Influence o
liquor. On Saturday morning, information ws'
brought 10 the batter by secession sympathizes iv-
ing near Somerset, OF the proposed movement Of
Gen Carter's Brigade. The rebel commander had
learned that Gen. Thomas Division on the
march to Somerset, but unaware that 1t had
already arrived, and supposing that Gen. Carters
command Was merely setting out for scouting pnr-
poses. conceived a plan of falling with bis whole
force upon it, The plan being communicated to Zol-
lcofer he strenuousy objected to any demonstration
outside Of their intrencSments. His superior,
however, insisted upon the projeet-bold and
creditable enough, if not based upon wrong
premises-sud hence the whole rebel army
moved out Of the Notifications shortly
utter dark Owing TO the difficulty Of working their
artillery ahead, it took them until q. M TO come
within one mile of our pickets. Here they halted
and rested in a deluge Of rain. AT O'Clock they
newed their march, and their cavalry advance guard
came up with Wofords men little before noon.
Supposng them to be only foragng party, our dra-
goons attacked and drove them back Perceivine,
however, masses Of infantry down the road, they
sent word to Gen. Thomas and then retreated 10
their camp. Tie squadron was quickly mounted,
and rode toward the enemy, hut, discovering his
overwhelming strength, fell bach, dismounled, and
Joined the 10th Indiana, and afterward actively par
tcipated in the fight.
Iu twenty minutes after Gen. Thomas wac apprised
the approach Of the enemy, his whole force was
der arms. and eagerly watching for the enemy. The
10Th Indiana, "a Minnesota, and the dismounted
cavalry pushed forward short distance from
their eneanpments in an open field TO a piece of
timber, and he ith Kentucky took position in the
woods on the left. The 10th Indiana having tue
lead WAS within musket range of the rebels just be-
fore 9 O'Clock, and now the battle fairly commenced.
AT least six regiments formed the Rebel right, aud
pressed first on the 10Th Indiana; but this brave reg-
ment bad learned to know the fighting metal OF the
Rebels at Rich Mountain, in Western Yirginia and
could not be made to yield inch even to such fear
ful odds. The gallant Hoosersfortunately protected
so,, hot nv the trees from the hostile re-stOOd