The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1880-07-02

kentucky, greatly to the damage Of the
stock-yards and larders of the well-to-do
farmers of that vicinity, and to the fright
Of their wives and children.
Gen. Garfield determined to dislodge
them from their position, and so put an
end to their marauding expeditions. He
accordingly set out with sufficient
force, and, after two days forced march,
reached the base of the mountains
short distance above the gap. Of the
strength of the rebels and their position
he had been well informed by the spies
he had sent out, who had penetrated to
their very camp, in the absence of the
usual pickets, which were never thrown
out by them, so secure did they feel in
their mountain fortress. It would have
been madness to enter the gap and at
tack them in front and the General did
not propose or attempt it. Hating at
the foot Of the mountains for the night,
he sent his cavalry early next morning
to the mouth of the gap, to menace the
rebels and draw them from behind their
defenses This they did, arriving at
given time and threatening an attack.
The rebels jumped at the bait, and
at once came out to meet them, our
men rapidly retreating, and the rebels
following until the latter were some dis
lance in front of their breastworks in
stead of behind them. Meantime, Gen.
Garfield, with his infantry, had scaled
the mountain side, In the faceof blind
ing snow-storm, and, marching along
narrow ridge on the summit, had reached
the enemy's camp in the rear of his for
tifications. A vigorous attack was now
made, resulting in the complete rout Of
the rebels, many of whom were killed,
wounded, or taken prisoners, and the
remainder dispersed through the mount
aims. The General now reassembled his
forces and spent comfortable night in
the enemy's quarters, faring sumptu-
ously on the viands there found. The
next morning the cabins, sixty in num-
Der, were burned, the breastworks de-
stroyed, and the General set out on his
return to Piketon, which he reached the
following night, having been absent
four days and having marched in that
time about 100 miles over a rough and
broken country.
On his return he received orders from
Gen. Buell., at Nashville, to report to him
in person. Arriving at that place, he
found that Buell. had already begun his
march toward Pittsburg landing, and
pushed on after him. Overtaking the
army, he was placed in command of the
Twelfth brigade, and with his command
participated in the first days fight at
Shiloh. He was present through all the
operations in front of Corinth, and, after
the evacuation of that place, rebuilt with
his brigade the bridges on the Memphis
and Charleston railroad, and erected for
tlfications at Stevenson. Throughout
the months of July and August he was
FRUSTRATED by a severe sickness, and,
consequently, was not In the retreat to
Kentucky or the battles fought in that
State. During his illness he was as
signed to the command of the forces at
Cumberland gap, but could not assume
1t. Upon his recovery he was ordered
to Washington and detailed as mem
Der Of the Fitz John Porter court-mar-
tial, which occupied forty-fve days, and
In which his great abilities as a lawyer
and soldier were called forth and freely
recognized. When the court adjourned
he was ordered to report to Gen. Rose
Grams, and by him was placed in the re-
sponsible position Of chief of staff,
though at first it had been intended to
give him only the command of division
in the field. With the selection thus
made universal satisfaction is everywhere
expressed. Possessed of a sound natu-
raj sense, an excellent judgment,
highly cultivated intellect and the de-
served reputation Of successful mill
tary leader, he was not only the mentor
Of the staff, but his opinions were sought
and his counsels needed by many who
were older and not less distinguished
than himself.