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Pictorial history of the war for the Union, volume 1 (of 2) cover

Pictorial history of the war for the Union, volume 1 (of 2)

Chapter 57: WESTERN VIRGINIA.
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About This Book

A chronological pictorial history of the early American civil conflict, tracing the outbreak of hostilities, key sieges and battles, troop movements, and the government’s mobilization. It compiles official reports and eyewitness anecdotes to present battlefield descriptions, naval actions, political reactions, and incidents such as riots, occupations, and fortifications. The narrative emphasizes vivid incidents, tactical events, and individual acts of daring, supported by numerous engravings, maps, and a compact chronology that guides readers through the sequence of engagements and military developments.

WESTERN VIRGINIA.

A series of active events in Western Virginia now claim our attention.

Governor Wise, on hearing of the death of General Garnett, and the defeat and dispersion of his army, commenced a retreat up the Kanawha, cautiously followed by General Cox. He intended to make a stand at Gauley’s Bridge, at the junction of Gauley and Kanawha rivers, and had erected defences for that purpose; but in consequence of the demoralization and desertion of his men, and learning that General Rosecranz had dispatched a large force to intercept him, he fled without fighting, on the 28th of July, destroying the bridge to cut off his pursuers. He left behind him a thousand muskets, and a quantity of powder, which were seized by General Cox. Early in the month of August, General Floyd was reinforced by fresh troops from the eastern section of the State, while Jackson was also advancing with a new army to attack the position of Rosecranz at the Cheat Mountain Pass, and General Loring, another rebel commander, was marching towards Huttonsville to act in conjunction with Jackson’s forces.