Mobile Register

June 30, 1861

Page 2

 

Skirmish at New Creek Depot

            The telegraph informed us some days since that two Tennessee and two Virginia companies, under Col. Vaughan, assaulted and put to flight 250 Federalists at this point.  Here is the official account.  What rascals these Lincoln soldiers are to run away!  They do not stay long enough to get shot:

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS

Camp Davis, Romney, June 19, 1861

            Colonel:--I have the honor to report, that on yesterday I directed Col. J. C. Vaughan, of the 3d Tennessee Regiment, to take two companies from his own and two from the 13th Virginia Regiment, and at 8 o’clock, P. M., to proceed to New Creek Depot, eighteen miles West of Cumberland on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, disperse the forces there collected, bring away the two pieces of artillery, and burn the Railroad bridge.

            The directions, I am happy to assure you, were carried out to the letter, and the march of thirty eight miles accomplished between 8 P.M. and twelve the next day.  Some 250 of the Federal troops, after a slight stand, retired in disorder, with a loss of a few men.  The bridge was then burned, and Col. Vaughan retired, bringing him two pieces of artillery and a stand of colors.

            To Col. Vaughan, his officers and men, I am much indebted for the handsome manner in which my orders were carried out.

            Enclosed you will find the report of Colonel Vaughan.

            I am, sir, very respectfully,

                                    Your obedient servant,

                        [signed]                        A. P. HILL,

Col. 3d Regiment, Commanding Brigade,

Col. E. K. SMITH, A. A. General

 

HEADQUARTERS 3D TENN. REG’T.

COL. HILL’S BRIGADE, June 19, 1861

  1. P. HILL, Commanding Brigade C. S. A., Romney, Va.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday at 8 o’clock P. M., in pursuance of your orders I

took two companies of the 13th Virginia Volunteers C. S. A., commanded by Capts. Crittenden and White, and also two companies of the 3d Tennessee Regiment, Volunteers C. S. A., commanded by Capts. Lilliard and Mathas, and advanced 18 miles west to the line of the enemy, upon the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and found them posted in some strength, with two pieces of artillery, on the north bank of the Potomac, at the 21st Railroad bridge on said road.  The enemy had no pickets posted.  At 5 o’clock A. M., after reconnoitering, I gave the order to charge the enemy, which command, I beg leave to say, was gallantly executed and in good order, but with great enthusiasm.

            As we appeared in sight, at a distance of 400 yards, the enemy broke and fled in all directions, firing as they ran only a few random shots; one of which, however, I regret to say entered the arm of private Smith, of Captain Lilliard’s company, which was in advance, wounding him slightly.  The enemy did not wait to fire their artillery, which we captured, consisting of two loaded guns, both of which, however, were spiked by the enemy before they fled.  From the best information their number was between two and three hundred.

            I do not know the loss of the enemy, but several of them were seen to fall.  We did not take any prisoners, owing to the start the enemy got, and of our having left in the rear all of the horses belonging to my command.  I then ordered the 21st railroad bridge to be burnt, which was done, and in a few minutes only the piers remained.  In further pursuance of your order, I then retired, bringing with me the two guns, the enemy’s flag, which I forgot to mention was captured, and other articles of little value.  I cannot close without bringing to your notice the gallant conduct of both officers and men, who were each at their posts, and burning to engage the enemy, and when the order to charge was given, rushed forward with enthusiasm, wading the river to their waists.

            I arrived here this evening, the spirits of my men in nowise flagged.

[Signed]           JOHN C. VAUGHAN,

Col. Commanding 3d Tenn. Vol., C. S. A.