Unknown to Joseph A. J. Lightburn, November 11, 1861

November 11, 1861.

: Camp Gauley Mountain, November 11, 1861. ` Dispatches just received from General Schenck confirm previous ones. The enemy is concentrated in camp extending from Dickerson’s to near Fayette. Has been throwing up some rail and earth intrenchNIS

268 `- OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA, AND W. VA. [Cnar. XIV.

ments at Dickerson’s and at Jones’, a mile above. Appears to hold intersection of Fayette pike and Miller’s Ferry road. Under these circumstances you will proceed as follows: Supposing you have pro- ` ceeded to oceupy Cassidy’s Mill with 1,000 men, with all provisions

and with directions to push forward from that position strong scouting parties on the most practicable road to Fayette, and established an outpost to wateh the Loop Creek road, I have directed General Cox to order Major Leiper, who commands the troops on Cotton Hill, to report to you at the intersection of the Ridge road with the Fayette pike. It

is about two miles and a half from the ferry. You will proceed with .

your command by the River road and occupy Cotton Hill to-night, pushing forward as far towards Fayette as you can, and have a strong position. Divouae your troops. Send forward strong reconnoitering party, with orders to drive in the enemy’s pickets and find out if they

are retreating. Open communication with your detachment at Uassidy’s –

Mill, in order that you may receive from them the earliest intimation of the enemy’s movements. Schneider, with one piece, and MeMullin’s two howitzers will cross with the Kentucky troops to-night and report to you for orders. What we now have to do is first to oceupy Cotton Hill and reconnoiter the enemy, working on his left flank if he retains his position and falling on his flank if he moves. Generals Schenck and McCook remain in position to-night watching. If a rebel force comes down on this side they will fall back, and our ntovements on your side be governed by circumstances. If the enemy retreat, Schenck will cross at Townsend’s and McCook cover this’ line. I regret that

circumstances seem to bring you in front. My great desire has been –

to cut off his communications. The road by Lights Mill seems now the only one that would doit. Perhaps you may yet be able to make a flank movement as soon as we have got thorough possession of Cotton Hill.

Brigadier-General BENHAM, Camp, Loop Creek Mouth.