The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-02-03

GENERAL HUMPHREY MARSHALL, Q. q. A.,
CONFEDERATE LEADER AT PREsroNBURG.
cember Ills 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.. r. Moore; the
Twenty-second Kentucky, Colonel ID.
w. Lindsey: Second Virginia cavalry,
Lieutenant Colonel w. NJ. BOlles; the
Fortieth Ohio, Colonel Jonathan Cra-
nor. and 300 OF Wolford's First Ken
lucky cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel J.
W. Letcher, numbering in all between
2.OOO and 5000 men. Garfield having
found the road up the river impossible
for wagons, many We're 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 Morshall had established
his camp and headquarters. He had
with him at the time the Forty-second
Ohio and Fourteenth and Twenty-scc-
ond kentucky. 1t had been Marshall's
intention to offer battle at Hagar's
farm. near Paintsville, but he had I'M
tcrccpted letter from Garfield to Cra-
nor. who, with his regiment, the For
ticth Ohio, and 800 Kentucky cavalry,
was advancing upon Marshalrs left
and rear from the direction Of Salyers-
Vile He then decided 10 fall back to
the forks of Middle creek, where he
awaited the approach of the Federal
troops. Garfield and CranOr made Il
junction near Paintsville on the Sth,
and all moved mp to Marshall's front
on the 10th. General Marshall had
taken up strong position along a high
ridge south of Middle creek and cover
ing the road to Virginia by way Of
Beaver creek. Jcffrcss battery was
placed in gorge in the left fork Of
Middle creek Tho Fifth Kentucky and
the Twenty ninth Virginia regiments
and part of the mounted rihcmcn OF
Kentucky formed along the heights TO
the left of the battery. The Fifty
fourth Virginia occupied hill near :aa
battery, with two cavalry companies in
reserve Two dismounted cavaSy COM
panies were placed across Middle creek
on a height commanding the valley not
far from Prestonburg.
Garfield Attacks the Heights.
Skirmishlng between the opposing
forces began about 10 o'clock n. M,
but the action opened I'm earnest about
noon by an advance of Federal cavalry,
supported by infantry. This attack
was rcpulsed, three discharges of the
artillery putting the cavalry 10 flight.
according to Marshalls report of the
affair Garfield then endeavored to take
the ridge occupied by the Fifth Ken
lucky and the Twenty Virginia
on the right wing Of Marshalrs posi-
tion. He moved his infantry up the
side OF the mountain and made des-
perate attempt to dislodge the Confed-
crate forces commanded by Colonel
Williams. but was repulsed. The at
tack was renewed twice and twice re-
pulsed. according to Marshall's account
Garfield reported making persistent at
tcmpts, reinforcing his line. and ef-
forts TO prevent Marshall from turn
ing his right flank. The slopes were
steep and the crests covered with trees
ana rocks, which offered good protec-
tion to the Confederates, The engage
ment lasted -four hours, both sides
claiming the victory and both with
drawing from the battlefield at night
fall. General Marshall estimated Colo
mel Garfelds forces at 800 and sta,es
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, taking
three days TO reach Martins MIL, on