Unknown, October 19, 1861

October 19, 1861.

This reconnaissance shows that the rebels are in force between Long Branch and Accotink Run, above the Telegraph road. If there are any south of this road it is not probable that they are in force. Our pickets now extend from the mouth of Dogue Run to Windsor’s Hill, which is a commanding position and overlooks the valley. Accotink Village was abandoned, as well as Pohick Church, several days ago.

Respectfully forwarded. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding.

The rebels are believed to belong to General Ewell’s brigade.

OCTOBER 19-NOVEMBER 16, 1861.—Operations in the Kanawha and New River Region, West Virginia.

Oct. 19-21, 1861.—Skirmishes on New River. 23, 1861.—Skirmish at Gauley. Nov. 1- 3, 1861.—Skirmishes near Gauley Bridge. 6-15, 1861.—Operations at Townsend’s Ferry, New River. 10-11, 1861.—Skirmishes at Blake’s Farm, Cotton Hill. 12, 1861.—Skirmish on Laurel Creek, Cotton Hill. 14, 1861.—Skirmishes near McCoy’s Mill.

No, 1.—Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, with dispatches.

No. 2.—Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, of skirmishes at Blake’s Farm.

No. 3.—Maj. Samuel W. Crawford, Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, of operations at Townsend’s Ferry.

No. 4.—Brig. Gen. Henry W. Benham, U. S. Army, of operations from November 11-16.

No. 5.—Col. Carr B. White, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish on Laurel Creek.

No. 6.—Col. William S. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, of skirmishes on Laurel Creek and near McCoy’s Mill.

No. 7.-—Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, C. S. Army.

No. 1. H Reports of Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, with dispatches.

CAMP GAULEY, VA., November 11, 1861.

Since last night rebels have fallen back to within 3 miles of Fayette. The river too high to cross our force at the ferry above. Their position regarded as impracticable, but which we are prepared to use. ` Three men attempting to escape from that side of the river came down to cross to our side. Two crossed, and our concealed guard foolishly sprang out, took them prisoners, alarming the other, on whom they fired, and he ran away. The enemy was discovered breaking his camp about 8 o’clock, taking position within 2 or 3 miles of the ferry crossing. At which General Schenck nevertheless is unwilling to advance. Benham will occupy position on their front and flank to-morrow morning, reeonnoiter, and engage them. If they stand, I think General Schenck will eross over in their rear and we will bag them.

. W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier- General. Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN.

Camp GAULEY, November 15, 1861.

Confirming news of my No. 8* I report that General Benham pursued rebels 15 miles beyond Fayette; overtook a rear guard of infantry and cavalry; skirmished with them, and having no train or provisions to enable him to go farther, desisted from pursuit and is returning to Fayette.

Floyd’s forces reported to have been eightregiments and 700 cavalry. They left considerable camp equipage, ammunition, and knapsacks.

The fortifications at Dickerson’s farm were very respectable and ex- – tensive. The line of Floyd’s stockade a mile long; a crémaillere line for infantry 700 yards. Two embrasure batteries to defend passage across Miller’s Ferry and front attack. Our success in concealing real point of attack was perfect. Continued high water alone prevented a perfect Success and capture ;. and fatal want of nerve and inaction caused the second plan to fail, which would have been equally successful, as we learned. They now draw their supplies from a new depot, established at Newbern, east of Wytheville, on railroad. Rumor of re-enforeement to Floyd from General Davis appears tolerably authentic. Effect of this defeat on the whole to be seen. Believe it will be the last attempt to force Gauley Pass. Propose at once to brigade troops and dispose them to hold winter quarters. W. S. ROSECRANS.

CAMP GAULEY, November 16, 1861.

Since my No. 9 [next preceding] Fayetteville is occupied by General Schenck. Road to Bowyer’s Ferry reconnoitered. Enemy’s tents left hidden have been burned. Country being examined with a view to its defense, and an advance by pack-mules to Newbern, the new depot of the rebels. Benham’s brigade returned to its camp, 6 miles below the mouth of Gauley. Enemy said to have had 500 wagons running from

. Raleigh to Newbern. Roads in bad condition. Country above Fayette more open than any on the Philippi road, which you remember. Floyd had engaged Huddleston house, 3 miles from Gauley Bridge, for his winter quarters. It wanted nothing but a vigorous execution of plans in all respects successful to have secured his entire army. Iam in the utmost need of regular officers for an aide and for an inspector general in place of Major Slemmer, sick. Also, some ordnance officers at headquarters.

I perceive in the paper a new arrangement of departments, whereby, as I understand it, General Kelley is detached from my command. Any arrangement that will conduce to the public interest will be satisfactory to me, but I respectfully call your attention to the fact that I have to draw all my supplies from Cincinnati. My staff are now left in another department; an anomaly which ought not to exist. I have to use Gallipolis as a hospital station and depot for stores, also in another department. I have no control, therefore, over my sick who go there and no right to order officers there. I am obliged to resort to Marietta and the Muskingum Valley for forage, and have a quartermaster stationed at Marietta, where is a depot for receiving horses worked down in the service. The only ordnance officer I have is at Bellaire, in Ohio. I have also 35 miles of telegraph line, connecting line down this valley by Point Pleasant with Hamden, saving forty cents on every ten words transmitted either east or west. It seems to me Ohio is a much more necessary part of this department than of that of Cumberland. Should you think otherwise, I beg you at least to issue such orders as will secure what I have spoken of as necessary beyond the question of interference. The anomalous position of my staff at Cincinnati has prevented me from having the services of Assistant Adjutant-General McLean, though much needed. While though apparently under my command he has been receiving orders and discharging duties directed by another gen252 OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA. ([Onar. XIV.

eral officer. What is much more important to public service is, I want for the efficient use of the troops here two or three efficient brigadiers. It will also be most desirable to replace several of the regiments here broken down by sickness, allowing them to recruit health and numbers.

Floyd’s forces, though beaten and demoralizec, are not destroyed, and must be watched. The roads, which become very bad by usage, dry up and become good very quickly, making the county open for enterprises during the winter. Have just returned from Fayette. Will write you in the morning.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Brigadier-General. Major-General MCCLELLAN. –