Series 1, Volume 37, Part 2
70-71
MAY 10, 1864. - Skirmish at Lost River Gap, W. Va.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Army.
CUMBERLAND, MD., May 11, 1864.
Major Myers, of the Ringgold Cavalry, has just arrived here, and reports that yesterday morning about daylight they were attacked at the junction of Winchester and Moorefield pike with the Lost River road from Brocks Gap by Generals Rosser and Imboden, with an overwhelming force; were driven back via the Grassy Lick road, through Romney and Springfield, to Green Spring, where they crossed the river, and are now at Old Town. Rosser and Imboden are reported in Romney this a. m. with a force of cavalry, mounted infantry, and artillery, estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000 men. Colonel Higgins is out of ammunition and forage. I cannot send it to him by train for fear of capture. Have sent to New Creek for ammunition for him, and have suggested to him to move up here at once, when I can supply his wants and get him ready to recross the river again. I fear Rosser and Imboden intend to attack this place and New Creek, or perhaps move round me and go into West Virginia west of the mountains. Although assigned to this command by order of Secretary of War, it is my understanding that my command is not an independent one, but is embraced still in your department. I shall so act unless otherwise ordered. Colonel Strother can explain to you the exact position of the place where the attack was made. Major Myers says they lost their train, but thinks the loss not severe in men, probably not over 50 in killed, wounded, and missing.
B. F. KELLEY,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General SIGEL.
No. 2.
Report of Col. Jacob Higgins, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry.
CUMBERLAND, May 12, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I fell back to Cumberland by direction of General Kelley, for ammunition, rations, and forage. I am getting my horses shod, and it will take a few days before my command will be able to move. I burnt the wagons but saved the horses. I have about 40 men missing in all.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAC. HIGGINS, Colonel, Commanding Scouting Party.
Major-General SIGEL.
No.3.
Report of Lieut. Joseph G. Isenberg, Adjutant Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry.
GREEN SPRING RUN, May 10, 1864.
GENERAL: Our scouting party attacked [by] an overwhelming force of the enemy at Lost River Gap to-day. They captured our train, and up to this lime I have no evidence that more escaped than the quartermaster and myself to get here with a small squad. Since we arrived here I have learned that Colonel Higgins has rallied his men on the plains at Romney. The enemy's force consists of Imboden's and McNeill's cavalry, together with a regiment of mounted riflemen. I will await orders.
J. G. ISENBERG,
Adjutant Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Major-General SIGEL.
No. 4.
Report of Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden, C. S. Army.
MOUNT JACKSON, May 11, 1864 - 9 p. m.
GENERAL: I have this moment arrived in position after a continuous ride of eighty miles. I thrashed part of three regiments cavalry in Hardy yesterday, ran them twenty-four miles, killed 5, wounded a number, captured only 13, as they fled to the mountains; captured their train - 12 new wagons, and 1 ambulance, 20-odd horses. They killed a great many horses to prevent our getting them. My cavalry is much jaded, and camped to-night on the head of Lost River. They will be here by 4 p. m. to-morrow.
J. D. IMBODEN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,
Staunton.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1864