WEST VIRGINIA
ADJUTANT GENERALS' PAPERS

Union Regiments
1861-1865
Ar382

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4th West Virginia Infantry
(Field and Staff, Companies A - K)
Box 12, Folder 9

Transcription

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P. B. Stanberry

By Telegraph from Charleston 25 to Col Lightburn Comd
Where can I get 5 or 6 horses to mount an escort.
W. H. H. Russell
Lt Col
Col Russell
By Camp Piatt
J A J Lightburn

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W. H. H. Russell

Charleston Sept 8
P B Stanberry
Sir
Pursuant to Col Lightburns orders I left this place with three 3 companies of the 4th Va Regt yesterday morning at 9 o clock & arrived at Coals mouth about 11 o clock - Col Paxton of Cavalry arrived the same time. The horses being very tired Col Paxton determined to remain there a few hours to rest. We found all quiet at Coal & Jenkins was understood to be at Buffalo with his main Body & a detachment of his force at Winfield - It was the intention of Col P to proceed to those places at once while the command was resting. I took the Str Pilleton which accompanied the command with one 1 company of Infantry & a telegraph operator on Board & proceeded down the River about 6 miles to get to the wire to communicate with Gauley But for some reason we could not do so at this place The mouth of Poca we found the Capt & Engineer of the Piketon who had been captured by Jenkins the night before & from then we learned that Jenkins had left Buffalo crossing the Kanawha about 11 o clock Saturday night.

They said it was Jenkins intention to attack Winfield & Coals mouth that Sunday night. They reported Jenkins force to be at least 700 men well armed & equipped. I returned to Coals mouth with all possible dispatch - During my absence Col Paxton had received information which was considered reliable that Jenkins was at Hurricane Bridge 11 miles from Coals Mouth upon hearing my report, he determined to reconnoiter the direction of Hurricane Bridge he accordingly ordered Capt Emmons Co of Cavalry and Capt Youngs Co Infantry to proceed in that direction & learn what force if any were in that section- About 11 oclock PM a messenger came in from Capt Emmons to Col Paxton saying they had run on to the Rebel Pickets & driven them in. One 1 of Capt Youngs men was slightly wounded - The news that I got however was that Capt Emmons was fighting like the devil & falling Back- I immediately reported myself & command to Col Paxton - I here learned the true report & Col P ordered me to proceed with my command to join Capt Emmons & then go on in the direction of Hurricane Bridge & if from the information that I should get I should deem it advisable that he should join me to send in a messenger & he would start at once. I had marched about four miles where I met Capt Emmons coming in saying Col Paxton had ordered him to fall back. I was not aware such an order had been issued before Capt Emmons reported having run into a strong picket of Infantry & Cavalry & from what he could learn Jenkins was at Hurricane Bridge with his whole force. I at once dispatched a messenger to Col P with the Report & saying I would remain at that point until he joined me or I could hear from him. I waited about 3 hours & hearing nothing from Col P I determined to go ahead with the force I already had - I started at 4 o clock this morning & had proceeded about 3 miles when the advanced guard drove in another picket & about 2 miles further on we run into them again. From people along the Road I learned there was Rebel force at the Bridge. But could garner nothing authentic regarding their numbers. Some reported Jenkins there with 2000 & others said all had left but 100 or 200 when about 1 1/2 miles this side of the Bridge a Road comes in from the upper mud country fresh tracks on this Road evidenced the fact that that a cavalry force had come in within a few hours & I soon learned that 80 men under Capt Herndon had come in about 11 oclock last night & that they were still at the Bridge & that no other force was there. I sent 10 of the Cavalry ahead to Reconnoiter closely followed by the Balance of the Co & 2 companies of infantry the other two Cos were held back as a reserve. When within a half a mile of the Bridge I learned that Herndon had been gone about 20 minutes. It was also reported that Jenkins was at Winfeld & that he was expected at the Bridge & that Herndon was waiting for him intending to join him as yet I had heard nothing from Col P & of course knew nothing of his movements under the circumstances. I considered it advisable to fall back a few miles when I could take up a strong position & then stop & try to communicate with Col P it was 7 1/2 oclock a m my men had marched all night without anything to eat & nothing could be had at the Bridge. I therefore determined to lose no time in following Herndon whose horses I knew to be fresh & immediately countermarched the Battallion. Capt Emmonds & his Co were at this time on the other side of the Bridge about 1/2 mile ahead or rather now in rear of the infantry. I had just got the Battallion countermarched & started when sharp firing was heard in the Rear & Cavalry thundering across the Bridge a short turn in the Road shut them out from my sight hearing them cross the Bridge I now our rear Guard was being rapidly driven in & supposing it would necessarily be a considerable force that would drive them in without a stand I at once concluded that Jenkins was upon us at the point where we were the Road was very narrow on the Right was a steep Bank rising about 20 feet. I immediately ordered the Cos up the bank & formed for Battle in a few minutes we had scarcely got to the top of the Bank when our cavalry came rushing by Pell mell. I naturally supposed the Rebels were close in their Rear but they did not make their appearance on our Right. The Hill sloped gradually toward the Bridge which could not be seen from our position the Rebels not making their appearance on the Road in front I thought they might be making preparation for an attack on our flank. I sent a squad out to look for them & made preparation for an attack all this took place in a very few moments - In a short time the lookout called out that they saw them and they were preparing to Run having made my dispositions I rode out in their direction to see for myself then they were on the other side of the Bridge which they did not cross about 80 men Herndons Co had done it all as I got sight of them they were galloping up the Hill on the other side of the River making for the woods several shots were fired at them but the distance was too great. Knowing it would be worse than useless to pursue them I did not attempt it. Emmons Company was considerably scattered & it would take some time to get them started. All the horses were not in condition to hope to catch the Rebels who were on fresh horses & had at least a mile the start up the time attack was made about half of Capt Emmons Co were dismounted watering their horses &c. They did not return the fire one man was wounded in the leg four men Infantry are missing. But I don't think they went up the Hill & I could see no prisoners. I think the missing ones took to the woods as there was nothing more to do there. I again started on my return & had marched about 4 miles when I met Col Paxton with his Cavalry. I reported to him what I had learned & what had occurred & he determined to go ahead as my men were very tired & had nothing to eat since supper last night. He ordered me to remain where I was until I should hear from him about 2 oclock. I recd a dispatch from him saying 2 companies were fighting the enemy on the Barboursville Road & that he had made up his mind to go to Winfield & ordering me to go there at once By a Road that led there from near where I was then. He said he had heard that Jenkins was at Winfield. This dispatch was written at 12:20 pm a few minutes after I got another from him saying Jenkins had gone to Barboursville & that he was going after him & ordered me to Return with my command to Charleston. The enemy which he found on the Barboursville Road was doubtless Herndon The command is on the Pilleton on its way I came in a short time in advance of the Battallion & came up on the Genl Meigs.

