Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[335] any directions in regard to the guns. Colonel Crittenden was necessarily placed in the rear, for he left the cars at Webster, after a tedious journey, but to take up his march or Philippi, his men marching in the rear, in the darkness of midnight, and in the, raging storm, would necessarily be vastly more fatigued than those in front. Still, they and their gallant commander held up with unfaltering spirit, and did as great service in the fight and chase as it was possible for good officers and good men to do. While descending the hill towards the bridge a body of troops made their appearance on the heights to the left. A friendly cheer assured us it was the command of the gallant Colonel Milroy, and the First Virginia regiment, commanded by Colonel Kelly, and a detachment from Colonel Irvine's Ohio regiment. A rapid descent down the declivity enabled them to strike the retreating enemy, but not with so much effect as if the descent could have been made a few minutes sooner. Colonel Milroy assaulted that part of the enemy who had left the main road and betook themselves to the hills to enjoy the protection of the trees, while Cols. Kelly and Irvine's command pursued the enemy up the road leading towards Beverly. They succeeded in overtaking, killing, and wounding a number, but, unfortunately, Col. Kelly himself fell severely wounded by a pistol shot in the breast; my men carried him into the town, when surgical assistance was immediately rendered by Dr. Geo. W. New, of my regiment, who had proved himself as gallant and courageous in the field, as he is skilful in his profession. Just before we had approached the town, he volunteered to make a reconnoissance of the bridge, and bore my message along the line repeatedly, seemingly unmindful of his own personal safety.

Captain G. W. Robinson, of Col. Kelly's command, reports to me that he captured Capt. J. W. Willey, of the rebel army, and upon his person found his commission from Adjutant-General Garnett, of the rebel forces, and other papers of importance which he reports he holds subject to my order. I enclose his report. It perhaps is not my province to speak much of that part of the expedition which marched by way of Evansville, under the command of Colonel Kelly, consisting of Kelly, Milroy, and Irvine and their commands. I know nothing personally of their march prior to arriving before Philippi, and only speak of what I myself saw. The two commands or bodies of troops arrived almost simultaneously upon different hills overhanging the town, and did all that could be done to arrest the flight and punish the enemy.

I only undertake to report the particulars of that part of the expedition under my immediate command, and which marched upon Philippi by way of Webster and the bridge. I speak of the part of the expedition commanded by Colonels Kelly, Milroy and Irvine, only because Colonel Kelly's condition is such as to render a report from him impossible. In doing so, I may have made some mistakes, but not intentionally. I herewith hand to you the reports made to me by Colonels Crittenden, Milroy, and Steedman. Our loss was two wounded and two missing; what the enemy's loss was is not certainly known, as he succeeded in carrying off many of his dead. It was inconsiderable, perhaps not to exceed forty. I have heard the conduct of Jonathan W. Gordon of Col. Milroy's command, spoken of in terms of decided approbation by the officers of the same command. Since we have been here he had a small mounted scouting party on a hazardous expedition, and performed it in a very satisfactory manner. David W. Cheek, Commissary and Quartermaster's Clerk, at my instance, mounted a horse, and rode at my side, bore messages and rendered me very valuable services, and proved himself brave and courageous. The colors presented by the ladies of Aurora to the Seventh Indiana regiment, were the Stars and Stripes which first floated over the town.

The disunion flag was captured by Captain Ferry's command, of my regiment, and the Stars and Stripes were run up and given to the breeze in its place.

Captain William C. Moreau, of Colonel Crittenden's command, has rendered me very valuable assistance in a business point of view, since I took command of this post; and I hear his conduct in the recent engagement spoken of in terms of praise both by his officers and men. I recommend Corporal Charles Bryant and Sergeant John Griffin of Company G, Seventh Indiana, for good conduct.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

Yesterday morning, at ten o'clock, four regiments left here in two divisions--one consisting of the 1st Virginia regiment, part of the Ohio 16th, and the Indiana 7th, under command of Col. Kelly; the other the Indiana 9th and the Ohio 14th, commanded by Col. Lander, of Indian fighting, wagon-road, and Potter and Prior duel notoriety. Col. Kelly's division moved east by railroad to Thornton, a small way station, five miles distant from here. Thence they marched to Philippi, a distance of twenty-two miles. The Indiana Regiment moved out the N. W. Virginia Railroad to Webster, where they were joined by the Ohio 14th, from which place they pushed forward on foot to Philippi, twelve miles distant.

The march of the two divisions was performed last night, through darkness, rain, and mud. It was a terrible undertaking,; but they all went bravely through it, unshrinkingly and without