Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-20

GENERAL HUMPHREY MARSHALL, O. s. -,
CONFEDERATE LEADER Al PRESToNBURG.
cember His army consisted of his own
regiment, the Forty-second Ohio, under
Lieutenant Colonel l. a. Sheldon; the
First squadron, Ohio cavalry, Major
William Mclaughlin; the Fourteenth
Kentucky, Colonel l.. 7. Moore; the
Twenty-second Kentucky, Colonel d.
w. Lindsey; Second Virginia cavalry,
Lieutenant Colonel W. NJ. Bodies; the
Fortieth Ohio, Colonel Jonathan era
lucky cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel J.
W. Letcher, numbering in all between
1000 and 1900 men. Garfield having
found the road up the river impossible
for wagons, many were taken to pieces
and conveyed on boats; others that
were empty were pulled by men. His
supplies were brought up on steam
boats and on push boats.
On the 9Th Of January. 1862, Garfield
arrived within seven miles Of Paints
Vile, where Marshall had established
his camp and headquarters. lie had
with him at the time the Forty-second
Ohio and Fourteenth and Twenty-sec-
ond Kentucky. 1t had been Marshall's
intention to offer battle at Hagar's
farm. near Paintsville, but he had in
tercepted letter from Garfield to Ora
nor who, with his regiment. the For
tieth Ohio, and 800 Kentucky cavalry,
! was advancing upon Marshalrs left
| and rear from the direction of Salyers-
vile. He then decided to fall back to
the forks Of Middle creek, where he
/ awaited the approach Of the Federal
| troops. Garfield and Cranor made n
| junction near Paintsville on the Sth,
| and all moved up TO Marshalrs front
| Oh the 10th. General Marshall had
taken up a strong position along a high
/ ridge south of Middle creek and cover
/ ing the road TO Virginia by way of
Beaver creek. Jeffress' battery was
/ placed in a gorge in the left fork of
Middle creek. The Fifth Kentucky and
the Twenty ninth Virginia regiments
and part OF the mounted riflemen of
Kentucky formed along the heights TO
the left OF the battery. The Fifty
fourth Virginia occupied a hill near the
battery, with two cavalry companies in
reserve. Two dismounted cavalry com
panies were placed across Middle creek
on height commanding the valley not
far from Prestonburg.
Garfield Attacks the Heights.
Skirmishing between the opposing
forces began about 10 O'Clock a. M
but the action opened in earnest about
noon by an advance OF Federal cavalry
supported by infantry. This attack
was repulsed. three discharges Of the
artillery putting the cavalry to fight
according to Marshalls report of the
affair. GARFIELD then endeavored 10 take
the ridge occupied by the Fifth Ken.
lucky and the Twenty ninth Virginia
on the right wing Of Msrshalls posi-
ton. He moved his infantry up the
side OF the mountain and made a des
perate attempt TO dislodge the Confed
crate forces commanded by COlone
Williams. but was repulsed. The at
tack was renewed twice and twice re
pulsed, according 70 Marshall's account
Garfield reported making persistent at
I IttAAoLNAAS MS AAlANs anu q
forts to prevent Marshall from turn
ing his right flank. The slopes were
steep and the crests covered with trees
and rocks, which offered good protec
ton to the Confederates. The ems age
ment lasted four hours. both sides
claiming the victory and both with
drawing from the battlefield at night
fall. General Marshall estimated Colo
mel Garield's forces at 5000 and state,
his own at 1900. his loss was nine
killed and fourteen wounded, according
TO the records. but Garfield reported
finding eighty FIVE Confederate dead.
| Marshall Retreats to Virginia.
Marshall withdrew next day. takinl
three days to reach Martins Mil, oil
Beaver creek. sixteen miles from tn,
battlefield. This was the nearest poin
at which he could get bread rations 70