Respectfully, Your obt servt
W. H. H. Russell
Lt Col Comdg
4th Va Regt

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History
W. H. H. Russell
Lt Col 4th Va Regt
Report
To P. B. Stanbery

Point Pleasant Va Sept 14th, 1861
Henry J Samuels Esqr
Ironton, Ohio
Sir;
Agreeable to your requirement, I hereby submit a full report of the condition of this Regt. There is now eight Companies mustered into service, as follows:
Co A 101 men rank + file
Co B 83 men rank + file
Co C 83 men rank + file
Co D 83 men rank+ file
Co E 101 men rank + file
Co F 83 men rank + file
Co G 101 men rank+ file
Co H 101 men rank + file
making a total of 736 men.

Cos G & H having recently been mustered into service, have had but little opportunity for drill. The other Cos A, C, E &F are quite proficient in the Company drill and manual of arms (except the different firing) but have been exercised in the movements of the Battalion but two or three times. Cos B & D have been stationed at Charleston Va for a period of nearly or quite two months, and have not had the opportunities for drill that they would have here. Cos A, C, E & F are in Roane Co Va, with Col Lightburn. He was ordered from here Aug 31st. Cos G and H are here, and as it is necessary to detail nearly one whole Co for Guard duty, each day they have very little time for drill. Co H have not as yet received their arms and accoutrements, nor their clothing except one gray shirt per man. Co G has no blouses, and no hats. None of the Companies have got their overcoats. These things should be furnished immediately, as the men stand very much in need of them. Co H should have their tents and cooking utensils furnished them immediately. The Field and Staff officers have no tents as yet.

Two competent drill masters have been assigned to this Regt and if the Cos were all here, and properly supplied with clothing, arms and Camp equipage would soon be in a condition to take the field. The other two companies, (J & K) are being rapidly filled. Co J will probably be mustered in next week, and Co K in a short time. The two Companies at Charleston should be ordered back here, and the four companies in Roane Co be allowed to return as soon as possible and after the Regt is full a short time, at least, should be allowed for exercise in the Battalion drill, before the Cos are again separated for any great length of time.

Respectfully yours.
Lt. Col .W. H. H. Russell
4th Regt Va Vols
Commanding Post

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Statement of 4th Regt Va Vol
Made the 14th Sept 1861
By Lt Co Russell

Head Quarters 4th Regt Va Vols
Point Pleasant Va Sept 26th 1861
Adjt Genl Wheat
Wheeling Va
General
Yours of the 25th Inst, and Package just received. Col Lightburn has been in Roane Co, Va. since 29th ult. which accounts for your not having received answers to your letters.

The condition of this Regt is such that there will necessarily be some delay in transmitting the copies of Muster-in Rolls and Roster according to your instructions. Four companies, with the field and staff (with the exception of the Regimental Surgeon and myself), are with Col Lightburn. Two companies, that have been stationed at Charleston Va. have been ordered to Logan Co and will not be back for several days.

The Package recd with your letter contained 50 Monthly Company Returns but no Muster-in Rolls. As there is none here, please send them as soon as possible, on receipt of which I will send them with your instructions to Col. Lightburn, and also to the Companies at Charleston. Communication with Col. Lightburn is very hazardous, as the roads to Spencer (his Head Quarters), are infested by Guerrillas, and messengers are liable to be fired on at every turn.

Respectfully Yours
W. H. H. Russell
Lieut Col 4th Regt Va Vols
Commanding Post

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W. H. H. Russell
Pt Pleasant
Sept 26th 1861
For muster in Rolls sent 2nd Oct 1861

4th WV Infantry