The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1912-01-23

CoNFEDERA Il LEADER AT 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. I. Moore; the
Twenty Kentucky. Colonel d.
w. Lindsey; Second Virginia cavalry.
Lieutenant Colonel w. NJ. Bolles; the
Fortieth Ohio. Colonel Jonathan Cra-
nor, and 500 of Wolford's First Ken
lucky cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel J.
w. Letcher numbering in all between
1000 and 5000 men. Garfield having
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. He had
with him at the time the Forty-second
Ohio and Fourteenth and Twenty-sec-
ond Kentucky. 1t had been Marshalls
intention to offer battle at Hagar's
farm. near Paintsville, but he had in
tercepted letter from Garfield to era
nor who, with his regiment, the For
tieth Ohio, and 800 Kentucky cavalry.
was advancing upon Marshalls 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 a
junction near Paintsville on the Sth,
and all moved up to Marshalrs front
on the 10th. General Marshall had
taken up strong position along high
ridge south Of Middle creek and cover
ing the road 90 Virginia by way of
Beaver creek Jeffress' battery was
placed in a gorge in the left fork of
Middle creek The Fifth Kentucky and
and part of the mounted rifemen of
Kentucky formed along the heights to
the left of the battery. The Fifty
fourth Virginia occupied 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 Marshall's report of the
affair Garfield then endeavored to take
the ridge occupied by the Fifth Ken
lucky and the Twenty ninth Virginia
on the right wing of Marshall's posi-
ton. 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
tempts. reinforcing his line. and eff
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 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 Garfeld's forces at 5000 and states
his own at 1.500. 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. taxing
three days to reach Martins Mill. on
Beaver creek. sixteen miles from the
battlefield This was the nearest point
at which he could get bread rations for